Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Puffins don’t do anything halfway.

This 1-hour RIB speed-boat tour gets you out toward Reykjavík’s puffin islands quickly, with the kind of boat that lets you approach colonies more closely than big ferries. Two things I really like: the full-body waterproof suit and goggles keep you warm and dry, and the ride stays close enough to be genuinely photo-friendly without feeling like you’re watching birds from miles away.

One thing to consider: the tour is short, so you’ll need to be ready for fast changing conditions, and the boat seats can feel hard on the back if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing.

Key highlights at a glance

• RIB speed-boat proximity to puffin colonies, not a distant viewing cruise
• Full waterproof suit + goggles so you stay warm and dry on the water
• Bay of Reykjavík coastline views, including Harpa from the sea
• Puffin stats that put Reykjavík in perspective: about 60% of the world’s puffins
• Live English guide commentary focused on what you’re seeing out there
• Quick, efficient 1-hour format that fits easily into a day in the city

Why this RIB puffin tour feels closer than big-boat trips

In Reykjavík, puffins are a bucket-list idea, but the best part is how you see them. This tour isn’t about sitting on a large vessel and hoping the birds drift toward your side of the boat. It’s about using a custom-built RIB speed boat with suspension seats, so you can get nearer to puffin-populated islands in the Bay of Reykjavík area.

I like this style because it changes the feeling of the outing. When you’re close, puffins look bigger, their movements feel more real, and the photo odds go up. The speed-boat format also keeps the whole trip moving, which matters when you’ve only got one hour.

The other big reason this works is the combination of location and timing. You’re leaving from the Reykjavík coast area, then traveling toward islands with heavy puffin presence. The result is a focused nature experience that doesn’t require a full day away from the city.

Gear check: staying warm, dry, and photo-ready

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, plus goggles and a life vest. That matters more than it sounds in Iceland, where “breezy” can turn into “cold and wet” fast. With the suit, you’re not just thinking about staying comfortable. You’re actually able to stay outside on the water and watch without constantly rushing to warm up.

You’ll also want to bring comfortable shoes and wear warm clothing under the suit. The tour notes that waterproof shoes are not included, so if you expect wet decks and splash, plan accordingly. Even if the suit takes care of you, you still want shoes that won’t turn miserable.

Not allowed items are also practical: no luggage or large bags. Keep your belongings simple. If you’re carrying a camera, you can bring it, but don’t expect to stash a lot of gear in the boat.

The 1-hour flow: meeting at Reykjavík by Boat to the puffin islands

This is a tight schedule, so it helps to know what the time is actually for.

Before departure: You’ll meet at a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so the team can get you geared up and organized.

On the water: Once you’re suited up, you head out toward the Bay of Reykjavík on the RIB speed boat. The ride is designed for speed and control, with suspension seats to reduce the worst of the bounce.

Cruising past Reykjavík: Along the way, you’ll travel along the coastline and get sea views, including Harpa Concert Hall from the water. It’s a nice contrast: city architecture right next to wild-looking shoreline.

Approaching puffin areas: Then the tour shifts focus. You travel toward islands with big puffin colonies, described as home to about 40,000 puffins. You’ll spend your viewing time in the zone where getting close matters most for both spotting and photography.

Return: After your hour out, the boat goes back to the starting point.

Because it’s all packed into one hour, you’ll want to stay mentally flexible. If wind or sea conditions change, the captain and guide may adjust how you position. With a fast boat and a short window, being ready is part of the deal.

What you’ll see: puffin colonies near Reykjavík, explained in plain terms

Here’s the context I found most useful: Iceland is home to about 60% of the world’s puffins. That’s the kind of statistic that makes you pay attention when you’re out there, because it’s not a tiny local oddity. It’s a major stronghold for these birds.

On the water, the guide helps connect what you’re seeing to why it matters. In at least one experience, the guide explained how puffin hunting is harmful and how people can help put a stop to it. Even if you already know puffins are protected in many places, having a live explanation turns the viewing into something more meaningful than a photo stop.

What you’re likely to notice:

• Puffins are easier to spot when you’re positioned closer to the colonies
• Their behavior is active, not just a still-photo situation
• The approach angle from a smaller boat makes birds feel less distant

The islands themselves are described as some of the most populated puffin islands Iceland has near Reykjavík’s region. That’s why this route works: you’re not just going “somewhere with birds.” You’re heading toward areas built around strong colony presence.

Photo tips for a speed boat puffin hunt

You’ll get some of the best puffin moments when your timing matches the boat’s movement. A RIB is faster and closer than bigger vessels, but it also means the view isn’t perfectly steady.

Here’s how to make it easier on yourself:

• Keep your camera plan simple. If you’re filming, use short bursts rather than long takes.
• Expect the horizon to shift a lot. It helps to pre-aim where you think birds will be rather than trying to hunt from scratch each second.
• Dress for movement. If your sleeves ride up or you’re tugging at layers, you’ll lose focus on spotting.

Also, don’t underestimate how helpful the included goggles are. They cut down on wind glare and spray, and they let you keep your eyes on the action instead of blinking through the cold.

If you’re the type who gets frustrated when conditions change, try to remember: this is nature. Your best photos come when you accept that you’ll shoot, adjust, shoot again.

The guide and onboard commentary: what makes it worth the money

You’ll have a live tour guide in English, and the tone is practical: what you’re seeing, where you are, and why these puffin colonies matter. One review specifically noted that the commentary was good, and another described visits to multiple spots during the boat outing.

Even without a long lecture, live guidance makes the difference between spotting birds randomly and knowing what you’re looking at. And in a place where the weather can change fast, someone on board is also your real-time translator of the situation.

If you care about conservation context, pay attention when the guide talks about puffin hunting and how stopping it helps. That’s not just moralizing. It connects the birds you see to the human choices that affect them.

Price and value: is $81 worth it for one hour?

$81 per person for a 1-hour tour sounds simple, but value in Iceland comes from what’s included and how close you get.

In this price, you get:

• Guided tour
• Full-body waterproof suit
• Goggles
• Life vest
• The RIB speed boat ride to puffin-populated islands

What you don’t get:

• Pickup/drop-off (available as an add-on)
• Food and drinks
• Waterproof shoes

So the “value math” is mostly about gear and proximity. If you’re planning to visit Reykjavík anyway, you’re not paying for hours of transport across the country. You’re paying for a tight, high-impact nature window with the right equipment so you can actually enjoy it in wet, cool conditions.

For me, this is the best kind of spending in a short vacation: you’re paying for access. The speed boat helps you see the colonies up close, and the suit helps you enjoy the experience without freezing through it.

If you’re already comfortable in cold wind and you own good gear, you might feel the price less dramatic. But most visitors will appreciate not having to source or manage bulky waterproof clothing on their own.

Who this puffin speed-boat tour suits best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a short nature outing that starts in Reykjavík
• Prefer close viewing and better photo odds over distant sightseeing
• Like guided explanations in English
• Enjoy being active outdoors, even in cool wind

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need a calmer, slower ride (this is a speed-boat style outing)
• Have limited mobility, since the tour involves being suited up and moving around to board

The tour also lists restrictions. It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm)

If any of those apply, it’s worth looking for a different format with less physical strain and a more stable setup.

Logistics that can trip you up (and how to fix them fast)

Two practical issues show up in the kind of trip this is.

1) The meeting point can cause confusion.

The route is marked as REYKJAVIK BY BOAT at a wooden hut in a row of wooden huts. One experience reported that the building label location was confusing at first, because the first hut they checked was locked. Your fix is simple: arrive early, look for the hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and if you’re unsure, ask nearby staff quickly rather than trying to wait it out.

2) Boat seat comfort varies.

One review mentioned that the seats were hard on the back. The good news is the boat has suspension seats to help the ride, but comfort is still individual. If you’re sensitive, dress for warmth and consider bringing a small personal comfort item if allowed by your own judgment about space. At minimum, wear layered clothing that won’t leave you feeling like you’re sitting on a hard surface for a full hour.

The rest is straightforward: no large bags, arrive early, and wear what the suit can’t fix alone.

Should you book this Reykjavík RIB puffin watching tour?

Book it if you want close-up puffins without giving up your whole day. The big reason to choose this specific format is simple: a RIB speed-boat gets you nearer to colonies, and that makes the experience more real than distant viewing. Add in the included waterproof suit and goggles, and you can focus on the birds instead of fighting the weather.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable with a fast, active ride, or if the tour restrictions apply to you (pregnancy, back problems, or height under 140 cm). Also consider avoiding it if you know you’ll be miserable in cold wind and you don’t have warm layers ready.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík RIB speed-boat puffin watching tour?

The tour runs for 1 hour.

What is included in the price?

You get a guided tour, a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest.

Are pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on, but they are not included in the base price.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at a small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT in a row of wooden huts.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Waterproof shoes are not included.

Is there food or drinks during the tour?

Food and drinks are not included.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes, the tour has a live guide in English.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).