Puffins in Reykjavík, but close and calm. This puffin and bird watching cruise is built for maximum wildlife time in Faxaflói Bay, using a fast RIB boat that can even shut off the engine for a more silent approach. I like the simple, no-drama setup from Old Harbour, and the way the crew keeps the focus on native birds like puffins and seabirds.

What I really love is the small-group size and the included gear. You get binoculars for each passenger and warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, so you are not hunting for the right layers at the last minute. Guides such as Maja, Alex, and Ricardo show up in the stories I heard, and the common thread is how seriously they treat safe viewing and good explanations out on the water.

One possible drawback: the ride can feel bouncy, especially if the sea is rough. The tour runs in all weather, and it is not recommended for travelers with knee problems, plus there are minimum age and height requirements (age 10+, height 145 cm). If you are sensitive to bumps, pick your seat wisely and dress for impact, wind, and spray.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Small group (max 12) means more space to watch, point, and photograph
• Engine-off approach helps you watch birds with less disruption as you close in
• Included binoculars and full cold-weather gear save you time and outfit cost
• Akurey and nearby nesting islands are nature reserves, so you stay on the boat but get close on RIB runs
• Up to four departures daily helps you match the tour to your Reykjavík day plan
• Expect a fast, bouncy water ride and consider seat choice if you have back or knee concerns

Entering Faxaflói Bay the Smart Way

Reykjavík’s puffin season runs from May 15 to August 20, and this tour is scheduled right in that window. That matters, because puffins are nesting then, and the whole point is to spot birds that are actively using the nearby islands.

The signature move here is the custom RIB boat (rigid-hulled inflatable). RIBs are built for quick travel across water, so you lose less time “getting there.” Even more useful, the captain can shut off the engine so the boat approaches more quietly. In bird watching, that small change can mean the difference between birds glancing and birds settling back down to their normal routine.

I also like the practical focus. You are not signing up for a lecture hall with seawater. The guide and captain share facts and stories while you watch, then you are back to scanning rocks, water, and air for seabirds.

Old Harbour Check-In, Gear-Up, and What Happens in the First Minutes

Your tour starts at the Reykjavík Old Harbour area, with the meeting point listed at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure. You’ll check in at the ticket office, then your guide walks you down to the dock where the boat is waiting.

Stop 1 is short and focused. It is basically your warm-up: getting organized, sorting out clothing and safety gear, and settling into the boat. The time is tight, so arrive early enough to avoid rushing. Once you are suited up, you can spend that mental energy on spotting wildlife instead of fiddling with layers.

Included gear is a big deal here. You get warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus all necessary safety equipment. That is what makes the tour workable even when the wind is sharp. One review theme was that people did not get wet, which is a good sign that the gear setup is done with comfort in mind, not just safety.

Akurey and the Nesting-Island Part (Where You Actually See Puffins)

The main wildlife stop is the Akurey section, about 50 minutes on the water. Here’s the practical setup: you sail close by two to three islands where puffins are nesting. Those islands are nature reserves, so you do not hop out onto land. Instead, you stay on the boat during the approach, then you get extra close using the RIB speedboat technique.

That difference is important. You are close enough to feel the excitement, but not close enough to disturb nesting birds. The captain and guide control the distance, approach speed, and engine use so the wildlife stays the boss.

What you are looking for in real time:

• Puffins on rocks near shorelines, often sitting in groups along the nesting areas
• Puffins flying low over the water
• Seabirds working the air and surface for food
• Other wildlife your guide may point out, such as gannets and the flightless great auk (this is something you should treat as a possible sighting or identification target, not a guaranteed wow-bird)

One helpful tip that keeps coming up in people’s takeaways is the scale of the nesting colony. The larger island can host around 25,000 puffins in summer, so when you hit the right spot, it can feel like the bay is full of them. Another good reminder: puffins are small. Even with a phone zoom or a camera lens, you may still find you need patience, good light, and a steady scan.

If you want a photo plan, do this: aim to photograph the birds in layers, not just the closest ones. Capture a few wider shots for context, then switch to tighter shots when birds are in the same focal zone. A couple of people noted that even with decent camera zoom, it can be hard to see puffins clearly from where the boat stops, so set your expectations and bring your best glass if you have it.

How Close Are You, Really? Seat Choice and Binocular Reality

The wording on “getting close” can mean different things in Iceland tour land. Here, you are getting close in the sense that you can clearly identify birds on and around the islands, and the captain is positioning you for viewing, not just passing by.

Still, some practical considerations show up:

• If you sit farther back or you are shorter, you may have more trouble spotting birds because other passengers block your line of sight.
• Provided binoculars help, but they might not be sharp enough for everyone’s eyes or camera-style expectations.

One of the easiest fixes is seat selection. If you can, take a seat where your sightline to the islands is clean, and be ready to move your attention fast between water, air, and rocks. Also, bring your own binoculars if you have them. It is not required, but it can upgrade your success rate.

The Boat Ride: Fast, Fun, and Sometimes Bumpy

Let’s talk about the water part honestly. A RIB ride is exciting because it is quick, and the engine-off approach can feel almost stealthy when it happens. But the same speed and smaller hull can make waves feel more intense. Multiple people flagged that the ride can be bumpy and even uncomfortable for knees or backs in rough conditions.

If you have knee problems, this tour is explicitly not recommended. If you have back issues, consider it carefully. And if you are simply nervous about rough water, you might prefer a calmer day or a different type of cruise.

What helps most is preparation:

• Wear the provided gear correctly so it adds padding and warmth
• Dress in layers so you do not get cold when spray hits
• Keep your balance, hold steady, and avoid shifting your weight during turns

The bright side: people often say they did not get wet at all, which suggests the operators manage safety and comfort well once you are geared up.

Guides, Photos, and the Real Timing of What You Get Back

This tour runs with a guide and a captain who share stories while you watch. Names that came up include Maja, Alex, and Ricardo. People also mentioned captains such as Sulle, with praise for careful driving.

Photos are an extra perk in some cases. A few people said the crew took photos during the trip and sent a download link afterward, sometimes within a day and sometimes later. So keep expectations realistic. It might be fast, or it might take a bit, depending on timing and weather.

Also, don’t count on perfect light. In Iceland, that’s normal. You can still get great results with patience, and the binocular time becomes your best friend when the birds move faster than your camera can.

Price and Value: What You Pay For at $105.22

At $105.22 per person for about one hour, this is not a bargain bargain. But it is also not “pay extra for nothing.” Here is where the value shows up:

• You get full cold-weather gear (overalls, gloves, goggles). That is a cost you would otherwise cover with rentals or your own shopping.
• Binoculars are included, so you can watch confidently even if your phone camera is not the strongest in the zoom department.
• Small-group size helps you see better. More personal space also reduces the chaos around pointing and photographing.
• RIB positioning and engine-off approach are directly tied to wildlife viewing quality.

If you are already equipped for Iceland wind and want an efficient, wildlife-first activity close to central Reykjavík, this price can make sense. If you hate bumpy rides or you want a very slow, guaranteed “get off and walk around” style experience, you might feel the structure is too boat-focused.

A nice planning bonus: departures can be scheduled with up to four departures each day, so you have more control over timing than with single daily runs.

Weather, Cancellations, and How to Decide Day-Of

This tour operates in all weather conditions, but it also relies on good conditions to run safely and comfortably. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful when you are dealing with Iceland’s changing skies.

My advice: pick the departure that gives you the best chance at decent visibility without eating your entire day. If you can, build a buffer so you can shift dates if weather forces a change.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if:

• You want a short, focused Reykjavík wildlife outing, not a half-day slog
• You care about seeing puffins in their nesting area while minimizing disturbance
• You can handle a fast boat ride and you are comfortable dressing warm
• You are traveling solo or as a couple who likes the small-group feel

It may not be the right fit if:

• You have knee problems or serious mobility limitations (the tour is not recommended for knee issues)
• You are very sensitive to rough water
• You want a long walking experience on land (you stay on the boat because the islands are nature reserves)
• You’re hoping for giant birds at eye level from an easy, fixed platform, since puffins are small and distance matters

Should You Book This Puffin and Bird Watching Tour?

I would book it if your top priority is a high-probability puffin viewing hour near Reykjavík, with gear handled for you and a captain who can approach quietly. The small-group format and the RIB approach are exactly what you want for bird watching where positioning and patience matter.

But I would pause and think twice if bumpy rides are a no-go for your body, or if you know you will struggle with line-of-sight seating. In that case, consider bringing your own binoculars and choose your seat carefully when you board.

If you can handle a lively boat ride and you are in Reykjavík during the nesting season window, this is one of those activities that turns Iceland’s puffins from a photo idea into a real, moving moment on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour?

It runs for about 1 hour (approx.).

When does the tour operate in Iceland?

It operates during the best bird spotting months near Reykjavík, from May 15 to August 20.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is listed as Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back there.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes local taxes, binoculars for each passenger, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a minimum age or height requirement?

Yes, the minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 cm.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.