Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

The best part of this one-hour puffin cruise is the setting: you leave Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and reach two small islands where puffins live in the wild. The boat shuts off its engine near the islands, giving you a quieter look at birds flying, swimming, standing on rocks, and returning to their burrows.

I like the short, simple format and the use of the small wooden boat Old Skuli, which holds 33 passengers without feeling like a huge sightseeing vessel. I also like that binoculars are provided and guides such as Patrick, Joe, Rebekka, and Celina bring plenty of humor and bird facts. The main drawback is that the ride can be bumpy, and wind and engine noise can make the guide hard to hear.

Key points to know

• Puffins are seen in their natural setting around Lundey and Akurey, not in an enclosed display.
• Old Skuli carries up to 33 people, giving the trip a smaller feel than a large harbor boat.
• Binoculars are available on board, useful since the boat must keep a respectful distance from the colonies.
• Early morning and evening trips may be useful choices for seeing birds active around the islands.
• The one-hour length works well for families, but it leaves little time if you want a long wildlife outing.
• Weather matters greatly, with cancellation and full refund possible if sea conditions are unsafe.

Leaving Reykjavik from the Old Harbour

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This is a handy departure point if you are already exploring the harbor area, and the trip does not include hotel transfers, food, or drinks, so plan to arrive ready to board.

The boat is called Skúlaskeið, better known as Old Skuli. It is an old wooden vessel with room for 33 passengers. That size is a useful middle ground. You get more space than on a tiny private craft, but the boat still feels connected to the water and the people around you.

The crew includes a captain and an English-speaking guide. Names vary by departure, but guides praised during recent trips include Patrick, Joe, Rebekka, Vera, Celina, and Joel. Their styles differ, though the strongest pattern is clear: the guide is not there only to point at birds. You can expect stories about puffin behavior, explanations of other species, and time for questions.

The boat has binoculars on board. That is important because puffins are wild birds, and the boat does not pull right up to the colony. You may see some birds close enough for the naked eye, but binoculars make it much easier to pick out puffins on the slopes and rocks.

Crossing Faxaflói Bay toward the islands

Once Old Skuli leaves the harbor, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. The crossing gives you an open-water view of Reykjavik and the nearby coast, but this is mainly a wildlife trip rather than a city sightseeing cruise.

The sea can be calm, but it can also be wavy. Several departures were described as smooth and comfortable, while others had a short, bumpy ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, take suitable medicine before boarding. The boat may roll more than you expect on an otherwise pleasant day.

Wind is another practical issue. It can make standing outside enjoyable for photos, but it also affects how clearly you hear the guide. Several people found the sound system less than ideal, especially when the engine or wind was loud. If hearing every explanation matters to you, stand near the guide when possible and use the quieter moments when the engine is off.

Dress for Iceland’s water, not just Reykjavik’s streets. The information provided does not list a required clothing policy, but the open bay and wind mean you should expect cooler conditions on board than on land. The trip is short, yet one hour on the water can feel brisk.

Lundey and Akurey, the puffin islands

The main destination is a pair of nearby islands called Lundey and Akurey. Both have low hills and sloping ground, and both are known for bird colonies. The boat approaches the islands and then turns off its engine so you can watch without constant motor noise.

This is the moment to use your binoculars. Puffins may stand on the rocks, move across the grassy slopes, or fly low over the water. You may also see them swimming or returning from the sea. Their bright bills and compact bodies make them easy to recognize, but their flight can be quick, so do not wait for a perfect pose.

The boat keeps to the water rather than landing on the islands. That is good for the birds and gives you a broad view of the colony. It also sets a realistic limit on photography. You can take photos and videos, but your puffin images may show small birds against the island unless you have a strong zoom. The binoculars often provide a better view than a phone camera.

You might see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and eider ducks as well. This wider birdlife is one of the trip’s strengths. If you enjoy wildlife, the outing is more than a single-species search. If you came only for a close-up puffin portrait, you may find the distance frustrating.

Some departures allow passengers to sit on the roof of the boat to observe the birds. That gives you a clearer line of sight, though the exact experience can depend on conditions and crew instructions. Stay seated or hold on when the water is rough, and follow directions around the boat.

How reliable is the puffin guarantee?

The tour advertises a 100 percent puffin sighting guarantee. That makes the trip easier to choose if puffins are high on your Iceland list, but it does not mean every departure gives the same quality of view.

The season and timing matter. Puffins are present during the summer season, and one late July trip saw large numbers of birds. A departure in the first week of August also found puffins still on the island. Early morning and evening trips can be useful because puffins may be more active around the islands at those times. One account suggested that cloudy or foggy weather can bring more birds onto land, while bright sun may send them out to sea.

May can be less predictable. On one early-season trip, very few puffins were seen, possibly because of timing and environmental conditions. The company responded with a lifetime voucher for a complimentary trip. That is a helpful policy in practice, but you should still understand the distinction between guaranteed access to a puffin-focused outing and guaranteed close, abundant sightings on every departure.

The best attitude is to expect puffins, but not to demand a wildlife documentary on cue. You may see dozens or many more. You may also see birds at a distance, especially if the sea, light, or season is not in your favor.

The guides make the short trip work

A one-hour cruise needs a good guide. There is not much spare time for long pauses, so the commentary has to be clear and lively.

Patrick, sometimes called the Puffin Man, is repeatedly singled out for his humor and enthusiasm. Joe is also praised for combining facts and jokes, answering questions, and including children in the discussion. Rebekka is described as warm and clearly delighted to share her subject, while other guides such as Vera and Celina add strong bird information and a friendly tone.

Guide quality can vary by departure, but the format gives the guide plenty to do. You may learn about puffin behavior, the role of other seabirds, and the way different species use the islands. Some guides show photographs to help identify birds. One guide even sang an Icelandic lullaby, while another departure included a sea chanty from the captain.

The weak point is the microphone. Wind and engine noise can overpower the commentary, especially for people sitting farther away. This is less serious on a calm trip with the engine off, but it is worth knowing if you have hearing difficulties or want to catch every fact.

Is one hour enough for the experience?

For many people, yes. The boat reaches nearby islands, the wildlife viewing begins quickly, and the one-hour length fits neatly into a Reykjavik day. Families with young children may appreciate not being committed to a long cruise. A five-year-old can take part, and children can use the binoculars and watch birds flying over the water.

The short format also helps with planning. You can fit the outing around a museum visit, a harbor walk, or another Reykjavik activity. It works well as a focused wildlife stop rather than an all-day expedition.

The tradeoff is that the tour cannot wait indefinitely for the perfect bird behavior. If puffins are far away or active in another part of the island, the boat eventually has to return. People who want a slower outing may prefer to investigate the operator’s longer three-hour option, which was mentioned during one departure, though this review concerns the one-hour trip.

What the $64 price gets you

At $64 per person, this is not a bargain in the same way as a free harbor walk. You are paying for a boat, captain, guide, access to the islands by water, binoculars, and a reliable chance to see puffins without arranging transport outside Reykjavik.

The value is strongest if you have limited time and puffins are a priority. You can reach the colonies quickly, spend an hour on the water, and return without giving up most of your day. The boat’s smaller capacity and the guide’s commentary also add more than a simple harbor transfer.

The price may feel high if you judge it only by duration. There is no food, drink, or hotel pickup, and the ride may last only an hour from departure to return. You also need to accept that wildlife sightings vary in distance and number.

For families, the short length can improve the value. Younger children may lose interest on a much longer boat outing, while this tour gives them a clear goal and enough time to see plenty of activity. Binoculars for shared use also save you from arranging birding equipment yourself.

Weather, access, and sensible planning

Weather can cancel the tour. If sea conditions are unsafe, the outing may be called off and you receive a full refund. That is important in Iceland, where a clear harbor can still lead to rougher water outside the city.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option also helps if your schedule is still changing. Check available starting times when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the activity details.

If you have mobility issues or medical concerns, tell the local partner in advance. The crew can assist with boarding and leaving the boat, and one passenger with access needs received careful help from the captain. Still, a boat and a moving dock require extra care, so do not wait until the last moment to explain your needs.

The tour is conducted in English. Bring your camera, but use binoculars first. The best memories may come from watching puffins behave naturally rather than chasing a perfect photograph.

Who should book the Puffin Express?

I would choose this trip if you want a quick wildlife outing from central Reykjavik and do not want to spend half a day at sea. It suits families, first-time bird watchers, and anyone who wants to see puffins without making a separate trip to a distant island.

It is also a good match for people who enjoy learning as they watch. Guides such as Patrick and Joe add facts, humor, and bird identification, which keeps the hour moving even when the puffins are not posing.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need a quiet experience where every word is easy to hear. I would also manage expectations if your main goal is close photography. The boat gets near the islands, but it must keep a respectful distance from the birds.

At $64, the tour earns its price when you value convenience, a high chance of seeing puffins, and a well-run short outing. Book it for the experience of seeing seabirds in their own setting, not for a guaranteed close-up photo.

FAQ

Where does the puffin boat tour depart from?

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

How long is the puffin tour?

The boat trip lasts one hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

The tour includes a 100 percent guaranteed puffin sighting policy. Wildlife conditions can still affect how close or numerous the birds appear. If weather cancels the tour, you receive a full refund.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The boat travels to Lundey and Akurey in Faxaflói Bay.

What birds might I see besides puffins?

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

Are binoculars provided?

Yes. Binoculars are available on board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms.