Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

This is interesting because in just one hour you can ride out to tiny islands and see thousands of puffins close up, then head back before Reykjavik’s day plans get eaten alive. I like that you get real wildlife time, not a long slog. I also like that the crew plans the viewing moment carefully. One heads-up: puffins are small and fast, so photos and video can be tricky.

I especially like the way the tour mixes fun with facts. Your guide shares lots of puffin information, plus what other birds you might spot. In one review, the guide even impersonated puffin noises, which is exactly the kind of small moment that makes the outing stick.

The ride itself is short and punchy, and you’ll get mountain and city-light views along the way. You’ll be watching from the Reykjavík bay islands of Lundey and Akurey, about 15 minutes from the Old Harbour. Just remember the tour depends on weather, since captains choose what’s safest for comfort and visibility.

Key things to know before you go

• Old Harbour departure: Meet at the wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, then get kitted out before boarding.
• A fast RIB run: The timetable is tight at about one hour total, so it fits Iceland itineraries well.
• Lundey and Akurey islands: These two nearby islands are known for colorful birdlife.
• Engine-off viewing: When you reach the islands, the engine is turned off so you can watch and listen more easily.
• Small group size: Limited to 12 participants, which helps you actually see what’s going on.
• Puffins are hard to film: They’re quick and small, so go for the experience first, not perfect camera shots.

Lundey and Akurey Are the Shortcut to Real Puffin Time

If you want puffins without losing half a day to transport, this is built for you. The key idea is simple: instead of far-flung travel, you start in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and head to islands that are only about 15 minutes away.

Lundey and Akurey sit in the Reykjavík bay area, and both are known for lively birdlife. That matters because you’re not just cruising around hoping something appears. You’re going to a place where the birds are part of the scene.

Also, the tour is designed around timing. You get a fun boat ride, then you get the observation window. For many people, that is the sweet spot in Iceland wildlife tours, short enough to stay flexible, long enough to feel like you did something.

Old Harbour Start: Getting Ready in the Wooden Hut

Your first job is to find the meeting point. You’ll go to a little wooden hut (in a row of wooden huts) marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive early, because you should be there no later than 30 minutes before departure so the tour can get everyone prepared.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll be outfitted with the tour’s included gear. The big win here is that you get a full-body waterproof suit plus goggles and a life vest. That is not just a convenience. It changes how you experience the boat, because you can focus on watching instead of worrying about getting soaked or chilled.

One more thing that helps: the group is small, limited to 12 participants. That means you spend less time waiting around and more time moving through the process smoothly. You also tend to feel closer to the action when there are fewer people in your immediate viewing circle.

The One-Hour Window: How the Timing Works on a RIB Speedboat

This tour is built around one hour total. That is ideal if you’re doing other Reykjavík basics the same day, like museums, a geothermal stop, or a cozy dinner near the harbor.

The route itself is short. After departing from Old Harbour, you head out to the islands of Lundey and Akurey. From the information provided, it’s roughly 15 minutes to reach the islands. The remaining time is made for viewing and the return trip.

The RIB speedboat setup also matters for how it feels. It’s described as an exciting, fast option, and RIB boats are designed to get you close without fuss. For you, that translates into better odds of really seeing what you came for, because you’re not stuck far offshore.

Close Viewing Moment: What Happens When the Engine Turns Off

The most important part is what happens at the islands. When you arrive to Lundey and Akurey, the crew turns off the engine. That’s a small detail, but it changes the whole vibe.

With the engine off, you can observe the birds and the surroundings with less noise. It also makes it easier to focus on what the guide is pointing out. Even if you’re not the type to chase wildlife facts, this is when the tour becomes a genuine watching experience instead of just a ride.

Your licensed guide shares information while you’re there. You’ll learn about puffins and also other birds that show up on these trips. This is one of those “less talking, more noticing” setups, where the guide helps you see, not just listen.

You’re likely to spot other seabirds too, including northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. That variety is a bonus. It means if puffins are active in one pocket, you’re not staring at empty rock while you wait.

What You’ll Actually See: Thousands of Puffins, Not a Rare Sighting

The big claim is straightforward: you can see thousands of puffins and view them close up. For many people, that’s the difference between a fun nature outing and a “yes, this was worth it” moment.

Because the islands have rocky shores and the boats can get close due to a shallow draft, you’re not stuck with a far-away dot on the water. The tour is explicitly designed to bring you close to the islands so you can watch the birds in their natural habitat.

Here’s the trade-off, and it’s worth planning for. Puffins are small and quick. One review specifically flags that they can be hard to photograph or record because they move fast. So if your goal is Instagram-perfect video, you might end up disappointed. If your goal is seeing puffins up close in real conditions, you’re set.

The Guide Adds More Than Facts, Especially With Puffin Sounds

A lot of wildlife tours offer information. This one also leans into performance, in the best way. In a five-out-of-five review, the guide knew lots of puffin facts and also shared plenty about other birds. The same review mentions the guide impersonated the noises puffins make.

That tells you the guide style here is not just reading from a script. It’s meant to make you pay attention. When a guide copies bird sounds, it tends to pull your eyes toward the right behavior. It also makes the experience feel more interactive, even if you’re just standing still and watching rock and water.

I like that the guide covers more than puffins alone. You get context for what you’re seeing, plus the chance to notice other species like arctic terns and black guillemots. That turns the trip into a broader bird-spotting session, not a one-note hunt.

The Special Tours Iceland App: Your Extra Set of Bird Notes

There’s a smart extra here: the Special Tours Iceland app. It’s available for Android and Apple, and it includes five languages (English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese). It offers text and audio information, and you can download it during the tour.

Even though the live guide is English, the app can help you follow along, especially if you want extra explanation while you’re watching. For you, it’s like having a backup guide in your pocket. For kids, it can keep attention from wandering during short pauses between sightings.

Use it as a tool, not a crutch. The best moments on a boat are the ones you look up and experience in real time. The app just helps you connect what you’re seeing with what you’re learning.

Gear and Clothing: Waterproof Suit and What You Still Need

The tour includes a lot of the heavy lifting for weather protection: full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. That’s a strong value piece because it removes a big uncertainty. You don’t have to guess whether your own jacket is enough for a cold, wet boat ride.

But one item is not included: waterproof shoes. That matters. If you show up in regular shoes and socks, you’ll be thinking about comfort instead of enjoying the birds.

Also, you’re given goggles. That suggests there will be spray and wind exposure. So plan on bringing clothes that fit well under the suit, and keep it simple. You want to be able to move, stand, and watch without fuss.

In short, treat this like an outdoor boat activity. Dress for the water and wind. Let the provided suit do its job.

Price and Value: Is $84 for One Hour Fair?

At $84 per person for a one-hour tour, this isn’t the cheapest thing in Reykjavík. But it also isn’t trying to be. The value comes from what you get packed into that hour.

You’re paying for:

• A fast RIB ride from Old Harbour
• Access to islands in the bay area that are known for birdlife
• Included waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest
• A licensed guide who shares information during viewing
• A small group limited to 12 participants
• Close viewing time with the engine turned off

If you’ve ever done long tours that spend more time traveling than watching, this pricing feels easier to justify. Here, the schedule is tight, and the observation moment is built in. You’re not paying for a scenic cruise that happens to pass somewhere. You’re paying for time spent where the birds are.

Also, puffin watching tours tend to sell out because the window for good viewing is weather dependent. Short tours that still deliver close viewing can be worth it when you’re working within a limited number of daylight or energy hours.

Who This Tour Fits, and Who Should Skip It

This is best for people who want close-up wildlife viewing without a long day. It’s a strong choice if you like the idea of speedboat travel plus a guided bird-focused stop.

The tour also has a clear list of who it is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm)

If you’re in that group, don’t force it. The tour includes a life vest and waterproof gear, but the boat ride and conditions still matter. Better to choose another type of sightseeing that matches your needs.

It’s also a good fit for families, with one review highlighting a ten-year-old grandson enjoying the outing. If you’re traveling with kids, aim for patience. Puffins can be small in the frame, and fast bird action means you might have a few quick moments rather than one long pose.

Weather Reality: Why Captains Make the Call

This tour depends on weather conditions. Captains decide whether to sail based on experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind.

That means you should be flexible with your plans, especially if you’re booking this as a “must do” on the only day you have free. If conditions aren’t right, the plan can change. It’s not about anyone being difficult. It’s the operating reality of small boats in open water.

The good news is that this is a short tour. If your schedule has buffer, you can adapt faster than you could with half-day or full-day plans.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Puffin Express?

If your goal is close puffin watching from Reykjavík, this one is hard to beat for time efficiency. You get an hour of real wildlife viewing, waterproof gear, and a licensed guide who helps you notice what matters. The small group size also makes the experience feel less crowded and easier to manage.

Book it if:

• You want a fast, fun RIB ride plus a guided stop on Lundey and Akurey
• You prefer short tours that fit neatly into a busy Reykjavík itinerary
• You’d rather watch and learn than spend hours in transit

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You need a guaranteed calm, steady ride regardless of weather
• You rely on capturing perfect puffin photos and video, since puffins are small and fast
• You’re affected by the height limit or the listed conditions (pregnancy, back problems, or under 140 cm)

If you can accept the reality of wildlife and the brief, active nature of puffin viewing, you’ll likely come away smiling at the sheer number of birds you got to see.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Puffin Express?

You meet at a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure to get ready.

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour from departure, with time built in for the boat ride and viewing at the islands.

What gear is included?

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

Is the tour always guaranteed to sail?

No. The tour depends on weather conditions, and the captains decide based on safety and passenger comfort.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

It is not suitable for people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.