Puffins don’t play hard to get. A one-hour RIB boat trip from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour gets you right into Faxaflói Bay for nesting birds—without turning it into a wildlife disturbance circus. You’ll glide past seabird hotspots, then get extra close to the islands where puffins cram into the rocks, often with a bonus sighting or two like great auk or gannets.

What I like most is the setup for real wildlife viewing: warm waterproof gear plus binoculars are included, and the small group cap (max 12) keeps the whole experience calmer. I also love the boat approach—this is a fast RIB ride where the captain can switch off the engine to quietly line up for birds.

One thing to think about: the ride can be bumpy in rougher water, and the tour isn’t recommended if you have knee problems. If you’re sensitive to boat motion, pick your seating wisely and consider whether a high-speed ride is your comfort zone.

Key highlights you’ll feel the moment you arrive

• Small group size (max 12) for a less crowded feel while you’re viewing near the islands
• RIB boat with quiet approach capability (engine can be shut off when lining up on wildlife)
• All-weather clothing included: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, so you’re not improvising at the dock
• Binoculars for each passenger, plus a strong tip to bring your own if you want extra reach
• Two island viewing stretches, with extra closeness to nesting areas during the Akurey portion

Faxaflói Bay puffins from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour

Reykjavík makes it easy to see seabirds without spending half your day crossing Iceland. This tour is built around Faxaflói Bay, the coastal waters where seabirds feed and where puffins nest in summer. It runs in the season that matters most for sightings—May 15 to August 20—and you’ll have up to four departures per day, which helps if you’re juggling jet lag, tours, or cruise timing.

The practical win is the meeting point: you start at Ægisgarður 5, right in Reykjavík. For cruise passengers, one review noted that taxis are right next to the ship and it’s about a 6-minute ride to the puffin operator, which can make this a smoother add-on than tours that involve long drives.

This is also designed for a short, focused window. The tour is about 1 hour, and you’ll return near the harbor so you can roll directly into dinner or a walk around downtown.

The RIB ride: speed for timing, quiet for wildlife

This isn’t a slow sightseeing ferry. It’s a custom Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RIB), which matters because it lets the captain reach the best viewing zones quickly. The RIB format also lets the crew adjust how they approach—one of the big points here is that the captain can shut off the engine to silently approach wildlife. That “quiet up close” behavior is exactly what you want in bird country.

Now, here’s the reality check. A few reviews mention that the ride can feel bumpy or even rough in certain wave conditions. Another person warned knee issues might flare up. At the same time, lots of guests described the boat as comfortable and noted they didn’t get wet. Translation: the boat is usually a good ride, but you still need to treat it like a real ocean ride, not a spa cruise.

My practical advice: if you’re worried about motion, sit where the ride feels best (often closer to the front), keep your core engaged, and use the gear so you’re warm and stable. If you’ve got knee problems, take the “not recommended” seriously.

Stop 1 at the harbor: you show up, get geared, then go

Your tour starts at the Reykjavík Old Harbour area. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so there’s time to check in and walk down to the docked boat. This short pre-departure period matters because it’s where you go from city mode to sea mode.

You’ll get suited for the conditions. The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus the safety equipment you need for a RIB ride. In reviews, people consistently praised the gear as genuinely useful—especially for wind. The goal isn’t just comfort; when you’re warm and protected, it’s easier to stay alert for birds instead of spending the whole trip fighting cold air.

One small logistics note: this tour is in English, and you’ll have a guide who also serves as your “translation layer” for what you’re seeing—species, behavior, and what’s going on during nesting season.

Stop 2 at Akurey: how you get closer to nesting puffins

The main action comes during the Akurey portion. The boat heads toward 2–3 islands where puffins nest. These are nature reserves, so you don’t just hop out and wander around. Instead, the way they handle it is part of the value: you stay on the boat during the overall tour, but you get extra closeness to the islands using the RIB approach.

This is where you should expect the best sighting density. The tour notes that there can be around 30,000 puffins nesting off Reykjavík during the right season. In the real world, that means you’re not just hoping for one bird to pop up. You’re looking for movement in the water and activity on the rock edges—puffins are small, but in numbers they become very noticeable.

You’ll also scan for other seabirds the tour highlights, including:

• Great auk, a flightless seabird
• Gannets, the largest seabird in the North Atlantic

Even if puffins steal the show (they usually do), the “watch for other birds” part keeps the viewing interesting. Sometimes you’ll get a scan pattern: puffin clusters, then a quick check for larger silhouettes riding thermals or sweeping low over the bay.

Photo reality: you might not see detail on a phone

A few people said they could get close to the island, but puffins are small at sea. One review even suggested that if you’re using a 24–70mm zoom lens, it still took effort to see puffins clearly. That lines up with how bird viewing works: closeness helps, but you still need good optics and patience.

Binoculars are included for each passenger, but one review mentioned the provided binoculars weren’t great. So I’d bring your own if you have them, especially if you’re picky about sharpness or want more reach. If you don’t bring your own, at least know that the included binoculars may be “good enough,” not “camera-quality.”

Wildlife viewing without the chaos: why this feels respectful

The tour’s design—nature reserves, staying on the boat, and a quiet approach—adds up to a more respectful viewing style. It’s not about forcing a crowd right onto nesting spots. Instead, it’s about using distance and technique properly.

The captain’s ability to shut off the engine is more than a cool detail. It helps reduce noise and makes the wildlife less skittish, which can translate into better viewing time. When birds settle and keep working, you get more behavior: wing stretching, head dips, and that constant coming-and-going that makes puffins feel like they’re operating their own tiny logistics system.

This is also where the guide’s storytelling matters. Multiple reviews praised specific guide staff—Maja, Alma, Maya, Alex, Ricardo, Sam, and Rachael were all singled out as friendly and helpful, with one person noting a marine biology background for Maja. Whether your guide is a former scientist or just a top-notch naturalist, what you want is context: where to look, how to recognize species, and what nesting behavior likely means at that time of the season.

Gear, comfort, and what your money buys

At $105.22 per person for about an hour, this tour isn’t trying to be “cheap.” The value comes from what’s included and how it’s executed.

You’re getting:

• Binoculars for each passenger
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles (real cold-weather protection)
• Safety equipment
• A small group size (max 12)
• A crew that focuses on reaching the best viewing zones efficiently

When you add those things up, the price makes more sense. In Iceland, you’ll often pay extra for weather gear. Here, you’re kitted up for the wind and spray, which also means you can spend your time watching instead of shopping for layers at the last minute.

Comfort can be good, but it’s weather- and wave-dependent. Some guests said the ride stayed smooth and they didn’t get wet. Others said the bumps were intense and that they had discomfort. So: plan to dress for wind, keep expectations realistic about sea conditions, and treat motion as part of the adventure.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour suits people who want a focused nature experience without a long commute or hours of driving. It also fits families who can handle boat time—though it’s not geared for very young kids. The tour notes:

• Minimum age 10
• Minimum height 145 cm
• Moderate physical fitness level needed
• Not recommended for knee problems
• Not recommended for young children

If you’re tall, you’ll also have a better chance of seeing the birds without constant head craning. One review warned that if you’re not tall, sitting in the back can reduce your view. So if height is a concern, show up early and ask where you’ll be seated, or pick seating that keeps your sightline clean.

If you’re the type who likes being outdoors even when conditions are windy—great. If you want a calm, flat-surface experience, a RIB tour might feel like too much.

Tips to get the most from your puffin hour

Here are the practical things that can turn a good trip into a great one:

Dress and move like a winter sailor

Even in summer, wind off the water hits fast. The included gear helps, but still expect cold air on your face and hands if the wind shifts. Wear layers properly under the overalls so you can adjust.

Bring your own optics if puffins are your priority

Binoculars are included, but if you’re serious about seeing small birds sharply, bring your own or a camera with a strong zoom. One guest noted it was hard to see puffins clearly even with a 24–70mm zoom from the viewing position.

If you’re photo-focused, know the species are small

You’ll likely see lots of puffins, but they can still be tiny in frame. Use binoculars first to find where they are, then switch to camera settings once you’ve locked onto an area.

Ask about photo downloads when guides offer them

Several reviews mention that guides took pictures—sometimes with a better camera than most phones—and shared them quickly. One person said they got a photo link next day. Another noted they were still waiting after four days. So don’t assume it’s instant, but it’s a real possibility worth asking about during the tour.

Should you book this puffin-and-bird watching RIB tour?

If your goal is one of Reykjavík’s best short wildlife hits, I think this tour is a strong booking. The biggest reasons are small-group viewing, included gear, and the RIB approach that’s designed for birds—including the ability to go quiet when positioning near wildlife.

I’d pass if you have knee issues, or if you know you struggle with high-speed rides over choppy water. I’d also rethink if you want super-close detail through binoculars if you hate getting tossed around a bit.

But if you can handle a brisk sea adventure, go in-season (mid-summer tends to be prime), and dress for wind, you’ll likely come away with the kind of bird encounter that makes Iceland feel very real—puffins everywhere, seabirds overhead, and a bay that’s alive with movement for a whole hour straight.

FAQ

How long is the Puffin & Bird Watching tour?

It runs for about 1 hour (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included with the ticket?

Included items are local taxes, binoculars for each passenger, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

How do I get my ticket?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What departures are available each day?

There can be up to four departures each day, and multiple times are offered throughout the day.

When does the tour operate?

It operates during the best bird-spotting months from May 15th to August 20th.

What wildlife will I see?

The tour focuses on puffins in Faxaflói Bay, and you may also spot seabirds such as great auk and gannets.

What should I wear?

The tour provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles. You should still dress appropriately for all-weather conditions since it operates in all weather.

What are the age and height requirements?

Minimum age is 10 years, and there is a minimum height requirement of 145 cm.

Is the tour suitable for everyone with physical limitations?

It requires a moderate physical fitness level. It is not recommended for travellers with knee problems and not recommended for young children.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.