Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Reykjavik’s puffin islands sit only about 15 minutes from the Old Harbor, but the short ride feels like a proper little sea adventure. At Lundey and Akurey, the captain turns off the engine, giving you a quiet look at puffins, gulls, fulmars, Arctic terns, and black guillemots in their natural setting.

I like the one-hour format, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day, and I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which makes it easier to hear the guide and get a clear view. The main catch is that puffins are small and quick, so photography can be frustrating even when the birds are close.

Key points to know before you book

• Two puffin islands are only 15 minutes from the harbor: Lundey and Akurey make this a quick wildlife trip rather than a long boat outing.
• The RIB gets close to rocky shores: Its shallow draft allows a near view of the islands without landing.
• The engine is switched off for viewing: This gives you a quieter chance to watch the birds and hear the guide.
• The tour lasts just one hour: It works well before or after other Reykjavik plans.
• Your main gear is provided: You get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, but not waterproof shoes.
• Puffins are hard to photograph: Bring a camera if you like, but pay more attention to watching than recording.

A fast ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

The trip begins at a small wooden hut in the row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you must get fitted with the safety gear before boarding the RIB speedboat.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. A RIB is compact, open, and built for speed, so you get a more active ride than you would on a large sightseeing vessel. The boat’s shallow draft also helps it approach the rocky shores of Lundey and Akurey.

I would not choose this trip expecting a slow, quiet cruise from start to finish. The ride is designed to be lively, and the boat can make the short crossing feel like an adventure. The payoff is that you reach the bird islands quickly, leaving more of your day free for Reykjavik.

The tour has a maximum of 12 participants. That is a useful size for a wildlife outing because you are not sharing the boat with a large crowd. You should have a better chance of hearing the English-speaking guide and finding a clear angle toward the islands.

Lundey and Akurey, Reykjavik’s nearby bird islands

Lundey and Akurey are small islands in Reykjavik Bay, covered with low hills and slopes. Their shores are rocky, and they are known for their birdlife rather than for beaches, buildings, or walking trails.

You do not land on either island. Instead, the RIB approaches as closely as practical, then the crew turns off the engine. This is the important part of the outing. Once the motor falls silent, you can watch the birds along the slopes and shoreline while taking in views back toward Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains.

Puffins are the main reason to book. The islands are home to large numbers of them, and the trip gives you a chance to see these birds in their natural habitat instead of in a zoo or indoor exhibit. Their colorful bills and upright posture are easy to recognize, but their small size and fast movements make them tougher to photograph than you might expect.

I recommend looking first and taking pictures second. A phone may capture a distant bird, but it may not produce the sharp close-up you have in mind. The most rewarding part is often watching the puffins move around the island and listening as the guide explains what you are seeing.

More than puffins on the water

The islands also support several other bird species. You might see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots during the trip. The exact mix and number of birds can vary, so it is best to treat the puffins as the focus and the other species as an added benefit.

The guide explains the puffins and points out other birds of interest. One guide, Catalina’s guide on a June trip, even demonstrated the sounds puffins make. That sort of detail is useful because you may hear or notice behavior that you would otherwise miss.

The tour is educational without turning into a formal lecture. You get information while the boat is moving and while the engine is off near the islands. The Special Tours Iceland app adds text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. The live tour itself is in English, but the app gives you another way to follow along in five languages.

The app is available for Android and Apple devices. It is intended to work like an audio wildlife guide, so you can use it to add background information during the outing. If you prefer direct explanations from the guide, you still have that option.

What the one-hour itinerary really gives you

The schedule is simple. You arrive at the harbor, get suited up, board the RIB, ride across the bay, spend time near the islands with the engine off, and return to Reykjavik.

That short schedule is the tour’s strongest practical feature. If you have only a day or two in Iceland’s capital, you can fit puffin watching between other activities. It can also work well on a day when you do not want to commit to a longer boat excursion.

The tradeoff is limited time. A one-hour tour cannot offer a long stop, multiple distant locations, or a relaxed full-day wildlife experience. You get a focused look at two nearby islands. That is enough for a memorable introduction to Reykjavik’s seabirds, but not a full marine safari.

The schedule also depends on the weather. The captains decide whether to sail based on conditions, safety, and passenger comfort. That is especially important on a fast, open boat. If conditions are poor, the departure may not go ahead, so keep that in mind when arranging other time-sensitive plans.

Waterproof clothing and the missing shoe detail

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. This is good protection for a fast ride across Reykjavik Bay, where spray and cool weather can make the outing feel colder than it looks from the harbor.

Waterproof shoes are not included. You should plan accordingly and wear suitable footwear. The provided suit covers your body, but it does not solve the problem of wet feet.

The clothing is practical rather than stylish, and that is exactly what you want on this boat. You can concentrate on the birds instead of worrying about every splash. The goggles are also useful during the speedboat portion, particularly if the ride is brisk.

The tour is not suitable for people under 140 centimeters, or 4 feet 6 inches. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. These limits make sense for a small, fast boat, but check them carefully before booking.

Is $84 a fair price for one hour?

At $84 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik. You are paying for a guided wildlife outing, a small group, safety gear, and a fast RIB ride from the city center. Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on.

I think the price makes the most sense if you value convenience and a lively boat ride. The islands are close to Reykjavik, the tour does not consume half a day, and the group is limited to 12 people. You also avoid spending extra time getting to a distant departure point.

The value is less clear if your only goal is to get a perfect puffin photograph. Puffins are difficult to capture, and the trip lasts only one hour. You are paying for the full experience: the ride, the setting, the guide, and the chance to watch the birds in the bay.

Special Tours has been running puffin-watching trips for more than 20 years and has offered these outings for over a decade. That long operating history is useful here because wildlife trips depend on experienced captains and guides who know the local waters and bird islands.

Who will enjoy the RIB speedboat most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a quick wildlife activity with some excitement. Families with older children may enjoy the speedboat format, provided everyone meets the height requirement and is comfortable with the ride.

It also suits people with tight schedules. You can see a different side of Reykjavik without giving up most of your day. The short duration leaves room for museums, food, city walks, or another excursion.

Bird lovers will get the most from the guide’s explanations and the range of species around the islands. You do not need to be an expert, though. The tour gives you enough context to make the birds easier to identify and understand.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, are below the minimum height, or dislike fast boat rides. I would also choose another activity if you need guaranteed close-up photographs. Wildlife never follows a script, and these birds are fast.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive at the wooden REYKJAVIK BY BOAT hut 30 minutes early. You need that time for preparation, and arriving late could make the start stressful.

Wear appropriate waterproof shoes because they are not supplied. The company provides the suit, goggles, and life vest, so you do not need to bring those items.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking at a screen. Puffins can move quickly, and you may miss the best behavior while trying to frame a shot.

Listen closely when the engine is off. That is when the guide can explain the birds and the surroundings without the motor competing for your attention.

Leave room in your schedule for weather changes. The captain decides whether the boat sails, with safety and comfort first. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility when planning an Iceland trip.

Should you book this puffin tour?

Book it if you want a short, energetic wildlife trip that starts right in Reykjavik. The two nearby islands, small group, supplied protective gear, and one-hour schedule make it easy to fit into a city break.

The strongest reasons to go are the quick access to Lundey and Akurey, the quiet viewing time after the engine is turned off, and the guide’s bird information. The main limits are the price, weather dependence, and difficulty of photographing fast-moving puffins.

For the best experience, treat the camera as a bonus and the boat ride and bird watching as the real purpose. If that sounds right for you, the RIB Puffin Express is a practical way to add Icelandic seabirds to a Reykjavik itinerary without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour leave 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?

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

How long does the tour last?

The full tour lasts one hour.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

Which birds might I see?

The main target is the puffin. You might also see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available to purchase as an add-on.