Puffins feel faster when you’re on a speed-boat. This 1-hour Reykjavík tour takes you across the Bay of Reykjavík on a small RIB-style craft so you can get near puffin colonies, then ride back along the coast with Harpa Concert Hall in view from the water. You’ll also get guided context on why Iceland matters for puffins, including the fact that Iceland holds about 60% of the world’s puffins.

I particularly like two things. First, the full-body waterproof suit and goggles mean you can focus on the animals instead of trying to stay dry. Second, the short duration keeps it punchy: you’re out for one hour with guided spotting and plenty of photo chances close to the islands that hold around 40,000 puffins.

One possible drawback: this is a fast, bouncy ride. Even with suspension seats, the boat can feel hard on the back for some people, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan accordingly.

Key highlights to notice before you go

• Full waterproof suit + goggles: warm, dry, and built for cold seawater spray
• Small-boat access: a speed-boat can reach closer to puffin colonies than bigger vessels
• Reykjavík coastal views: Harpa Concert Hall shows from the sea during your ride
• Puffins in big numbers: Iceland’s colonies include roughly 60% of the world’s puffins
• Photo-friendly close passes: you’re moving, not stuck far away looking in
• Conservation talk onboard: the guide covers puffin hunting harms and how to stop it

Gear, warmth, and what you’ll wear on the boat

The smartest part of this tour is that it handles Iceland’s weather for you. You’re provided a full-body waterproof suit, plus a life vest and goggles. In plain terms: you don’t spend the whole trip shivering or worrying about getting soaked when the wind and spray pick up.

What you bring matters. Wear warm layers under the suit and bring comfortable shoes (waterproof shoes aren’t included). The suit helps, but your feet still need something decent for boarding and standing briefly.

Also plan to travel light. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, so bring only what you need for one hour on the water. If you’re carrying extra gear for photos, keep it compact.

Reykjavík to the Bay of Reykjavík: the ride that sets the mood

Before you ever see puffins, you’ll get the Reykjavík coast experience. After you meet at the wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT (in a row of huts), you’ll head out along the shoreline and likely spot Harpa Concert Hall from the sea.

This matters more than it sounds. On a typical walking tour you see Harpa head-on, but from the water the building becomes part of the coastline. It gives you an immediate sense of where you are and why Reykjavík’s harbor area feels like the gateway to the rest of Iceland.

The boat departs from the Reykjavík area and heads toward the Bay of Reykjavík. Expect movement right away, because puffin viewing depends on reaching the right islands and angles quickly.

How the puffin viewing works in one hour

The main event is the puffin colonies. You’ll travel toward islands that are home to about 40,000 puffins, and the guide explains that Iceland has the biggest puffin colony in the world—holding roughly 60% of the world’s puffins.

Here’s what “up close” really means on this kind of tour. Instead of treating puffins like a distant spot you aim at, a smaller speed-boat can get nearer to the colonies. That shortens the distance between you and the birds, which is exactly what you want for both viewing and photos.

You’ll also get goggles on, which helps when you’re looking into spray and wind. Puffins are fast little movers, so the ability to keep your eyes on them without squinting makes a difference.

During the hour, the route is not meant to be static. On at least one past trip, the boat went to three different places, which tells you the operator is willing to shift locations to improve viewing. You should expect some variation in where you look during your time on the water, even though you’ll still be targeting the puffin-heavy islands.

Puffins and the conservation angle your guide will cover

This tour isn’t only about watching birds. Your live English guide also shares context about how puffin hunting affects the birds and why it’s so harmful. You’ll hear about ways to help put a stop to it, not just the facts.

Why that matters for your experience: it changes how you watch. When you understand the pressures puffins face, spotting them becomes more than cute wildlife. You’re witnessing a species that Iceland is protecting by virtue of its large colonies, but one that can still be impacted by human behavior.

It’s also a useful moment for questions. If you’re the type who wants to know what you’re seeing—breeding, nesting habits, or how the colonies work—this is the part of the trip where you’ll likely get answers.

Photo strategy on a fast boat (without turning it into a stress test)

You don’t get much time, so your best photos need two things: good positioning and quick reaction. Because you’re traveling by speed-boat with suspension seats, the ride can jostle you slightly. That means it helps to keep your camera ready, not tucked away.

Goggles are a big deal for clear sightlines. Even if you don’t wear glasses, the eyewear helps you track the birds in wind and sea spray. Keep your lens steady when the boat slows or turns toward the islands.

If you’re taking phone photos, hold the device firmly and expect brief moments where the birds are visible but the angle changes quickly. Puffins don’t wait for your perfect framing.

Finally, don’t ignore the wider shots. You’ll be seeing island edges, coastline, and the relationship between puffins and their habitat. Those “show the setting” photos often look better later than only tight bird portraits.

Comfort, seating, and the one drawback to plan around

Let’s talk boat comfort honestly. The boat is built for speed and closeness to colonies, and that can mean more motion than you’d get on a larger sightseeing ferry. You’ll ride on a craft with suspension seats, which helps, but a past rider still noted the seats can feel hard on the back.

So here’s the practical advice: wear a warm layer and sit in a way that supports your back. If you know you’re sensitive to jolts, consider bringing a small cushion you can comfortably use with the life vest and suit. Keep it simple so you don’t create storage problems.

Also, remember the suit changes your posture a little. It’s meant to keep you warm and dry, but thick layers can make you more rigid. Try to move gently with the boat rather than bracing stiffly.

If you’re someone who gets carsick or motion-sick easily, this is not the tour to test yourself for the first time. The ride is part of the experience, but that also means it’s not for everyone.

Timing and route: what you’ll do before and after spotting puffins

The tour lasts 1 hour, and it’s structured so you’re out soon after the group gets outfitted. Arrive early—no later than 30 minutes before departure—so the team can get you suited up and ready. Since you’ll be in provided gear, arriving on time reduces waiting and keeps your weather stress low.

Expect a typical flow like this: meet, get fitted with the suit and life vest, put on goggles, do a quick onboard orientation, then head toward the puffin areas. During your time at the islands, you’ll have viewing windows where the boat positions you for close watching.

When the hour ends, you return to your starting point. That short schedule is part of the value for visitors who want a single, focused wildlife experience without committing to a half day.

Meeting point reality check: finding REYKJAVIK BY BOAT

The meeting point is a small detail that can make your start smoother or turn into a quick scramble. You’re looking for a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

A past visitor found the signage helpful but noted confusion when one building seemed closed. That’s a good reason to arrive early and confirm you’re at the right hut before you assume everything is shut for the day. If you’re standing at the row and the hut doors look locked, double-check the marking and ask nearby staff rather than wandering for long.

This is one of those tours where being punctual is more comfortable than being rushed.

Price and value: does $81 make sense for a one-hour tour?

At about $81 per person for a 1-hour outing, you’re paying for two things: speedboat access and the chance to see puffin colonies close enough to feel like you’re part of the scene.

A longer tour can sometimes mean more time for wildlife, but this one is designed for efficiency. You’re not spending hours traveling around Iceland or waiting for a single fixed viewpoint. You get guided spotting, close pass potential, and coastal views of Reykjavík—then you’re back.

Also consider what’s included. You’re not bringing your own waterproof suit, goggles, or life vest. That reduces the “hidden costs” of dressing for Iceland’s water-and-wind conditions. If you don’t plan to buy waterproof outerwear for one boat ride, that included gear is real value.

Is it budget-friendly? Not especially. But it’s a solid option if you want a high-contact wildlife experience in a short window and you’ll use the provided gear instead of fighting the weather on your own.

Who should book, and who should skip this speed-boat puffin trip

This tour is a good match if you want action and closeness. You’ll likely love it if you’re comfortable in wind, enjoy fast rides, and want to see puffins at distances you can actually appreciate rather than simply spotting them as tiny dots.

It’s not a good fit if motion is a problem. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and it also has a height limit (not suitable for people under 4 ft 6 in / 140 cm).

If you’re traveling with kids, double-check the height requirement early. It’s easy to assume age is what matters, but here it’s the height threshold that counts.

Should you book this Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

If you’re aiming for one standout wildlife experience from Reykjavík, I’d lean toward booking this. The combination of speed-boat proximity, included waterproof suit and goggles, plus the Harpa sightline from the sea makes it feel like more than just a quick animal sighting.

Skip it if your body won’t handle a brisk, bouncy ride or if you fall into the listed unsuitability categories. And if you hate the idea of arriving early to gear up, plan to make that part of your morning easy rather than stressful.

Finally, for the best results: pack light, arrive with warm layers, and don’t wait until the last minute to find the wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You’ll get more time on the water—and that’s when the puffins show up.

FAQ

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $81 per person.

What’s included in the ticket?

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

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on you can purchase separately.

What should I wear for this tour?

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

Do I need to bring a rain jacket or waterproof layers?

You’ll be given a full-body waterproof suit, but you still should wear warm layers underneath.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

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

Are bags or luggage allowed?

Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children or for people with health issues?

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