Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Puffins are the stars here, but the RIB speedboat ride is nearly as memorable. From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, you reach Lundey and Akurey in about 15 minutes, then cut the engine near the rocky islands for a quiet look at the birds.

I like the one-hour length, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day, and I like the small group limit of 12. The guide explains puffin behavior and other seabirds, and may even imitate puffin calls. The main catch is that puffins are small, quick, and not always easy to photograph, so bring patience rather than expecting postcard-perfect close-ups.

Key points to know before booking

• Lundey and Akurey are only about 15 minutes from the harbor, leaving more time for watching birds than sitting on the boat.
• The RIB reaches close to rocky shores because its shallow draft suits the islands.
• Puffin watching is combined with a fast, lively ride, making this more active than a standard sightseeing cruise.
• A maximum of 12 people keeps the boat compact and gives you a better chance of seeing around other passengers.
• Full-body waterproof suits and goggles are included, but waterproof footwear is not.
• Weather decides the departure, with the captain putting safety and comfort first.

A quick ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

The tour begins at a small wooden hut in the Old Harbor. Look for the row of huts and the one marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, not at the last minute. That extra time is used to get you into the safety equipment and ready for the boat.

This is a useful location if you are staying in central Reykjavik. The harbor is easy to reach on foot from many hotels and gives you a clear view of the bay before departure. Pickup and drop-off are not included, though you can purchase them separately.

The boat is a RIB, or rigid inflatable boat. It is built for speed and shallow water, which matters around Lundey and Akurey. These islands have rocky edges and low slopes, not broad beaches or walking paths. You will stay on the boat throughout the experience.

The small-group setup is one of the best practical features. With no more than 12 people, the boat should feel less crowded than a large sightseeing vessel. You still need to shift your view as the birds move, but you are not trying to look past a full deck of people.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The ride out is brisk and energetic. This is not a slow cruise with a warm cabin and a large viewing deck. You sit in a smaller open boat, wear a life vest, and use the supplied full-body waterproof suit and goggles.

The speed is part of the appeal, especially if you want a short wildlife outing with some motion and excitement. The boat covers the distance to the islands quickly, leaving roughly 30 minutes of the one-hour trip for the island area, depending on conditions and the captain’s decisions.

You should dress for Icelandic weather even though a protective suit is supplied. The suit helps shield you from spray and wind, but waterproof shoes are not included. Wear footwear that can handle wet conditions. The supplied goggles are useful on a fast ride, particularly when spray blows across the boat.

I would not choose this trip if you want a relaxed, quiet cruise from start to finish. The RIB format can feel bouncy, and the experience is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with back problems, or anyone shorter than 140 centimeters. Those limits are important, not minor fine print.

Lundey and Akurey, the puffin islands

The two islands, Lundey and Akurey, sit in Reykjavik Bay and are known for their birdlife. They are small, with slopes and rocky shores, and the boat gets close because of its shallow draft.

As you approach, the captain turns off the engine. This change matters. The loud, quick ride gives way to a more settled period when you can watch the birds and take in the water, islands, mountains, and Reykjavik views.

The aim is to see large numbers of puffins in their natural setting. The islands are home to thousands of them, but wildlife is never a stage performance. Birds may sit on the water, fly past, gather near the rocks, or move too quickly for a clean photograph.

That last point deserves emphasis. Puffins look substantial in photographs, but in person they are relatively small and fast. A five-star account of this outing praised the guide’s puffin facts and bird knowledge while giving a useful warning: puffins can be difficult to photograph or record. I would watch first and take pictures second.

A phone camera may catch a few useful images, but do not spend the full island stop staring at a screen. The most rewarding part is seeing the birds move between sea and shore, with the guide explaining what you are looking at.

The birds you may see beyond puffins

Puffins get top billing, but the guide also points out other seabirds. Northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots are among the birds often seen on these trips.

That variety gives the hour more substance. If puffins are flying too quickly or sitting farther away, you still have other birdlife to watch. The guide’s explanations help you notice differences in shape, flight, and behavior instead of seeing every bird as just another dark shape against the water.

The guide leads in English. Special Tours also offers an app for Android and Apple devices with text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. It is designed to provide extra wildlife information during the tour, though the live guide remains the main source of commentary.

The available feedback gives the guide an important role. One account particularly praised the guide’s facts about puffins and other birds, along with an imitation of puffin sounds. That kind of small, human detail can make a short wildlife trip more memorable than a string of recorded facts.

No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book expecting a particular person. The quality of the outing will depend partly on the guide assigned that day and partly on the birds and weather.

Why the one-hour format works

I like the timing for a first or last day in Reykjavik. A one-hour tour does not swallow half your day, and the islands are close enough that most of the outing is spent in the bay rather than on a long transfer.

You could pair it with time around the Old Harbor, central Reykjavik, or another short activity. The departure times vary, so you need to check availability for your date. The short format also makes the tour easier to fit around meals and other plans.

The tradeoff is simple: one hour gives you convenience, not a guarantee of a long wildlife encounter. If the boat spends time slowing down, repositioning, or waiting for a safe approach, the actual bird watching may feel brief. That is normal for a compact trip, but it is worth knowing before you compare it with longer cruises.

The boat’s captain makes the final call on sailing based on weather, safety, and comfort. This protects the experience from being forced ahead in poor conditions, though it also means you need some flexibility in your schedule.

Is $84 a fair price?

At $84 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik, but the price is reasonable if you value three things: a small group, a fast boat, and a short time commitment.

The fee includes the guided tour, life vest, full-body waterproof suit, and goggles. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, and access to islands that are not reached on foot. The small capacity of 12 also gives the trip a more personal feel than a large harbor cruise.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is to see a puffin at any cost. Birds are wild, and the tour cannot promise that every person will get a close, steady view or a perfect photograph. You are buying a chance to see them in their setting, plus the ride and the guide’s interpretation.

I would compare this with longer boat trips only if you have plenty of time and want a broader bay experience. For a quick activity that leaves most of your day free, the one-hour schedule is a real benefit.

Food and drinks are not included, but that is not much of a concern for a one-hour outing. Have something before or after the trip, especially if you are prone to feeling uncomfortable on boats.

What to wear and pack

The supplied suit covers your main outer layer, but you still need to think about your feet and what goes underneath. Waterproof shoes are not included, so choose footwear that can cope with spray and damp surfaces.

I would bring:

• Waterproof or water-resistant shoes
• Warm layers under the provided suit
• Gloves if your hands get cold easily
• A secure phone or camera strap
• A small amount of water if you want it

Keep loose items under control. RIB boats are open and fast, and a hat or phone that is not secured can become a problem quickly. The goggles help protect your eyes, but they are not a substitute for dressing warmly.

Arrive 30 minutes early at the marked harbor hut. This is especially important if you need help with the suit or have questions before boarding. Late arrival could mean missing the departure, and the trip is short enough that every minute matters.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

This is a good match for you if you want a short wildlife outing with some speed. Families with older children may enjoy the boat’s energy, although everyone must meet the minimum height of 140 centimeters. The activity can also suit couples and solo visitors who want an easy excursion from central Reykjavik.

It is especially practical for an itinerary packed with museums, food stops, or day trips. You can see puffins without giving up half a day.

It is a poor choice if you have back trouble, are pregnant, or dislike open boats and fast movement. It is also not ideal if your priority is professional wildlife photography. Puffins may be close enough to see well but still too quick for a sharp image.

If you want guaranteed comfort, choose a larger covered vessel instead. If you want a more active ride and accept that wildlife sightings are unpredictable, the RIB makes sense.

Booking and weather details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, which helps when Iceland’s weather is changing. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also keeps your plans flexible.

The captain decides whether the trip goes ahead. That decision is based on years of experience and focuses on passenger safety and comfort. If your schedule is tight, avoid placing this tour immediately before an important departure or fixed booking.

The tour is provided by Special Tours Iceland, which has offered puffin watching for more than 20 years. Experience does not change the weather or control the birds, but it does matter when a crew is operating small boats near rocky islands.

Should you book the Reykjavik Puffin Express?

Book it if you want a one-hour puffin trip with a genuine speedboat element, especially if you are staying near the Old Harbor and have limited time. The small group, included protective gear, close approach to Lundey and Akurey, and live bird commentary make the $84 price defensible.

Skip it if you need a calm covered cruise, have a back condition, are pregnant, or require excellent photographs. Puffins are quick and unpredictable, and the weather can affect the departure.

For most people who meet the physical requirements, I see this as a lively, efficient way to add Icelandic birdlife to a Reykjavik stay. Just set your expectations correctly: you are buying a chance to watch wild puffins, not a guaranteed photo session.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour depart from?

It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Find the small wooden hut in the row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure so there is time to prepare for the boat and put on the supplied equipment.

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts one hour.

How far are the puffin islands from Reykjavik?

Lundey and Akurey are about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor by boat.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to 12 participants.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

Are waterproof shoes included?

No. Waterproof shoes are not included, so you need to bring suitable footwear.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant people, people with back problems, or people under 140 centimeters tall.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.