Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

The best part of this Reykjavík outing is the small, nimble RIB speedboat, which can approach Iceland’s puffin islands more closely than a large sightseeing boat. You get wild birds, open water, and a quick burst of speed in one compact trip.

I like the close-up puffin viewing and the chance to see Reykjavík from the bay, especially Harpa Concert Hall from an angle you cannot get on land. I also like that the guide adds context about Iceland’s huge puffin population and the damage caused by puffin hunting.

The main trade-off is comfort. The suspension seats help on the fast ride, but one recent rider found the seats hard on the back. The meeting point can also be confusing, so arrive early and look carefully for the wooden hut marked Reykjavík By Boat.

Key points to know before you book

• About 40,000 puffins gather near the islands visited on the trip, during the season when the birds are present.
• The RIB gets closer to the colonies than larger boats, making it a strong choice for photos.
• The one-hour trip includes the boat ride and guided commentary, not just time spent watching birds.
• You wear a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, but waterproof shoes are not supplied.
• The ride includes open-water speed and sharp motion, so it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 140 centimeters.
• You must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and large bags are not allowed.

Why this short RIB trip works well in Reykjavík

This is a focused nature trip rather than a long boat expedition. In one hour, you leave the harbor, cross Reykjavík Bay, visit puffin-populated islands, and return to the same starting point.

That short format matters. If your Iceland itinerary is packed with the Golden Circle, the South Coast, hot springs, and museums, you do not need to give up half a day for a puffin outing. This trip fits neatly into a Reykjavík morning or afternoon.

The boat is the main attraction. A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, is smaller and more agile than the big whale-watching vessels used in the harbor. That gives the guide more freedom to approach the islands and position the boat for bird viewing.

You should think of the experience as two outings joined together: a fast ride across the bay and a guided wildlife stop. The puffins are the reason to book, but the boat itself adds much of the excitement.

Arriving at the Reykjavík harbor hut

The meeting point is a little wooden hut in a row of similar huts. Look for the one marked REYKJAVÍK BY BOAT.

You need to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure. This is not a suggestion to stroll in at the last minute. You need time to find the hut, check in, put on the protective gear, and get ready for the boat.

The meeting instructions have caused some confusion. One recent rider expected a location marked 5G, found a locked building, and had to ask at a neighboring hut. I would allow extra time, especially if you are unfamiliar with the harbor. Finding the correct wooden hut before your departure time will make the start much calmer.

Do not bring luggage or a large bag. You need comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a small amount of personal gear that can stay with you. Waterproof shoes are not included, so choose footwear that can handle spray and damp conditions.

Getting suited up for the open water

Before boarding, you receive a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. This protective layer is important in Iceland, where the air over the water can feel much colder than it does along the harbor.

The suit helps keep you dry from spray, while the goggles protect your eyes during the faster parts of the ride. You should still wear warm clothing underneath. The supplied gear is designed for protection, not as a substitute for every warm layer you may need.

Comfortable shoes are listed as an item to bring, but waterproof shoes are not supplied. That is worth noting if you have only city sneakers with you. The boat can be wet, and your feet deserve as much attention as the rest of you.

The equipment also tells you what kind of excursion this is. You are not boarding a quiet harbor cruiser with a sheltered indoor cabin. You are preparing for an exposed, active ride on the bay.

Racing across Reykjavík Bay

Once everyone is ready, the custom-built RIB heads out toward the islands. The boat has suspension seats, which are intended to reduce the impact as the hull moves over the water.

You can expect a lively ride, not a slow cruise. The speed is part of the appeal, and one French rider specifically described the trip as more thrilling than an outing on a large boat. That extra motion also means you should take the back warning seriously if you have an existing problem.

The suspension seats offer some help, but they do not make the ride soft. One person found the seats hard on the back. If you are sensitive to jolts, pregnant, or dealing with back trouble, this is the wrong boat style for you.

The open water also gives you a fresh view of Reykjavík. The route includes a look back toward the coastline and Harpa Concert Hall from the sea. Harpa’s colorful glass exterior is familiar from the waterfront, but seeing it from a moving boat changes the scale and setting.

The city view is a bonus rather than the main event. You are heading toward the birds, but the ride lets you connect the urban harbor with the open bay in a way a land-based tour cannot.

Reaching the puffin islands

The boat travels to some of the most populated puffin islands near Reykjavík. These islands are home to approximately 40,000 puffins, and Iceland holds about 60 percent of the world’s puffin population.

That figure gives the trip real context. You are not simply chasing the chance sighting of one seabird. During the right season, you are heading toward a major breeding area where puffins gather in large numbers.

The boat’s small size is useful here. Larger vessels have more passengers and more room, but they cannot move as easily near the islands. The RIB can get closer to the colonies, giving you a better chance to study the birds and take photos.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Puffins are wild animals, not performers. The exact number of birds and how close they appear can vary with conditions and natural behavior. The tour promises access to populated islands, not a guaranteed bird posing session.

Still, the setup gives you a strong advantage. You are on the water, close to the habitat, and watching free-flying birds rather than seeing them in an enclosed attraction. That makes the experience feel more direct and more connected to Iceland’s coastal life.

Watching the birds without losing the wider story

The puffin viewing is paired with guided commentary in English. The guide explains Iceland’s puffin population and discusses the serious effects of puffin hunting.

That conservation element adds value. The excursion is not only about getting a close photo. It gives you a clearer sense of why these birds matter and how human activity can harm them. The guide also explains how people can help stop damaging hunting practices.

A recent rider praised the commentary, and another described receiving interesting information at three different locations during the boat outing. No guide names are provided, but the spoken explanation is clearly an important part of the experience.

Bring your camera, but keep your attention on the birds and the setting too. The boat’s movement, the protective goggles, and the distance from the islands can make photography less simple than taking a picture from a pier. A fast RIB can get you into position, but you still need to watch the water and follow the guide’s instructions.

The best photos may be wider views showing puffins, sea, and the island together. The point is not only a close bird portrait. It is the feeling of seeing a large wild colony from a small boat.

What the one-hour length means for value

The price is $81 per person. For a one-hour activity, that is not cheap. You are paying for the specialized RIB, protective equipment, guide, access to the islands, and the quick transfer from Reykjavík harbor into a marine setting.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is the longest possible wildlife outing, a one-hour trip may feel brief. You have to include preparation, the ride out, bird viewing, and the return within that time.

If you want an efficient Reykjavík activity with real wildlife and some speed, the price makes more sense. You avoid a long drive, do not need to arrange transport outside the capital, and get two distinct experiences in one ticket: the boat ride and the puffin visit.

The smaller boat is also part of the price difference. A large vessel may provide more room and a steadier ride, but this RIB can approach the islands more closely. You are paying for mobility and a more active style of viewing.

Food and drinks are not included, but a one-hour outing does not require a meal service. Pickup and drop-off are also not included, though transport can be purchased as an add-on. Since the activity begins in Reykjavík, many people can make their own way to the harbor.

Who should choose this boat

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A short wildlife activity that fits into a busy Reykjavík schedule
• Close puffin viewing from a smaller boat
• A faster, more exciting alternative to a large sightseeing vessel
• A guided introduction to Iceland’s puffin population and hunting concerns
• Harbor views that include Harpa Concert Hall from the water
• An outing with supplied waterproof clothing and goggles

The tour suits adults and children who meet the minimum height of 140 centimeters and are comfortable with an active ride. The experience is not suitable for anyone under that height.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you have back problems or dislike speed, spray, and exposed seating. Pregnant women should not take this trip. If you want a calm, sheltered boat ride, look for a larger vessel instead.

The hard seats are worth keeping in mind even if you have no back condition. One hour is short, but a bumpy ride can feel long when you are sitting in one position. Dress warmly and arrive ready for the boat, not for a gentle harbor cruise.

Practical details that can make the trip smoother

Use the cancellation flexibility to protect your plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available starting times when choosing your day.

Plan to reach the harbor well before the 30-minute requirement. The meeting point is a row of wooden huts, and the correct one is marked Reykjavík By Boat. If the first building you see is locked or unclear, ask nearby rather than waiting.

Wear warm clothes under the supplied suit. Bring comfortable shoes, but remember that waterproof footwear is your responsibility. Leave large bags and luggage behind.

The only listed tour language is English. The guide provides live commentary, so you should be comfortable following explanations and instructions in English.

Should you book the Reykjavík puffin RIB tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active encounter with Icelandic wildlife and like the idea of getting closer to the islands in a small boat. The strongest reasons are the RIB’s mobility, the large puffin colonies, the conservation commentary, and the chance to pair bird watching with a fast ride past Reykjavík’s waterfront.

Skip it if you need a smooth, quiet boat, have back trouble, or want a longer wildlife trip for the price. Also plan carefully around the meeting point and arrive early.

For the right person, this is a lively way to add puffins to a Reykjavík stay without giving up a whole day. You get out on the bay, see the city from the water, and visit wild bird colonies in one brisk hour.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík puffin speedboat tour?

The tour lasts one hour, including the trip out to the puffin islands and the return to the starting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $81 per person.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the little wooden hut in the row of huts marked Reykjavík By Boat.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the boat.

What equipment is included?

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

Do I need to bring waterproof shoes?

Yes. Waterproof shoes are not included. You should bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available to purchase as an add-on.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the tour.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters.