Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

First, a puffin boat trip beats guesswork. In just one hour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you head into Faxaflói Bay for close bird spotting on Lundey and Akurey. I like that it’s built around a 100% sightings focus, not a vague nature cruise.

Two things I really appreciate: you get binoculars included and the tour keeps it personal on an old wooden boat that holds about 33 people. One watch-out is practical, not dramatic: the ride can feel a bit choppy, and wind can make it harder to hear the guide from time to time.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• 100% sightings guaranteed for Atlantic puffins on this hour-long route
• Lundey + Akurey islands in Faxaflói Bay, with engine off for calmer viewing
• Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli): roomy wooden boat, small enough to feel friendly
• Binoculars onboard so you can focus on birds instantly
• Guides bring puffin facts with real personality, including well-known hosts like Patrick and Joe
• Time is short but not rushed: about one hour on the water

Old Harbour to Skúlaskeið: what the start feels like

The action begins at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. If you’re staying in central Reykjavik, this is one of those trips that’s easy to slot into a tight schedule because you’re not waiting for a long transfer.

When you step onto the Skúlaskeið, you’re on an older wooden boat often nicknamed Old Skuli. It’s spacious enough for up to about 33 passengers, which matters because you get better sightlines than on huge vessels. You also get that classic Iceland boat feel—simple, sturdy, and made for moving around the bay.

From there, the crew runs you out into Faxaflói Bay and aims for nearby islands rather than spending your whole hour traveling long distances. That choice is smart: the quicker you reach the bird areas, the more time you spend actually looking.

Lundey and Akurey: where puffins put on a show

The core of the tour is the stop at two islands: Lundey and Akurey. These are small, hilly islands in the bay, and they’re known for attracting colorful seabirds—especially puffins during the season.

Once you reach the islands, the boat’s engine gets turned off. That one detail is surprisingly important. With less noise, spotting becomes easier, and you can focus on what birds are doing: flying in and out, standing on rock, or moving along the shorelines.

This isn’t only about Atlantic puffins. You’ll also have chances to see other sea birds such as:

• northern fulmars
• gulls
• Arctic terns
• black guillemots

What I like about this mix is that it makes the trip feel full even if puffins aren’t constantly in your exact line of sight. You’re in a seabird neighborhood, not a single-species gamble.

How the 100% puffin guarantee works in practice

The tour advertises 100% guaranteed puffin sightings, and the “how” is what you should pay attention to. This trip is designed to take you to known puffin areas in Faxaflói Bay during a time window when puffins are actively using the islands.

In other words: you’re not just “hoping” for puffins in random open water. You’re being positioned where the birds are actually present—on Lundey and Akurey—so the guarantee has real meaning.

You’ll also have binoculars onboard, which is a huge practical help. Puffins are small, and distance can steal the joy from even a great wildlife spot. With binoculars available, you can track movement quickly and avoid the frustration of trying to “zoom in with your eyes” the whole time.

One small reality check: you might get the closest, clearest views when birds are active on land and when the water conditions help the boat get into a comfortable viewing position. Weather can shift that. The good news is that the tour is built for short bursts of great viewing rather than long stretches of waiting.

The guide experience: humor + facts, with real names

Most bird tours are either too serious or too general. This one tends to land in the fun, informative zone, because the guide is part storyteller, part seabird teacher.

You might hear from hosts who have become memorable by name, including Patrick (often called The Puffin Man) and Joe, plus guides like Vera, Rebekka, Celina, and others mentioned by guests. The common thread is energy: guides use jokes and quick explanations to keep everyone focused when puffins are suddenly flying overhead.

It also helps that guides don’t just list facts. They explain what to watch for—like how puffins behave as they come and go, where they might be moving, and how other seabirds fit into the scene. You’ll often learn what you’re seeing in real time, not after the fact.

And yes, some guides go the extra step with surprises. There are accounts of singing, including Icelandic lullabies and sea chanty-style moments. Those aren’t the reason to book the tour, but they add a human warmth to the hour.

Comfort, bumpy water, and sound: practical tips before you go

This is a one-hour boat ride, so comfort is mostly about “how you feel on the water,” not about a long, drawn-out trip. Some people find the ride a bit bumpy due to the waves. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual meds beforehand.

Another very real note from on-the-water experience: wind and boat engine sounds can make it tougher to hear the guide clearly. One improvement that people wished for is a stronger sound system or clearer microphone setup. So if you know you struggle with hearing over wind, don’t expect every word to land perfectly—focus on the visuals and use the guide’s cues when you can.

Where possible, try to choose a spot with good visibility. A favorite option is sitting up higher on the boat (some guests mention sitting on the roof to spot puffins). Even if you’re not there, you’ll want to keep your eyes moving: birds switch positions fast—flying, landing, and diving in short cycles.

Price and value: $64 for an hour that gets to the point

At $64 per person for a one-hour trip, it’s not the cheapest thing on a Reykjavik day. But I think the price is easier to justify when you look at what you get bundled together.

You’re paying for:

• a guided boat ride in the birding zone
• access to known puffin areas on Lundey and Akurey
• binoculars onboard
• the “guarantee-focused” structure of the tour

For families, that value matters. A short tour is easier with kids, and the puffin goal is clear enough that everyone understands what they’re waiting for. For adults, it’s also efficient: you spend about an hour on the water, then you’re back in Reykjavik without losing your whole day.

Could it feel pricey if you’re expecting a long scenic cruise? Sure. But the tour is built to be an active viewing experience, not a sightseeing filler hour.

Timing and seasons: when puffins are most cooperative

Puffins are active, but they don’t always behave the same way hour to hour. One practical tip from past experiences: puffins can be more active on land when it’s foggy or cloudy, and bright sunny weather may push more activity out at sea.

If you want to maximize your odds of seeing birds on land, aim for early morning before 11:00 or an evening around 6:30. That timing matches how puffin activity can shift across the day.

Also note that weather can affect both visibility and comfort. The tour depends on sea conditions, so your plan should allow flexibility. If the sea is too rough, the boat can be canceled with a refund.

Best for who: the passengers who get the most from this hour

This tour is a great match if you:

• love wildlife and want a clear, single goal (puffins)
• prefer a short Iceland outing instead of a long tour day
• travel with kids or teens who can handle an hour on a boat
• want an affordable-to-mid priced “close encounter” style nature activity

It’s also a good pick if you’re short on time in Reykjavik. You don’t need a complex itinerary to add puffins—you just show up at Old Harbour and go.

If you’re expecting a silent, luxurious nature cruise, you might find the boat setting and wind a little loud. But if your focus is bird spotting, you’ll probably see the trade-offs as normal.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin boat tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a high-probability puffin experience without a full day commitment. The biggest reasons are the 100% puffin sightings guarantee, the fact you go to specific islands in Faxaflói Bay, and the practical viewing support of binoculars onboard.

Skip it (or at least think twice) only if you strongly dislike choppy water or you know you’ll have trouble hearing through wind and engine noise. Otherwise, this is one of the more straightforward Reykjavik wildlife choices: clear objective, expert-guided spotting, and enough time to feel like you truly watched seabirds, not just passed them.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik puffin watching boat tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

Where do I meet for the Puffin Express tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office on Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Is puffin spotting actually guaranteed?

Yes. The tour includes a 100% guaranteed puffin sightings promise.

What islands do you visit?

You travel to two nearby islands in Faxaflói Bay: Lundey and Akurey.

What should I bring for the boat ride?

The tour provides binoculars on board, but you may want to come prepared for sea conditions since the ride can be a bit bumpy. If you get motion sickness, plan ahead.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

What language is the live guide tour in?

The live tour guide is English.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

Tours depend on sea conditions and may be canceled. If canceled due to weather, you receive a full refund.

Are there cancellation options if I change my plans?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.