Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

The best part of this tour is the small, fast RIB boat, which can approach the puffin islands more closely than a large sightseeing vessel. You get a lively ride, open-water views, and a better chance to watch the birds without spending half a day at sea. I especially like the close look at roughly 40,000 puffins and the cruise past Harpa Concert Hall from the water.

I also like that the guide adds context about puffin hunting and conservation, rather than treating the birds as moving photo props. The main drawback is comfort: one recent passenger found the suspension seats hard on the back, and the meeting point in the row of wooden huts can be confusing if you arrive in a hurry.

Quick points about the Reykjavik puffin trip

• About 40,000 puffins: The boat heads toward some of the most populated puffin islands near Reykjavik.
• RIB boat access: A small, nimble vessel can get closer to the colonies than larger boats.
• One hour on the water: This is an easy add-on to a day in the capital, not a full-day expedition.
• Harpa from a new angle: The coastal ride includes views of Reykjavik’s striking concert hall from the sea.
• Warm gear supplied: You receive a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest.
• Bring proper footwear: Waterproof shoes are not supplied, so wear comfortable shoes that can handle spray.

Why the RIB boat changes the puffin experience

Puffin watching from Reykjavik is not just about reaching the islands. It is about how close and how quickly you can move around them. This tour uses a custom-built RIB speedboat with suspension seats, giving you a more direct ride than a large harbor cruiser.

The boat’s smaller size matters. It can move nearer to the islands and adjust its position more easily while you watch the birds. You are not simply looking toward a distant shoreline from a high deck. The aim is to bring you close to the puffin colonies while keeping the birds wild and free.

That closeness is the main reason to choose this trip over a slower, larger boat. You get more sensation from the ride, too. One passenger described it as offering more excitement than a big boat, which is a fair expectation. This is a speedboat outing with wildlife watching, not a quiet cruise.

The trade-off is comfort. RIB boats are exposed to wind and movement, even when you are wearing protective gear. The suspension seats help absorb the motion, but they are not plush lounge chairs. If you have back problems, this activity is not suitable. Pregnant passengers and children or adults under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters, cannot join.

Leaving Reykjavik harbor for the puffin islands

You meet the boat in Reykjavik’s harbor area, at a small wooden hut in a row of similar huts. Look for the one marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, since you need time to check in and put on your gear.

That early arrival is worth taking seriously. A recent passenger found the meeting point confusing because one location reference led to a locked building, with the correct place identified only after asking next door. I would not leave this until the last minute. Give yourself enough time to find the hut, confirm the departure point, and get dressed.

The preparation is simple. The operator supplies a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. You should still wear warm clothing underneath and bring comfortable shoes. Waterproof shoes are not included, so your footwear is the part of your outfit that needs the most thought.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. For the hour on the water, take only what you need. A small camera or phone may be useful, but you should expect spray and movement, so protect your equipment carefully.

Once everyone is ready, you board the RIB and leave the harbor. The early part of the ride gives you a different view of Reykjavik’s shoreline. Harpa Concert Hall is one of the clearest city landmarks from the water, and seeing its glass facade from offshore adds a welcome city element to what is mainly a wildlife trip.

What you see around the puffin colonies

The boat heads across the Bay of Reykjavik toward islands that support large puffin colonies. The islands are home to approximately 40,000 puffins, and Iceland is said to hold about 60 percent of the world’s puffin population. That makes this a fitting place to see the birds in their natural setting.

The exact action can change from trip to trip because the puffins are wild. You may see birds resting on the water, flying around the islands, or gathering near the colony areas. The RIB’s mobility helps the guide position the boat for better viewing and photographs.

Do not expect a wildlife park with birds waiting at a set viewing platform. The value here is that the puffins remain free, and the boat brings you toward their island habitat. That makes the experience feel more natural, though it also means you should keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife viewing is never as predictable as a museum display.

The small boat also gives the ride a more personal feel. A larger vessel can carry more people and may offer more room to move around, but it cannot approach the islands in quite the same way. If your priority is getting near the puffin colonies rather than enjoying a broad harbor cruise, the RIB is the better match.

A guide who adds more than bird names

The tour is conducted in English by a live guide. Commentary is part of the experience, not an optional extra, and it helps turn a fast boat ride into something with a clear purpose.

The guide explains the puffin colonies and the local setting, while also discussing the effect of puffin hunting and what people can do to help stop it. That conservation angle gives the tour some weight. You are not only collecting close-up photographs. You are also learning why responsible wildlife viewing and protection matter.

A passenger who visited three different places by boat found the guide’s information engaging. That detail suggests the outing is not limited to pointing at a single island and heading straight back. The boat may visit several locations around the islands and coast, depending on the route and conditions.

The exact guide’s name is not provided, so I cannot tell you who will lead your departure. You can expect English-language instruction and commentary, along with help during the boat ride. If you want a tour with a lot of historical storytelling about Reykjavik, this is not primarily that. Its focus is puffins, the sea, and conservation.

One hour is short, but useful

The tour lasts one hour from departure to return. That is a good length for a first activity in Reykjavik or for a day when you have other plans.

A short trip also limits the physical commitment. You do not need to give up an entire morning or afternoon, and you can fit it around a museum visit, a meal, or another capital city activity. The downside is that there is no time for a long coastal route or a broad survey of Iceland’s marine life. This is a focused puffin outing.

The timing also affects the value. At $81 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. Still, the cost includes the RIB ride, guide, waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest. You are paying for a specialized boat, equipment, and access to the puffin islands, not just a basic harbor transfer.

I see the price as reasonable if close puffin views and a faster ride are high on your list. It is less appealing if you mainly want a scenic harbor cruise or are trying to keep every activity inexpensive. A larger or slower boat may suit you better if comfort and a calmer pace matter more than proximity.

How to dress for the exposed ride

I would dress for cold, wet weather even if Reykjavik feels mild at the dock. The waterproof suit protects your main clothing, but it does not replace warm layers. Wear warm clothes underneath and choose shoes that are comfortable and secure.

Goggles are included, which is useful on a fast open boat. You should still expect wind and spray. Keep loose items to a minimum, since large bags are not allowed and the boat is not the place to sort through luggage.

The supplied suit is one of the tour’s practical strengths. Buying or renting special outerwear for a one-hour activity would add hassle and cost. The missing waterproof shoes are easy to handle if you plan ahead. Comfortable shoes are required, and shoes that can tolerate damp conditions are the sensible choice.

The seating deserves a note. The boat has suspension seats, but one recent passenger found them hard on the back. If you are sensitive to firm seats or boat movement, consider this before booking. The operator specifically lists the trip as unsuitable for people with back problems.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want three things in one compact outing: wild puffins, a fast boat ride, and a coastal view of Reykjavik.

It suits:

• Bird lovers who want to see puffins at their island colonies.
• Photographers looking for a closer boat position.
• First-time visitors with only one free hour.
• Adults and children at least 140 centimeters tall who enjoy active boat trips.
• Anyone who prefers a small, quick boat to a large sightseeing vessel.
• Visitors interested in the conservation issues surrounding puffin hunting.

I would think twice if you need a soft seat, dislike wind and spray, or want a quiet cruise. The tour also will not work for pregnant passengers, people with back problems, or anyone under 140 centimeters tall.

Families should check the height rule carefully. It is not simply a matter of age. A passenger must be at least 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters, to take part.

The practical details that affect your choice

Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on. You need to make your own way to the harbor meeting point unless you arrange that extra service.

Food and drinks are not included. For a one-hour trip, that is not a major issue, but plan your meal around the departure. The tour returns to its starting point after the time on the water, so you can continue your day in Reykjavik from there.

English is the stated tour language. The experience includes a live guide, but no other languages are listed. If you need a tour in another language, this may not be the right fit.

The booking terms are flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available departure times when planning, since the exact schedule is not fixed in the details provided.

Is the puffin speedboat worth $81?

For $81, you are buying a concentrated experience rather than a long excursion. The strongest value comes from the combination of a custom RIB, close access to the puffin islands, supplied protective clothing, and an English-speaking guide who discusses the birds and their conservation.

I would not compare it only with the cost of a standard boat ride. The RIB’s smaller size and mobility are central to the experience. If getting nearer to the colonies is your priority, that feature helps justify the price.

Still, the trip is only one hour, and the seats may feel firm. You also need to arrange your own transport to the dock and bring suitable footwear. For some people, $81 will feel like a fair price for a memorable wildlife outing. For others, a longer boat trip with more room and a slower pace may offer better value.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin RIB tour?

Book it if you want the most active version of a Reykjavik puffin trip and like the idea of approaching the islands in a fast, maneuverable boat. The close views, coastal run past Harpa, conservation commentary, and supplied waterproof suit make good use of a single hour.

Skip it if you have back problems, are pregnant, are under 140 centimeters tall, or want a soft and quiet ride. Also reconsider if you are not prepared for wind, spray, and firm seating.

My practical advice is to arrive early at the wooden REYKJAVIK BY BOAT hut, wear warm layers and sturdy comfortable shoes, and leave large bags behind. With those details handled, this is a compact and lively way to meet Iceland’s famous puffins without giving up a full day of sightseeing.

FAQ

How long does the puffin watching tour last?

The tour lasts one hour, including the boat trip out toward the puffin islands and the return to the starting point.

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

Meet at the small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, located in a row of wooden huts. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

What equipment is included?

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

Are waterproof shoes included?

No. Waterproof shoes are not included. You should bring comfortable shoes and wear warm clothing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available as a paid add-on.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Can children join the tour?

Passengers must be at least 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters, tall. The provided information does not give a separate age requirement.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people under 140 centimeters tall.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.