Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

The best part of this Reykjavík outing is the chance to approach puffin islands in a small, nimble RIB boat rather than watch from a large vessel. You can get close to wild birds, then turn toward the bay and see Harpa Concert Hall from a fresh angle. I love the quick pace and the two-for-one nature of it: wildlife viewing plus a short coastal boat ride. The main catch is that the hard suspension seats may not suit anyone with back trouble.

I also like that you are given a full-body waterproof suit and goggles before setting out. That matters in Iceland, where a one-hour ride can feel cold and wet even on a decent day. You should arrive 30 minutes early, bring comfortable shoes and warm layers, and leave large bags behind.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffin islands close to Reykjavík: The boat heads toward colonies said to hold about 40,000 puffins.
• Fast RIB access: A small custom-built boat can approach the islands more closely than larger vessels.
• Harpa from the sea: The ride includes views along Reykjavík’s coast and past the city’s famous concert hall.
• One hour on the water: This is a compact outing that fits neatly into a Reykjavík sightseeing day.
• Full-body protection included: You get a waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, but waterproof shoes are not provided.
• Not for every body: The trip is unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters.

The little harbor hut and a 30-minute head start

Your meeting point is a small wooden hut in a row of huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Give yourself extra time to find it, especially if you are walking through the harbor area or arriving by taxi. One recent booking described the meeting point as confusing because a nearby building was locked, so do not wait until the last minute to sort out where you need to be.

Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure. That is not wasted time. You need to get fitted with the full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest before boarding. The clothing is included, but waterproof shoes are not, so wear shoes that are comfortable and can handle spray.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the trip. Bring only what you need for the hour: warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a small camera or phone that can cope with water. The provided goggles help protect your eyes, but you should still expect a wet, exposed ride rather than a sheltered harbor cruise.

Suiting up for an exposed Icelandic ride

The boat is a custom-built RIB with suspension seats. That design gives the ride its appeal: you get a faster, more direct run toward the islands, with less bulk between you and the water. It also explains why the trip feels more active than a standard sightseeing boat.

The waterproof suit is a big practical benefit. You are not left to guess how many layers to wear, and the full-body coverage helps with wind and spray. Still, dress warmly underneath. The tour specifically recommends warm clothing, and Icelandic conditions can make an hour outside feel much longer than an hour in town.

The suspension seats are intended to soften the movement of the RIB, but they do not make it a gentle boat ride. One person found the seats hard on the back, so I would skip this outing if you already have back problems. The restrictions also exclude pregnant women and anyone below 140 centimeters in height.

Leaving Reykjavík and seeing Harpa from the bay

Once the group is ready, the RIB heads out into the Bay of Reykjavík. The opening part of the trip gives you a different view of the capital. From the water, you can see the coastline and Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass facade is one of Reykjavík’s most recognizable sights.

This city view is a useful bonus because the outing is not only about birds. You get a brief look back at Reykjavík before the boat points toward the puffin islands. If your schedule is tight, that makes the trip more worthwhile than a wildlife ride with no connection to the city itself.

The ride is guided in English. Commentary includes information about the puffins and the issues surrounding puffin hunting. A recent participant especially valued the explanation of how harmful hunting can be and what people can do to help stop it. That conservation message gives the bird-watching a clear purpose, rather than treating the puffins as simple photo subjects.

Approaching the puffin islands by RIB

The main goal is the group of islands near Reykjavík where puffins gather. Iceland is home to about 60 percent of the world’s puffin population, and the islands visited on this outing are described as holding approximately 40,000 puffins.

Numbers like that are easy to skim past, but they help explain why this short trip works. You are not being taken to a random stretch of sea in the hope of finding one bird. The route heads toward known puffin colonies, where you have a reasonable chance to see many birds in one area.

The RIB’s size is important here. Larger boats may need to stay farther from the islands, while this boat can move closer to the colonies. That does not mean you should expect to touch or handle the birds. They remain wild and free, and the value is in watching them at close range without entering their space.

You may see puffins flying, sitting on the water, or gathering around the islands. The supplied information does not promise a fixed number of sightings or a particular behavior, so keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife follows its own schedule. The boat’s mobility improves your viewing position, but it cannot turn a wild-animal trip into a guaranteed performance.

What the hour actually feels like

The full experience lasts one hour, including the boat ride out toward the islands, the bird viewing, and the return to the starting point. That makes it easy to fit before or after other Reykjavík plans. It is also short enough for people who want a taste of the sea without committing half a day to a boat excursion.

The tradeoff is that the trip moves quickly. You will not have long stretches for a slow, quiet look at every bird. The RIB is designed to cover ground and get close to the colonies, so the mood is more energetic than meditative.

That pace is a strong match for you if you like a little speed and want a compact outing. It may be less appealing if you want a long, calm wildlife cruise with plenty of time to sit indoors and watch through windows. There is no suggestion of a covered cabin or food service, so plan for an outdoor ride from start to finish.

A recent booking described the outing as visiting three different places by boat, with useful information from the guide. The exact route can vary, but this gives you a sense that the hour is not simply a straight run to one island and back. You should expect movement, commentary, and several coastal views packed into a short time.

Photos, puffin behavior, and the limits of close viewing

The RIB gives you better photo opportunities than a large vessel because it can approach the islands more closely. You can photograph the birds, the water, the islands, and Reykjavík’s coastline. Goggles will help with spray, but protect your camera or phone as carefully as you can.

The close distance can make this feel personal, but remember that you are still watching wildlife. Puffins are small birds, and conditions on the water can make photography tricky. A moving boat, wind, spray, and quick birds are not the same as a still viewpoint on land.

I would treat the photos as a welcome bonus rather than the sole reason to book. The more dependable reward is the combination of a fast ride, coastal scenery, and the chance to see puffins in their natural setting. If you need perfect close-up pictures, no wild-bird trip can promise that.

Is $81 a fair price for one hour?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavík. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a guided RIB trip, full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, along with access to puffin islands that larger boats cannot approach in the same way.

The value is strongest if you want both motion and wildlife. You are paying for the specialized boat and the ability to get closer to the colonies, not simply for transport across the harbor. The included protective clothing also saves you from needing to rent or buy a full waterproof outfit for this short excursion.

The value is weaker if you have already booked another puffin trip, dislike fast boats, or mainly want a quiet view of Reykjavík from the water. A one-hour activity gives you convenience, but it also limits the time available for bird watching. The cost is reasonable for a focused experience, but it is not a full-day nature trip.

Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on. If you are staying near central Reykjavík, reaching the harbor yourself may be simpler and less costly. Food and drinks are also not included, but the short duration means you can easily eat before or afterward.

Who should choose this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a short, active outing with a clear wildlife focus. It suits people who enjoy speed, do not mind wind and spray, and want a better chance of approaching puffin colonies than a larger boat allows.

It is also a good fit for a packed Reykjavík itinerary. One hour on the water leaves room for museums, walking around town, or another scheduled activity. The city view of Harpa adds a useful sightseeing element, especially if you are trying to see Reykjavík from more than street level.

Families and groups should check the height rule carefully. Anyone under 140 centimeters cannot join, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The hard seating reported by one participant is a practical warning, even though the boat has suspension seats.

I would be more cautious about booking if you dislike exposed outdoor activities. The suit keeps you dry, but it does not turn the boat into a warm indoor cruise. If you want comfort first, a larger vessel may be a better match, though it will not offer the same close approach to the islands.

How to prepare for the best possible ride

Arrive 30 minutes early and look for the marked wooden hut rather than assuming every harbor building is part of the tour. Wear warm clothing under the waterproof suit, choose comfortable shoes, and leave luggage at your accommodation.

Keep your camera protected and avoid bringing anything bulky. The operator does not allow luggage or large bags, and there is little reason to carry more than the basics for a one-hour ride.

Think of the trip as a wildlife outing, not a guaranteed photo session. The puffins are wild, and the guide’s explanation of their habitat and the effects of hunting is part of the experience. Listen to that context, then enjoy the birds without expecting a fixed show.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 22 reviews, with especially strong praise for the close puffin viewing, the speedboat ride, and the guide’s commentary. The few cautions are practical rather than mysterious: find the meeting point early and consider the seat comfort if your back is sensitive.

Should you book the Reykjavík puffin RIB tour?

Book it if you want a fast, compact puffin outing and like the idea of reaching the islands in a boat that can move closer than larger vessels. The included suit and goggles make preparation easy, while the Harpa view and conservation talk add more than a simple bird count.

Skip it if you need a gentle ride, have back problems, are pregnant, or fall below the 140-centimeter height requirement. At $81, the tour earns its price through the specialized RIB and close access, not through length or luxury. For the right person, it is a lively one-hour addition to a Reykjavík day. For someone seeking a slow, sheltered cruise, it will feel too short and too rough.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík puffin boat tour?

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

Where does the tour meet?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the ride.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and an English-speaking guided boat trip.

Are waterproof shoes included?

No. Waterproof shoes are not included, so bring comfortable footwear suitable for the conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available as a paid add-on.

Who cannot join the tour?

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

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

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

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.