Puffins off Reykjavik sound unreal. Still, this one-hour RIB speedboat trip gives you a real shot at seeing thousands of puffins on nearby islands, with the added bonus of mountain views and the city lights. You start at Old Harbour, then head out to Lundey and Akurey in the Reykjavík bay area, which are close enough to make a quick tour feel actually worthwhile.

What I like most is the practical gear and the way the trip stays lively. You get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, so you are not scrambling for the right clothing before you board. I also like how the licensed guide keeps it educational, calling out puffin behavior and other birds like northern fulmars, arctic terns, and black guillemots. One other plus: the boat ride itself is genuinely fun, not just a transfer to the birds.

The main consideration is that this tour depends on weather and sea conditions. The captains decide whether to sail based on safety and comfort, and the experience is not listed as suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or kids under 140 cm.

Key things to know before you go

• One hour on the water, which is great when your Reykjavik time is tight
• Lundey and Akurey are only about 15 minutes from Old Harbour, so you spend less time in transit
• Engine off for bird watching once you arrive, so you can actually observe
• A guide who points out more than puffins, including northern fulmars, arctic terns, gulls, and black guillemots
• Small group up to 12 people, which keeps it less chaotic at the railing
• Gear included: waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest

Old Harbour to Lundey and Akurey: the quick, focused route

This tour is built for people who want a high-payoff wildlife moment without eating a half day. You depart from Old Harbour, Reykjavik, and head to Lundey and Akurey, two small islands in the bay. The islands sit close to town, so the ride does not feel like a long outing just to reach a distant spot.

Special Tours Iceland has been in the puffin-watching game for a long time, with more than 20 years of experience. That matters because puffin watching is weather-sensitive. A company that has been doing this for decades tends to know the routine, the timing, and how to operate boats safely around rocky shorelines.

And the details here are practical. The RIB speedboats are described as having a shallow draft, which helps them get closer to the islands than deeper vessels. That translates to more bird time and better viewing opportunities, especially when the birds are active and you want to keep your eyes on one area rather than scanning from far away.

The RIB speedboat ride: fun speed, real comfort

You board a RIB speedboat for a ride that is fast enough to feel like a proper excursion. The upside of a quick boat is obvious: you can reach the islands quickly, then spend the rest of your time watching rather than traveling.

Comfort-wise, the tour includes the big necessities. You get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. That is not just a nice-to-have in Iceland. It is the difference between enjoying the wind and spray, versus wishing you had worn something better.

The included suit also lets you focus on the birds instead of your clothing. You can arrive at the meeting point without a panic run to find waterproof layers. Still, waterproof shoes are not included, so you will want to have footwear that handles wet decks and possibly slushy patches.

One more reality check: puffin watching is at the mercy of sea conditions. Even with a RIB built for this kind of trip, captains make decisions based on safety and passenger comfort. If the weather is not cooperative, sailing choices can change. Think of this as a wildlife tour with an Iceland attitude, not a guaranteed animal show.

Arrival mode: engine off and the birds take over

Once you reach the islands, the plan is refreshingly simple. They turn off the engine so you can observe the birds and the surroundings. That small change makes a big difference. You get a quieter moment to watch without the noise dominating everything around you.

Lundey and Akurey are described as hilly with slopes, and the shores are rocky. That setting is exactly why puffin watching can be so compelling. The islands are small, the viewing area can be tight, and the birds can be active in a way that feels close and immediate.

When the boat shuts down and the guide starts pointing things out, you are not just staring at the water and hoping. The licensed guide shares information about puffins and other birds that often show up on these outings. Along the way, you may spot northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. Even if puffins steal the spotlight, those other species help you build a better sense of what bird life looks like in this part of the bay.

The guide matters: facts, sounds, and smarter bird watching

I like tours where the guide does more than point. This one is heavy on interpretation. The licensed guide shares a lot of information about puffins and other birds you might see. That means you have context as you scan, rather than just chasing movement.

One detail I really appreciated from a past guest account: the guide even impersonated the noises puffins make. That kind of sound cue is useful, because puffins can be small and quick. If you are trying to watch by sight alone, you can miss them when they pop into view for a second and vanish again.

There is also a realistic photography warning worth taking seriously. Puffins are small and fast, which can make recording or taking sharp video tougher than people expect. If you go in with that mindset, you will have more fun. Treat the experience as observation first, photos second.

A smart approach for your own viewing: keep your attention wide at first, then narrow in when you spot motion. When the birds cluster, your chances rise. And because the guide is calling out species and behavior, you can spend less time guessing and more time actually watching.

Views beyond the birds: mountains and city lights

Even though the birds are the main event, do not ignore the ride itself and the surroundings. You get views that combine Reykjavik’s setting with the bay environment. The tour also highlights amazing views of mountains and city lights, which is especially memorable if you are doing it later in the day.

This matters because wildlife tours can occasionally feel like a patience test. If you arrive prepared for the possibility that puffins may be busy but not constantly in your immediate line of sight, the scenery helps you stay engaged the whole time. You are not stuck waiting for one moment to make the trip feel worth it.

Gear check: what you get and what you still need

This is one of the most practical tours in Reykjavik because core weather gear is included. The full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest reduce the guesswork.

Here is what you should think about before you go:

• You get a waterproof suit, so you can layer comfortably underneath without overheating
• You get goggles, which helps if wind and spray are coming off the water
• You get a life vest, so you are not hunting for anything at the last minute
• You do not get waterproof shoes, so plan on footwear that will stay comfortable when wet

Also remember that not everyone should take this tour. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and it is not suitable for people under 140 cm (4 ft 6 in). That is important for planning your family day, especially if you have shorter kids or anyone who has mobility or comfort concerns.

Timing and group size: why the one-hour format works

The whole tour is about one hour. For Reykjavik, that is a great length because it is short enough to fit into a day with other plans like museums, hot pools, or just wandering by the harbor.

Group size is limited to 12 participants. That is a meaningful detail. On a small boat, crowding can affect your view. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to talk to everyone when they are pointing out birds and explaining what you are seeing.

One more timing note: they ask you to arrive early. You should find your way to a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so they can get you ready.

Price and value: is $84 worth it?

At about $84 per person for a one-hour RIB speedboat puffin tour, the price might look steep at first glance. But when you break down what you actually get, the value becomes clearer.

You are paying for:

• a fast boat ride from Old Harbour to nearby islands
• access to Lundey and Akurey for bird watching
• a licensed guide who explains puffins and other birds
• included safety gear and cold-and-splash weather gear (waterproof suit, goggles, life vest)

The tour is not including food or drinks, so you will likely grab something back in Reykjavik before or after. Pickup and drop-off are also not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on.

So, who should feel good about the price? If you want a high-impact nature experience in a short window, this fits the bill. If you already have your own waterproof gear and do not mind waiting on the ocean, you might see cheaper wildlife alternatives. But most people come away believing the one-hour pace and the included gear are the reason the trip feels smooth rather than stressful.

How to get the best puffin watching moment

You cannot control where puffins are at any given minute. But you can control how ready you are.

A few practical tips based on how this kind of viewing works:

• Go in knowing puffins are small and fast, so your best results may be from watching closely rather than trying to film every second
• Keep your eyes moving and your attention flexible, puffins do not stay in one spot for long
• Listen too. When the guide mimics puffin sounds, it can help you notice birds you might otherwise miss
• Wear and fit your waterproof suit properly, if it is loose you may lose warmth when wind hits
• Use the quiet moment after the engine is turned off. That is when observation is easiest

If you want extra support, there is also the Special Tours Iceland app. It is available in five languages, English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese, and it includes both text and audio information. You can download it during your tour, and it is designed to add an audio-guided feel to the wildlife experience.

Who should book this Puffin Express?

This tour fits best if you:

• have limited time in Reykjavik and want a quick nature hit
• want a fun speedboat ride plus guided bird watching
• like the idea of being provided with waterproof gear so you can focus on the moment
• are comfortable with short outdoor viewing time in Icelandic conditions

It may not be the best match if you or someone in your group:

• is pregnant
• has back problems
• needs an activity that is rated as suitable for children under 140 cm

Also, if you are the kind of traveler who only wants wildlife guaranteed no matter the weather, you should know the sailing is dependent on conditions. The captains decide based on experience, safety, and comfort.

Should you book this puffin watching tour?

I think this is a strong choice when you want close-to-home puffin watching without turning your day into a long haul. The one-hour timing is a big deal, and the included waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest make it easier to enjoy the ride rather than fight the weather. Add a small group size, and the whole experience feels more personal than mass wildlife tours.

Book it if you value a guided, high-energy wildlife outing and you are ready for the practical reality that Iceland weather can shift plans. Skip it only if health restrictions apply or if you want a slower pace with more time on land. For most people, this is a smart use of Reykjavik time, with genuinely entertaining boat energy and a very bird-forward payoff.

FAQ

Where does the puffin watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Old Harbour in Reykjavik. You will find the meeting point at a little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, in a row of wooden huts.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the tour.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 1 hour.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are the full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available for purchase as an add-on.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included.

Are waterproof shoes provided?

No. Waterproof shoes are not included.

What group size and language should I expect?

The group is limited to 12 participants, and the live tour guide is in English.

What languages are available in the Special Tours Iceland app?

The Special Tours Iceland app is available in five languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

What if the weather is rough?

The tour depends on weather conditions. The captains decide whether to sail based on many years of experience, keeping safety and passenger comfort in mind.

Can I cancel or book with flexible payment?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is also a reserve now and pay later option.