Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

The best part of this short Reykjavik outing is seeing Atlantic puffins in their own setting, perched on the rocky slopes of Lundey and Akurey or flying low over Faxaflói Bay. The boat shuts off its engine near the islands, giving you a quieter look at the birds without taking you ashore.

I like the guaranteed puffin sighting policy and the fact that binoculars are provided. I also like the compact one-hour format, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day and works well for families. The main drawback is distance: even when the boat gets close, puffins can still look small, and wind or engine noise can make the guide hard to hear.

Key points

• Old Skuli is a small wooden boat: Skúlaskeið carries up to 33 passengers, keeping the outing more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Two nearby bird islands: The route visits Lundey and Akurey, both known for puffins and other nesting seabirds.
• A true one-hour activity: You get a focused wildlife trip without giving up half a day of sightseeing.
• Binoculars are included: You can borrow a pair on board, which helps when birds sit farther up the island slopes.
• Guides add plenty of character: Patrick, Joe, Rebekka, Vera, and others have led recent departures with humor, bird facts, and practical help.
• Weather matters: Calm water makes viewing easier, while rough seas can make the ride bumpy and cancel the trip entirely.

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This is a handy starting point if you are already exploring the waterfront, and the departure keeps transport simple because no hotel pickup is included.

From the harbor, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. The first minutes give you a pleasant change of pace from Reykjavik’s streets: open water, views back toward the city, and the sense that the puffin colonies are close at hand rather than hidden on a remote coast.

The boat is Skúlaskeið, an older wooden vessel fondly called Old Skuli. It is not a huge expedition boat. With room for 33 people, it offers enough space to move around while keeping the group fairly small. That size matters when you want to look in several directions at once or listen to the guide without being lost in a crowd.

You may be able to sit inside, outside, or on the roof, depending on the arrangements during your departure. The roof is especially useful for bird watching, though it gives you less shelter from Icelandic wind. Bring a warm outer layer even if Reykjavik feels mild at the dock.

Lundey and Akurey, Reykjavik’s puffin islands

The main purpose of the trip is the pair of nearby islands, Lundey and Akurey. Both have low hills and sloping ground covered with nesting birds. The boat approaches close to the colonies, then turns off its engine so you can watch without the constant sound and vibration of the motor.

This is where the experience earns its place on a Reykjavik itinerary. You are not looking at birds in a park or at a captive wildlife center. The puffins are in their own colony, moving between the water, the rocks, and the grassy slopes.

Expect to see puffins standing on the island, flying overhead, swimming, and returning from the sea. You may also spot northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks. A good guide helps you tell these birds apart, which makes the hour feel like more than a search for one cute species.

The boat does not land on either island. That is a plus for the birds and their nesting grounds, but it also means your view depends on the boat’s position, the light, the sea, and how active the birds are. Some puffins may sit close to the water. Others may remain farther up the slope.

What the puffin guarantee really means

The tour advertises a 100 percent puffin sighting guarantee, which is a strong reason to choose it over a general bay cruise. The operator has also offered a complimentary future trip when a departure produced very few puffins.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. A guarantee of seeing puffins does not promise a close-up portrait or a bird sitting perfectly still beside the boat. One departure produced only distant views, while many others saw large numbers of birds close to the island. That difference is normal in wildlife watching.

Puffin activity can change during the day. One early morning trip had birds flying actively, and a May departure was described as best in the early morning or around the evening because puffins may spend brighter daytime hours at sea. The supplied experiences also show that puffins were still present during the first week of August.

If getting strong sightings matters to you, ask about the available departure times and consider an early morning or later evening slot when possible. You cannot control the birds, but you can improve your odds by choosing a time when they are more likely to be visible around the colonies.

A guide-led hour with plenty of bird facts

The guide is a big part of the experience. Patrick, sometimes introduced as the Puffin Man, has been praised for his jokes, energy, and detailed puffin facts. Joe has answered family questions, shown examples of different bird species, and kept children involved. Rebekka, Vera, Celina, and other guides have also been described as warm, clear, and enthusiastic.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will lead your boat. What you can expect is a live English-speaking guide who talks about puffins and other birds in the bay.

The presentations include practical identification help. You learn what you are looking at rather than simply hearing repeated reminders to watch the island. Guides may point out birds in flight, explain how species interact, and help you understand why some birds are on the water while others are gathered on land.

There is one recurring practical issue: the sound system. Wind and boat noise can make the guide hard to hear, especially when the vessel is moving. The problem is less serious once the engine is off, but I would choose a position near the guide if the talk is important to you. Ask questions when the boat is stationary, and use the binoculars while listening.

Binoculars, cameras, and the art of seeing small birds

Binoculars are available on board, which saves you from renting or packing your own. They make a real difference. Puffins are compact birds, and even a boat positioned close to the islands may leave them looking small to the naked eye.

You can expect good chances for photographs, but not guaranteed close-up images. Puffins move fast, the boat may rock, and the birds may be farther away than you hoped. A phone can capture the general scene, but binoculars are often more useful than trying to zoom constantly.

For the best chance at a photograph, watch the flight paths rather than waiting only for a bird to sit still. Puffins may pass over the boat or skim the water. You might also see them swimming below the island, where their bright bills and white chests are easier to recognize than when they are silhouetted against dark rocks.

The boat’s roof can provide a broad viewing angle. It may also expose you to more wind, so it is a choice between shelter and visibility. If you are with young children, keep them close and make sure they can hold the binoculars securely while the boat is moving.

Sea conditions can shape the whole outing

This is a sea trip, not a guaranteed glass-calm harbor ride. Several departures had comfortable conditions, while others were described as short and wavy or bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication before departure, following your doctor’s advice.

Rain or drizzle does not necessarily ruin the trip. One outing in light rain was still enjoyable because the guide and captain kept the group informed and comfortable. Calm water, however, makes it easier to keep binoculars steady and hear the talk.

The operator can cancel when weather or sea conditions are unsuitable. If that happens, you receive a full refund. This is important in Iceland, where a clear morning can give way to strong wind later in the day. Keep some flexibility in your schedule instead of placing the boat trip directly before an important flight or fixed excursion.

The captain also contributes to the experience. Captains have been praised for careful handling, keeping the boat stable when possible, and helping passengers on and off. If you have mobility or medical concerns, tell the local partner in advance so assistance can be arranged.

Is one hour long enough?

For most people, yes. The boat trip is short enough for children and long enough to reach the islands, watch the colonies, hear the guide, and return to the harbor. Families especially may appreciate the limited commitment. You can add it to a day that includes museums, the waterfront, or another Reykjavik activity without spending most of the day at sea.

The tradeoff is that the hour passes quickly. If the sea is rough, the boat ride may seem to take up much of the time. If the puffins are active, you may wish you had longer to watch them. The same operator offers longer three-hour outings, according to information shared during one departure, but this particular experience is the focused one-hour version.

I see the short length as a strength for first-time visitors. You get a real wildlife encounter without making the trip the sole purpose of your day. Dedicated bird watchers may want more time, while casual wildlife fans will likely appreciate the efficient format.

Is $64 a fair price?

At $64 per person, the tour is not a bargain activity in the ordinary sense, but it compares fairly with other organized Reykjavik excursions because the price includes the boat, a guide, the puffin sighting guarantee, and binoculars.

You are also paying for access to the islands without arranging a private boat or bringing your own equipment. The small wooden vessel and the limited one-hour route keep the outing focused. For a family, the total cost can add up quickly, but the short duration helps make it easier to fit into a wider Iceland budget.

Value depends on what you want. If you mainly want a scenic boat ride, you may find the price high for one hour. If you specifically want to see puffins in the wild and prefer an organized departure from central Reykjavik, the cost is easier to justify.

The guarantee improves the value, especially because wildlife sightings can never be controlled completely. The weather refund policy also protects you if the company cancels for safety reasons.

Families, bird fans, and first-time visitors

This is a family-friendly activity. A five-year-old was able to see puffins from the boat, and the one-hour length avoids the restlessness that can come with a longer cruise. Guides have also made a point of including children in the discussion.

Bird lovers will get the most from the trip because the puffins are only part of the story. Northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks may all appear. The guide’s explanations help turn a quick sighting into a better understanding of the bay’s birdlife.

It is also useful for anyone who wants a low-effort nature experience from Reykjavik. You do not need a long drive, a hike, or special outdoor skills. Just be ready for wind, a moving boat, and birds that may remain farther away than your camera would prefer.

I would think twice if you strongly dislike boats, cannot tolerate a bumpy ride, or need guaranteed indoor comfort. The crew can assist with mobility concerns, but the activity still involves boarding a boat and spending time on the water.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

The meeting point is the Special Tours office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Transfers, food, and drinks are not included, so plan to arrive independently and bring anything you need for the hour.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when Iceland weather may affect your plans.

Wear warm layers and bring a waterproof outer jacket. The boat is old and wooden rather than a sealed luxury vessel, and the roof can be windy. If you have motion sickness, prepare before leaving the dock. If you have a mobility issue or medical concern, notify the local partner ahead of time.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin boat tour?

I would book it if you want a short, direct puffin experience without leaving Reykjavik. The combination of nearby islands, supplied binoculars, an experienced English-speaking guide, and a sighting guarantee makes it a sensible choice for families and first-time visitors.

Go with realistic expectations. You may see many puffins close to the island, but you may not get frame-filling photographs. The sound system can be hard to hear, and the sea can be choppy. Choose an early or later departure when possible, dress for wind, and treat the birds as wild animals rather than performers.

At $64, it is best for people who value the chance to see puffins in their natural setting. If that is your Iceland priority, the one-hour trip offers a good balance of time, access, and cost.

FAQ

Where does the puffin boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Special Tours office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long does the tour last?

The boat trip lasts one hour.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route goes to Lundey and Akurey, two nearby islands in Faxaflói Bay known for their birdlife.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

The experience includes a 100 percent puffin sighting guarantee. If weather cancels the tour, you receive a full refund. In a case with very few sightings, the operator has also offered a complimentary future trip.

Are binoculars provided?

Yes. Binoculars are available on board for watching the puffins and other seabirds.

What other birds might I see?

You might see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Sea conditions and weather can lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels for weather, you receive a full refund.