Puffins feel close in a RIB. This 1-hour Reykjavik cruise zips you out across Faxaflói Bay on a rigid inflatable boat for up-close looks at nesting puffins on small islands and sea cliffs. I really like the fact that the RIB gets you nearer than typical boats, and the onboard wildlife guide keeps the experience grounded with clear, practical info about what you are seeing.

The big thing to think about is the ride itself. You are on an exposed, fast-moving open boat, so if you are sensitive to choppy water or have a back issue, plan carefully and wear your warm clothing layers exactly as instructed.

Quick highlights you can actually use

• RIB approach for close angles that make it easier to see behavior, not just silhouettes
• Coveralls, binoculars, and safety gear so you are not scrambling in cold wind
• Wildlife variety beyond puffins including gannets, auks, and Arctic terns
• Sea-cliff viewing during the nesting season (May to August)
• Photo help is part of the value since the guide can take shots and share them afterward
• A short, puffin-packed outing that fits neatly into a Reykjavik morning

Reykjavik RIB Puffin Tour in Plain Terms

If Iceland is on your mind, chances are puffins are too. This tour is one of the more efficient ways to see them without committing to a full day of driving. The location is convenient: you meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour, and then you head out early to the kinds of waters puffins actually use.

The star is the short rigid inflatable boat (RIB) ride. That matters, because puffins are shy when you are too far away. A RIB can maneuver in ways bigger boats cannot, so you often get closer views of birds on the water, near cliffs, and at nesting spots. Even when the birds do not pose perfectly for your camera, you are still getting the main point: watching their real rhythm, flying in and out, moving around the island edges, and going where the food is.

Meeting at Old Harbour, Then Getting Wrapped Up for Real Weather

The experience starts in Reykjavik Old Harbour at the Whale Safari office. You will meet your captain and wildlife guide, then do a short safety briefing before you climb aboard. You get coveralls, plus the safety equipment you need for an open-boat outing.

This is where I think the tour earns its reputation. The gear is not just for show. Puffins tours live or die by conditions, because the ride crosses ice-cold water and the wind can be sharp. Multiple reviews mention the coveralls keeping people warm and dry, which lets you focus on the birds instead of worrying about getting chilled.

One practical note: there is no hotel pickup. That is actually a plus for many visitors, since you can choose your timing and walk to the port at your own pace. The meet point is also easy to reach if you are already staying in or near the Old Harbour area.

The RIB Ride Across Faxaflói Bay: Fast, Focused, and Exposed

After boarding, the boat sets off and you whiz across Faxaflói Bay. This is the part that feels most like an adventure. You are up close to the water, you feel the speed, and the boat bounces over waves on the way toward the rocky islands and sea cliffs.

You should expect open-air conditions. That is not a reason to skip, but it is a reason to dress like it is going to be cold and windy. The tour asks for warm clothing, comfortable layers, and closed-toe shoes. Since you will be seated in a moving boat, closed-toe shoes matter for grip and comfort when things shift.

If you are bringing a phone, plan your method before you step onto the boat. One reviewer mentioned using the Velcro pockets on the coveralls to keep a phone secure while snapping photos. The boat rises and falls, so trying to hold your phone in your hand while watching the action is a recipe for frustration.

Puffin Viewing, Up Close: Islands, Sea Cliffs, and Nesting Season

Once you are near the puffin areas, the tour becomes about behavior and access. The cruise heads around rocky islands and sea cliffs where puffins nest between May and August. That nesting window is important, because it is when you are most likely to see birds returning, flying in with food, and using cliff edges and burrows.

The RIB approach helps you get closer to the habitat. Several reviews mention seeing puffins in large numbers, including hundreds at a time around the nearby colony area. People specifically mention Lundey Island as a place where puffins gather, with birds flying around the boat and roosting or nesting on cliffs.

What you are trying to spot, beyond the cute look:

• Puffins popping into view near the shoreline edges where they feed and move
• Birds that look busy and purposeful, not just perched
• Patterns of movement, like arrivals and departures from nesting areas

And yes, you may see other seabirds too. The tour highlights include gannets, auks, and Arctic terns, and the waters around Reykjavik can also bring fulmars. Those extras matter because when puffins are active, other species often are too, and that makes the whole trip feel like a real wildlife watch instead of a one-bird show.

Your Guide on Board: What You Learn While You Watch

A big part of the value here is the onboard commentary. This is not just a boat ride with silence. You get facts about puffins, how they behave, and what to look for while you are moving around the cliffs and inlets.

Guides are mentioned by name in many reviews, which tells me the guides are a core strength of this operation. People praise guides like Anna and Maria for being funny, engaging, and clearly invested in the work. Others mention Megan and Miquel as the kind of team that helps you understand what you are seeing in real time.

Even if you have never studied puffins before, you will likely leave with a stronger sense of how they use the shoreline, why nesting areas matter, and how their feeding connects to what you see from the boat. That kind of context can turn a quick sighting into a memory you actually understand.

Photography Reality Check, Plus the Photo Bonus

Let’s talk photos, because this is the usual stress point. Puffins are fast. The boat moves. And phones struggle when you need zoom.

That said, the tour is set up to help. Reviews mention that the guide may take photos for guests and share them afterward by email, often with a zoom lens. That means even if your cell phone shots come out shaky, you still might get a set of sharp images.

For your own photos:

• Keep your camera or phone ready but secure (coveralls pockets are a smart idea)
• Shoot in short bursts when you see movement near cliffs or water
• Don’t chase birds at the wrong angle. Look for where they are most active instead

Also, be aware of the boat’s rhythm. One reviewer noted the RIB slamming onto the water surface repeatedly, which made the ride feel intense for them. If you are anxious about that, hold the grab rail and focus on sitting stable rather than trying to stand or lean forward too much.

Other Wildlife You Might Spot, When Conditions Line Up

Puffins are the target, but wildlife watching is always a little probabilistic. Still, this tour can deliver extras.

Some reviews mention seals popping up, and a harbor porpoise appearing during the ride. One person even reported humpback whales surfacing several times. Those moments are not promised, but the fact that they can happen is a good reminder that you are watching an ecosystem, not just a single species.

If whales or seals are not on the menu that day, you will still likely have plenty to keep your eyes busy. The clue is in the numbers: people repeatedly describe seeing hundreds of puffins, with many flying around and swimming near the water.

How Much Time You Actually Get

The tour is listed as 1 hour. In practice, timing can shift a bit because you might wait for the boat and for boarding. One reviewer mentioned their time on the water felt closer to 50 minutes, and that can happen when conditions or schedules create delays.

The good news is that the outing is designed to be short and concentrated. You are not spending half the trip in transit. Still, if you have a tightly packed day in Reykjavik, I recommend building in a buffer. Treat this as a quick morning or early slot, not as the one thing you cannot move.

Price and Value: Is $101 Worth It?

At about $101 per person for a 1-hour guided cruise, this is not a bargain. Iceland tours are rarely cheap, and RIB rides generally cost more because they use specialized boats, trained crews, and safety gear.

What makes the price feel more reasonable is the bundle:

• A professional captain and wildlife guide
• Coveralls and safety equipment
• Binoculars provided
• Wildlife-focused routing around cliffs and islands
• Extra photo support from the guide for some guests

Also, the closeness is real. Multiple reviews stress that the RIB can get you near the nesting habitat compared with larger vessels. That closeness affects your outcome. You are not just seeing birds as tiny dots. You are watching their behavior at practical viewing distance.

So, is it worth it? If you want puffins now, from Reykjavik, with the highest chance of close-up views, I think it is a fair value. If you are mainly hoping for a leisurely boat ride with minimal cold and movement, you might prefer a calmer option.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip)

This excursion is described as not suitable for children under 10, and there is also a height requirement under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm). It is also not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those with mobility impairments.

If you do fit the guidelines, it works well for:

• First-time puffin seekers who want the best chance of close viewing
• People who like active wildlife watching more than slow sightseeing
• Visitors staying in Reykjavik who do not want to travel far

It also works well if you are the kind of traveler who enjoys being bundled up and going outside even when it is cold. The coveralls help a lot, but this is still an open-air boat.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if puffins are on your must-see list and you want the closest practical views from Reykjavik. This tour stands out for its RIB format, which gives better angles at nesting areas than many larger-boat options, and for the way guides keep the experience informative while you are moving around Faxaflói Bay’s cliffs and inlets. The photo bonus can also be a nice safety net, since puffin photography from a moving RIB is harder than it looks.

I would only skip if you know you cannot handle a bouncy, fast open boat ride or if you fall into the listed non-suitable categories. For everyone else, it is a short, focused way to get real puffin time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Reykjavik puffin RIB tour?

You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour.

How long is the puffin watching cruise?

The duration is 1 hour.

Is the tour guided?

Yes. You have a live tour guide in English, plus a professional captain.

What is included in the price?

Included are coveralls, all necessary safety equipment, binoculars, and the professional captain and wildlife guide.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes (sports shoes are suggested).

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are luggage or large bags allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What languages are available?

The tour guide is English.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm).

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.