Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

The main attraction is simple and satisfying: you leave Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and watch Atlantic puffins living on two small islands in Faxaflói Bay. Lundey and Akurey are close enough for a good look from the boat, yet far enough away to keep the birds undisturbed. I like the one-hour length, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day, and the small wooden boat, which feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.

I also like that binoculars are provided and that the guides make the trip about more than one bird. Patrick, Joe, Rebecca, Vera, and others have brought humor, local bird facts, photos, and even the occasional song to the ride. The main catch is distance: you are viewing wild birds from the water, not walking among them, and wind, waves, fog, or early-season timing can affect how close and how clearly you see them.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffins in the wild: Cruise to Lundey and Akurey, two nearby islands used by large puffin colonies.
• A compact Reykjavik outing: The tour lasts one hour, making it easy to fit between other plans.
• Old Skuli boat: The wooden Skúlaskeið, called Old Skuli, carries up to 33 people without feeling like a huge ship.
• Binoculars included: You can borrow binoculars on board, a real help when birds are perched on the island.
• English-speaking guides: Guides such as Patrick and Joe mix bird facts with jokes and practical help.
• Weather matters: The boat may be canceled in poor conditions, and a full refund is offered when that happens.

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to the puffin islands

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. That location is useful if you are already sightseeing near the waterfront, and it keeps the outing easy to reach from the city center. Transfers are not included, so you make your own way to the harbor.

The boat is the Skúlaskeið, an older wooden vessel affectionately called Old Skuli. It holds 33 passengers. That is large enough to make the trip practical, but small enough that the boat does not feel like a floating city bus. The compact size also helps preserve the sense that you are heading out on a local wildlife trip rather than joining a major harbor cruise.

As the boat leaves the harbor, you get a short ride across Faxaflói Bay. The point is not a long ocean voyage. The islands are relatively close, which keeps the tour focused on the birds and limits the amount of time spent simply getting there.

The captain turns off the engine near the islands. This is one of the better details of the trip. Without the engine running, you can watch the birds in a quieter setting, hear the guide more clearly when the wind allows, and avoid adding unnecessary noise near the colonies.

Lundey and Akurey, two close-up bird-watching stops

Lundey and Akurey are small, hilly islands with slopes and rocky areas where seabirds gather. You do not get off the boat. Instead, Old Skuli approaches the islands and pauses at useful viewing points while the guide explains what you are seeing.

Puffins may be perched on the rocks, flying over the water, swimming, or returning with food. The best part is the variety of behavior. You are not simply looking for a colorful bird standing still. You might see quick flights between the island and the sea, birds resting on the slopes, or groups moving across the water.

The boat cannot promise a close portrait every time, even with a stated 100% puffin-sighting guarantee. Wild birds choose their own distance. Several departures have brought puffins close to the boat, while other conditions have left them farther away. Bring realistic expectations if your main goal is a sharp camera image.

You will also look for northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Eider ducks have also been spotted on the route. This wider view makes the hour more worthwhile, especially if the puffins are active but not close enough for detailed photos.

The guide helps you sort the birds. That matters because a fast-moving seabird can be hard to identify from a distance. Guides including Patrick, Joe, and Rebecca have been praised for clear explanations, humor, and enthusiasm. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the format is designed to combine information with entertainment rather than leave you silently scanning the rocks.

What the one-hour schedule feels like

The short duration is one of the tour’s strongest points. You get out on the bay, reach the islands, spend time watching the colonies, and return without giving up half a day.

I would choose this trip if you have a tight Reykjavik schedule, children who may not enjoy a long boat ride, or a spare hour before another activity. One family found the length just right for a five-year-old, and that makes sense. The tour gives children a clear goal and enough movement to keep the outing lively.

The same length can feel brief if you are a serious bird watcher. You have limited time to wait for the perfect flight, photo, or feeding behavior. One passenger wished for a longer visit, and three-hour options are also available through the operator, though this review concerns the one-hour trip.

Timing can affect what you see. A May departure was described as less productive for puffins, while late spring and summer trips often produced many sightings. One useful tip is to consider early morning or early evening, when puffins may spend more time around the islands. Conditions still matter more than any fixed rule.

The real value of the $64 price

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for the boat, captain, guide, harbor access, and a focused wildlife outing. Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included.

The value improves if you want to see puffins without arranging transport outside the city. You get a guaranteed attempt to find them, provided binoculars, an English-speaking guide, and access to islands that are not part of an ordinary waterfront walk. For a family, the short duration also limits the cost in time and attention.

The price feels less attractive if you mainly want dramatic photographs. You may see the birds clearly through binoculars but still find them too far away for a detailed phone picture. This is a wildlife experience first and a photography trip second.

The operator has also offered a lifetime voucher after one early-season trip produced few puffin sightings. That does not change the normal terms, but it shows how strongly the experience depends on season and conditions. You should still regard the guarantee as a reason to book with confidence, not as a promise of perfect photo opportunities.

Wind, waves, and hearing the guide

I would prepare for movement. The ride can be bumpy when the bay is choppy, and anyone prone to motion sickness should consider taking suitable medicine beforehand. Calm water makes a major difference, both for comfort and for steady viewing.

Weather can also change the character of the trip. Rain or drizzle does not automatically ruin it, and some departures have remained enjoyable in wet conditions. Strong wind is more troublesome because it makes the boat move and can make the guide harder to hear.

The sound system is the clearest weakness. Several passengers found the microphone difficult to understand over wind and engine noise. When the engine is off near the islands, listening should be easier, but you may still want to stand or sit close to the guide if the talk matters to you.

Dress for Icelandic weather, although the provided information does not specify a clothing list. A warm, waterproof layer is a sensible choice for any open-water trip. You can enjoy the birds far more when you are not distracted by cold spray or wind.

Binoculars, cameras, and the best viewing position

Binoculars are available on board, and that is an important inclusion. Puffins are small, and even a close island can look surprisingly distant from the boat. The binoculars help you see their markings, posture, and movement instead of relying only on your phone’s zoom.

You may be able to sit on the roof of the boat for a higher viewing angle, depending on the crew and conditions. One passenger especially liked this position for watching the islands. Ask the crew where it is safe and suitable to sit, since access can depend on weather and boat movement.

For photos, keep your expectations sensible. Puffins often move quickly, and the boat may rock just as you press the shutter. You will have better luck with short video clips or wider shots that show the birds in their setting than with perfect close portraits.

The tour’s strongest visual reward is seeing the birds behave naturally. Puffins flying, swimming, standing on rocks, or returning from the sea can be more memorable than one polished photograph. I would keep your camera ready, but use the binoculars first.

Is this a good family and accessibility choice?

The trip suits families well because it is short, clearly focused, and easy to understand. Children can watch birds overhead and around the islands without needing to sit through a long lecture. Guides have made a point of including younger children, answering questions, and keeping the tone light.

Adults who enjoy seabirds will get more from the commentary. The guides explain puffins as well as the other species around the colonies, and some use photographs to help identify birds. The humor varies by guide, but names such as Patrick and Joe appear often among the strongest guide experiences.

If you have mobility issues or medical concerns, tell the local partner before the trip. Assistance is available, and a captain has carefully helped a passenger on and off the boat. The information provided does not give detailed specifications for ramps, steps, or restroom access, so ask directly if you need particular facilities.

This is not the best choice if you dislike boats, get motion sick easily, or need a completely calm outing. It is also less suitable if you expect to walk on a puffin island. The experience is boat-based from start to finish.

Booking details that affect your decision

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Weather can cancel the tour. If that happens, a full refund is provided. Build a little flexibility into your Reykjavik schedule if seeing puffins is especially important, since moving to another departure may be more useful than trying to fit the trip into an already tight plan.

The advertised language is English, and the tour includes a live guide. Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately around the harbor.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin boat tour?

I would book it if you want a short, convenient chance to see puffins in their natural setting without leaving Reykjavik. The close islands, provided binoculars, compact wooden boat, and lively guides make the $64 reasonable for many visitors.

I would skip it if your priority is wildlife photography at very close range, a perfectly smooth ride, or a long bird-watching session. For everyone else, this is a practical first encounter with Iceland’s seabirds, especially when you choose a good-weather departure and allow some flexibility in your schedule.

FAQ

Where does the puffin boat tour leave from?

The tour meets at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long does the puffin tour last?

The boat trip lasts one hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

The tour includes a stated 100% guarantee of puffin sightings.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The boat travels to Lundey and Akurey in Faxaflói Bay.

Can I use binoculars on the boat?

Yes. Binoculars are available on board for passengers to use.

What other birds might I see?

Possible sightings include northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of weather, you receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.