Top 7 Birdwatching Boat Trips in Iceland

1.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175Our pick

Review of Húsavík’s 2-hour RIB whale safari, with puffins, blue whales, expert guides, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.

“On a sunny day we were lucky to see a total of 3 individual humpback whales for at least 7 times. We had a great and knowledgeable guide which was able answer any questions we had about the wildlife. The skipper was amazing in bringing us to any whale that was popping up and navigated us as close as possible providing great views for people on both sides of the boat. Booking the speed boat is worth the extra as you can be at any sighting very quickly.”

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2.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,052 reviews · 1 hour · from $64Best value

See Reykjavik’s puffins from a classic wooden boat, with island views, local birdlife, guides, binoculars, and a 100% sighting guarantee.

“You will see the puffins from a distence but there is nothing anyone can do about it. Participate it with realized expectation. Other than that was a good trip..”

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3.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Review of Húsavík’s fast RIB whale and puffin tour, with practical advice on wildlife, comfort, price, weather, and who should book.

“I highly recommend this tour to everyone. It's well organized and executed, and the crew is outstanding. They allow plenty of time, and we were especially lucky to see blue whales because the crew chose an alternative search area compared to the other boats.”

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4.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with close wildlife viewing, practical tips, costs, weather advice, and booking guidance.

“Highly recommend this trip. The Guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. The style of boat gave everyone an excellent view when a whale was sighted. The timeframe of the trip (2 hours) was just right!”

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5.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Review of Húsavík’s 2-hour RIB whale and puffin tour, with practical advice on wildlife, price, weather, clothing, and who should book.

“Guide was very knowledgeable and personable! Boat was on top condition and very comfortable. A must do!”

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6.Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Reykjavik’s 2-hour RIB tour for whales and puffins, with marine biologist guides, warm gear, fast boats, and practical booking tips.

“Because of bad weather the trip was moved around a couple of times. Good communication and service all around. When we went, a good weather window opened up, saw at least 8 humpback whales, 3 minke whales and a plethora of dolphins. It was epic! Loved the bouncing on the water btw!! Puffins were far away and not the best trip to see them…”

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7.Stykkishólmur: Puffin and Wildlife Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $104

Cruise Breiðafjörður Bay from Stykkishólmur for close puffin views, seabirds, seals, and coastal scenery on a small-group Iceland tour.

“Thank you very much for the tour, we were able to see puffins in the water up close, northern fulmars nesting and other species, seals and even a white-tailed eagle. Besides the amazing opportunity for bird watching you will get nice explanations about the birds, the island and it's history. We enjoyed the tour at 09:00 with a small group of 4 people in total. Mid August is near the end of the breeding season for the puffins, which is why we were really happy to get the chance to see them before they depart for the sea. The boat captain was really skillful getting us close to the birds…”

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