Puffins get close fast. This one-hour RIB run from Reykjavik pushes you out toward the nearby islands, then turns off the engines once puffins are in view, so you can watch in calmer conditions. I also like the 12-seat small group setup, which keeps the experience personal and makes it easier to ask your guide questions.

I also love that they hand you the practical cold-weather stuff up front: warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles. That means you can focus on seeing birds instead of wrestling with layers.

One consideration: the water can get a bit rocky at times, and the tour needs good weather to run. If the sea is rough, you’ll be rescheduled or refunded.

Key things to know before you go

• 12-seat RIB speedboat for a more personal wildlife encounter than big-boat options
• Engines off near the puffin area so you hear and see wildlife without constant noise
• Warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles included, plus a lifejacket
• City sightseeing built into the route as you cruise past Harpa, Sun Voyager, and the Old Harbour area
• English guiding with time for questions, thanks to the small group size
• Weather-dependent timing with the tour designed for short, efficient wildlife time

A fast RIB ride to puffin country from downtown Reykjavik

Reykjavik is compact, and this tour uses that to your advantage. You meet at Reykjavík by Boat (Ægisgarður 5F), then head out quickly toward the islands just off the city. The point is simple: you don’t spend the whole day commuting. You get moving early enough that puffins are still part of the plan, and you spend most of the tour out where the birds are.

The boat is a RIB speedboat with a 12-seat capacity. That matters because puffin watching is more than just getting lucky with a sighting. If you want to actually watch what you came for, you need time with the birds and enough space to see and point. A small boat helps you do that.

Also, the way they handle sound is a smart touch. Once you arrive in the viewing area, the engines are turned off. That gives you a quieter moment for wildlife observation, and it also makes the experience feel less like a drive-by and more like a real viewing session.

Your kit: staying warm in waterproof overalls on a speedboat

Iceland can be windy, and the ocean air can bite. What I like here is that you’re not left guessing what to wear. The tour provides warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket. You come as you are, then you suit up.

That kit is more than comfort. It makes puffin viewing easier because your hands stay usable and your face stays protected. On a speedboat ride, you’ll want to be able to lift your gaze, grab a quick note for where you’re looking, and keep your eyes on the water or rocky edges where puffins may appear.

Practical tip: even with the overalls, wear something warm underneath. The tour gives you weather armor, but you still control the layers that go under it. If you tend to get cold fast, consider adding an extra warm layer before you meet.

How the tour flows: Harpa, the city sights, Videy, Sun Voyager, and Old Harbour

This trip is built like a short loop, mixing city views with wildlife time. You start at 12:00 pm and you’re back at the same meeting point by the end.

Here’s how the route feels in sequence:

Stop 1: Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

From the water, Harpa has a different personality. It’s still a building you recognize, but the viewpoint makes it feel more architectural and less like a landmark you just pass on foot. This is a quick city anchor early in the trip, so you get oriented and get the coastal Reykjavik vibe right away.

A small caution: if you’re focused on wildlife the moment you depart, this part can feel like you’re still warming up. It’s worth it, though, because it sets the tone and gets you moving before the real viewing time.

Stop 2: Reykjavik (general city cruising)

After Harpa, you get more of the city from the boat. This is where the guide’s English narration can turn “I see buildings” into “I understand what I’m looking at.” You’ll also get background on the city and the wildlife, which helps when you later spot puffins and start connecting what you’re seeing to the guide’s explanation.

If you’re the type who likes context, this section is a good use of time. If you only want birds, you’ll still appreciate it once you realize it helps your spotting later.

Stop 3: Videy Island

Videy Island is where the puffin-focused part of your ride really comes into play. This is the viewing area where you’ll spend the bulk of the tour. The boat’s speed gets you out there quickly, then they slow down and turn off the engines so you can enjoy the birds more quietly.

This is also the part where conditions can affect your experience. In rougher water, the ride near the island can feel a little bumpy. The upside is that you’re rewarded with very close access once you arrive.

Stop 4: Sun Voyager

Sun Voyager is a Reykjavik icon, and seeing it from the water gives it a new angle. It’s also a handy “breather” moment in the timeline—another recognizable landmark while the guide keeps talking and you keep watching the route and the shoreline.

This stop is also a reminder that this isn’t just a wildlife excursion. It’s a short boat day that mixes nature with city scenery, without turning into an all-day schedule.

Stop 5: Old Harbour

Old Harbour is one last snapshot of Reykjavik’s working-water side. Depending on the light and wind, this can be one of the more photogenic stretches of the ride. It’s a good send-off as you head back toward the meeting point.

The benefit of this layout is that you’re not stuck doing a single long push to the islands and then a long slow return. You get multiple points of interest while staying focused on the puffins as the main event.

Puffin watching up close: what engines off changes

Puffin watching is all about observation. When the engines are off, you lose some of the constant roar and you gain a more natural feel. It’s easier to notice small movement on the waterline or along the island edges, and it feels more respectful to the birds.

The tour is designed to get as close as possible to the islands and puffins on a RIB speedboat. That closeness is one of the biggest reasons this activity works so well for short time windows. You’re not waiting far away hoping a bird will drift into your view.

You also get full guidance in English with information on puffins, city sights, and wildlife. That combo matters: seeing puffins is exciting, but learning a bit about what you’re seeing makes the experience stick. And because the group is small, you’re not stuck nodding while the guide talks. You can ask questions and adjust your attention as you go.

One more reality check: if the water is choppy, your view might be harder than you expect. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s why the warm gear and calm viewing setup matter. You want to be comfortable enough to keep watching even if the boat is rocking a bit.

Small-group comfort and guide style in a 12-seat boat

In a 12-seat boat, the guide isn’t just performing. You get actual interaction. That’s where this tour earns its very high rating.

The guides you might meet include Celia, Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe, and the vibe across them is similar: they connect bird facts with what you’re seeing in front of you, plus they bring a sense of humor. You’ll also get strong safety focus without making the experience feel sterile.

I like that the tour treats safety as part of the fun, not a separate lecture. You get lifejackets, you’re in a guided situation, and the boat is operated for close viewing. The result is a trip that feels active—moving fast, seeing a lot—while still feeling controlled.

Also, since there’s no hotel pickup, your timing depends on showing up at the meeting point and being ready to go. Once you’re on board, the small group helps everything run smoothly.

Price and value: $76 for one hour (and why that can make sense)

At $76 per person for about an hour, this isn’t a bargain by budget-trip standards. But it can be good value because the ticket buys you several things that usually cost extra in Iceland:

• a RIB speedboat experience (fast transport and close access)
• included wildlife guiding in English
• full cold-weather gear: waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles
• a small-group format that improves your chances of actually spotting birds

If you’ve ever paid for a tour that looks good on paper but gives you long ride time and short viewing time, this format is designed to avoid that. The majority of the outing is spent in the close encounter period, and that’s the part you remember.

How long will it take in real life? The tour is listed as about one hour, but some departures run longer in the way they handle cruising and viewing time, reaching around an hour and a half. Either way, it’s short enough to fit neatly between other Reykjavik plans.

When this tour is the right fit (and when it isn’t)

This is a strong choice if you want:

• a short, efficient puffin outing without losing your whole morning or afternoon
• maximum effort toward close viewing rather than distant scanning
• the convenience of gear included, so you don’t over-pack gloves and goggles
• a guided experience with time to ask questions

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate any boat movement and you can’t handle choppy water
• you’re traveling with someone who needs a fully calm, seated, stable ride
• you’re trying to squeeze the tour into a tight schedule where delays from weather would cause stress

Also note the child requirement: a child must be at least 140 cm to join the RIB portion. If you’re traveling with kids shorter than that, you’ll need another option.

Practical tips so your puffin spotting goes smoother

You’ll get warm gear, but the little things still help.

• Dress for wind anyway. Waterproof overalls help, but Reykjavik wind can find gaps.
• Keep your hands free when you’re scanning. Gloves are provided, so use pockets wisely.
• Bring a phone camera mindset. You might have quick moments where you want to frame the island edge where birds appear.
• If you’re prone to motion discomfort, be honest with yourself. Choppy water near the island can happen, and the boat ride is fast by design.

If weather is poor, the tour may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a minor detail in Iceland. It’s the whole game.

Should you book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

If you want a real puffin experience without committing a full day, I’d book it. The combination of small-group access, warm provided gear, and the effort to get close to the islands with engines off is exactly what makes a short tour feel worth it.

Book this when you value efficient sightseeing and hands-on wildlife viewing. Skip it if you can’t handle rougher water or you’re set on a perfectly calm boat ride.

If you’re in Reykjavik for a limited window and want one memorable nature hit that also connects to the city, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express tour?

It’s approximately one hour, with the experience designed to spend most of the time close to the puffins.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $76.00 per person.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, full guidance is provided in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience uses a 12-seat RIB speedboat with a maximum of 12 travelers.

What should I wear?

You’ll be provided warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, along with a lifejacket.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 12:00 pm.

Are kids allowed on the tour?

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

Does the tour run in bad weather?

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

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