Puffins on a speed boat beats any postcard. I like the RIB speed boat approach because it gets you near puffin colonies in a way bigger boats can not. I also like that the tour is built around real wildlife viewing with warm waterproof suits and goggles, so you stay comfortable while you look. One thing to consider is the short, action-focused format, you move fast, and the boat seats can feel firm on the back for some people.

The meeting point can take a second to spot in the hut row, so give yourself time to find it. If the cold is your enemy, plan on wearing warm layers under the suit and keep your hands free for photos and binocular-free watching.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB speed-boat viewing brings you closer to puffin islands than larger vessels
• 60% of the world’s puffins live in Iceland, and the islands you visit hold huge colony numbers
• Warm, full-body waterproof suit and goggles keep the Bay of Reykjavík manageable
• Harpa Concert Hall from the water gives you a memorable Reykjavík angle during the ride
• No large bags or luggage means pack light, and bring only what you need
• 1 hour on the water is short, so be ready to watch fast and photograph efficiently

Why a RIB Speed Boat Changes Puffin Watching in Reykjavík

If you care about seeing wildlife up close, the boat type matters. A RIB speed boat has the mobility to bring you near the puffin colonies without the delay and bulk you get on bigger ships. That is the whole point of this tour. You spend your limited hour where the action is, and you do it with an easy viewing setup from a small vessel.

I also like how this tour is designed around movement along Reykjavík’s coastline. You are not staring at the horizon the entire time. You can look out at the shoreline, then enjoy sea views as you head toward the Bay of Reykjavík puffin areas. And yes, you get the famous Harpa Concert Hall from the water, which is a great add-on when you want your wildlife trip to also feel like you saw the city from a different angle.

One more plus: the boat uses custom-built suspension seats. That helps. Still, you should expect some motion, and you will feel the “speed boat” part of the experience even though you are wrapped in protective gear.

Clothing, Waterproof Suits, and Photo-Ready Comfort

This is not a sit-and-stare stroll. You are out in the air and wind near Reykjavík, and the tour provides a full-body waterproof suit plus goggles. That solves the biggest problem for most people, staying dry while you keep your eyes on the water.

What you should do:

• Bring comfortable shoes you can walk in if you need to move a bit around the hut area.
• Wear warm clothing under the suit. Think layers you can breathe in.
• Plan for your hands. If you use a phone or camera, you will want a comfortable way to hold or secure it.

Not included waterproof shoes are a key detail. The suit is provided, but if your shoes are not warm enough or your feet are cold easily, you will feel it faster on a one-hour ride. Also, there is no mention of umbrellas or extra thermal accessories, so your best defense is smart layering and footwear.

For photos, the goggles are great because they help you focus on what is happening near the water without constantly rubbing wind-blown eyes. Keep your camera strap short and be ready to shoot quickly, because puffins do not coordinate their visits with your shutter speed.

The 1-Hour Ride: What You See Before You Hit the Puffin Areas

The timing is tight, so the first part of your trip matters. You meet at the start point and then head out to the Bay of Reykjavík on a custom-built speedboat. Expect a fast transition from harbor-side views to open water and then toward puffin-populated islands.

During this time, the route is designed to show you Reykjavík from the sea. That means you get those coastal perspectives right away, including a view of Harpa Concert Hall. If you are the type who likes to connect the sights you know from land with what they look like from water, this is a good way to do it without adding extra hours.

You also learn the basic context for the trip while you are cruising. The tour guide explains Iceland’s relationship with puffins and what makes these colonies so important. Even if you have seen puffin photos before, the framing helps you spot what you are looking at once you reach the islands.

The Puffin Islands: Iceland’s Huge Colony Numbers Up Close

Here is the headline you should care about: Iceland holds about 60% of the world’s puffins. And the islands you head toward are home to about 40,000 puffins. That scale changes the whole feel of the experience. You are not visiting a token spot with a handful of birds. You are heading toward major colonies.

On a speed boat, close proximity becomes realistic. With bigger boats, you often get far-off silhouettes and “maybe you can see them” moments. Here, the whole advantage is mobility, so you can get nearer to the islands and observe more clearly.

What you should focus on when you reach the colony areas:

• Look for puffins active around the water surface and near the islands.
• Expect movement and quick changes, because puffin behavior can shift rapidly.
• Be ready for short bursts of best viewing, the boat positioning matters.

Also, the tour is designed for photo opportunities. That does not mean you will get perfect shots every second, but it does mean the viewing is oriented around what you can realistically capture from a small vessel at close range.

How Close Is Close, and How to Watch Without Losing the Moment

Speed boat closeness is the main reason to pick this over a larger cruise. You get a more intimate view of wildlife colonies, and you can see the birds as individuals rather than as background detail. That is where the experience feels special.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. “Up close” does not mean guaranteed constant face-to-face viewing. Puffins move, boats reposition, and weather shifts. The goal is more about giving you the opportunity for frequent, varied sightlines during the hour rather than promising one perfect, long moment.

My practical approach for tours like this:

• Prioritize watching over filming for short stretches, then capture quick clips once you see repeated behavior.
• Keep your body stable. That might sound obvious, but it helps you avoid blurry photos when the boat is turning.
• Use the goggles. They do more than protect you from wind, they also make it easier to track birds consistently.

If you come in expecting a relaxed wildlife stroll, you may feel a bit rushed. But if you come in ready to be active and alert, the payoff is real. One review described it as having more sensations than bigger boats, and that matches the basic design here. You will feel the motion, and you will also feel like you are part of the action.

Guide Commentary, Wildlife Ethics, and What You Learn at Sea

Iceland’s puffin story is not only about cute birds. It is also about protection and the impact of hunting. Your live English guide includes commentary that explains how harmful puffin hunting is and why stopping it matters. That added context changes the whole experience from a sightseeing stop into a learning moment.

You are also likely to get guidance on what you are seeing during the ride. The commentary helps you interpret the birds and the island habitat, and it can turn a “pretty birds” moment into a real understanding of why these colonies matter.

Some departures include multiple viewing areas during the hour. One person noted visiting three different places by boat. That is a strong reason to choose a short, fast tour when you want variety without committing to a half-day.

Who Should Book This Speed-Boat Puffin Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great fit if you:

• Want one hour of high-focus wildlife viewing instead of a longer, slower cruise
• Feel more excited by speed, closeness, and quick changes in scenery
• Are comfortable in cold outdoor conditions, especially if you can layer well
• Want both wildlife and a Reykjavík sea view in the same outing

It is not a great fit if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have back problems
• Are under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm)

The reason is simple. You are in a small speed boat with motion, gear, and a short, active viewing window. If your body needs gentler pacing, you might prefer a different style of wildlife tour that prioritizes comfort over speed.

Also, pack light. The tour does not allow luggage or large bags, so avoid bringing bulky daypacks unless you know they fit within the operators rules. You will want the freedom to move and reposition without worrying about storage.

Price and Value: Is $81 Worth One Hour on the Water?

At $81 per person for a one-hour tour, you are paying for two things: access and comfort. Access means you are using a small speed boat to reach puffin-populated islands closer than bigger vessels. Comfort means you get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest included, plus a live English guide.

The value gets better if you think of it as a focused “wildlife + Reykjavík views” package. You are not paying separately for local transport to multiple areas or for added sightseeing time. You get coastline cruising, a view of Harpa from sea level, and puffin viewing all in one clean block.

Where it might feel less worth it is if you hate cold, motion, or firm seating. The trip is short, so if you are sensitive to discomfort, you may feel it more intensely because you cannot “settle in” for a long stretch.

For most people, the best way to decide is to ask yourself: do I want closeness and excitement more than I want slow comfort? If yes, this price aligns with what you get.

Booking Smart: Meeting Point, Timing, and Bag Rules

The meeting point is 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 you can prepare for the tour and get your timing right.

This matters because the first minutes set the tone. If you show up late, you lose time sorting out gear, getting into the suit, and getting your bearings. One review mentioned the meeting point being confusing, with the correct hut located next door. That is enough to justify your early arrival.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing

Do not bring:

• Luggage or large bags

One more practical note: waterproof shoes are not included. If you do not already have warm, grippy footwear that can handle wet conditions, you should plan to purchase or pack them before you go.

The operator is Katla Whale Watching, and the tour includes a guided session and all core safety gear: life vest plus suit and goggles.

Quick Practical Tips for Your Puffin Island Photo and Viewing Plan

Here is how you can make the hour feel less like a blur:

• Dress in warm layers so the suit works with your body heat, not against it.
• Keep your camera accessible, but do not crowd your hands. You will want stability when the boat changes direction.
• Focus on patterns. If you spot repeated bird activity, stay with that area rather than chasing every single bird that pops up.
• Expect the best moments to be short. That is normal on a moving boat, so be ready to react quickly.

Also, keep your eyes open for the shoreline views while you are waiting for the puffin areas. The ride is part of the value here.

Should You Book This Reykjavík Puffin Speed-Boat Tour?

I think you should book if your top priority is getting near puffin colonies quickly, with a small-boat feel and solid wildlife viewing time. The included waterproof suit and goggles are a real perk, and the Harpa Concert Hall sea views add a Reykjavík moment that feels like you did something specific, not generic.

Skip it if you need maximum comfort over motion, if you cannot handle cold windy conditions, or if you fall into the stated restrictions (pregnancy, back problems, or height under 140 cm). And if the idea of hunting and conservation commentary does not interest you, know that your guide will cover the ethics side, which may be exactly what some people came for, but might not be what everyone wants.

If you are trying to choose between a larger puffin cruise and this speed-boat format, I would lean toward this one for the closeness and the energy of the ride, as long as you are comfortable staying warm and being a bit active for the whole hour.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off is not included, but it is available as an add-on.

What should I bring with me?

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

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at a small wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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