Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavík

Puffins make a short boat trip feel worthwhile. I like the way this one-hour outing gets you from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to rocky nesting islands quickly, then brings the boat close to shore for clear views of the birds. I also like the small maximum group of 12 and the warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jacket included in the price.

The main drawback is that the ride may not feel as fast as the name suggests. One account found the boat surprisingly slow, despite the powerful RIB and safety equipment. At $85.01 per person, this is a fair price for a focused wildlife trip, especially if seeing puffins matters more to you than speed.

Key points to know before booking

• Puffin season runs from May through August, when the birds nest on Lundey and Akurey near Reykjavík.
• The boat gets close to the rocky shoreline, giving you a better look than a distant sightseeing cruise.
• Celina, one named guide, earned high praise for her friendly teaching about puffins and the local birdlife.
• The group is limited to 12 people, which makes it easier to hear the guide and find a good viewing position.
• Warm gear is provided, including overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jackets.
• The tour lasts about one hour, starts at noon from Ægisgarður 5F, and returns to the same harbour meeting point.

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to the puffin islands

You meet at Ægisgarður 5F, in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, at 12:00 p.m. This central location is practical if you are staying downtown or already visiting the harbour area. Hotel transfers are not included, though an added transfer is available for about 2,200 ISK.

Before boarding, the crew supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jackets. The goggles matter on an open RIB, where wind and spray can make it hard to keep your eyes on the birds. The overalls also give you a useful layer against the cool air on the water, even during the brighter months.

You then board one of two RIB speedboats. The boats use suspension seats for extra comfort, a welcome feature on a short ride that may still cross choppy water. The maximum group size is 12, so you should not be packed into a large sightseeing boat with dozens of people between you and the shore.

The boat heads out toward Lundey or Akurey, two small islands just off Reykjavík. The exact island depends on the outing and conditions, but both are known for puffin nesting during the May to August season.

Lundey and Akurey, close to Reykjavík

The islands are covered with small hills and slopes, while their shores are rocky. That rocky edge is important because the RIB is designed to approach close to the shoreline. You are not simply pointing binoculars toward a far-off cliff. The boat brings you near enough to watch puffins in their natural setting without landing on the island.

Puffins nest here between May and August. Their presence makes the timing of your trip more important than the calendar alone. If puffins are your main reason for booking, plan this tour within those nesting months rather than treating it as a year-round cruise.

The boat may visit one island or the other, and the experience is built around viewing the birds from the water. There is no island walk and no landing described, so you should book this for a boat-based wildlife encounter rather than an active shore visit.

The close approach is one of the best features of the trip. Puffins are small birds, and distance changes everything. A faraway colony can become a vague patch of movement, while a boat positioned close to the rocks gives you a much better chance to watch their shape, colors, and behavior.

What you may see beyond the puffins

Puffins are the stars, but they are not the only birds in the area. Your guide can point out northern fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns, along with other seabirds found around the islands.

This is where the guide adds real value. The trip is short, so you do not have hours to learn the local birdlife. A good guide helps you notice what is flying overhead, what is resting on the water, and how the different birds use the island.

Celina received especially strong praise for keeping the trip entertaining while explaining puffins, the Reykjavík area, and the way the birds interact with their surroundings. That combination matters. You are getting a wildlife lesson, but not one that needs to feel like a classroom lecture.

I like tours where the guide helps you look beyond the obvious sight. If you see puffins, you have already had a worthwhile outing. If the guide also helps you identify fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns, the hour feels more complete.

How fast is the RIB ride?

The tour uses powerful RIB speedboats, and the name Puffin Express naturally suggests a lively ride. You should expect an open-water trip with safety equipment, wind, and the possibility of spray.

Still, the ride may be restrained. One account described the boat as moving very slowly and felt that a regular low-powered boat could have covered the route. That is an important counterpoint if you are choosing this trip mainly for speed or thrills.

The slower pace may also help with bird watching. A boat racing past the islands would make it harder to focus on puffins or listen to the guide. The practical question is what you want most: a fast RIB experience or a short wildlife trip that reaches the islands safely and gives you time to look.

I would choose this tour for the birds, not for a guaranteed adrenaline rush. The suspension seats and safety gear suggest that comfort and protection are part of the setup, but the speed can vary.

One hour can be enough, but it is tightly planned

The full activity lasts about one hour, including the trip out, bird watching, and return to the harbour. That makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing in Reykjavík.

The short length is a benefit if you have limited time. You can see the harbour, visit other attractions, or schedule the outing around another activity without giving up half a day. It also makes this a manageable choice for anyone who wants a taste of Icelandic wildlife without committing to a longer boat cruise.

The tradeoff is that there is little room for delay. If the boat takes longer to reach the islands, or if the birds are not immediately visible, the viewing period may feel brief. You are paying for a focused encounter, not an extended expedition.

The noon departure is also worth noting. It gives you a simple midday plan, but there is only one stated start time. You need to be at the meeting point before 12:00 p.m., with enough time to receive equipment and board.

What the $85.01 price really covers

At $85.01 per person, the cost is reasonable for a one-hour guided boat trip from central Reykjavík. The price includes the RIB ride, an English-speaking expert guide, warm overalls, gloves, goggles, life jackets, and suspension seating.

The value comes from convenience as much as duration. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer to the islands, rent protective clothing, or find your own boat. You get a guided trip from the city harbour and return to the same spot.

That said, one hour is a short outing. If you measure value only by time on the water, the price may feel high. I think it works best when you want a compact wildlife activity that fits easily into a Reykjavík itinerary.

Hotel transfers cost extra, typically around 2,200 ISK. If you are staying downtown, going directly to Ægisgarður 5F may be simpler and cheaper. Food and drinks are not included, though the short duration means you can easily eat before or after.

Comfort, weather, and practical limits

The supplied overalls are useful because Icelandic weather can feel cool on an open boat. Gloves protect your hands, while goggles help with wind and spray. You also receive a life jacket before departure.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is important for a boat trip near exposed islands, where wind can affect both comfort and safety.

Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transportation. No special mobility details are provided, so you should ask the operator directly if you have specific access needs. The boat setting, protective gear, and suspension seats are practical features, but the trip still takes place on a small open vessel.

A maximum of 12 people is a strong point. Smaller groups usually make it easier to hear the guide, move your attention from one part of the shore to another, and find a clear view without a large crowd around you.

The best time to choose this experience

May through August is the key season because puffins nest on the islands during those months. If you are visiting outside that period, this is not the right choice for a puffin-focused outing based on the information available.

Within the nesting season, conditions still matter. The tour requires good weather, and wildlife is never fully predictable. The boat can take you to the islands, but it cannot promise a particular number of birds or a specific behavior.

I would book this early if puffins are high on your Iceland list. The activity is booked an average of 35 days ahead, which suggests that the small boat and limited group can fill well before the departure date.

You should also keep your expectations realistic. The point is to see seabirds in their natural setting, not to visit a controlled animal attraction. The birds remain on the islands, and the boat views them from the water.

Who will enjoy the Puffin Express most?

I think this tour suits you if you want a short, easy wildlife outing from Reykjavík. It is especially useful for a first day in the city, a free midday slot, or a trip where you want to see puffins without arranging transport outside the capital.

It also works well for people who prefer a small group. The 12-person limit and English-language guiding create a more personal setup than a large harbour cruise.

You may want to choose another activity if the main appeal for you is a high-speed boat ride. The RIB can provide an exciting setting, but the reported pace was slow. You should also think twice if you need a long wildlife session, since the total trip lasts only about one hour.

Families and casual bird watchers may appreciate the simple format. You receive protective gear, travel a short distance, see the islands, and return to the harbour without a full-day commitment. The tour is also a good match for anyone who likes learning about birds rather than simply taking photographs.

Should you book the Puffin Express?

Book it if you want close puffin views near Reykjavík, a small group, and a short guided trip during the May to August nesting season. Celina’s warm, informative guiding style is a strong part of the experience, and the included clothing removes some of the worry about cold wind on the water.

Skip it if you are paying mainly for speed. The RIB may not deliver the fast ride its name suggests, and the one-hour format leaves little time for delays. At $85.01, the tour is best value for you when the puffins and easy city access matter more than the length or thrill of the ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the Puffin Express tour start?

The tour starts at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, in the Old Harbour area.

What time does the tour depart?

The stated start time is 12:00 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately one hour.

Where does the boat go?

The RIB travels to Lundey or Akurey, islands just off the coast of Reykjavík that are known for puffins.

When are puffins nesting on the islands?

Puffins nest on the islands from May through August.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides warm overalls, life jackets, gloves, goggles, and suspension seats for added comfort.

Is a guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking expert guide accompanies the experience and explains the puffins and other seabirds in the area.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 12 people.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, though an additional transfer is available for approximately 2,200 ISK.