Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Puffins are best seen from the water. This one-hour RIB boat trip races across Faxaflói Bay to the small islands and cliffs where Iceland’s puffins gather during the nesting season. I like the close approach offered by the inflatable boat, and I like that the guide adds useful detail about puffin behavior instead of simply pointing at birds. The main drawback is the rough ride, which can be uncomfortable for anyone with back trouble or a low tolerance for bouncing over waves.

I also appreciate the easy Old Harbour meeting point and the short time commitment. You can fit this into a busy Reykjavik day without giving up half a morning. Just remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and late-season departures may find fewer puffins than trips in June or July.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast RIB reaches the bird islands quickly, giving you more time near the colonies than a slower sightseeing boat may allow.
• Puffins are usually the main event, but gannets, auks, fulmars, Arctic terns, seals, porpoises, and sometimes whales may also appear.
• The ride can be bouncy, so use the grab rails, secure your phone, and follow the crew’s advice about sitting safely.
• Coveralls, life-safety equipment, and binoculars are provided, but you still need warm clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• The best puffin window is May through August, while the final days of the season can have thinner colonies.
• A guide may take close-up photographs to email afterward, but this is not guaranteed on every departure.

Why this short Reykjavik boat trip works so well

The appeal is simple: you leave from the city center, cross the bay, and reach a puffin colony in about an hour. That makes this a useful choice if you have only a few days in Iceland or if you want a wildlife outing that does not consume an entire afternoon.

The RIB design matters. It is a smaller, open boat with a powerful engine, so the captain can cover the water quickly and maneuver near rocky islands and inlets. You are not stepping onto the islands, and you should not expect to approach nesting birds at walking distance. Still, the boat can get closer than many larger vessels, giving you a better chance to watch puffins flying, sitting on the water, carrying fish, or moving around their burrows.

The experience has two parts. First comes the ride, which is a genuine part of the fun for some people. Then comes the slower wildlife viewing near the cliffs. You may spend only a short time at each location, but the hour is packed rather than padded with long stretches of empty sea.

Meeting the crew at Reykjavik Old Harbour

You make your own way to the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This is a practical meeting point if you are staying in central Reykjavik, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow time to walk or arrange your own transport.

At the office, staff help you into the provided coveralls and safety equipment. The coveralls are more useful than they may sound. Faxaflói Bay can feel cold even in summer, and the suit helps block wind and spray during the outward and return rides. Several pockets also give you a safer place to keep small items.

Before boarding, the captain gives a short safety briefing. Pay attention here, especially if you have never ridden in a RIB. You will be told how to hold the grab rail and how to sit on the boat’s seats. One especially useful tip is to keep your phone in a zipped or Velcro pocket during the rougher sections. Pulling it out while the boat is bouncing is an easy way to lose it overboard.

The tour is conducted in English. A professional captain handles the boat while a wildlife guide explains what you are seeing. Guides such as Anna, Maria, Mikel, Megan, and Rachel have received especially warm praise for their clear explanations, friendly manner, and care with passengers.

The RIB ride across Faxaflói Bay

Once the boat leaves the harbour, the pace picks up. The RIB skims across the cold water toward the islands, and the trip can feel more like a short adventure ride than a quiet bird-watching cruise.

That speed is useful. The boat covers a wider area than a slow vessel, increasing the chance of reaching active bird sites during a one-hour departure. It also helps create a lively outing for families with older children and adults who enjoy a bit of motion.

The tradeoff is comfort. The RIB slams onto the tops of waves when the sea is choppy. Some people love that jolt, while others find it tiring or unpleasant. If you have back problems, are pregnant, have mobility limitations, or simply dislike fast open-water rides, this is not the right excursion for you.

Your best approach is to keep both feet planted, hold the rail when instructed, and sit in the position the crew recommends. Do not carry a large bag or loose luggage. Bring only small items that can be secured inside the provided clothing or held safely.

Reaching the islands and puffin colonies

The bird-viewing portion takes place around rocky islands and sea cliffs in Faxaflói Bay. One commonly visited site is Lundey Island, though the exact route can depend on sea conditions and where the birds are gathered.

The islands are important because puffins return here to nest between May and August. From the water, you may see them perched on the cliff edges, sitting on the surface, flying low over the waves, or disappearing into burrows. The RIB can approach the rocks and inlets closely, but the captain must keep a respectful distance and adjust to the conditions.

That distance can change from one departure to another. Some outings get very close to the cliffs. On another trip, the boat may remain hundreds of feet away because of weather, water movement, or the need to protect the birds. This is worth keeping in mind if your main goal is a perfect close-up photograph.

You will have binoculars available, though the supply may be limited. Your own camera with a good zoom lens will help, but even then, puffins are small and the boat is moving. A phone can capture the general scene, but sharp portraits are harder when the RIB rises and falls on the water.

Puffins, seabirds, and occasional bonus wildlife

Puffins are the stars, but they are not the only reason to keep watching. The bay also attracts gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. Each species gives the guide something different to explain, and the changing flight patterns keep the trip from becoming a single-bird parade.

The guide discusses puffin habits, food, nesting behavior, and life around the colony. You may see a puffin carrying capelin in its bill, floating among the waves, or hurrying away when a larger bird threatens its meal. These details make the outing more than a quick photo stop.

Other sightings are possible but not promised. Past departures have included seals, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales. Treat those as a bonus, not part of the core schedule. The tour is designed around the seabird colonies, and conditions may not allow the captain to search widely for marine mammals during such a short ride.

The best bird numbers are usually found in the heart of the nesting season. May can already be rewarding, while June and July often offer strong activity. By the end of the season, some puffins have left or become less concentrated, so an August trip can vary. The exact date matters less than the understanding that this is a wild-animal encounter, not a guaranteed show.

How the guide improves the experience

A good guide makes a short wildlife cruise feel much longer. The strongest part of this tour is the combination of practical safety help and clear bird information.

You are not left guessing which dark shape is a puffin or why a flock suddenly lifts from the water. The guide points out behavior, explains how puffins use the cliffs, and answers questions while the captain positions the boat. The best guides also know when to stop talking so you can listen to the birds and enjoy the view.

The crew’s handling of the boat matters just as much. A careful captain can give everyone a fair view, keep the ride controlled near the rocks, and avoid unnecessary disturbance. The overall operation has earned a 4.8 rating from 277 ratings, with the captain and guide repeatedly praised for safety, warmth, and good timing.

Some guides take photographs with a zoom camera and send them afterward by email at no extra charge. This can be a real help if your own pictures are blurred or too distant. Do not assume every departure includes this service, though. Make sure the company has your correct email address before leaving the office.

What the price includes, and whether it feels fair

The listed price is $101 per person. That is not cheap for a one-hour activity, especially when you add the cost of getting to the harbour and the fact that food and drinks are not included.

Still, the price covers more than a basic boat ride. You receive a professional captain, a wildlife guide, coveralls, necessary safety gear, and binoculars. The RIB also gives you a faster route and a closer approach than a conventional vessel may provide. For someone who specifically wants to see puffins from Reykjavik, those details make the cost easier to justify.

I would consider it good value if puffins are high on your Iceland wish list and you want a short, focused outing. I would be less enthusiastic if you are mainly seeking a scenic bay cruise or a long whale-watching trip. The tour is built around one clear purpose, and the hour moves quickly.

Because the departure is short, there is little room for delay. A late arrival could mean missing the boat, so you should reach the Old Harbour office in good time. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Clothing, age limits, and comfort concerns

Wear warm layers even if Reykjavik feels mild. Add comfortable clothes and closed-toe sports shoes with a secure fit. The provided coveralls help with wind and spray, but they are not a replacement for sensible clothing underneath.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you can keep secure. A phone, small camera, and sunglasses may be useful, but anything loose can become a problem once the boat accelerates.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people under 145 centimeters tall, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. These restrictions are tied to the boat design and the physical demands of boarding and riding in an open RIB.

For families with children who meet the requirements, the speed can be a highlight. For older passengers, the ride deserves careful thought. One practical technique is to keep your feet firmly planted, hold the rails, and slightly lift your weight from the seat when the boat hits larger waves. Follow the crew’s instructions rather than trying to invent your own seating position.

Who should book this puffin tour?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A short wildlife activity close to central Reykjavik
• A fast, lively boat ride as well as bird watching
• A strong chance of seeing puffins during the May to August season
• A guide who can explain behavior and identify other seabirds
• An outing that fits before or after other city plans

I would think twice if you need a smooth, quiet boat or if you are hoping to walk on the island. You will see the puffins from the water, and the boat may need to remain farther from shore than expected.

Photographers should bring realistic expectations. The RIB gets close, but the birds still move quickly and the boat rocks. A zoom lens helps. If you have only a phone, enjoy the moment first and treat any sharp photo as a bonus.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin RIB tour?

Yes, if puffins are a priority and you are comfortable with a bouncy ride. This is an efficient way to see Icelandic seabirds without leaving Reykjavik, and the combination of speed, close boat access, warm coveralls, and strong guiding gives the trip real value.

Book during the main nesting season if you can, with June and July offering the safest bet for busy colonies. If your schedule only allows late August, you may still see puffins, but expect the colony to be thinner.

The final decision comes down to the boat. If you enjoy a little spray and motion, the RIB is half the fun. If you want a calm cruise, choose a larger vessel instead. For the right passenger, this is a compact, well-run wildlife outing that can deliver hundreds of puffins in a single hour.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour meet?

You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The tour lasts one hour, including the RIB boat ride around Faxaflói Bay and the nearby islands and cliffs.

What animals might I see?

The main sighting is puffins. You may also see gannets, auks, fulmars, Arctic terns, seals, harbor porpoises, or humpback whales, though these additional sightings are not guaranteed.

When can I see puffins on this tour?

Puffins nest around the local islands and sea cliffs between May and August.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live guide speaks English.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes coveralls, necessary safety equipment, binoculars, a professional captain, and a wildlife guide.

Do I need to bring warm clothing?

Yes. You should bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe sports shoes. The coveralls help protect you from wind and spray.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the tour.

Who should not take this tour?

The experience is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.