Puffins don’t pose, they perform. On this RIB cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you zip across Faxaflói Bay for close views of birds on islands and sea-cliff ledges, with an expert guide to put each sighting into context. You get the bird-action you came for without wasting half a day getting there.

The main trade-off is the ride itself: it’s fast and open-boat, so if you’re sensitive to choppy water or you hate being bumped around, you’ll want to plan for that.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• RIB boat access: You can get nearer to puffin areas than you’d manage from a bigger vessel.
• Warm coveralls included: You’re not just dressed for Reykjavik cold—you’re geared for spray and wind.
• Built-in wildlife spotting: You’re not stuck staring at one distant dot; you cruise around cliffs and inlets.
• More than puffins: Gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns are also part of the game.
• Binoculars come with you: Helpful when birds move around and you need to track them fast.
• Photo support sometimes happens: Several guides take shots and share them after the tour.

Faxaflói Bay and the RIB Advantage for Puffin Spotting

This trip is built around one simple idea: puffins are easier to see when the boat can go close enough to matter. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) makes that possible. It’s nimble, it covers ground in a way that feels efficient, and it lets you approach rocky islands and cliffy shorelines where puffins choose to nest.

The payoff is that you’re not only watching birds from far out. You’re seeing their full routine—flying in, landing near nesting areas, and spending time in the water as they feed and reset between trips ashore. And because you’re cruising around, your eyes get more chances to lock on to something interesting than they would on a straight line ride.

I also like that the tour doesn’t pretend puffins are tame. The birds can be busy, skittish, and variable. So your expectation stays realistic: you’re going for frequent, close sightings, not a guarantee that every bird will hold still for a perfect photo.

Old Harbour Meeting Point: What Happens Before You Ever Leave the Dock

You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour. It’s the kind of meeting point that’s easy to reach on foot—helpful when you’re already staying in the center and you’d rather avoid an extra transfer.

Once you arrive, the process is straightforward:

• a short safety briefing
• you put on the provided coveralls and life-safety gear
• you climb aboard and hold the grab rail as the captain gets up to speed

Two practical notes matter a lot here.

First, dress for wind and spray, not just for a chilly morning. The tour includes coveralls, but you’ll still feel the weather. Think warm layers under the suit and closed-toe shoes with a solid grip.

Second, bring your valuables smartly. There’s a real tip from the field: keep your phone in one of the coverall suit pockets with Velcro so it’s not flopping around while you take photos.

Also, plan around the luggage rule. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed, so pack light. You’re on a boat, not in a hotel lobby.

The 1-Hour Cruise Route: From Reykjavik to Puffin Islands and Back

After check-in and gear up, you blast out over the ice-cold waters of Faxaflói Bay. The ride has that Iceland feeling—clean air, gray-blue water, and sudden bursts of birds appearing where you least expect them.

The cruise focuses on islands and sea cliffs in the bay, including puffin nesting areas that are active between May and August. Depending on timing and bird activity, you’ll make stops that give you different angles:

• a first approach where you can see birds concentrated around the nesting habitat
• additional cruising around rocky inlets and cliff areas so you can watch birds moving between shore, water, and air

A few reviews specifically mention the Lundey Island puffin colony as part of the experience, so if you’ve been chasing puffins around Iceland, this one is worth knowing about. You might not see the exact same pattern every day, but the goal is consistent: keep the boat in the puffin zone long enough for real viewing.

Duration-wise, the tour is listed as 1 hour. In practice, you’ll spend about an hour on the sea once underway. Just keep in mind that waiting for the boat to depart can shift the exact timing by a little.

When the cruise wraps, you head back to Reykjavik harbour and your tour ends right where you started.

What You’ll See: Puffins Plus Gannets, Auks, Fulmars, and Arctic Terns

Yes, the stars are puffins. But the best part is that the bay is a bird place. So even when puffins aren’t front-and-center for a minute, the scene stays alive.

Here’s the cast you should keep an eye out for:

• Puffins: watching them fly in, hang around nesting areas, and move through the water is the main show.
• Gannets: larger seabirds that often show up as the water gets busy.
• Auks: small, sharp-looking seabirds you may spot near rocky edges and where birds gather.
• Fulmars: another seabird that can appear during the cruise.
• Arctic terns: you’ll see their fast, darting behavior as they move through the bay.

If you get lucky, you may also see other marine life. Some people have reported extra sightings like seals, harbor porpoises, or even humpback whales in the region. That part is not guaranteed, but it’s a nice reminder that wildlife tours often feel like they’re run by the ocean, not a schedule.

How the Guide Makes a Short Trip Feel Bigger

A good RIB tour is more than speed. It’s interpretation. The included wildlife guide turns what could be a quick bird safari into something that sticks with you.

You’ll get clear, practical info on puffins: what they’re doing, how they use the nesting areas, and how their behavior changes as they feed and move between land and water. The crew also helps with stability and safety so you can actually focus on spotting birds instead of worrying about your footing.

And the guide style matters. Different guides come through this operation, and you might be with someone named Anna or Maria, or a captain/guide team like Megan and Miquel, or others you’ll see listed in prior experiences. The common thread is the same: friendly, confident handling of the boat and gear, plus explanations that don’t feel like a lecture.

One smart detail I appreciate is that the guide and captain operate together—so when birds appear, you’re not just scanning randomly. You’re positioned where the viewing is best, and you know what you’re looking at when you see it.

Photography on a Bouncy Boat: Get Sharp Shots, Not Just Blurry Hope

You can take great photos here, but you’ll earn them. The RIB bounces. Birds move. And puffins are small at distance even when you’re close.

So I recommend this approach:

• Use your strongest zoom/telephoto option if you have one.
• For phone photos, understand that zoom and motion don’t always play nicely. The water and rocking can make it harder to frame a puffin cleanly.
• Keep your phone secure in the coverall pocket until you’re ready to shoot.

One of the best value-adds is that some guides take their own zoom-lens photos and share them afterward by email. If that happens on your tour, it can rescue shots where the timing was just slightly off—like when a puffin suddenly lifts off right as you press the button.

Binoculars are included too, and they’re genuinely useful. Even when you can see puffins with your eyes, binoculars help you track them when they pop into a small crevice, move to another ledge, or circle back for a landing.

Price and Value: Is $101 Worth It for One Hour of Puffins?

At around $101 per person for a 1-hour outing, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s also not a long, expensive day that eats your itinerary.

Here’s why I think the value works for many people:

• You’re paying for access. The RIB format is a big reason people choose this over distant-view cruises.
• Your gear is included. Coveralls, safety equipment, and binoculars remove extra costs and guesswork.
• The time is focused. One hour is long enough to build momentum—out, look, cruise around the bird areas, then back—without draining your Reykjavik day.

It can still feel pricey if you compare it to land wildlife attractions. But Iceland wildlife costs money. This tour tries to justify that cost by giving you higher odds of meaningful, close viewing in a short window.

Who Should Book This RIB Puffin Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you:

• want a short, high-action wildlife stop in Reykjavik
• like birds and enjoy cruising for changing views
• don’t mind wind, cold air, and a bit of boat movement

It’s not a good match if you have restrictions listed for the activity, including:

• children under 10
• people who are pregnant
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

If you’ve got any concern about open-boat movement, treat that as a real factor. The suits keep you warm, and the crew helps with safety, but the experience is still fast and bouncy by design.

Small Cautions That Help You Enjoy It More

Two realities can affect your experience, and knowing them upfront keeps your expectations healthy.

1) Puffins are wild, not stage actors. Birds can fly off when they feel stressed or when the boat changes position. One important lesson from the field: don’t assume you’ll get cartoon-close to every bird. The approach is close for viewing, but there are limits, and puffins don’t always sit still.

2) Timing affects the density. Puffins are busiest in the May to August window. Later in the season, colonies can be thinner, and sightings may be a bit less dramatic than the peak-of-summer stories.

If you want the most satisfying outing, dress warm, keep your eyes scanning continuously, and enjoy the rhythm: spotting, tracking, and then watching them lift off, land, swim, and repeat.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour?

If puffins are on your Iceland list and you want a focused outing with strong odds of close viewing, I’d book it. The RIB format and included gear make it feel more complete than many short tours that just move you around. Plus, the guide help is what turns a fast hour into a real wildlife experience.

Skip it if you strongly dislike bouncy open-boat rides, or if you fall into any of the safety restrictions listed for the activity. Otherwise, this is one of the most efficient ways to chase puffins from Reykjavik without burning a full day.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a professional captain and wildlife guide, use of coveralls, all necessary safety equipment, and binoculars.

Do they provide food and drinks?

No, food and drinks are not included.

Do I need hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes (sports shoes work well). You’ll also be provided coveralls for the ride.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is English.

Who isn’t this tour suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm).

Is cancellation free if my plans change?

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

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later, so you can book your spot without paying immediately.