Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Hundreds of puffins can gather around the small islands of Faxaflói Bay, and a RIB boat gets you close without wasting much time. You speed out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, circle the nesting rocks, and watch the birds fly, float, fish, and squeeze into burrows.

I like the one-hour length, which fits easily into a busy Reykjavik day, and I like the warm coveralls and small boat, which make the outing feel active rather than like a distant wildlife lecture. The main caution is the ride itself: the RIB can slam over the waves, and that motion may be uncomfortable for anyone with back trouble or a low tolerance for rough water.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffin colonies near Reykjavik: The boat heads toward rocky islands and sea cliffs where puffins gather between May and August.
• Fast, close-access RIB: The small inflatable boat can approach the islands more closely than a larger sightseeing vessel, though the captain must keep a respectful distance from the birds.
• A real wildlife outing: Along with puffins, you may see gannets, auks, fulmars, Arctic terns, seals, harbor porpoises, or even whales.
• Warm protective gear included: Coveralls, safety equipment, and binoculars are provided, but you still need warm clothes and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
• Best for active visitors: The trip is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.
• Strong value for a short trip: At $101 per person, it is not cheap, but the short duration and easy Old Harbour location make it practical for a packed Reykjavik itinerary.

Leaving Reykjavik Old Harbour by RIB

You make your own way to the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The location is convenient if you are staying in the city center, and several people have found it easy to reach on foot.

At the office, staff help you with the provided coveralls and safety gear. You also receive a short briefing before climbing aboard. The suits matter more than they might seem. Faxaflói Bay can feel cold even during Iceland’s summer, and the boat’s speed creates a steady blast of wind.

The RIB has grab rails and seating designed for the ride. Keep your phone, glasses, and other small items in a secure pocket. One useful detail is that the coveralls have Velcro pockets, which are safer than holding a phone in your hand while the boat is bouncing across the water.

The boat ride is part of the attraction. You skim across the bay rather than slowly cruise through it, so the journey feels lively from the start. If you want a calm, quiet boat trip, this may not be your best choice. If you enjoy a brisk ride and the feeling of being close to the water, the RIB adds real fun to what could otherwise be a short bird-watching outing.

The ride across Faxaflói Bay

The trip heads toward the islands and cliffs where puffins spend the nesting season. The exact route depends on sea conditions and where the birds are gathered, but the purpose is clear: cover open water quickly, then spend time near the colonies.

The captain’s job is especially important here. The RIB needs enough speed to make the trip worthwhile, but it must also slow down and maneuver carefully near the rocks. Past trips have featured captains and guides who worked together to position the boat for good views while keeping a safe distance from the nesting areas.

The ride can be bumpy. One useful technique is to keep both feet planted, hold the grab rail, and slightly lift yourself from the seat when the boat hits the top of a wave. This can reduce the shock through your back. Put your phone away until the boat settles near the islands.

The reward is a perspective that larger boats cannot always provide. A RIB can reach narrow areas around the rocks and move from one side of a colony to another. You are still viewing the birds from the water, not walking onto the islands, but you may see puffins perched near burrows, sitting on the sea, or flying close to the boat.

Watching puffins around the nesting islands

Puffins are the main event, and the season matters. The tour operates during the period when puffins are associated with the local islands, with the strongest viewing window generally running from May through August.

Near the colony, the water may be dotted with birds. You might see puffins resting on the surface, carrying small fish, or flying toward the cliffs. On the rocks, look for birds standing near burrow entrances. Their bright bills are easiest to spot when they are close, but movement is constant, so binoculars are useful.

The boat does not guarantee that every bird will sit still for your camera. Puffins can move away or take flight, and the boat rises and falls with the water. A phone can capture the general scene, but close photographs are harder than the promotional pictures may suggest.

Bring patience rather than expecting a perfect portrait of every bird. Watch the whole colony first. It is often more satisfying to see puffins flying around the islands, floating in groups, and returning with fish than to spend the entire stop chasing one sharp photograph.

The best viewing distance can vary. On some trips, the RIB has reached the islands closely enough for people to see birds and burrows clearly. On others, the boat has remained farther from shore. Weather, sea conditions, bird behavior, and local operating decisions all affect how close the captain can go.

That variation is worth understanding before you book. This is a wildlife experience, not a guaranteed photo session. The close approach is one of the tour’s strengths, but responsible boat handling must come first.

Other birds and occasional sea life

Puffins share these waters with several other species. Keep watching after you have seen the first colony. The guide can point out gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns, each adding something different to the outing.

The guide explains puffin behavior, food, nesting habits, and life around the islands. Guides named Anna, Maria, Mikel, Megan, Mel, and Rachel have led past departures, and the most consistently praised part of the experience is the clear, friendly commentary. You are not simply taken to a rock and left to look around.

The bay can also produce surprises. Sightings have included seals, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales. These are wildlife possibilities, not promises, so book this for puffins first and treat other animals as a bonus.

The guide may also take photographs with a zoom lens during the trip. On some departures, those images have been sent to participants afterward at no extra charge. Do not assume every departure will include this service, but make sure the company has your correct email address if staff offer to share photographs.

Why one hour can be enough

An hour sounds brief, but it works well for this particular outing. The RIB covers the distance to the islands quickly, and the main viewing area is close enough to Reykjavik that you do not spend half a day commuting.

I especially like the timing for a first or last day in the city. You can fit it between meals, museums, walking around the harbor, or another scheduled activity. It also suits families with older children who may enjoy a fast boat more than a longer, slower cruise.

The short format has limits. If you want extensive bird study, long commentary, or time to wait for rare wildlife, an hour may feel too compressed. A few departures have also felt shorter than the advertised duration because of boarding or waiting time. Most importantly, the actual wildlife viewing period depends on conditions and the route.

Still, the compact schedule is a strength for many people. You get a proper trip onto the bay, not merely a harbor loop, while keeping enough of the day free for Reykjavik.

Price and practical value at $101

At $101 per person, this is a costly one-hour activity. Iceland’s prices are high, and you should compare it with your priorities rather than treating it as a casual add-on.

The price includes the professional captain, wildlife guide, coveralls, safety equipment, and binoculars. You also get the RIB ride itself, which is a major part of the experience. There is no hotel pickup, food, or drink, so plan to arrive dressed and fed.

I see the value in three areas. First, you can reach a puffin colony without leaving Reykjavik. Second, the boat offers a closer and more active view than a conventional vessel may provide. Third, the expert commentary gives the birds context instead of leaving you to identify them alone.

The value is weaker if you dislike rough rides or mainly want photographs for your phone. The boat’s motion makes sharp images difficult, and the captain may stay farther away from the rocks than you expect. If your budget is tight, ask yourself whether the access, gear, and convenience justify the price.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear warm layers even if the forecast looks mild. Add comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and preferably sports shoes with a secure sole. The coveralls help with wind and spray, but they are not a replacement for sensible clothing.

Leave large bags and luggage behind. They are not allowed on the boat, and there is limited room for loose belongings. Keep only what you need, such as a phone or camera, secured in a pocket.

Binoculars are provided, but you can bring a camera if it is compact and easy to protect. A long lens can help, though the boat’s movement still makes photography challenging. If you want a reliable record of the outing, pay attention to any photo-sharing arrangement offered by the crew.

The trip is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone shorter than 145 centimeters. These restrictions reflect the boat’s seating, motion, and safety requirements.

Who will enjoy this puffin trip

This tour suits you if you want to see puffins in a natural setting without committing to a full-day excursion outside Reykjavik. It is also a good pick if you enjoy some speed, open-air scenery, and a guide who explains what you are seeing.

Families with children aged 10 and older may find the RIB ride especially entertaining. Couples, solo visitors, and bird fans can also make good use of the one-hour format. The smaller boat means you do not need to wait for a long boarding process or spend hours on the water.

You should think twice if you are prone to back pain, motion sickness, or anxiety on rough water. One departure was comfortable for a person who usually gets seasick, but another visitor found the repeated impacts uncomfortable. The experience can vary with weather and your own tolerance.

For photography, bring realistic expectations. You may get excellent close views, but puffins move quickly and the boat moves too. Use the binoculars first, then take photos when the boat is steady.

Booking, cancellation, and timing

English is the tour language, and a live guide accompanies you. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland schedule is still changing.

Book ahead during the May to August puffin season, particularly if your Reykjavik stay is short. If your schedule allows, keeping some flexibility can help you choose a day with better sea conditions.

The tour receives a 4.8 rating from 277 reviews, with 88 percent of participants giving the transport a perfect score. Those figures point to strong organization, but they do not remove the normal uncertainties of a wildlife trip. Birds move, weather changes, and the sea decides how smooth the ride will be.

Should you book the Whale Safari puffin tour?

I would book it if you want a short, well-organized wildlife trip from central Reykjavik and you are comfortable with a lively boat ride. The close approach to the islands, warm gear, friendly guides, and chance to see hundreds of puffins make the $101 price easier to accept.

I would skip it if you need a gentle, stable cruise, have back problems, or want guaranteed close-up photographs. For everyone else, this is one of the more efficient ways to meet Iceland’s puffins without spending a full day on the road. Keep your phone secured, dress warmly, and judge the experience by the birds and the setting, not by whether every photo is perfectly sharp.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour depart from?

Meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is one hour.

What months are puffins seen on this tour?

Puffins nest around the local islands between May and August.

What boat is used?

The tour uses a RIB, or rigid inflatable boat.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You make your own way to the meeting point at the Old Harbour.

Are coveralls provided?

Yes. Coveralls and all necessary safety equipment are included.

Are binoculars available?

Yes. Binoculars are included with the tour.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and sports shoes.

Who cannot join this activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people under 145 centimeters tall. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.