Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Puffins and speed make a fine Iceland pairing. This one-hour RIB trip from Reykjavik gives you close views of puffins in their nesting habitat, along with a lively ride across Faxaflói Bay. I like the small boat because it can reach the islands and cliffs more closely than a standard sightseeing vessel, and I like the short format, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day. The main drawback is the rough ride: the RIB can slam across the waves, and that may not suit anyone with back trouble or a low tolerance for motion.

The tour costs $101 per person, which is not cheap for an hour on the water. Still, the price includes a captain, wildlife guide, warm coveralls, safety gear, and binoculars. The 4.8 rating from 277 reviews, with 88 percent of riders awarding a perfect score, reflects a very strong record.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffin season runs from May through August, with the best bird numbers generally found during the nesting months.
• The RIB gets near the rocky islands, giving you views of birds on cliffs, in the water, and in flight.
• The ride is part wildlife trip, part speedboat outing, so expect wind, spray, and repeated bumps across the bay.
• Warm coveralls are provided, and their pockets are useful for keeping your phone secure between photographs.
• The guide may take close-up photographs and send them afterward, but this service is not guaranteed on every departure.
• You must be at least 145 centimeters tall and age 10 or older, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.

From Reykjavik Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay

You make your own way to the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour. The meeting point is easy to find in the port area, but leave enough time to check in, get fitted with your coveralls, and listen to the safety briefing.

The crew supplies flotation suits, life jackets, and other required safety equipment. The coveralls serve two jobs: they help protect you from cold wind and spray, and they provide pockets for small items. Keep your phone, glasses, and other essentials zipped or secured before the boat leaves.

The RIB has open seating, so you should expect an exposed ride rather than the sheltered cabin found on a larger boat. That is part of the appeal. You feel the movement of the sea, hear the engine, and get wide views in every direction. It is also why warm clothing and closed-toe shoes matter, even on a bright day.

The guide and captain work together throughout the trip. The captain handles the approach to the islands and the speed across the bay, while the guide explains puffin behavior, food, nesting habits, and the other seabirds in the area.

The RIB ride is a real part of the experience

The boat heads across Faxaflói Bay toward the islands and sea cliffs. The journey out is fast and energetic, with the RIB bouncing over the water rather than gliding quietly across it.

I would not describe this as a gentle cruise. One rider found the repeated impact uncomfortable and advised keeping your feet planted, holding the grab rails, and slightly lifting your weight from the seat as the boat hits the waves. That is useful advice, especially for older riders or anyone sensitive to jolts.

At the same time, many people love the speed. The ride adds excitement without taking over the wildlife viewing. The boat covers more water than a conventional vessel, then slows near the bird colonies so you can watch the cliffs and surface activity.

Keep your camera tucked away during the fast section. You will have time to bring it out near the islands, and the pockets on the provided suit offer a safer place for a phone than your hand.

Watching puffins around the nesting islands

The main goal is to reach the puffin colonies between May and August. Depending on the day, you may see birds sitting on the cliffs, floating on the water, flying around the boat, or carrying small fish back toward their nests.

Puffins are not trained performers, so the boat cannot promise a bird at a fixed distance or a perfect photograph. The captain aims to bring you close without disturbing the colony. Some departures get near enough to see burrows and birds on the rock, while others remain farther offshore because of conditions or the captain’s decision to protect the birds.

That variation matters. A small boat improves your chances of a close view, but it does not guarantee that every puffin will sit still. Some birds fly away when the RIB approaches. A phone camera can also struggle with a moving boat, a moving bird, and a long zoom.

The best approach is to watch first and photograph second. You may see hundreds of puffins gathered around the islands, with groups flying low over the water or bobbing on the surface. The compact boat means you do not need to fight for a view, since the open layout lets people look toward the colony from different seats.

Several riders received photographs taken by the guide with a stronger zoom lens after the trip. That can be a welcome extra, especially if your own pictures are blurred. Make sure the office has your correct email address before leaving the harbor. Since the service is not stated as a guaranteed inclusion, treat it as a possible bonus rather than something to book the tour for.

More than puffins: seabirds and possible wildlife

Puffins are the headline act, but Faxaflói Bay has plenty of other bird life during summer. Keep watch for gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns.

The guide helps you notice the difference between species and explains what they are doing around the islands. You may see birds feeding, resting, flying past the cliffs, or competing for food. The guide’s commentary gives the trip more meaning than a quick boat ride to a photo stop.

Other sightings are possible, but never guaranteed. Past departures have included seals, harbor porpoises, and even humpback whales. Those animals should be treated as lucky additions, not promised features of a one-hour puffin trip.

The short duration works well here. You get a focused wildlife outing without giving up half a day. If the puffins are active, an hour can feel full. If the birds are farther away or the weather limits the approach, the same hour may feel brief.

What the guide and captain add

The human side of this tour receives some of its strongest praise. Guides named in past departures include Anna, Maria, Maggie, Mikel, Megan, Mel, Rachel, and others. Their role is not just to point toward the colony. They explain puffin habits, diet, burrows, flight, and nesting behavior in a friendly way.

A good captain matters just as much. The boat needs to move quickly across open water, then handle the approach to rocks and inlets with care. Several riders specifically appreciated the captain’s skill and the feeling of safety on board.

The best departures seem to balance three things: getting close enough for good viewing, keeping the boat comfortable, and respecting the birds. If the RIB stays farther from shore than you expected, it may be because the crew is responding to conditions or avoiding too much pressure on the colony.

The trip ends back at Reykjavik harbor after about an hour. Since there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, you need to arrange your own way to and from the Old Harbour.

Timing your trip for puffin season

The stated viewing season is May through August. Early-season trips in April and May can still produce excellent sightings, but the number of birds and their behavior may vary.

By late August, some puffins have already left the colonies. One late-season departure saw fewer birds, while an early-August trip produced very large numbers. That makes the middle of the nesting season a sensible choice if puffins are your main reason for booking.

The time of day may also affect how the outing fits your plans. Starting times vary, so check availability before building your schedule. A morning trip can leave the rest of your day free for Reykjavik museums, food, or another excursion.

Weather remains an important factor. The bay can be cold and rough, and the boat is open to the elements. The supplied suits help keep you dry and reduce wind chill, but you still need warm layers and proper shoes.

Is $101 good value for one hour?

At $101, this is a premium short outing. You are paying for the RIB, crew, safety equipment, wildlife guidance, and access to a colony that is difficult to view from land near Reykjavik.

The value is strongest if you want three things at once: a close look at puffins, an exciting boat ride, and a compact schedule. A conventional boat may feel calmer, but the RIB can cover more ground and approach the islands more closely.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet cruise or guaranteed close-up photographs. The ride can be bumpy, the birds may stay farther away, and your own camera may not produce sharp images. In that case, the trip is still a wildlife outing, but it may not match the polished puffin portraits you saw in promotional images.

I consider the price fair for Iceland if puffins are high on your list and you value the small-boat setting. It is less compelling as a casual add-on when your itinerary already includes several expensive boat activities.

Who should book this RIB tour?

I would recommend it to adults, older children who meet the 145-centimeter height requirement, and anyone who enjoys wildlife with a little speed. It suits you especially well if you have only one free hour in Reykjavik and want to stay close to the city.

It is also a good choice for photographers who understand that wildlife photography requires patience. Bring a camera with a secure strap if you have one, but do not rely on a phone alone for perfect shots. The crew’s possible follow-up photographs can help, but you should still enjoy the birds without viewing the trip through a screen.

I would think twice if you have back problems, mobility impairments, are pregnant, or dislike rough water. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people under 145 centimeters, or anyone carrying luggage or a large bag.

You should also book with realistic expectations. You may see hundreds of puffins, but the exact number and distance depend on the season, sea conditions, and the birds themselves. The most respectful wildlife tours sometimes keep a little more distance than you hoped.

Practical tips for a smoother hour on the water

• Wear warm layers beneath the supplied coveralls.
• Choose closed-toe or sports shoes with a secure fit.
• Keep phones and glasses in the suit pockets during the fast ride.
• Hold the grab rail and follow the crew’s instructions when boarding.
• If the water is rough, keep your feet planted and reduce the strain on your back by lifting some weight from the seat as the boat lands on the waves.
• Confirm your email address with the crew if you hope to receive photographs afterward.
• Do not bring luggage or a large bag.
• Check the season before booking, especially if you are considering late August.
• Plan your own route to the Old Harbour because transportation is not included.
• Use the binoculars when a bird is too far away for a phone camera.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin tour?

Yes, if you want a short, lively outing with a strong chance of seeing puffins near Reykjavik. The RIB gives you a more intimate position than a large boat, the crew receives consistently high marks for care and clear explanations, and the trip can produce memorable views of birds flying, feeding, and resting around the islands.

I would choose it in May, June, July, or early August, when the colonies are most likely to be active. I would skip it if you need a smooth ride, have a medical reason to avoid jolts, or would be disappointed by distant birds and imperfect photographs.

For the right person, the best part is not only the puffins. It is the quick change from Reykjavik harbor to open bay, rocky islands, and a busy seabird colony, all within an hour.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour meet?

Meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about one hour. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What animals can I see besides puffins?

You may see gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. Seals, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales have also been seen, but these sightings are not guaranteed.

When can I see puffins on this tour?

Puffins nest around the local islands and cliffs between May and August. Bird numbers can vary during the season, with fewer puffins possible toward the end of August.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The tour provides coveralls, required safety equipment, and binoculars. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe or sports shoes. The boat is open, so protection from cold wind and spray is important.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.

Can I bring luggage?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the boat.