Puffins feel close on a speedboat. On this RIB speed-boat puffin watching tour, you’ll head from Reykjavik’s bay toward puffin-populated islands where Iceland holds about 60% of the world’s puffins. It’s a short trip, but it’s built for maximum time with the colonies and good sight lines for photos.

I also love the hands-on gear setup: you’re fitted with a full-body waterproof suit plus goggles and a life vest, so you stay warm and dry even when the wind picks up. The one real drawback to plan around is comfort: the speedboat is fast and sporty (great for the experience), but seats can feel hard on the back for some people, and the meeting point can be confusing if you arrive late.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast RIB approach: You’ll get closer than you would on bigger boats, which boosts both viewing and photos.
• Warmth is handled for you: A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest are included.
• Puffins and conservation talk: The guide shares practical context about puffins and how hunting is harmful.
• Reykjavik coastline views: You’ll pass the coastline and see Harpa from the sea.
• Plan for a tight, 1-hour outing: You need to be ready to move and spot quickly.

The RIB speed-boat angle: why the closeness matters

This tour is only 1 hour, so the magic is in how it uses that time. The big difference versus slower, larger vessels is the mobility. A RIB speed boat can position nearer to the puffin islands, which means you get more of the colony in your frame and fewer “just barely out there” views.

That closeness matters because puffins are visual animals. Their colors, posture, and comings-and-goings are what you’ll want to catch, and being nearer to the rocky islands makes the whole thing feel less like wildlife from a distance and more like you’re watching a living neighborhood. The operator heads toward islands with roughly 40,000 puffins in the area, so even in a short window, you’re not guessing whether anything will be there.

The speedboat style also adds energy. Expect motion and wind. If you’re the type who likes a bit of adrenaline with your nature viewing, this fits. If you prefer a slow cruise with long minutes spent idling in one spot, the “get there fast, then go again” pace might feel a bit intense.

Gear that actually helps: waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest

You don’t have to outfit yourself from scratch. The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. That’s a real value add because Reykjavik weather can change quickly, and sea wind can feel sharper than you expect.

Here’s what this setup means for you in practice:

• The suit is designed to keep you warm and dry, so you can focus on spotting birds instead of nursing cold hands or soaking clothes.
• Goggles help with wind and salt spray, which improves comfort and lets you keep your eyes on the water and rocks.
• The life vest is there for safety, and you’ll wear it throughout your ride.

Two small items to plan for anyway: wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing under the suit. Waterproof shoes are listed as not included, so you may want something with traction that can handle wet surfaces around the hut and the boat area.

Also note what’s not allowed: luggage or large bags. Keep it minimal so you’re not wrestling storage while you’re trying to get your viewing spot.

From Reykjavik Bay to puffin islands: how the 1 hour unfolds

The timing is built around momentum. You’ll start at a meeting point in the Reykjavik area and head into the Bay of Reykjavik toward puffin-populated islands. Along the way, you’ll get out on the water with sea views, then shift your focus to where the colonies are.

The tour’s structure is simple:

1. You prep at the meeting point and get outfitted (suit, goggles, life vest).
2. You travel by speedboat toward islands with large puffin activity.
3. You spend your viewing time close to the colonies for photos and bird watching.
4. You return to the starting point at the end of the 1 hour.

Because the outing is short, your best results come from being ready the moment you’re close. Dress so you can move easily, keep your camera/phone accessible, and be willing to look quickly when the guide points things out.

Watching puffins up close: what to look for in the wind

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience, and for good reason: you get up close to wild, free puffins. The whole concept is that you’re not just taking a boat ride and hoping for sightings. You’re traveling to areas where the colonies are concentrated.

A few practical tips that match how these rides work:

• Watch for movement around the rocky edges and paths where birds land and lift off.
• Keep your eyes on the water’s surface changes near the islands; activity often clusters.
• Be ready for brief moments of peak action. Speedboat tours often mean quick positioning, then a focused window.

Also, don’t ignore the meaning behind the numbers. Puffins aren’t just scenery here—this is Iceland’s claim to global bird fame. Iceland is described as the biggest puffin colony in the world, with about 60% of the world’s puffins. That context helps the sightings feel bigger than a fun wildlife photo; it frames Iceland as a major stronghold for this species.

Sea views of Harpa: the ride is part of the show

Even if puffins are the headline, the ride gives you Reykjavik from a different angle. You’ll sail along the coastline and see Harpa Concert Hall from the sea.

That matters because you get two kinds of satisfaction:

• Bird time once you’re near the islands
• City-time views on the way there and back

If you’re visiting Reykjavik for the first time, this is a handy way to connect the city to the sea. And because the boat route runs along the coastline, it’s not only one pretty view—it’s a moving series of angles while you’re heading out.

The guide and the conservation angle you’ll remember

One of the strongest themes from the experience is the guide’s live commentary. You’re not just receiving directions; you’re getting context as you cruise. People specifically highlight that the guide explains how detrimental puffin hunting is and, just as importantly, how you can help stop it.

That kind of talk does two things for you as a traveler:

• It makes the puffins feel more real and less like a generic wildlife stop.
• It gives you something to carry home beyond photos: awareness plus next steps.

The tour is in English, so you can follow the information without straining. If you want your wildlife time to have meaning, this is a good fit.

Comfort and motion: what to consider before you book

This is a speedboat experience, not a slow boat. Even with suspension seats mentioned for the vessel, the ride can still feel rougher than a calm ferry. One common caution is that boat seats can be hard on the back for some riders.

So I’d plan for comfort like this:

• Wear warm layers you can adjust quickly.
• If you know you’re sensitive to seat discomfort, consider thicker layers on your lower back area (within what’s comfortable under the suit).
• Bring your patience for wind and splash. The suit helps, but it’s still open water.

Then there’s the suitability list. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). If any of those apply, it’s worth choosing a calmer alternative rather than forcing it.

Price and value: is $81 worth it for one hour?

At $81 per person for a 1-hour tour, you’re paying for three things:

• A specialized vehicle (RIB speedboat) that can get near the colonies
• Included cold-weather gear (full-body waterproof suit, goggles, life vest)
• A guided experience focused on puffin viewing, not just transit

For me, the “value” here comes down to proximity. If you’ve ever watched birds from farther out, you know how quickly the experience can become frustrating. The pitch of this tour is that you can get closer than with bigger boats, and the rating and comments back up that the close-up factor is a highlight.

Also, you’re not paying extra for the core safety and comfort gear. Food and drinks are not included, but that’s normal for a short outing. You’ll likely spend most of your time taking photos or watching behavior, so it makes sense they keep it lean.

If you’re short on time in Reykjavik and you want a high-yield nature experience, this price can feel fair.

Who this puffin speed-boat tour is best for

This works especially well if you:

• Want a close-up wildlife experience instead of distant viewing
• Like your travel days to be efficient (one hour, strong payoff)
• Appreciate a guide who adds conservation context in plain language
• Don’t mind wind and motion, and you can dress for cold sea air

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have back issues or prefer a gentle ride
• Are pregnant
• Need large-bag storage or have bulky travel gear
• Want a relaxed, lounge-on-the-water style trip

Where the meeting point can trip you up

The meeting setup is straightforward once you know it, but it’s also easy to miss if you’re rushed. Find a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to get settled and prepared.

This matters because the tour is time-focused. If you show up late, you’ll lose prep time right when the boat schedule is tight.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB puffin tour?

I’d book it if you want the highest chance of meaningful puffin viewing in a short Reykjavik day, and you like the idea of getting close using a speedboat rather than watching from far out. The included suit, goggles, and life vest make it easier to handle Iceland’s coastal chill without overpacking.

Skip it if your body needs a gentler ride, if you’re in the categories listed as not suitable, or if you dislike the idea of open-water motion. In those cases, a calmer bird-watching alternative will likely feel more comfortable and less stressful.

If you want, tell me when you’re going (month is enough) and whether you’re traveling with kids or anyone with mobility/back concerns. I can help you decide if this tour fits your day plan and what to wear for the best comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík puffin speed-boat tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour.

What’s included in the ticket?

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

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on.

Do I need to bring waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes are not included, so you should plan to bring appropriate footwear.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at a wooden hut in a row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

What language is the guide?

The live guide provides the tour in English.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). Luggage or large bags are also not allowed.