Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Puffins are the stars here, and this short cruise gives you a real chance to see them in the wild rather than behind glass or on a distant poster. The boat heads from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Lundey and Akurey, where puffins gather on grassy slopes and rocky edges.

I like the 100% puffin-sighting guarantee, and I like the small wooden boat, which holds 33 people and feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. The main drawback is distance: you may see plenty of birds, but they are still wild animals on protected islands, not tame photo props. Wind, waves, and engine noise can also make the guide harder to hear.

Key points at a glance

• One hour from the Old Harbour: A compact outing that fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day.
• Two nearby bird islands: Cruise to Lundey and Akurey, with the engine switched off near the colonies.
• Wild puffins guaranteed: You are promised puffin sightings, though not a guaranteed close-up photograph.
• Small wooden boat: Skúlaskeið, or Old Skuli, carries up to 33 passengers.
• Binoculars included: Shared binoculars help you study birds on the islands and in the air.
• Best for families and bird lovers: Children can take part, but anyone prone to seasickness should prepare for a bumpy ride.

Setting out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a handy starting point if you are already exploring the waterfront. There are no hotel transfers, food, or drinks included, so arrive ready for a simple one-hour boat outing rather than a full-day excursion.

The departure point also gives the trip a pleasant sense of place. You begin among Reykjavik’s working harbor buildings, then leave the city behind as the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. The ride is short enough to fit before lunch, after a museum visit, or alongside another central Reykjavik activity.

The tour uses an English-speaking guide. Names vary by departure, but guides including Patrick, Joe, Rebecca, Rebekka, Vera, and Celina have led trips. The strongest part of the commentary is its mix of bird facts and humor. Patrick, sometimes introduced as Patrick the Puffin Man, has been praised for his energy, while Joe is known for including families and answering questions.

One practical concern is the sound system. Wind and boat noise can make announcements difficult to catch, especially when the vessel is moving. If the guide is speaking from another part of the boat, move closer when you can. The commentary adds real value, so it is worth making the effort to hear it.

Riding Old Skuli into Faxaflói Bay

The boat is Skúlaskeið, affectionately called Old Skuli. It is a traditional wooden vessel with room for 33 passengers, large enough to feel steady and comfortable but small enough to keep the outing from feeling like a crowd transfer.

That size is one of the better choices here. A smaller boat can approach the islands without the bulk of a major sightseeing ship, and you can usually find a useful viewing position. Some departures allow people to sit on the roof, which offers a clear view when conditions are suitable. Ask the crew before moving around, and hold on carefully if the water is rough.

The sea can be calm, but it can also be choppy. Several departures have been described as wavy, and one-hour trips do not leave much time for a long recovery if you feel seasick. If motion sickness affects you, take your usual medication before departure and avoid treating this as a completely smooth harbor cruise.

The captain also matters. Captains such as Anders and Patrick have been singled out for careful handling and for helping people on and off the boat. The crew can assist with mobility concerns, but you should tell the local partner in advance if you have a medical or mobility issue.

Lundey and Akurey, the puffin islands

The route continues to Lundey and Akurey, two small islands in the bay with low hills and sloping ground. Their main appeal is not a walk ashore. You stay on the boat and watch the birds from the water, which protects the colonies and keeps the visit brief and low-impact.

When the boat reaches the islands, the engine is turned off. That quiet pause is important. Instead of hearing only the motor, you can focus on birds moving between the rocks, grass, and sea. Puffins may be standing on the island, flying overhead, swimming, or returning from the water.

The boat gets close enough for useful viewing, but do not expect a zoo-style encounter. Some people have felt the boat could move closer, while others have found the distance impressively short. Both reactions make sense because conditions, bird behavior, and the captain’s responsibility to avoid disturbing the colony all affect the view.

You are promised puffin sightings, not a particular number of puffins or a guaranteed close portrait. In good conditions, the colonies can look busy, with birds coming and going around the slopes. On other departures, you may need binoculars to make out details clearly. The guarantee removes the biggest risk of booking a puffin trip, but it cannot turn wild birds into stationary subjects.

More than puffins: the bay’s other birds

Puffins get the billing, but the guide also points out other birds that share the islands and nearby water. You may see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks.

This makes the trip more rewarding for anyone who enjoys birdlife beyond the headline species. The guide may explain how to tell species apart or show photos to help you match a bird in the water with its name. The commentary is especially useful when a puffin is too far away for a good photograph but another bird is passing closer to the boat.

The birds also give you something to watch while the boat is positioning near the islands. You are not simply waiting for one perfect puffin pose. You are looking at a living colony, with birds flying, swimming, feeding, and resting in the same place.

For photography, bring realistic expectations. Puffins are small, quick, and often moving. A phone may capture the general scene, but binoculars will usually give you a better look than a camera zoom. The boat supplies binoculars, which is a strong practical touch, though access may be shared among passengers.

Timing your Reykjavik puffin trip

The season matters. The supplied departures from May through August show that puffin activity can vary with the time of year and the time of day.

A May departure had fewer puffins than expected, with the guide still providing a useful bird lesson and the company offering a complimentary future trip. That is a reminder that the sighting guarantee does not mean every departure produces the same spectacle. Later spring and summer outings produced much fuller sightings.

An especially useful tip is to consider an early morning departure before 11 a.m. or an evening trip around 6:30 p.m. One explanation given on the tour is that puffins are more active on land in cloudy or foggy conditions, while bright sun can send them out to sea. This is not a promise of better viewing, but it can help you choose between available times.

The first week of August can still be a good period for puffins, but the birds eventually leave the islands for the next stage of their yearly cycle. If seeing puffins is a top priority, book during the main summer season and avoid leaving this activity until the final day of a short Iceland visit.

Weather remains the great variable. Rain or drizzle does not automatically ruin the outing, and some wet departures have still been enjoyable. Calm seas make the ride easier, though, and good visibility makes bird watching far more pleasant. Tours can be canceled for unsafe conditions, with a full refund if that happens.

Is one hour long enough?

For most people, yes. The boat ride is short, focused, and easy to add to a day in Reykjavik. You get the harbor departure, the ride across Faxaflói Bay, time near two islands, bird commentary, and the return trip without giving up half a day.

Families often find the length useful. A five-year-old can take part, and the chance to see birds flying overhead keeps the activity moving. Older children and teenagers can also enjoy the boat, especially if they are given binoculars and encouraged to look for several species rather than puffins alone.

The short format has a cost. If you want a slow, serious birding session, one hour may feel rushed. You have limited time to wait for a bird to settle into the perfect position, and the ride back begins just as you are getting familiar with the islands. The company also offers a three-hour option, according to information given during one departure, but this review concerns the one-hour tour.

What the $64 price buys you

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for the boat, captain, guide, access to the bird colonies from the water, and the security of a puffin-sighting guarantee. Binoculars are included, which saves you from bringing specialist equipment.

The value is strongest if puffins are high on your Iceland wish list. A short tour also saves you from arranging transport to a more distant bird site. You can walk to the Old Harbour from much of central Reykjavik, take the boat, and return with most of your day still available.

The value is less clear if you expect close-up wildlife photography or a large number of activities for the price. The puffins remain at a respectful distance, and food and drinks are not provided. Bring suitable layers and plan your own snack before or after the trip.

I consider the price fair for a compact, well-focused wildlife outing, especially for families and first-time visitors who want a simple way to see puffins in their natural setting. It is not a bargain if your main goal is a long boat ride or professional bird photography.

Who will enjoy Old Skuli most?

This tour suits you if you want a low-commitment wildlife experience close to central Reykjavik. It works well for families, casual bird watchers, photographers who are happy with wider shots, and anyone who wants an activity that does not require a full day on the road.

It is also a good choice if you like guides who bring personality to the subject. Patrick, Joe, and other guides have used jokes, stories, photos, and even songs to keep the trip lively. The best guides do not just point toward a bird. They explain what you are seeing and help you notice species you might otherwise miss.

You may want another option if you strongly dislike small boats, cannot tolerate choppy water, or need a completely quiet outing. The guide’s microphone can be hard to hear when the wind rises, and the boat’s movement may be uncomfortable for some people.

For anyone with mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking. Crew members can assist, but the boat still involves getting on and off a small vessel, and sea conditions can affect how easy that is.

Should you book this puffin boat tour?

Book it if you want a convenient hour on the water, a reliable chance to see puffins, and a guide who adds useful facts and humor. The trip gives you authentic wildlife viewing without a long transfer, and the two island stops make the outing feel more substantial than a simple harbor cruise.

Go in with sensible expectations. You will see puffins, but you may need binoculars, and your photos may show birds at a distance. Choose a calmer day if possible, consider an early or late departure, and prepare for wind and waves.

For a first visit to Reykjavik, I would book this tour when puffins are a priority and the forecast looks reasonable. It is short, family-friendly, and focused on one memorable Icelandic species. If you want a longer wildlife session, ask about the three-hour option instead.

FAQ

Where does the puffin boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Special Tours office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long is the boat tour?

The experience lasts one hour.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

Yes. The tour includes a 100% guarantee of puffin sightings. This does not guarantee that the birds will be close enough for a perfect photograph.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The boat travels to Lundey and Akurey in Faxaflói Bay, two islands known for their bird colonies.

Are binoculars included?

Yes. Binoculars are available on board for viewing the puffins and other birds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Tours depend on sea conditions. If the operator cancels because of weather, you receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.