Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Puffins from a Reykjavik boat is pure Iceland joy. This 1-hour Puffin Express trip takes you out from the Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay, then to the small bird islands of Lundey and Akurey—where puffins pop up close enough to feel like you’re watching them, not just looking at them.

I especially like the feel of the old wooden boat, Skúlaskeið, nicknamed Old Skuli: it’s spacious (about 33 passengers) but not giant, so the whole thing stays personal. I also like that the tour is built for spotting—there are binoculars on board and the pace is just long enough to get real sightings without turning into a long slog. One drawback to plan for: the ride can get a bit bumpy, and on windy days the guide can be harder to hear.

Quick hits (what makes this tour worth your time)

• 100% puffin sighting guarantee so you’re not gambling your short Reykjavik schedule
• Lundey and Akurey islands in Faxaflói Bay for close bird-watching opportunities
• Engine-off viewing when you reach the islands, which helps you focus on what’s happening
• Old Skuli wooden boat with a small-ish group size (around 33) for a more comfortable feel
• Binoculars on board to make quick, distant sightings easier to follow

Puffins and the Faxaflói Bay route that actually works

If you only have one hour for wildlife, this is the kind of setup that makes sense. Reykjavik’s Old Harbour is close to the islands in Faxaflói Bay, which means you spend less time commuting and more time scanning the waterline and rocky slopes where seabirds hang out.

The tour focuses on two nearby islands—Lundey and Akurey—both known for colorful birdlife. That matters because puffins aren’t always spread out like dots on a map. They tend to show up with patterns: flying overhead, walking around near burrows, or hovering and diving at the right moment. Visiting two islands in one outing increases your odds of matching the day’s bird activity.

Also, you’re not stuck watching from far away. The boat approach plus the island viewing time is designed for real observation, not a drive-by. You’re there to look, listen, and track movement—especially the wingbeats and the quick, darting flight that puffins do when they shift position.

Old Skuli in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: what the ride feels like

The meeting point is straightforward: the Special Tours office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. From there, you step aboard the Puffin Express, on an old wooden boat called Skúlaskeið, fondly nicknamed Old Skuli.

That boat choice matters. A smaller wooden vessel feels steadier in the hand and gives you a closer, more “watching from the same place as the guide” vibe. It’s also built for this kind of wildlife outing. Around 33 passengers is big enough to run efficiently, but small enough that people don’t disappear into the crowd.

One practical detail you’ll notice right away: binoculars are provided on board. That saves you the hassle of bringing your own gear and keeps the whole group aligned on what you’re trying to spot. And if you’re the type who likes a better angle, you might love roof seating—more than one person has mentioned watching puffins from higher up.

The 1-hour itinerary: where you go and what to look for

This tour is short, which is both a feature and a constraint. Here’s how that hour tends to play out in a useful way.

Leaving Old Harbour for Faxaflói Bay

You depart from Old Harbour and cruise out through Faxaflói Bay. During this part, your job is simple: get oriented and start scanning. Puffins can be visible even before you reach the islands—flying overhead and moving along the water. It’s also when the guide’s talk helps you learn how to read the scene quickly.

Cruising toward Lundey and Akurey

As you head out, you’re not just traveling—you’re pre-positioning. Lundey and Akurey are covered in small hills and slopes, and those uneven surfaces are prime bird territory. The big lesson here: when birds are on land, they can blend into the rocks and grass. When you’re on the water, movement becomes your clue.

If the wind is strong, plan for it. Sound can get swallowed by waves and wind, so keep an eye on the guide’s visual cues and use the binoculars often, not just when you hear something.

Island viewing with the engine turned off

Once you arrive at the islands, the boat’s engine is turned off so you can observe more quietly. That’s a small detail with a real payoff. Less engine noise makes it easier to focus on wingbeats, bird calls, and the quick changes in who’s where.

This is when you look for puffins and also for other species that share the bay ecosystem. Depending on the day, you might see:

• Northern fulmars
• Gulls
• Arctic terns
• Black guillemots

That list is more than a bonus. Seeing multiple seabirds tells you you’re watching the wider food and movement patterns of the area, not just one showy bird.

Why an hour is the right length

Some Iceland trips are long because they’re distant. This one is short because the key wildlife zones are close. The 1-hour format is a smart match for Reykjavik—especially if you’re trying to fit in other sights the same day.

The trade-off is obvious: you’ll want good weather and good timing. If birds are quiet for a moment, you don’t have hours to wait it out. Still, the tour is structured to maximize active viewing time around the islands.

Spotting puffins: the real tricks (and the honest limits)

This tour advertises 100% guaranteed puffin sightings, and in practice that promise is exactly what you want when puffin time is your priority.

But here’s the honest watching reality: you can do everything right and still have puffins at different distances depending on the day. One person noted that puffins might be seen from a distance, and you can’t force the birds to come closer. Another common theme is that calm enough seas make it much easier to scan steadily.

Use binoculars early, not late

You’ll get binoculars on board, so use them from the first moment you feel turned in the right direction. Puffins move fast. If you wait until you’re already certain, you’ll miss the first wave of sightings.

Watch movement, not just shape

Puffins can look like a “tiny moving dot” until you track the motion: sudden wing flicks, quick dips, then straightening out. When they’re flying overhead, it’s the rhythm and the quick changes in heading that give them away.

Roof seating helps when you want an angle

If you can grab a higher spot, it can be a big help for scanning across the island and spotting birds cutting across open water. That angle also makes it easier to keep track when other people are watching too.

Timing tips that can boost what’s on land

One useful tip from real-world timing: puffins may be more active on land when it’s foggy or cloudy. On brighter days, they may prefer being out at sea. If you want the island activity side of the show, you can plan for earlier in the day (before around 11am) or later in the evening (around 6:30pm-ish). That doesn’t cancel out the guarantee, but it can change what you see most clearly.

Other seabirds you can actually identify on the water

This isn’t just a one-bird mission. When the guide points out different species, you start seeing the bay as a living system.

For example:

• Arctic terns tend to look like quick, straight-line flyers.
• Gulls are often easier to spot because of their broader wing shapes.
• Northern fulmars can be spotted as part of the wider offshore motion.
• Black guillemots often show up along rockier areas and can look darker and more compact.

The best value in spotting multiple birds is that you stop feeling disappointed if one moment doesn’t deliver maximum puffin close-ups. You’re still collecting wildlife details—and the bay stays interesting even when puffins aren’t in your exact sightline.

Comfort, sound, and seasickness: the practical reality check

I like this tour because it’s short, but I’ll be straight with you about how it can feel.

The ride can be bumpy

Waves can make the trip feel rougher than you expect, especially if the sea is active. If you get motion sickness, take prevention beforehand. One rider specifically recommended taking meds before you go.

Wind can make it harder to hear the guide

Some people found it tough to hear the guide when the wind picks up and the boat engine is working during the cruise. Two fixes on your side help:

• Position where you can see the guide most easily
• Watch for gestures and use binoculars so you’re not relying only on spoken descriptions

Sound system could be better

A few comments suggest the onboard sound could be clearer. That doesn’t ruin the tour, but it’s worth knowing if you’re the type who likes to catch every sentence.

Accessibility gets attention if you communicate ahead

If you have mobility issues or medical needs, you should tell the local partner. Assistance is offered. If that matters to you, I’d handle it early rather than assuming it will work out on the day.

Price and value: is $64 for an hour a good deal?

At about $64 per person for a 1-hour wildlife boat trip, the price sounds like it could go either way. Here’s how I’d judge value based on what you actually get.

You’re paying for:

• A short, efficient ride from Reykjavik to bird-rich islands (less travel time)
• A tour guide in English
• Binoculars provided on board
• A 100% puffin sighting guarantee
• Real wildlife viewing in a natural setting (Lundey and Akurey are where the action is)

For a Reykjavik summer schedule, one hour is often what you can spare before dinner plans or other day tours. If you’re trying to make puffins happen without driving across the country, this is one of the more direct ways to do it.

That said, the value depends on your expectations. If you want puffins guaranteed at extreme close range no matter the weather, no boat tour can promise that. But if your goal is puffins in the wild during your Reykjavik window, this checks the most important box.

Who should book this puffin boat tour?

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a high-probability wildlife experience in a limited time window
• You’re traveling with kids or anyone who needs short, focused activities
• You like guided wildlife spotting and want help identifying what you’re seeing
• You’d rather spend money on a close-up boat experience than on a longer day that might end far from the action

It’s also a good match for bird lovers who enjoy learning “how to look” during short outings. The guide style often blends facts with humor, and seeing puffins flying, walking, and diving is the kind of show that works even when you’re not a hardcore birdwatcher.

If you hate boats or get very motion sick, reconsider. The bumpy-water possibility is real, and the tour is still a boat ride first, bird show second.

Guides and vibe: the human part that makes it memorable

A huge part of the tour experience is the guide’s energy. Names like Patrick (often called The Puffin Man), Joe, Vera, and Rebekka have shown up as examples of guides who bring jokes, stories, and quick explanations that help you spot birds better.

You’ll also feel the captain’s role. Several comments highlight smooth piloting and careful handling, especially when people board or move around. That matters because safety and stability make scanning much easier.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys an Iceland-flavored touch, you might even catch a musical moment—some guides have been known to sing, including Icelandic lullaby-style songs or sea-chanty moments.

Should you book? My practical decision guide

Book this tour if puffins are a priority and you want to keep it simple: one hour, a close-by departure from Old Harbour, binoculars included, and a 100% puffin sighting guarantee.

You might skip or choose another option if:

• You know you get badly motion sick and can’t or don’t want to medicate
• You’re mainly after long, slow sightseeing time and don’t like short tours
• You’re expecting guaranteed ultra-close views regardless of wind and sea conditions (that part can vary)

For most people visiting Reykjavik in summer, this is an easy “yes” because it trades uncertainty for a structured bird-watching plan. You’ll end up with puffins in the wild, plus enough other seabirds to keep the trip feeling full for just one hour.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik puffin watching boat tour?

It lasts 1 hour.

Where do I meet for the Puffin Express tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office on Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Does the tour guarantee that I will see puffins?

Yes. It includes a 100% guaranteed puffin sighting.

What islands do you visit on this tour?

The boat goes to Lundey and Akurey.

What kinds of birds might I see besides puffins?

You may also see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

Are binoculars included?

Yes. Binoculars are provided on board.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What happens if weather conditions are rough?

The tour depends on sea conditions and may be canceled due to weather. If canceled for weather, you receive a full refund.