A fast trip to see puffins without losing your day. The Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat is a one-hour dash from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor to the nearby islands that hold thousands of birds, with a guide who keeps the whole thing practical and fun. What I like most is how close you can get thanks to the speedboat style, and how much the guide teaches once you’re there.

Two big wins: you get close-up puffins on Lundey and Akurey, and the ride itself is a real Reykjavík-to-bay adventure, not a slow boat shuffle. One thing to think about: the tour depends on weather, and puffins are small and quick, so perfect photos or clean video are not guaranteed.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Small-group feel (up to 12) with a live English guide
• Lundey and Akurey only about 15 minutes from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
• Engine off viewing time once you reach the islands, so you can actually watch
• Full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest included for comfort
• Puffins can be hard to record because they move fast and stay tiny in frame

RIB Speedboat Puffins: What You’re Really Buying in One Hour

This tour is built for people who want puffins but don’t want to lose half a day. You’re looking at a tight loop: short ride out, focused viewing when you arrive, then you’re back in Reykjavík quickly enough to still enjoy dinner, museums, or a Northern Lights hunt.

The main value isn’t just seeing puffins. It’s the combination of (1) getting near the islands and (2) having a guide-led bird session that helps you notice more than just the obvious. On a lot of wildlife trips, you stare and hope. Here, you learn what you’re looking at while you’re still looking at it.

The boat style matters too. The shores around Lundey and Akurey are rocky, and the shallow draft of the RIB is one reason you can get as close as possible during the viewing window. That closeness is what turns puffin spotting from a distant “there they are” into real, watchable behavior.

Old Harbour Start: How the Meeting Works and Why the Timing Matters

You’ll meet at the Old Harbour area in a row of wooden huts. Look for the small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and plan to arrive up to 30 minutes before departure so there’s time to get suited up and ready.

That early arrival is more than convenience. This is a one-hour tour, and the company expects you to be ready to go when the group boards. If you cut it close, you’ll feel rushed at the worst time, when you’re trying to stay comfortable in wind and spray.

Before you even step onto the boat, take stock of what you have and what you don’t. The suit and goggles are included, but waterproof shoes are not. If you show up in regular shoes, your feet can end up as the weak link, even with the suit protecting you.

The Ride Out: Reykjavík Views, Speed, and a Short 15-Minute Approach

The adventure starts at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, then you head toward Lundey and Akurey in the bay area. The islands are roughly 15 minutes away, which keeps the whole experience from feeling stretched or slow.

This is a speedboat ride, so expect a moving, kinetic kind of sightseeing. You’ll be looking out at mountains and Reykjavík’s city lights depending on the time of day, and you’ll feel the contrast between urban harbor life and open water pretty quickly.

One practical note: because you’re going fast and you may get sea spray, you’ll get more enjoyment if you’re already mentally set for a “weather and water are part of the deal” experience. The gear is there for that reason.

Island Viewing Time: Engine Off Watching on Lundey and Akurey

Once you reach the islands, the routine changes in a good way. The captain turns off the engine so you can observe the birds and the surroundings with less noise.

That engine-off moment is key. Birds respond to disturbance, and you’ll notice the difference when the boat sound drops away. You also get a better chance to hear the guide’s explanations and spot the birds doing their thing rather than reacting to constant engine noise.

The guide on board is licensed and shares lots of information about puffins and other birds that show up on these tours. The islands’ hills and rocky shores are where you’ll spend your time, and both islands are known for colorful birdlife.

You’re not limited to puffins either. Depending on what’s in the area, you might spot northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. That variety is a nice bonus because it helps keep the viewing interesting even when puffins aren’t popping up in the exact spot you’re staring at.

Puffin Behavior: Why You Should Watch More Than You Film

Puffins are adorable, but they’re also small and quick. One guide-style detail that really helps is attention to the sounds and behavior. In particular, you may hear puffin calls impersonated, which makes it easier to track where the birds are, not just what they look like.

Here’s the reality check: if your goal is a crisp close-up photo or a long recording, know that puffins can be tricky in your frame. They move fast, and at viewing distance they often stay tiny. That doesn’t mean you won’t see plenty. It just means you might want to shift your mindset toward watching first.

A smart approach is to let the guide point out patterns. Instead of chasing one bird, watch for repeated behaviors—where puffins rest, how they move along the shore, and what kinds of spots they favor. When you do that, you get a “bird watching” experience, not only a “sightings” experience.

Included Gear: Waterproof Suit, Goggles, and Life Vest (Bring the Missing Piece)

The tour includes full-body waterproof suits, goggles, and a life vest. That’s a strong package because these islands are in the North Atlantic and conditions can change fast.

Still, there’s one obvious gap: waterproof shoes aren’t included. If you wear anything you’d regret getting soaked, plan to sort shoes in advance. Even with a good suit, wet feet can turn a fun hour into a chilly end.

If you’re sensitive to wind, treat the suit and goggles as comfort gear, not just safety gear. You’ll enjoy the ride more when you’re not constantly adjusting clothing or blinking from spray. The better your body comfort, the more brain space you have for spotting and listening.

Also, keep in mind the guide is running a live experience, not a slideshow. That means you’ll want to stay alert and ready to look, so don’t overpack bulky items that slow you down on the boat.

Special Tours App in 5 Languages: Use It Without Overthinking

There’s also a Special Tours Iceland app that you can download during your tour. It offers text and audio information in five languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

Think of it as a support layer for what the guide is doing. If you like reinforcing facts, it’s handy. If you prefer to focus on spotting and listening, you can keep it simple and treat the app as optional background info while you watch from the boat.

Because the tour is short, the app is most useful if you don’t need to stop and read. Use audio if you want facts in the moment, then save the rest for later.

Small Group Experience: What “Up to 12” Changes

With a maximum of 12 participants, you get a better chance to see without everyone piling into your line of sight. It also makes the guide’s announcements easier to follow, especially when the boat is moving and everyone is wearing gear.

This size also tends to make the ride feel more personal. You’re not lost in a crowd, and the guide can likely manage attention as birds appear. On wildlife tours, that matters because sightings are quick and spatial—things pop up, then move or vanish.

Another upside: with fewer people, you usually spend less time waiting on logistics and more time in the actual viewing window. With a one-hour total duration, every minute counts.

Price and Value: Is $84 Worth One Hour to Puffins

At $84 per person for one hour, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But when you zoom out, the price starts to make sense for a few reasons that matter in Reykjavík:

First, you’re paying for speed and proximity. A fast RIB ride plus access to Lundey and Akurey is exactly what you want for maximizing sightings in a limited time window.

Second, you’re getting equipment included: waterproof suits, goggles, and a life vest. That can cut down on what you need to buy or rent elsewhere, and it directly improves comfort on the water.

Third, you’re buying guided interpretation. The guide doesn’t just say “there’s a bird.” You get puffin info and notes on other birds you might see, which makes your hour more rewarding even if you don’t catch every single puffin at maximum closeness.

If you’re on a tight schedule and want a high hit-rate activity without committing to a full-day outing, this is one of the clearer values in the puffin category.

Weather and Safety Reality: The Tour May Change Plans

This is a weather-dependent experience. The captain makes the decision to sail based on many years of experience, always keeping passenger safety and comfort in mind.

That means you should think of it as: you’re booking a chance at puffins, not a guaranteed show. When conditions are rough, the best move is choosing comfort and safety over stubborn plans.

The bright side is that the trip is only one hour. If conditions force a change, you haven’t sunk half your vacation day.

Who Should Book the Puffin Express (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• A short Reykjavik activity that still feels like real wildlife time
• Puffy-bird watching with a guide who helps you spot more than one thing
• A fun, fast boat ride plus included waterproof gear

It’s not for everyone. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems, and there’s also a height limit of 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). If you’re traveling with young kids, confirm they meet that height requirement.

If you’re an older teen or adult who can handle wind and spray, you’ll likely find the experience easy to enjoy because the gear is taken care of and the group stays small.

Should You Book This Puffin Watching Tour?

If your goal is to see puffins while keeping your Reykjavik schedule tight, I’d book it. The biggest reason is the combination of speedboat access to Lundey and Akurey plus engine-off viewing time, with a guide who actually teaches what you’re seeing.

Book if you’re comfortable with the idea that puffins are small and fast, so the best success strategy is watching closely rather than expecting perfect video. Skip it if you don’t want weather-driven uncertainty, or if the ride won’t work for your body (pregnancy, back problems, or height under 140 cm).

FAQ

How long is the puffin watching tour by RIB speedboat?

The tour duration is one hour.

Where do I meet for the Reykjavik by Boat tour?

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

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

What should I bring if waterproof shoes aren’t included?

Waterproof shoes are not included, so plan to bring them. The rest of the core waterproof protection is provided via the suit and goggles.

Is there pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available for purchase as an add-on.

How big is the group and what language is the guide?

The group is limited to 12 participants, and the live guide is in English.

Does the tour depend on weather?

Yes. The tour depends on weather conditions, and the captain decides whether to sail based on passenger safety and comfort.

What languages are available in the Special Tours Iceland app?

The app offers information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

Is the tour suitable for everyone, including pregnant travelers and people with back problems?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and it’s also not suitable for people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).