Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Hundreds of puffins can gather on the islands outside Reykjavik, and a small RIB boat gets you close enough to watch them flying, floating, and returning to their nesting sites. The ride across Faxaflói Bay is part of the appeal: you leave the Old Harbour behind and skim over open water toward the birds.

I like two things especially: the boat can approach the rocky islands more closely than a larger vessel, and the hour-long outing makes this an easy wildlife trip to fit into a Reykjavik day. A guide explains what you’re seeing, and binoculars are included. One consideration: a RIB ride can be bumpy, and the puffins are wild birds, so their distance from the boat is never guaranteed.

The essentials at a glance

• Puffin views from a RIB: The small, fast boat can get close to island rocks and inlets, where puffins gather during nesting season.
• A one-hour outing: Expect a short trip from the Old Harbour, with most of the time spent on the water and near the birds.
• Best chance in season: Puffins nest on the nearby islands from May through August. Numbers can thin toward the end of the season.
• More than puffins: Look for gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. Seals, porpoises, or whales are possible extras, but not guaranteed.
• Warm gear is provided: You’ll wear a coverall over your clothes and get safety equipment and binoculars.
• Plan for a lively ride: The RIB can bounce over waves. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility impairments, or anyone under 145 centimeters.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and make your own way there. There’s no hotel pickup, so factor in the walk or local transport from your accommodation. Arriving with time to spare lets you find the office, get suited up, and listen to the captain’s safety briefing without a last-minute dash.

Before boarding, you’ll put on a provided coverall and receive safety equipment. Binoculars are included, a helpful touch when a bird settles farther along a cliff or sits on the water. Wear warm clothes and closed-toe shoes underneath. The coverall helps cut the wind, but it’s not a reason to show up dressed for a warm day.

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and a captain. Guide names vary by departure; guides on past trips have included Anna, Maria, Rob, Megan, and Mikel. The guide handles the wildlife commentary while the captain steers and positions the boat. You’ll be asked to hold the grab rail as the RIB gets underway.

Crossing Faxaflói Bay by RIB

The trip begins with a fast run across the bay. That speed lets the boat cover more water than a conventional sightseeing vessel, helping it reach nearby puffin islands during a short tour. It’s also the most physical part of the outing. The boat can hit the surface hard as it moves over waves, so expect a brisk, bouncy ride rather than a quiet cruise.

If you have a sensitive back or dislike being jolted around, take the stated restrictions seriously. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments. The height limit is 145 centimeters, and children must be at least 10 years old.

Keep small valuables secure. One practical tip from a past passenger: put your phone in a coverall pocket when the boat is moving, then take it out when you’re ready to photograph the birds. Holding a phone loosely on a bouncing boat is an unnecessary gamble. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed.

The coveralls are a useful buffer against the cold air and spray, and passengers have found them warm and comfortable. Still, the bay can feel chilly even when Reykjavik itself seems mild. Dress for the boat ride, not just the weather you see from shore.

Watching puffins near the islands

The captain takes the RIB toward rocky islands and sea cliffs where puffins nest. The nesting season is from May to August, and the birds may be perched on ledges, floating on the water, or flying between the sea and their burrows. Your guide explains their habits, diet, and behavior as you watch.

This is the heart of the trip, and the small boat is a real advantage. It can approach the rocks and inlets more closely than a larger vessel, giving you a better chance to see puffins in their natural surroundings. You may see them carrying small fish, resting near their burrows, or lifting off from the water.

Closeness has limits. These are wild birds, and the captain needs to respect the colony. Some departures have approached nearer than others, and the puffins may move away if a boat gets too close. Don’t count on seeing inside a nest or getting a perfect close-up photo from your seat. Binoculars help, and a camera with a good zoom will do better than a phone.

The boat may visit more than one island, but the route and viewing distance can vary. On a good day, the colonies can look crowded with birds. Toward the end of August, there may be fewer puffins around as the nesting season winds down. Timing matters: if puffins are your main reason for booking, aim for the May-to-August nesting window rather than the end of the season.

You’ll have time to watch from the water and take photos, but remember that the boat moves and the birds don’t pose. Rest your phone or camera securely between shots. Some guides have taken their own photographs with a zoom lens and shared them afterward by email. That’s a welcome extra when available, but don’t assume it’s part of every departure.

Looking for other seabirds and sea life

Puffins are the headline act, but the bay holds other birdlife too. Watch for gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns around the islands and open water. Seeing several species helps make the trip worthwhile even if puffins are farther off than you hoped.

Keep an eye on the sea as well. Past trips have spotted seals, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales, but these are occasional sightings, not a promised part of the tour. Think of them as a bonus, not a reason to book.

The guide’s commentary adds useful context to the views. Rather than just pointing out a colorful bird, the guide can explain what it eats and how it behaves around its nesting site. That makes the hour more than a fast ride past a colony, especially if you’re curious about Iceland’s seabirds.

Returning to the Old Harbour

After roughly an hour on the water, the RIB returns to Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The short duration works well if you have other plans for the day, and you won’t need to set aside half a day for a wildlife excursion. At the same time, it’s a compact trip. If you want a slow, extended birdwatching session, this isn’t that kind of tour.

The stated duration is one hour, though a delay before departure can reduce the time actually spent on the water. Keep your schedule flexible enough that a small wait won’t disrupt your next activity. Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to eat before or after rather than expecting refreshments aboard.

Is $101 good value?

At $101 per person, this is a short but specialized outing. You’re paying for a small, fast boat that can reach island colonies, a captain who can position it for viewing, a wildlife guide, coveralls, safety equipment, and binoculars. It’s not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik, but the boat’s access is the point: a larger vessel may offer a smoother ride, while the RIB can get closer to the rocky habitat.

Value depends on what you want. If you’re keen to see puffins and have limited time in the city, the location and short format make this a convenient choice. If you already plan to visit puffin colonies elsewhere in Iceland, or prefer a calmer ride, you may want to compare options before booking. The experience is weather- and wildlife-dependent, and even a well-run trip can’t promise a particular number of birds or a perfect photo.

The tour has a 4.8 rating from 277 reviews, and transport received a perfect score from 88 percent of respondents. That matches what the experience is designed to do: get you out to the islands efficiently, with a well-equipped boat and staff who can guide you safely and explain the wildlife.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This tour suits bird lovers, families with children aged 10 and up who meet the height requirement, and anyone who wants a quick burst of wildlife viewing without leaving Reykjavik for the day. It’s especially appealing if the idea of a fast RIB ride sounds like fun in its own right.

It’s less suitable if you want a gentle boat ride, need extra stability, have back problems, or are pregnant. It also may not suit anyone who needs a step-free or otherwise accessible experience, as the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you’re mainly after close-up photographs, bring a camera with zoom and be ready to steady it carefully.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if puffins are high on your Iceland list, you’ll be in Reykjavik during the May-to-August nesting season, and you’re comfortable with a bouncy ride. The combination of a short schedule, close island access, and a guide’s wildlife explanations makes it a useful city-based outing.

Skip it if you need a calm cruise or can’t manage the physical demands of boarding and riding in a RIB. For the best odds of seeing plenty of puffins, choose a date well within the nesting season, dress warmly, and treat any whale or seal sighting as a happy extra.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as one hour. A wait before departure can affect the time you spend on the water, so leave some flexibility in your schedule.

When can I see puffins on this tour?

Puffins nest on the nearby islands from May through August. Numbers can be lower toward the end of the season.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, coveralls, safety equipment, and binoculars. Food, drinks, and hotel transport are not included.

What should I wear?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. You’ll wear a provided coverall over your clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children must be at least 10 years old, and participants must be at least 145 centimeters tall.

Is the RIB ride bumpy?

It can be. The boat moves quickly over the water and may bounce on the waves. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.