Puffins are louder than you expect. On Puffin Watching Speedboat Express, you blast out from Reykjavik on a fast RIB, then spend most of the trip with the engines off so you can watch puffins in a quieter, more natural way.

I especially like the warm waterproof gear (overall, gloves, goggles) because it makes the cold boat air manageable without turning your day into a layers scramble. I also like the small-group setup, which leaves time to ask your guide questions, and I picked up that guides such as Celia, Rebecca, Joe, and Patrickgin bring both bird facts and humor to the ride.

One consideration: the boat can get a bit rocky near the puffin area, so if you get motion sick easily, plan for it and keep expectations realistic about sea spray and waves.

Key things you should know before you go

• Engines off near the birds so you can watch puffins with less noise and interruption
• Small group, max 12 travelers meaning more conversation time and less crowding
• RIB speedboat gets you there fast so you spend more time on wildlife, less on sitting
• Provided cold-weather kit includes warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket
• Lunchtime timing with a 12:00 pm start that keeps your morning and afternoon free

The speedboat part: fast to the islands, calm at puffin time

The whole point of using a RIB speedboat is simple: you get out to the puffin area quickly, then you shift from thrill ride to wildlife viewing. The boat is designed to move fast around Reykjavik, so you are not wasting your day in transit.

Once you reach the islands, the crew turns off the engines. That detail matters more than you might think. It helps you hear and see what is going on without the constant vibration and noise, and it also feels more respectful toward the birds.

You will still feel wind and spray, even with warm gear. In return, you get one of the best perks Reykjavik has for puffin watching: close access from the water, rather than distant spotting from a shore viewpoint.

Cold-weather comfort: why the provided gear is a big deal

Reykjavik can feel chilly even when the sky looks friendly. This tour saves you from guessing what to wear by providing a warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket.

I like this setup because it removes a common travel risk. If you show up in the wrong jacket or forget gloves, you can turn a bird watching trip into an uncomfortable one fast. Here, you get the essentials so you can focus on staying warm and watching.

Bring a basic layer system underneath (think warm top, warm pants if you have them). Also, keep an eye on how your gloves fit when you move around, because you will likely be lifting your hands for goggles and adjusting clothing in the wind. The more comfortable you feel, the easier it is to spend the long minutes scanning for movement on the water and on the rocks.

The route highlights: Harpa, Videy, Sun Voyager, Old Harbour

This trip is not only about the puffin islands. You also get a moving tour of Reykjavik’s harbor area, which is a nice way to make the short outing feel like you did more than one thing.

You start near Ægisgarður 5F, then the ride connects you to several landmarks around the bay. Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a standout photo stop from the water, with its glassy, geometric look that changes as the boat angle shifts. You then pass through Reykjavik views from the water, which is a different perspective than walking through the city center.

Later, Videy Island appears as another point on the route. Even when you are focused on puffins, these extra stops help keep the ride from feeling like pure transit. Sun Voyager is also part of the route, and it tends to be the kind of sight you recognize right away once you see it from the waterline.

Finally, Old Harbour rounds it out with a classic harbor vibe, and it is a good place to orient yourself for the rest of the day after the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What you’ll do at the puffin islands (and what to watch for)

The main action happens after you arrive at the islands. The crew spends the majority of the tour in close encounter mode, which means you are not just looking at a tiny speck far away. This is built for real viewing time.

Once the engines are off, you can slow your own pace too. Scan for sudden head movements, watch how puffins stand and shift on rock edges, and pay attention to how they react when a boat passes or someone stands in a certain position. That is usually when you catch the most interesting behavior.

Your guide also plays a big role here. The tour includes English guidance with information on puffins, the city, and local wildlife. In practice, that means you can ask direct questions while you are out there, not after you are back on land. Guides like Celia and Rebecca are described as bringing both bird detail and easygoing energy, and Joe and Patrickgin are noted for making the experience fun and informative at the same time.

Timing in Reykjavik: a 12:00 pm tour that keeps your day open

This one runs at 12:00 pm, which is great if you do not want to commit to an all-day outing. It is also the right pace for a short sightseeing burst. You can do a morning activity, eat lunch, and still have time for evening plans.

The operator lists the experience as about one hour. In real-world timing, it can feel closer to 90 minutes from start to finish, especially when you factor in time to get out, reach the islands, and return. Either way, you are not losing an entire chunk of the day.

One practical upside of a shorter tour: it is easier to pair with the rest of Reykjavik. You finish back at the meeting point, so you can hop onto public transportation or walk to nearby sights without needing a complicated connection plan.

Price and value: is $76 worth it for puffins and a RIB ride?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest puffin option in town, but it is also not trying to compete with low-cost sightseeing. You are paying for a specific mix: a small-group RIB speedboat experience, close access to puffin habitat, and provided cold-weather protection.

What makes the price feel reasonable is the set of inclusions. You get one hour-ish of wildlife-focused boat time, English guidance, and the gear that keeps the experience comfortable. Most importantly, the engines-off approach near the birds suggests the company is trying to balance speed with proper viewing conditions.

Two value checks to keep in mind. First, there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you will need to get to the meeting point on your own. Second, the tour depends on good weather, so you want to book with enough flexibility in your schedule.

If you are the type who hates vague wildlife spotting and you want real close-up chances, this is a strong value play.

Who should book this puffin speedboat, and who might skip it

This tour works for most travelers. There is also a clear height requirement for kids: a child must be 140 cm to join the RIB portion. If you have a kid who meets that, the short duration can be a big plus because you are not asking for a long attention span in winter wind.

It is also a good fit if you like guided nature with conversation. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you get time to ask questions while you are out on the water, and the guide experience seems to be part of the charm based on the style described by multiple guides.

The main reason to think twice is rough water tolerance. One of the notes from the experience is that it can feel rocky near the puffin island area. The speedboat is thrilling for many people, but it is not the gentlest ride. If you are sensitive to motion, consider whether you want to trade comfort for maximum closeness.

Practical tips to make your puffin outing smoother

Plan to arrive prepared for wind even if you check the forecast and it looks mild. The provided waterproof overall and gloves help, but you still benefit from warm base layers and sensible footwear.

If you want the best chance of settling in quickly, arrive a bit early at the meeting area so you can get the overall and goggles sorted without rushing. The tour uses a mobile ticket, so keep it accessible on your phone.

Also, book sooner rather than later. The experience averages about 22 days booked in advance, which is a sign it can fill during peak travel times.

Finally, use the route time wisely. Pass the landmarks (Harpa, Sun Voyager, Old Harbour) while you still have energy for photos. Then shift your brain into wildlife mode for the engine-off puffin viewing portion, where patience pays off.

Should you book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

I would book it if your top priority is close puffin watching plus a real guide-led experience in a short window. The provided gear is a quality-of-life win, and the small group limit makes the trip feel personal instead of rushed. The engines-off approach near the birds is also the kind of detail that elevates wildlife watching from a drive-by to a calmer encounter.

I would look for another option if you get motion sick easily or you want a super gentle outing. You are on a fast RIB in open water conditions, and a bit of chop near the island is part of the package.

If you are visiting Reykjavik and want puffins without sacrificing your whole day, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

What is the duration of Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

The tour is listed as about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Reykjavík by BoatÆgisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included for cold weather?

You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles, along with a lifejacket.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for children?

A child must be 140 cm in height to participate in the RIB tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether anyone in your group is sensitive to choppy water. I can help you decide if a 12:00 pm RIB puffin trip fits your day.