Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

Puffins, speed, and a short sea trip. This outing combines a thrilling 12-seat RIB speedboat ride with close views of puffins on the islands just outside Reykjavik. I like the small group, since you get a better view and more chances to ask questions. I also like the provided warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and lifejacket, useful protection in Iceland’s cool, wet conditions.

The main drawback is the water. Near the puffin islands, the boat can feel rocky, and anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully before booking. The trip also requires children to be at least 140 centimeters tall, so it is not open to every young child.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-seat RIB keeps the outing personal: You are not packed onto a large sightseeing vessel, and the guide has time to speak with the group.
• The boat moves quickly to the islands: Most of the short tour is reserved for watching puffins instead of slowly crossing the harbor.
• The engines go quiet near the birds: This gives you a calmer wildlife encounter and avoids adding needless noise.
• Warm gear is supplied: Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket are included.
• The noon departure fits neatly into a city day: You can use the morning and late afternoon for Reykjavik sights.
• The ride can be bumpy: The exciting speedboat format comes with more movement than a standard harbor cruise.

Why this short Reykjavik trip works so well

This tour makes good use of limited time. The outing lasts about one hour, with a 12:00 p.m. start from the boat area at Ægisgarður 5F in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. That leaves your morning free for a museum, breakfast, or a walk around central Reykjavik, while your afternoon remains open for more sightseeing.

The RIB boat is the key difference. A larger vessel may offer more space, but a fast, compact boat can reach the islands outside the city quickly. Here, the point is not a long cruise. It is to spend as much of the hour as possible near the puffins.

I also like the scale of the boat. With a maximum of 12 people, you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd. The guide can explain the birds, point out city sights, and answer questions without trying to address a packed deck. The guides praised most often by name include Celia, Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe. Their style comes through as friendly, funny, and well informed, with plenty of information about puffins, wildlife, and Reykjavik.

The official timing is approximately one hour. One account puts the full outing from start to finish at about an hour and a half, so I would avoid scheduling something immediately afterward. The boat ride itself is short, but getting ready and returning to the meeting point can add a little time.

Starting at Ægisgarður in the Old Harbour

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavik. The activity ends at the same place, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying elsewhere in the city.

The Old Harbour is a practical starting point for this trip. You are close to several well-known Reykjavik sights, including Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you have time before departure, this part of town is easy to combine with a harbor walk or a look at the city’s waterfront.

At the boat base, you receive the equipment included in the price. That means a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket. The overalls matter more than they may sound. Even on a pleasant day in Reykjavik, a fast boat creates wind, and the sea air can feel colder than the city streets.

The goggles are useful for the ride itself, particularly if spray reaches the front of the boat. You will not need to bring specialist boating equipment. Still, wear comfortable clothes beneath the supplied overall, and use shoes that can handle a marine setting.

Harpa and Reykjavik from the water

The route includes views of Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre and the city of Reykjavik. These are not separate land stops where you get off the boat. Think of them as part of the waterfront setting and the guide’s commentary.

Harpa is easy to recognize from the harbor, with its striking modern exterior facing the water. Seeing it from a RIB gives you a different angle from the usual pavement view. The guide also provides information about the city, so the ride is not only about spotting birds.

This part of the trip gives the outing some balance. You get a quick look at Reykjavik’s urban edge before heading toward open water and the islands. If you have already explored the city on foot, the boat offers a fresh perspective without taking up half a day.

The speed is part of the fun here. This is not a quiet, slow cruise past the harbor. The boat is built to move quickly, and the ride itself adds a burst of excitement before the wildlife viewing begins.

Videy Island and the puffin encounter

The main goal is the islands around Reykjavik, with Videy Island listed as a key point along the route. This is where the city gives way to open sea and bird habitat.

As the boat reaches the puffin area, the crew turns off the engines. That small choice improves the experience. The birds are not being approached with a running motor roaring beside them, and you get a chance to watch in relative quiet. It also creates a nice change of pace: fast crossing first, still wildlife viewing second.

Puffins are the stars, but the guide also discusses other wildlife and the local setting. You will want to keep your eyes moving and listen for directions about where to look. The supplied goggles can help you see through spray and wind, though exact viewing conditions depend on weather and the birds’ behavior.

The boat gets as close as possible to the islands and puffins while keeping the encounter appropriate for the wildlife. That close position is a major reason to choose this trip instead of simply hoping to spot seabirds from the city waterfront.

There is one practical catch. The water near the puffin island can be rocky. The movement was described as part of the fun, but it may be uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to choppy conditions. The RIB format gives you a thrilling ride, not a completely smooth one.

Sun Voyager and the Old Harbour return

The Sun Voyager is another listed point along the route. This well-known Reykjavik sculpture sits by the waterfront, and the boat gives you another angle on the city’s edge.

Again, do not expect a long stop or a land visit. The value is in seeing the sculpture and waterfront as part of a moving route. Your guide can connect the city views with the wildlife portion, which makes the hour feel more varied than a simple out-and-back bird trip.

The boat then returns toward the Old Harbour. Since the activity ends at the original meeting point, you can continue with your Reykjavik plans once you are back. The location is convenient for nearby attractions, though you should allow extra time if you have a tight lunch reservation or another booked activity.

The lunchtime departure is one of the strongest practical features. You do not have to sacrifice an entire morning or afternoon. At the same time, the trip may run longer than the stated one-hour estimate once preparation and return time are counted, so leave a reasonable buffer.

What the small group adds

A maximum of 12 people is a real advantage on a wildlife outing. You are more likely to hear the guide clearly, ask about the birds, and shift your attention when something interesting appears.

The small group also supports a more personal tone. Celia was praised for her information about birds, wildlife, and the city. Patrickgin was described as funny and full of puffin facts, while Rebecca was singled out for being friendly, helpful, and attentive to safety. Joe was also praised for combining humor with good information.

Those details matter because a short trip needs a strong guide. There is not much time for a long lecture, so clear explanations and quick answers make a difference. The best guides on this type of outing help you understand what you are seeing without turning the trip into a classroom.

Safety is handled directly. You receive a lifejacket and protective clothing, and the guide keeps the group together. The small boat does not mean casual safety standards. It simply gives the outing a more intimate feel.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for the RIB boat, the small group, the guide, safety equipment, and the chance to approach the puffin islands rather than view them from a distant city point.

I think the price is reasonable if puffins are high on your Iceland list. The short duration helps with value, too. You do not need to commit most of a day, arrange separate transport, or buy warm marine clothing for this one activity.

The value is weaker if you want a long cruise, a relaxed ride, or a broad whale-watching trip. This outing has a narrow focus: get to the puffins quickly, spend time near the islands, and return to Reykjavik.

The included gear also saves you from guessing how to dress for a fast boat. You should still wear suitable clothes underneath, but the overall, gloves, goggles, and lifejacket remove several extra costs and packing concerns.

Who should book this RIB tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a fast, focused wildlife outing and have only a short window in Reykjavik. It suits adults and older children who meet the 140-centimeter height requirement and are comfortable with a lively boat ride.

It is especially useful for people with a busy city schedule. The noon departure leaves room for other plans, and the return to the Old Harbour keeps the logistics simple.

You may prefer a different activity if you dislike speed, spray, or choppy water. The boat can be rocky near the islands, and the experience is not designed as a gentle sightseeing cruise.

Wildlife sightings can never be treated like a museum exhibit. The trip is built around reaching a natural habitat and viewing puffins there, but the exact number and closeness of birds can vary. The available accounts describe seeing many puffins and getting close to them, which is encouraging, but nature still sets the schedule.

Weather, cancellation, and practical details

This activity requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, so keep that deadline in mind when arranging your Reykjavik schedule.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but children must be at least 140 centimeters tall for the RIB boat.

Because the trip starts and ends at the Old Harbour, you arrange your own way there. The meeting point is near public transportation, and no hotel transfer is included.

My verdict: book it for close puffins and a lively hour

I recommend the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express if you want a compact, personal trip that gets you close to puffins without consuming your day. The small boat, supplied warm gear, quiet engine-off viewing, and strong guide feedback give it real value.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a one-hour wildlife ride, not a full-day expedition, and the sea may be rocky. If you can handle the motion and the weather cooperates, it offers one of the most efficient ways to combine Reykjavik views with puffins in their natural setting.

FAQ

Where does the puffin boat tour start?

It starts at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, in the Old Harbour area.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 12:00 p.m.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour. Allow extra time around the activity, since one account described the full outing from start to finish as about an hour and a half.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Ægisgarður 5F.

How many people can join the boat?

The RIB boat has 12 seats, and the activity has a maximum of 12 people.

What clothing and safety equipment are included?

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Can children join the RIB tour?

Yes, but a child must be at least 140 centimeters tall to participate in the RIB tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.