Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Puffins are the main event, but the ride is part of the show. This one-hour RIB trip takes you from Reykjavík’s waterfront toward islands with about 40,000 puffins, then along the coast for a view of Harpa Concert Hall from the sea.

I like two things in particular: the smaller boat can get closer to the islands than larger vessels, and the guide adds context to the wildlife, including the effects of puffin hunting. The trip also gives you a lively, sea-level look at the capital’s shoreline.

The trade-off is comfort. The boat has suspension seats, but the ride can still be hard on your back, and the meeting point can be confusing to find. If either issue matters to you, plan ahead.

Key points before you book

• A smaller RIB gets close to the islands: It can approach puffin colonies more closely than larger boats, which helps with viewing and photos.
• The ride lasts one hour: That is a compact wildlife outing, not a long day at sea.
• You’ll see Reykjavík from the water: The route follows the coast and gives you a view of Harpa Concert Hall.
• The islands are home to about 40,000 puffins: Iceland is home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s puffin population.
• Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes: The operator supplies a waterproof full-body suit, goggles, and life vest, but not waterproof shoes.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: The meeting point is a wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and finding the correct hut may take a little attention.

From the harbor to the puffin islands

The tour begins at Reykjavík’s harbor, where you meet the crew and get ready for the ride. Find the small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, in a row of wooden huts, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is useful: you need time to check in and put on the protective gear before boarding.

The meeting point deserves more care than the short trip might suggest. One person had trouble locating the right place because a nearby building appeared closed and the signs were not clear. Look for the marked hut itself rather than assuming the address or a neighboring door will lead you there.

Before boarding, you’ll be given a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. Wear warm clothing underneath, and choose comfortable shoes. Waterproof shoes are not included, so do not count on the supplied suit to keep your feet dry. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you can manage comfortably.

Once on board, the boat heads out into the Bay of Reykjavík. The custom-built RIB is smaller than the larger boats commonly used for wildlife trips, and that matters here: it can get closer to the islands. The boat also has suspension seats, which are intended to soften the ride. Still, this is a speedboat, not a cushioned sightseeing launch. A passenger found the seats hard on the back, so consider your own comfort and physical needs before booking.

Puffins at close range

The islands are the reason to choose this trip. The tour heads toward some of Iceland’s most populated puffin islands, home to about 40,000 birds. Iceland holds roughly 60 percent of the world’s puffin population, making this a particularly rewarding place to look for them.

The RIB’s smaller size is its practical advantage. It can approach the colonies more closely than larger boats, giving you a better chance to observe the birds and take photos. You are still watching wild animals in their natural setting, not a staged display, so the experience is about seeing them where they live rather than expecting a set performance.

Keep your camera ready, but do not let the viewfinder take over. A close approach can make for strong photos, yet the birds themselves are worth watching without a screen between you. Your guide is there to explain what you are seeing and provide information about the puffins and their environment.

One particularly useful subject covered on a trip was the impact of puffin hunting and how people can help address it. That conservation context gives the wildlife viewing more meaning. It is worth listening even if you came mainly for the photographs: the islands are not just a backdrop, but a habitat under pressure.

A fast coastal run past Harpa

The route is not only about the birds. The boat also travels along Reykjavík’s coastline, with a view of Harpa Concert Hall from the sea. From shore, Harpa is a striking city landmark; from the water, you see it as part of the wider waterfront rather than as a destination you walk up to.

That coastal stretch adds variety to a short outing. You get the speed and open-water feel of the RIB, then a different angle on the city before returning to the starting point. The boat’s mobility is useful for more than reaching the islands: it makes the whole trip feel distinct from a standard harbor cruise.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. A visitor who had also experienced larger boats described the speedboat trip as more thrilling. That should not be read as a promise of a particular speed or level of roughness, but it does point to the trade-off: you get a more active ride and closer access, rather than the steadier feel of a bigger vessel.

What the one-hour format means

An hour on the water is short enough to fit into a busy Reykjavík day. You can add it to a city itinerary without setting aside half a day, and the tour returns to its starting point after the outing. The compact schedule is a benefit if you want a focused wildlife experience, but it also means you should not expect a lengthy natural-history cruise.

The short duration makes the guide’s commentary valuable. The ride includes a live English-speaking guide, and one passenger praised the explanations. You can expect information during the outing, though no guide names or exact script are provided. The tour has been experienced as both a ride and a wildlife visit, rather than a transfer from the harbor to a viewing point.

A one-hour trip also places limits on what you can control. The boat can get close to the colonies, but the puffins are wild, and the experience depends on what is happening around the islands when you arrive. The tour is designed around puffin viewing, but there is no stated guarantee of a particular number of birds or a specific sighting.

Is $81 good value?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavík. But the fare includes more than a boat ride: you get a guided trip, the waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, along with access to the islands in a boat designed to approach them closely.

I see the value in the combination. You get a chance to view puffins in the wild, a more spirited ride than a larger boat is likely to offer, and a coastal view of the city. If you mainly want a calm, inexpensive sightseeing cruise, this may not be the best use of your money. If close wildlife viewing and the RIB ride both appeal, the price is easier to justify.

Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be purchased as an add-on. Food and drinks are also not included. For a one-hour trip, that is easy to plan around: eat before or after, and make your own way to the harbor unless you choose the transfer option.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This tour suits you if you want to see puffins without spending a long stretch at sea, and if you like the idea of a fast, small-boat outing. It is also a good fit if you value a guide’s commentary and want to see the Reykjavík waterfront from a fresh angle.

It is less suitable if you have back problems, are pregnant, or are shorter than 140 cm, as the activity is not recommended for those groups. Even if none of those apply, think honestly about the seat comfort. The boat has suspension seats, but the ride may still feel firm, especially if you are sensitive to jolting or pressure on your back.

You should also be comfortable with the practical limits of a boat trip. There is no room for large bags or luggage, and waterproof shoes are not supplied. Dress warmly, keep your belongings small, and arrive early enough to avoid a last-minute search for the meeting hut.

Before you head to the harbor

A few small preparations can make the outing easier. Set aside enough time to find the wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and aim to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Wear warm layers under the supplied suit, and choose shoes that are comfortable and suitable for being near the water.

Leave large bags behind. If you plan to take photos, consider how you will handle your camera while wearing goggles and a suit, and keep your setup simple. The trip is short, so there is little benefit in bringing gear you cannot use easily on board.

Booking terms offer some flexibility: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check available starting times when planning, since the tour lasts one hour and the schedule varies.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

Book it if you want a close look at Iceland’s puffins and would enjoy a lively ride along Reykjavík’s coast. The strongest reasons to go are the RIB’s access to the islands, the guide’s wildlife commentary, and the chance to see Harpa from the water in the same compact outing.

Skip it if you need a particularly smooth ride, have back problems, or prefer a slower and more sheltered boat trip. For everyone else, this is a focused way to combine wildlife viewing and a little speed on the water. Just arrive early, dress warmly, and remember that the birds are wild.

FAQ

How long is the puffin tour?

The tour lasts one hour, including the boat outing and return to the starting point.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The trip goes to puffin-populated islands that are home to about 40,000 puffins. The tour is designed for viewing wild puffins, but no specific number of sightings is guaranteed.

What is included in the price?

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

Are waterproof shoes provided?

No. Waterproof shoes are not included. Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, in a row of wooden huts. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for anyone under 140 cm tall. No other age requirement is specified.

Is the ride suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The boat has suspension seats, but the ride may still feel hard on your back.

Is pickup included, and can I cancel?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but may be available as a paid add-on. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.