Puffins feel almost within arm’s reach. This fast 12-seat RIB speedboat runs from Reykjavík out toward the islands, then slows down with engines off so you can watch seabirds in calmer conditions. Guides like Celia and Rebecca keep the whole thing lively, mixing puffin facts with quick local context as you zip along the waterfront.

I love two parts here: the chance to get close to puffins without turning your day into a long ordeal, and the way the tour protects you from Iceland’s wind. You’re provided warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, so you’re not stuck pretending you’re fine in salty spray.

One thing to consider: the ride can feel a bit rocky near the islands when the water gets choppy. If you’re sensitive to motion or rough seas, go in with that in mind—and remember this tour requires good weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 12) means real time with your guide, not just a quick script and off you go
• RIB speedboat pace gets you to the puffin area fast, so more of the tour is spent watching wildlife
• Engines are turned off when you reach the islands, for quieter viewing
• Warm waterproof gear included (overalls, gloves, goggles) helps you stay comfortable instead of fighting the weather
• Lunchtime timing keeps your morning and afternoon free, which is a big deal in Reykjavík

A 12-seat RIB that keeps the tour focused

This is a short, high-energy puffin outing built around one idea: maximize your time near the birds. You’ll ride in a 12-seat RIB, and that matters because it’s small enough for questions and attention, but fast enough to reach the islands quickly from Reykjavík.

The vibe is practical. You’re not dressed like you’re going to a fancy dinner. You’re dressed like you’re going outside, because you are. And the tour operator gives you the weather armor: warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, plus a lifejacket. That combination is what makes the experience feel “easy” even when the North Atlantic air tries to peel you like a sticker.

It also helps that the group stays limited. Some tours feel like a conveyor belt. Here, it’s easier to ask about puffins, island wildlife, or what you’re seeing around Reykjavík as the boat tracks the coastline.

Meeting Harpa, the city coastline, and why it’s part of the fun

You start at Reykjavík by Boat at Ægisgarður 5F, and the route includes some of the best-known sights from the water. The tour begins with the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre area, which is a good opener because Harpa is big, distinctive, and easy to spot even from a moving boat. It gives you quick orientation: you’re not just going “to nature,” you’re doing it from the Reykjavík side of things.

Then you get more Reykjavík waterfront views as you travel. That city framing is more than just a scenic bonus. Reykjavík’s character is tied to its harbor, and seeing the shoreline from a RIB helps you understand how close the urban world is to the wildlife zones just outside the city.

You’ll also pass the Sun Voyager—a shoreline landmark that looks better when you’re moving and the waterline shifts under you. It’s one of those sights where a 20-second glance turns into a “wait, that looks great” moment once you’re actually on the water.

A small heads-up: because this tour is short, the city stops are mainly sight-glances from the boat, not a long walking-and-exploring day. If you love lingering in streets, plan that as a separate activity.

Videy Island and puffins: close viewing with quieter engine time

The real target is the islands just outside Reykjavík, with Videy Island being the key stop for the puffin experience. The boat is fast, so you don’t spend the early part of the tour sitting around. The operator aims to spend most of your time in close proximity to puffins.

The approach is also wildlife-friendly in a simple, smart way: once you arrive, the engines are turned off so you can watch without the constant roar. That quiet shift is noticeable. Even if you’re not a birder, you tend to feel it when the boat goes still—like the scene snaps into focus.

What you can expect while you’re there is exactly what people love most: an up-close encounter. The most enthusiastic feedback consistently points to getting super near to puffins in their natural habitat, not from far-off viewing points. And if conditions are right, you’ll have a fun window to spot them and absorb what your guide is sharing.

The guide style matters here. In this kind of wildlife tour, a great guide turns random sightings into real understanding. Some guides are known for being funny and quick with puffin details, and it makes a difference when you’re trying to separate what you’re looking at—birds in motion, islands with birds perched in the right spots, and the small behavior cues that tell you what’s going on.

Old Harbour at the end: how the timing feels

The route finishes with Old Harbour, which is a fitting finale. It’s the kind of area that feels like the pulse of Reykjavík—more boats, more activity, and more “you’re back in town” energy as the tour winds down.

Timing is part of the value. The tour is listed at about an hour, but in practice it can run closer to about an hour and a half depending on how the departure and island portion go. Either way, it’s short. That’s what makes it easy to pair with other plans: you’re not locking up your whole day, and you’re not stuck waiting hours for dinner plans to work around the tour.

If you’re doing Reykjavík in a tight schedule, a lunchtime start is a big advantage. You get the puffin moment in the middle of the day, then you still have time for geothermal baths, museums, or a relaxed stroll afterward.

Getting comfortable in waterproof gear (and using it right)

I can’t stress this enough: Iceland water and wind don’t care how tough you think you are. The tour includes warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles. That’s not a tiny perk—it’s what turns “watching birds” into “actually enjoying yourself.”

Here’s the practical part:

• Put your base layers on before you arrive so you can use the gear to seal out wind and spray.
• Use the gloves and goggles. Even if you’re watching through the excitement, your comfort is what keeps you focused on spotting puffins.
• Wear a lifejacket correctly. It’s included, so treat it as part of your normal clothing for the ride.

Also, the tour sets a clear expectation: it happens near the water. The experience isn’t meant to be dry, tidy, and indoors. If you expect that, you’ll relax fast and enjoy the ride instead of worrying.

Weather, sea conditions, and the one thing you should plan for

This experience depends on good weather. That’s not negotiable because it’s a fast boat and a nature portion out on the water.

The other condition you should think about is sea state. One key detail from the experience is that it can get a bit rocky near the puffin island area. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—people still have a great time—but it does mean you should consider your comfort level if you get motion-sensitive.

If the forecast looks rough, it’s worth being flexible. When the operator can’t run it in suitable conditions, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of safety-first setup that helps you plan without panic.

English guide, small-group Q&A, and why that matters

You’re not just buying a seat on a boat. You’re buying context. The guide leads in English, and small-group size gives you time to ask questions instead of listening from the back while everyone shuffles past.

The guides highlighted in the experience feedback—Celia, Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe—are known for mixing bird and wildlife talk with an upbeat, humorous tone. That combo matters because puffins aren’t always obvious at first glance. A guide who can explain what you’re seeing helps you get your money’s worth fast.

If you like learning while you move—rather than sitting still in a classroom—this is the sweet spot.

Price and value: is $76 per person fair?

At $76 per person for about an hour (sometimes closer to 90 minutes), this isn’t the cheapest thing in Reykjavík. But it’s also not a stretch.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You get a RIB experience that’s specifically designed for quick access to the islands.
• You receive warm waterproof clothing plus gloves and goggles, which you’d otherwise have to buy or deal with yourself.
• The group is kept small (max 12), which improves the quality of the guidance rather than just the number of seats.

So the question isn’t only whether it’s $76. It’s whether you want a close-up puffin outing without dedicating a huge portion of your day. If that’s your priority, this price starts to look reasonable.

If your budget is super tight, you might compare this to other puffin options. But if you want the “close and fast” format with proper gear, it’s priced like a focused wildlife outing, not a generic harbor cruise.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you:

• Want puffins close to the islands just outside Reykjavík, without a full day commitment
• Like guided wildlife viewing with time to ask questions
• Prefer small-group tours over crowded boat rides
• Appreciate that you don’t have to source waterproof gear on your own

It may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly dislike any choppy-water feeling, since it can get rocky near the puffin area
• Need hotel pickup, because this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off
• Are traveling with young kids who don’t meet the height requirement

There’s also a clear child rule: a child must be at least 140 cm to participate in the RIB portion.

Quick, practical tips before you lock it in

• Aim to arrive at the meeting point on time since the tour ends where it starts, at Reykjavík by Boat near Ægisgarður 5F.
• Expect English-guided commentary and a tight schedule—this is a short tour built around the wildlife window.
• Bring your layers, but let the included gear do its job. The overalls and gloves are there for a reason.

Should you book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

If you want the most direct path to close puffin viewing from Reykjavík, with warm gear handled for you and a small group that actually lets you talk with the guide, I think this is a strong choice. It’s also a smart “do it now, then move on” tour because it’s set for lunchtime and doesn’t swallow your entire day.

Book it if your top priority is puffins near the islands and you’re comfortable with a fast RIB ride on open water. Consider a different option if you know you struggle with bumpy rides, or if you’re traveling when weather looks sketchy—because this experience does require good conditions.

FAQ

What time does the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express start?

The tour starts at 12:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed at about 1 hour.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the 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 should I wear?

You’ll be provided warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket. You should dress appropriately underneath.

Is the tour okay for children?

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

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The RIB tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is there free cancellation?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

(That’s the core info you can plan around. If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you care most about comfort or maximum puffin closeness, and I’ll help you decide how to fit this into your Reykjavík day.)