Puffins are louder than you think. This Reykjavik puffin watching trip is a one-hour, high-energy ride from Old Harbor out to Lundey and Akurey, where the boat goes engine-off so you can really watch (and learn). I like that you get both the fun speedboat momentum and the pay-off of seeing thousands of puffins in their real home, not on a poster.

The main thing to consider is that the whole outing depends on weather and sea conditions, and captains can adjust for safety and comfort. If you’re prone to getting cold or uncomfortable fast, Iceland’s wind and splash are part of the deal, even with the included gear.

Key Things I’d Prioritize

• One hour, maximum time outside the city: short and efficient, built for tight Reykjavik schedules
• Lundey and Akurey are nearby: you’re only about 15 minutes from Old Harbor by boat
• Engine-off viewing: they turn off the motor when you reach the islands so you can observe in quieter conditions
• Small group size (12 max): easier bird-spotting and less crowding along the shoreline
• Full waterproof suit + goggles + life vest included: you’re set up to stay dry and focused
• Real bird ID from the guide: puffins plus northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots

Reykjavik RIB Departure From Old Harbor: how the timing really feels

This tour leaves from the Old Harbor area of Reykjavik, right where you’d expect to find boats and sea activity. Your meeting point is a little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, in a row of wooden huts. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early, not because it’s complicated, but because you want time to get suited up without rushing.

You’re out for a total of one hour, and the trip is structured around speed and efficiency. The islands you visit, Lundey and Akurey, sit in Reykjavik’s bay area, roughly 15 minutes away from Old Harbor. That quick transit matters in Iceland. When daylight is limited, or you only have one free window in town, a compact tour like this gives you a real wildlife payoff without eating your whole day.

The boat type is a RIB speedboat, and the shallow draft is part of the plan. In plain terms, the design helps the crew get you closer to the rocky shorelines without needing to stay far out. That proximity is a big deal for puffins, because they’re small and quick, and distance turns them into distant dots.

Lundey and Akurey: why these islands deliver the puffin experience

Lundey and Akurey are small islands in the Reykjavik bay area. Both have small hills and slopes, and both are known for colorful birdlife. What I like about this setup is that it’s close enough to feel spontaneous, but specific enough to feel like an actual puffin destination.

The island shores are rocky, not sandy. That can be a drawback if you’re expecting an easy strolling viewpoint. But for bird watching, rocky edges are often where birds do their business, and this tour’s RIB format is designed to work with that reality. Since the boats can get as close as possible due to the shallow draft, you’re not stuck craning your neck at the far horizon.

You’ll also get a sense of place that’s hard to fake from land. From the water, you see Reykjavik’s coastline, mountains in the broader view, and the islands as part of the same geography. If you’re traveling around Iceland, it’s a nice taste of coastal wildlife without committing to a full-day trip.

Engine-Off Island Watching: how the crew turns a ride into real viewing

Here’s the key moment: once you arrive at the islands, the crew turns off the engine. That’s not a small detail. Sea noise and engine vibration can make observation harder and can change how birds respond. Engine-off time creates a quieter window for both spotting and listening.

Your licensed guide shares information about puffins and other birds that you can often see during these outings. The guide isn’t just there for safety and logistics. You’re there to identify what you’re seeing, and the island setting gives the lesson a reason to exist. You’ll also have a shot at other species, including northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.

One fun detail: a guide on this operator’s puffin format has been described as impersonating puffin noises. Even when you know what puffins look like, hearing how they sound changes the experience. It’s the kind of small, human touch that makes wildlife watching feel less like a chore and more like you’re borrowing expertise for an hour.

Also, you’re not just on a long cruise. The tour is intentionally short, so you’re spending most of your limited time where the birds are. That’s the whole value of the “Puffin Express” approach.

What’s Included (and what you’ll still need)

This tour includes the gear that matters most for cold spray and wind: full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. I like this because it reduces decision fatigue. You’re not standing in Reykjavik thinking through what to pack for sea time.

But it also means you should plan around what’s not included. Waterproof shoes are not included, so you’ll want to bring or buy footwear that can handle wet conditions. If you show up in normal shoes, you’ll likely end up uncomfortable, and that takes the edge off wildlife watching.

Group size is capped at 12 participants, which is another practical value point. On a small boat, crowding can turn into blocked sightlines. With fewer people, you usually get a better chance of keeping your eyes on birds instead of on elbows.

Language is English, and the guide is live. If you’re not fluent in English, the Special Tours Iceland app is offered in five languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. It includes both text and audio information, and you can download it during your tour. Even if you don’t use it the whole time, it’s a nice “second brain” while you’re scanning the water and shore.

The Speedboat Factor: fun ride, real conditions, real expectations

A RIB speedboat is exciting by nature, and this one is explicitly meant to be fast and close-to-the-islands. That speed is part of the payoff: you get moving quickly, you get to the bird zone quickly, and you’re not stuck in a long, slow transport phase.

The flip side is that sea conditions matter. The tour is dependent on weather conditions, and captains make the decision to sail based on many years of experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind. I treat that as a feature, not a problem. In Iceland, the wind and sea can change fast, and good captains plan around that instead of forcing an outing at all costs.

If you’re someone who hates uncertainty, Iceland travel always requires some flexibility. But if you want a one-hour wildlife hit with a strong chance of seeing lots of birds, this format is well matched to a Reykjavik schedule.

Puffin Photo Reality Check: tiny birds don’t play along

Puffins are small and fast, and that matters for cameras. One verified booking experience noted that puffins can be hard to photograph or record because they move quickly and they’re not huge targets from the water.

So I’d set expectations correctly going in. Your goal shouldn’t be perfect close-up video of every bird. Instead, aim for short bursts and steady tracking when birds pop into view. If you focus on moments rather than getting a single “perfect shot,” you’ll likely enjoy the tour more.

Also, remember you’ll be in waterproof gear with goggles on. That’s a good thing for comfort, but it can affect how you handle your camera or phone. Bring a strap or a plan for keeping your device secure, and keep one eye on the birds first.

If you’re more interested in the experience than the footage, you’ll be happier. The engine-off viewing window plus a guide calling out what you’re seeing is often the best “capture” you can make.

Price and Value: what you’re paying for at $84 per person

At about $84 per person for a one-hour outing, you’re paying for three things: speed, proximity, and gear.

First, it’s short. That’s not just convenience. In Reykjavik, where sightseeing can be packed, an hour can mean the difference between fitting wildlife in or missing it entirely. Second, you’re paying for boat access that helps you get as close as possible to the islands. For birds, closeness is a real upgrade, not marketing.

Third, the included equipment is part of the value. Waterproof suits, goggles, and a life vest reduce the need to buy or rent specialized gear. If you’re already walking around Reykjavik in regular clothes, that’s a practical cost saver.

So is it worth it? For me, the value comes when you want a focused wildlife experience and you don’t want a half-day or full-day commitment. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to linger, this is intentionally not that tour. But if you want to maximize your chances of seeing puffins while still enjoying Reykjavik time, this price tends to make sense.

Who This Tour Suits Best in Reykjavik

This is a great fit for people who want an active, time-efficient bird outing. The one-hour duration works well for families, especially when kids can handle being out on the water briefly. One verified experience included a ten-year-old in the group, and the trip was described as absolutely wonderful, with the crew doing a strong job.

It also suits bird lovers who appreciate guidance. Puffins are adorable, but identifying what you’re looking at is another layer of fun. This tour is built for that, with a licensed guide providing bird information and helping you notice other species like northern fulmars, arctic terns, and black guillemots.

A quick note on suitability: the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, for people with back problems, or for anyone under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). If any of those apply, skip it and look for a different format that matches your needs.

Should You Book the Puffin Express RIB Tour?

I’d book it if you want a close-to-the-action puffin experience without gambling your whole day to weather and distance. The combination of RIB access, engine-off viewing, and a live guide in English (plus the multilingual app option) makes this one of the more efficient ways to see Reykjavik’s nearby birdlife.

I’d hesitate if you’re very sensitive to changing conditions. Since captains decide based on safety and comfort, the outing can be affected by weather. That doesn’t mean the tour is unreliable; it means Iceland is real, and you’re sailing in exposed coastal conditions.

One more decision helper: if you care most about learning and spotting, this tour’s short format works because it keeps you focused on Lundey and Akurey for the time that matters. If you want long, slow watching time on land, you might prefer a longer excursion. But for a “see puffins well enough to feel it” hour, this one has the right shape.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the Reykjavik by Boat departure?

You’ll find your way to a little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, in a row of wooden huts. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you can get ready for the tour.

How long is the Puffin Express RIB speedboat tour?

The tour lasts one hour.

What gear is included in the tour price?

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

Do I get a live guide, and what language is it in?

Yes, you’ll have a live tour guide, and the language is English.

How close does the boat get to the puffin islands?

The boats are designed to get as close as possible to the islands due to their shallow draft, and when you arrive, the engine is turned off so you can observe the birds.

What other birds can you see besides puffins?

Other birds that may be spotted include northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The tour depends on weather conditions, and captains decide whether to sail based on safety and passenger comfort.

Who should not join this tour?

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

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