Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is the quick run by 12-seat RIB speedboat to the small islands where puffins live. The engines are shut off near the birds, so you can watch them in a quieter setting instead of simply racing past them.

I like the warm waterproof overalls and gloves, which matter on Iceland’s cool water, and I like the small group, where guides such as Celia, Rebecca, Patrickgin, and Joe can answer questions. The short midday schedule also leaves most of your day open.

The main thing to consider is the ride itself. The water can feel rocky near the puffin islands, and a RIB is built for speed rather than a gentle cruise. Children must be at least 140 centimeters tall to take part.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat holds only 12 people: You get a more personal outing than on a large sightseeing vessel.
• The engines go quiet near the birds: This gives you a better chance to watch puffins without constant motor noise.
• Warm gear is supplied: Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket are included.
• The trip takes about one hour: It fits neatly between other Reykjavik plans, though some experiences may run closer to an hour and a half from start to finish.
• The meeting point is by the Old Harbour: You make your own way to Ægisgarður 5F, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.
• Good weather matters: If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

A fast route from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

This experience begins at Reykjavik by Boat, at Ægisgarður 5F near the Old Harbour. It is close to public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the harbour on your own.

The boat departs at noon. That timing works well if you want a slow breakfast, a morning walk around central Reykjavik, or a museum visit before heading to the water. It also leaves the rest of the afternoon available for the city.

The RIB carries no more than 12 people. That small size changes the mood of the trip. You are not sitting in a large crowd waiting for a distant bird to appear. You are part of a compact group with a guide who can explain what you are seeing and respond to questions.

The boat is designed to move quickly across the water. That speed is useful here because the islands are just outside the city, and you want to spend as much of the one-hour outing as possible near the puffins rather than slowly motoring out of the harbour.

What to wear for the open water

You do not need to arrive dressed like an Arctic explorer. The operator supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

That equipment is one of the strongest practical features of the trip. A fast boat creates wind even on a mild day, and the weather around Reykjavik can change quickly. The overalls help block spray and cold air, while the goggles protect your eyes during the faster stretches.

Wear comfortable clothes underneath the supplied gear. You should still dress for cool conditions, since the boat ride takes place outside and the temperature on the water may feel lower than it does on land.

The goggles may look slightly comic in your holiday photos, but they serve a purpose. On a speedboat, practical beats stylish. The lifejacket is also supplied, so you do not need to bring any special safety equipment.

Leaving the harbour with Reykjavik in view

The route gives you more than a puffin sighting. As the RIB moves away from the harbour, the guide shares information about Reykjavik, local wildlife, and the waters around the city.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of the city sights included in the route. Its glass exterior is easy to recognize from the waterfront, and seeing it from the boat gives you a different angle than you get while walking around central Reykjavik.

The route also includes views toward the Sun Voyager, the steel sculpture along the waterfront. From the water, the sculpture becomes part of a wider city scene rather than a single stop for a photograph.

The Old Harbour provides the natural beginning and ending point. It is a useful location if you are already exploring central Reykjavik, and you can pair the boat trip with nearby city sightseeing before or after departure.

The city views are a bonus, not the main event. If your priority is architecture or waterfront photography, you will want extra time on land. The boat moves quickly, so you should think of these sights as part of the ride rather than a series of long viewing stops.

Getting close to puffins around Videy Island

The main wildlife portion takes place around the islands just outside Reykjavik, including Videy Island. Puffins use these coastal areas as part of their natural habitat, and the aim is to see them where they live rather than in a captive setting.

The RIB’s small size allows it to approach the islands closely. Once the boat reaches the puffin area, the crew turns off the engines. That quiet pause is important. It cuts the mechanical noise and lets you focus on the birds, the water, and the surrounding island.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife is never a stage performance, and the boat cannot make puffins appear on command. Still, the trip is designed around reaching their habitat quickly and spending the bulk of the outing there.

The supplied experiences describe seeing a lot of puffins, including birds close to the boat. You may find that some birds sit on the water while others gather around the island. The guide points out what to watch and provides information about puffins and other wildlife.

Bring patience along with your camera. The quiet period near the islands is when you get the best chance to watch natural behavior, rather than treating the boat as a fast photo platform.

Guides who add more than bird names

The guide is a major part of this short tour. Celia is described as strong on birds, wildlife, and city information. Patrickgin brings humor and a lively approach to puffin facts. Rebecca is noted for her helpful, outgoing style, while Joe combines bird information with an entertaining manner.

Because the group is limited to 12 people, you have a better chance to ask questions directly. That matters on a one-hour trip. A guide who can keep the information clear and engaging helps the time feel full without turning the outing into a lecture.

You can expect guidance in English. The subject matter covers puffins, local wildlife, and Reykjavik, so the tour suits you if you want a little context along with the sighting.

The guide also manages the safety side of the experience. The small group and provided equipment make it easier to receive clear instructions before the RIB gets moving. Near the islands, the crew balances a close approach with the need to keep the boat and passengers safe.

How rough is the RIB ride?

The boat ride is part of the attraction, but it is also the clearest drawback. One account describes the water near the puffin island as rocky, even while finding the trip enjoyable. A RIB moves with energy, and the experience is not the same as sitting on a slow, sheltered sightseeing boat.

If you enjoy a thrilling ride, the speed adds character to the outing. You reach the islands quickly, and the journey itself becomes part of the fun. If you are sensitive to motion or prefer calm water, you should give this point serious thought.

Most people can participate, but the minimum height for children is 140 centimeters. This is not a casual ride for very young children. The 12-person limit keeps the group small, but it does not change the basic nature of the vessel.

Weather also affects the trip. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy is useful in Iceland, where wind and sea conditions can change the practical quality of an outdoor outing.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for a small RIB, a short route to the islands, warm protective equipment, a guide, and the chance to watch puffins in the wild.

The value improves if you care about time. A longer boat excursion can take a large part of your day, while this trip is built around a roughly one-hour experience at noon. You can fit it between other plans instead of sacrificing a full morning or afternoon.

The 12-seat capacity also supports the price. A large boat may offer a lower cost per person, but it can feel less personal and may keep you farther from the birds. Here, the small group and quiet engine-off viewing are central to what you are buying.

I would consider it good value for someone who wants both wildlife and a speedboat ride. I would be less quick to recommend it if you only want a cheap harbour cruise or if puffin sightings are not important to you.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This outing suits you if you want a compact experience with a clear focus. It works especially well for:

• People with only a short time in Reykjavik
• Families with children at least 140 centimeters tall
• Couples and small groups who prefer a personal guide
• Wildlife fans who want to see puffins in their natural setting
• Visitors who enjoy a brisk, open-water ride
• Anyone trying to keep the afternoon free for other plans

It may not suit you if you need hotel transportation, dislike bumpy boat rides, or want a long, slow wildlife cruise. The tour does not promise a full-day expedition. Its strength is the tight format and quick access to the islands.

The small group makes it a good choice for questions and conversation. You are more likely to feel involved than on a boat carrying a large crowd, though the exact guide and wildlife activity can vary by departure.

Practical details that affect your day

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Plan your own route to Ægisgarður 5F, since hotel transfers are not included.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Iceland.

If weather cancels the trip, you can take another date or receive a full refund. That is worth remembering when arranging the rest of your schedule. Leave some flexibility if this is an important part of your Reykjavik plans.

The experience is offered in English. A child must measure 140 centimeters to ride the RIB, and the maximum group size is 12 people.

Should you book the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

Book it if you want a short, lively wildlife outing that gets you near puffins without consuming half your day. The best reasons are the small boat, supplied warm gear, fast access to the islands, and the quiet engine-off viewing near the birds.

I would choose this over a larger boat if a personal guide and close approach matter to you. The boat ride can be rocky, so it is not the right pick for anyone seeking a smooth cruise. But if you accept that tradeoff, $76 buys a focused Reykjavik experience with genuine wildlife, city views, and several hours left for everything else.

FAQ

Where does the puffin speedboat tour begin?

It begins at Reykjavik by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, near the Old Harbour. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 12:00 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The boat experience lasts approximately one hour. Some accounts place the full outing closer to an hour and a half from start to finish, so allow a little extra time around the scheduled duration.

What equipment is included?

The operator provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Can children join the RIB tour?

Yes, but a child must be at least 140 centimeters tall to participate in the RIB tour. The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can receive a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.