Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Puffins on a speedboat sounds unreal. The Puffin Express RIB trip from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor is a fast way to get really close to Lundey and Akurey, where you can see thousands of puffins in their home turf. I like that the guide turns bird watching into something you can actually follow, but one catch is that puffins are small and quick, so photos and video can be tricky.

Here’s the good news: the tour is only one hour, the group is capped at 12, and you’ll get the gear to stay comfortable on the water. You’ll ride out by RIB speedboat, hear lots of bird facts in English, and then spend your best viewing moments when the boat engine is off near the islands.

Key Things I’d Highlight Before You Go

• RIB speedboat to Lundey and Akurey in about 15 minutes from Old Harbor
• Full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest included for the on-water part
• Engine off on arrival so you can watch without the noise
• Small group size (up to 12) means you’re not lost in a crowd
• English live guide plus a 5-language app for extra bird context
• You may also spot northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots

Old Harbor Start: Get Suited, Then Point Your Eyes

Your tour begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, at a small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT (in a row of wooden huts). Aim to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to check in and get ready.

The big value here is that you do not have to gamble on whether you packed the right gear. A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest are included, which makes the on-water part much easier. You still need warm layers underneath, and since waterproof shoes are not included, plan to bring water-friendly footwear that grips well.

Once you’re dressed and seated, you’ll be ready for the RIB experience. This is not a long cruise where you slowly drift by the coast. It’s a short, lively ride designed to get you to the puffin islands quickly and then let you watch when you arrive.

The 15-Minute Power Ride Across Reykjavík Bay

From Old Harbor, the route is all about speed and proximity. The islands you’re heading to, Lundey and Akurey, are in the Reykjavík bay area and are only about 15 minutes from the departure point.

That short transit matters because your total time on this tour is just one hour. In other words, the company is using your limited time efficiently: less time commuting, more time watching birds.

The RIB speedboat itself is part of the reason the experience can feel so close to the action. The islands have rocky shores, and the boats have a shallow draft, so they can get near the shoreline more easily than deeper-hulled vessels. You’re not just viewing from far away, which is the difference between seeing puffins as specks and seeing their behavior up close.

Also, keep an eye on the views during the ride. You’ll likely catch big mountain scenery with the city and harbor area nearby, and if the light is right, it can feel very cinematic from the water.

When the Engine Goes Quiet: How the Puffin Watching Works

Once you reach Lundey and Akurey, the experience shifts gears. The boat turns off the engine so passengers can observe the birds and the surroundings without extra noise.

That detail matters more than it sounds. Puffins are active and quick, but the quieter setting helps you focus on what’s happening at the shoreline and around the rocks. It’s also easier to hear your guide’s explanations, which is where the tour becomes more than just sightseeing.

When the engine is off, your licensed guide shares information about puffins and other birds that often show up on these trips. You’ll also learn how to recognize the birds you’re seeing, not just count them. The guide can even demonstrate puffin calls from time to time, and that kind of sound cue helps you spot where the birds are before you track them visually.

You should also set expectations for viewing. Puffins are small and move fast, and that means photography and recording can be tough. The birds are adorable up close, but you’ll want to focus on watching first, and only then worry about capturing a shot.

Besides Puffins: Other Birds You Might Spot

Puffins may be the headline, but the guides also look for other birds in the area. Depending on what the birds are doing that day, you may spot northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

This is more than a bonus. It’s a smart way to turn one hour into a real nature lesson. If you only expect puffins, you can feel disappointed when the birds are tucked or flying. But if you know the other likely birds, you’re always working with something visible.

Also, the island terrain helps. Lundey and Akurey are described as small islands with small hills and slopes and colorful birdlife, and their shores are rocky. Rocky shorelines tend to concentrate seabirds because they offer perches and nesting areas. So even when puffins are hard to frame, you’re still likely to see birds using the same space.

Price and Value for an 1-Hour RIB Tour

At $84 per person for one hour, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavik. The value comes from what you get bundled into that price and how efficiently the time is used.

You’re paying for:

• A fast RIB boat ride from Old Harbor to the puffin islands
• A guide who provides live bird information in English
• Included waterproof safety and comfort gear: waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest
• A small group limit of 12, which usually helps you get better attention from the crew

For a one-hour outing, that bundled gear is a big deal. If you had to rent or buy waterproof layers and goggles separately, the real cost could climb fast. Here, you can show up and focus on the experience rather than turning this into a last-minute outdoor gear shopping trip.

Is it worth it? If you want a short, high-energy puffin experience with close access, yes. If you’re the type who enjoys long, slow wildlife watching, you might feel like one hour passes quickly. But the whole idea of this tour is that you get the best viewing window near the islands without burning half your day getting there.

What to Wear, and How to Photograph Puffins (Without Losing Your Mind)

Even with the included waterproof suit and goggles, you should dress for cold wind and spray. Icelandic weather can flip quickly, and on a speedboat you’ll feel it in your face and hands.

Plan on:

• Warm base layers under the waterproof suit
• Waterproof footwear for standing and boarding (since waterproof shoes are not included)
• Keeping your gloves ready, especially if you want to handle a camera

Now, about photos. Puffins are small and fast, so crisp shots are not guaranteed. The practical way to make this more enjoyable is to treat it like bird watching first. When you see puffins moving, you might get better results by shooting short bursts when they pause on the rocks rather than trying to track every second.

One more tip: since the boat turns off its engine near arrival, you may get better moments for steady viewing. Use the quiet phase to spot, identify, and then decide whether the bird is in a frame worth capturing.

If you’re hoping for slow, easy wildlife photography, adjust your expectations. This tour is built for getting close and seeing behavior, not for guaranteeing magazine covers.

Weather, Safety, and Who Should Skip This One

This tour is dependent on weather conditions. The captain makes the decision to sail based on safety and comfort, using years of experience to judge conditions before you go out.

The safety side also comes with a clear suitability list. The tour is not suitable for:

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

If any of these apply to you, it’s best to look for a different kind of wildlife experience that matches your needs.

On the comfort side, the gear helps a lot. The waterproof suit and goggles are there for a reason, and with the boat turning off its engine, your best viewing time happens when you can actually watch without the constant roar of the motor.

This is also the kind of tour where being mentally flexible helps. If weather changes, the captain may alter the plan. That’s normal in Iceland, and the smartest mindset is to have your schedule ready for it.

Should You Book This Puffin Express RIB Tour?

I’d book it if you want:

• A short, one-hour Reykjavik puffin watching trip
• Close access to birds on Lundey and Akurey
• A live guide in English and an educational vibe, not just a drive-by look
• Included waterproof suit and goggles so you don’t have to overpack

I’d think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to rougher conditions, since this is a speedboat tour
• You need an option designed for back issues or pregnancy
• You’re expecting easy wildlife photography with lots of time to set up

If you’re aiming for a high-value puffin experience that fits into a busy Reykjavik day, this one makes a strong case. The combination of speed, included gear, small group size, and that engine-off viewing time is the recipe.

FAQ

Where does the Puffin Express tour depart from?

You meet at the little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor (in a row of wooden huts). Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour?

The duration is one hour.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is a small group limited to 12 participants.

What bird islands do you visit?

The tour goes to Lundey and Akurey, two small islands in the Reykjavík bay area.

What is included with the tour?

Included are a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

What should I bring since waterproof shoes are not included?

You’ll want waterproof shoes (since they are not provided) plus warm layers under the waterproof suit.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is English, and there is a Special Tours Iceland app available in five languages (English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese).

Do they turn off the engine when they arrive at the islands?

Yes. When the boat arrives at the islands, the engine is turned off so passengers can observe the birds and surroundings.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available for purchase as an add-on.