Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Thousands of puffins gather on the small islands outside Reykjavik, and this one-hour RIB ride gets you there quickly. You leave the Old Harbor, race across the bay, then drift quietly near Lundey or Akurey while puffins fly, feed, and perch on the rocky slopes.

I like the short format and the small group of no more than 12 people. You also get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, which makes the fast ride easier to enjoy. The main catch is that puffins are small and quick, so seeing them is easier than photographing them.

Key points at a glance

• Lundey and Akurey are only about 15 minutes from the Old Harbor, leaving plenty of time for the birds during this compact outing.
• The RIB can approach shallow, rocky shores, bringing you close to the islands without a large boat crowd.
• The captain shuts off the engine near the birds, giving you a quieter few minutes to watch and listen.
• A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest are included, but waterproof shoes are not.
• The English-speaking guide covers several bird species, including fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.
• The trip costs $84 and lasts one hour, a useful choice when your Reykjavik schedule is tight.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbor by RIB

Your outing begins at a little wooden hut in the row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That extra time is not wasted, since you need to check in, get into the protective gear, and prepare for a boat ride that can feel brisk even when the day looks mild on land.

The RIB speedboat is the point of this tour. Unlike a slow sightseeing vessel, it gives you a quick run across Reykjavik Bay and a low position close to the water. You get a sense of speed, open air, and changing views of Reykjavik, the bay, and the mountains around the city.

That speed also comes with a tradeoff. The ride can be bouncy, and the boat is not a good fit for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone shorter than 140 centimeters. If you want a calm, slow cruise, this is not the right boat. If you want a short burst of action before breakfast, between city sights, or before an evening meal, the format works well.

The group is limited to 12 participants, which matters on a small RIB. You should have a reasonable chance of seeing the water and islands without a large crowd blocking the view. Still, space is limited, so plan to bring only what you need and follow the crew’s instructions about belongings.

Lundey and Akurey, Reykjavik’s puffin islands

The boat reaches Lundey and Akurey in about 15 minutes. These two small islands sit in the Reykjavik bay area and are covered with low hills, slopes, and rocky shorelines. Their importance comes from their birdlife rather than buildings or walking paths. You watch from the boat, not from land.

Puffins are the main attraction. In season, the islands can hold thousands of them, and the birds may sit along the slopes, skim across the water, or return from feeding. The RIB’s shallow draft lets it move close to the rocky edges, giving you a better look than you might get from a larger vessel farther out.

Close does not mean still. A puffin is a small bird, and it moves quickly. One useful tip is to watch first and photograph second. If you keep your camera raised the whole time, you may miss the best part of the experience while trying to frame a bird that has already vanished around a rock.

The islands are also worth watching as places, not just as puffin backdrops. From the water, you see their slopes, rock shelves, and the surrounding bay, with Reykjavik and the mountains forming the wider view. On a clear day, the city lights and mountain views add a pleasant contrast to the bare island shores.

The quiet part: engine off near the birds

The most important change in the trip comes when the boat reaches the islands and the captain turns off the engine. The RIB goes quiet, and you get time to observe the birds and the surroundings without constant motor noise.

This pause gives the guide room to explain what you are seeing. The tour covers puffins and other birds commonly found around the islands, including northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. That wider focus helps if the puffins are sitting low, flying too quickly, or harder to spot than expected.

The guide speaks English and adds facts throughout the trip. An optional Special Tours Iceland app is also available for Android and Apple devices. It provides text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. Think of it as extra support rather than a replacement for looking up from the boat. The live tour itself is in English.

One especially enjoyable detail from the experience is the guide’s use of bird sounds and puffin facts. A guide may imitate the noises puffins make, sounds you would probably not notice from a distance. That sort of explanation turns a quick wildlife outing into more than a fast boat trip with birds in the background.

What the full-body suit really adds

The included full-body waterproof suit is a major practical benefit. You also receive goggles and a life vest. The suit helps protect you from spray and wind during the ride, while the goggles make it easier to keep your eyes open when the boat is moving quickly.

Waterproof shoes are not included. Wear footwear that can handle spray and wet surfaces, and do not assume ordinary city shoes will stay dry. Food and drinks are also not included, so eat beforehand or plan something for after the return to the harbor.

The protective clothing does not turn this into an indoor experience. You are still outside on the water, exposed to the weather, and conditions can change quickly in Reykjavik. The captain decides if the boat should sail based on safety and passenger comfort. That means a departure can be affected by wind or other conditions, but it is the right call for a small, fast boat.

Dress with the boat ride in mind, not just the weather at the meeting point. The suit is helpful, but comfortable layers underneath are still sensible. Your hands and face may feel the cold more than the rest of you, especially on the faster sections.

One hour, $84, and the question of value

At $84 per person, this is not the cheapest way to fill an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for a specialized boat, safety gear, a guide, and access to bird islands close to the city. The price makes more sense if you value a small group and an active ride rather than a long, low-cost sightseeing cruise.

The one-hour length is the strongest value point for many people. Reykjavik trips often compete with day tours, museums, food stops, and weather changes. This outing takes only one hour on the water, with the islands reached after about 15 minutes. You can fit it into a crowded schedule without giving up half a day.

The short length also limits what you can expect. This is a focused puffin watch, not a broad wildlife expedition. You get a fast trip to the islands, time with the birds, and a return to the harbor. If you want several hours at sea or a larger chance to search a wide area, consider a longer boat experience instead.

Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on. Since the meeting point is in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, check your own route carefully and allow the full 30 minutes before departure. Being near the harbor is convenient, but you are responsible for getting to the wooden hut unless you add transportation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful when Iceland’s weather is still uncertain or when you are building a flexible city schedule.

Who will enjoy this puffin trip most

I would choose this tour for you if you want three things: puffins, speed, and a short time commitment. It fits especially well between Reykjavik activities and gives you a real trip out into the bay without requiring a full morning or afternoon.

Families can appreciate the compact format, provided every child meets the 140-centimeter minimum. The supplied information includes a very positive outing involving a ten-year-old grandson, although that account also refers to whales rather than this specific puffin trip. The clear practical point is that a child who meets the height requirement and is comfortable with a fast boat may enjoy it, but you should judge your child’s tolerance for spray and motion.

Bird fans will get more from the trip than someone interested only in a quick thrill. The guide discusses several species, and the islands offer a chance to compare puffins with fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Bring patience as well as a camera.

Photographers should adjust their expectations. Puffins are small and fast, so even a close boat position does not guarantee a sharp photo. A phone or camera with a fast shutter and some zoom may help, but the information provided does not promise a particular viewing distance or a set number of birds.

I would skip this option if you have back trouble, are pregnant, or are under 140 centimeters tall. I would also think twice if you dislike speedboats or need a guaranteed departure regardless of weather. The captain’s safety decision takes priority, as it should.

A practical plan for your hour

Before leaving, arrive at the marked hut 30 minutes early. Use the time to handle check-in, clothing, and any last bathroom or food needs. Once the boat departs, the first 15 minutes are mainly the ride across the bay, with city and mountain views opening around you.

At Lundey or Akurey, the captain positions the RIB close to the rocky shore. The engine is turned off, and the guide points out puffins and other birds while explaining their behavior. This is the part where you should keep your camera ready but avoid letting it control your attention.

After the bird watch, the boat returns to the Old Harbor. The entire activity lasts one hour, but allow more time around it because of the early arrival requirement and the possibility of changing out of the suit afterward.

You should not plan on eating during the trip. Food and drinks are not included, and the fast boat format is better suited to watching, listening, and holding on than to carrying a snack. Have breakfast or arrange a meal before or after the outing.

Should you book the Special Tours RIB?

Book it if you want an active, compact puffin experience with a small group and proper protective gear. The short ride to Lundey and Akurey, the quiet engine-off viewing, and the guide’s bird explanations give you more substance than a simple harbor spin.

The $84 price is fair for a one-hour specialist trip, but only if the RIB format suits you. You will not get a leisurely cruise, guaranteed perfect photographs, or a long search at sea. You will get a brisk ride, a chance to see large numbers of puffins in their natural setting, and a useful introduction to Reykjavik’s nearby birdlife.

My advice is simple: choose it for the experience of being on the water close to the islands, not just for a photo of a puffin. Arrive early, wear suitable shoes, dress for spray, and watch the birds before reaching for your camera.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour depart from?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Look for the little wooden hut in the row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the boat ride.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts one hour. Lundey and Akurey are about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor.

What equipment is included?

A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour are included. Waterproof shoes, food, and drinks are not included.

Is the tour available in languages besides English?

The live tour guide speaks English. The Special Tours Iceland app offers text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people under 140 centimeters tall. Sailing also depends on weather conditions, with the captain making the final decision for safety and comfort.