Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Reykjavík’s puffin islands are close enough for a brisk one-hour outing, yet far enough offshore to feel like a real wildlife trip. You ride a custom-built RIB speedboat toward colonies said to hold about 40,000 puffins, with a good chance to see the birds sitting on the water or flying around the islands.

I like two things here: the small, nimble boat can approach the islands more closely than a large sightseeing vessel, and the trip also gives you a fresh view of Harpa Concert Hall and Reykjavík’s coast. The trade-off is a real one: the suspension seats are firm, and the fast ride may not suit anyone with back problems.

Key points to know before you book

• About 40,000 puffins near Reykjavík: The boat visits some of Iceland’s most populated puffin islands.
• A fast RIB instead of a large ship: The smaller craft can move closer to the colonies and adds more speed to the outing.
• Warm and dry clothing is provided: You get a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest.
• One hour on the water: This is a compact wildlife trip that fits neatly into a busy Reykjavík day.
• A useful city viewpoint: The route includes coastal views and a look back at Harpa Concert Hall from the sea.
• Firm seats and a strict height limit: The trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters.

Puffins, speed, and a short Icelandic outing

The main appeal is simple: you are not looking at puffins in a shop window or behind a fence. You head out into Reykjavík Bay to see wild birds around their island colonies. Iceland is home to about 60 percent of the world’s puffins, so this short trip connects a familiar city harbor with one of the country’s best-known natural sights.

I like the balance of wildlife and motion. A large boat can give you more room, but a RIB can turn and position itself closer to the islands. That makes the birds easier to see and gives you more useful photo angles, though you should still treat wildlife as wildlife. Puffins do not perform on schedule.

The one-hour length is helpful. You get a focused outing without giving up half a day, and you can pair it with museums, restaurants, or another excursion in Reykjavík. At $81 per person, it is not a bargain-basement harbor ride, but the price includes the boat, guide, protective suit, goggles, and life vest. The value depends on what you want: this is a good choice if close access and speed matter more to you than a long, relaxed cruise.

The tour is run by Katla Whale Watching and includes a live English-speaking guide. No individual guide name is provided, so you should expect a guided group experience rather than a private trip with a named naturalist.

Getting ready at Reykjavík harbor

The meeting point is a small wooden hut in a row of similar huts, marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not wasted time, since you must get into the supplied full-body suit and prepare for the boat.

Give yourself enough time to find the hut. One booking experience involved confusion over the stated location, with a locked building nearby and the actual meeting point next door. The practical lesson is clear: do not arrive at the last minute, and look specifically for the little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing under the waterproof suit. Waterproof shoes are not included, so your footwear remains your responsibility. The provided suit helps protect you from wind and spray, but it does not replace warm layers, especially in Icelandic weather.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need, such as a phone or small camera if permitted by the crew, but keep in mind that a speedboat is a wet and active setting. You want your hands free and your belongings secure.

What the RIB ride feels like

Once suited up, you board a custom-built RIB speedboat with suspension seats. The suspension helps soften the motion, but it does not turn the boat into a plush cruise ship. One person specifically found the seats hard on the back, so anyone with back trouble should skip this activity.

The speed is part of the attraction. You are not simply drifting around the harbor. The RIB moves quickly toward the islands, and its size lets the crew maneuver more easily than a larger vessel. That gives the trip a more energetic feel and can make the route seem like two activities in one: a fast boat ride and a puffin outing.

That same energy can be tiring for some people. If you prefer a calm boat with plenty of room to move around, a larger vessel may suit you better. This RIB is a better match for someone who likes a brisk ride and does not mind sitting in one position for the hour.

The tour includes goggles, which are useful in a boat exposed to wind and spray. You also wear a life vest throughout the ride. The full-body suit is designed to keep you warm and dry, but continue to wear proper layers underneath.

Following the coast toward the puffin islands

The boat first gives you a look at Reykjavík from the water. Harpa Concert Hall is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, and seeing it from the bay changes the view. Instead of approaching the glass facade from the streets, you watch the building form part of the waterfront from offshore.

This coastal section adds useful context to the trip. You are not being rushed directly from a dock to a bird colony with nothing in between. The route connects the city to the surrounding waters and gives you a quick sense of how close nature is to the capital.

The guide provides commentary in English during the outing. The commentary includes information about puffins and Iceland’s relationship with them. One especially worthwhile part concerns the harm caused by puffin hunting and how people can help stop it. That turns the trip into more than a photo stop. You get a little context about conservation and the pressure wild puffins face.

The exact order of views can depend on the route and conditions, and the supplied information does not promise a fixed list of islands. You are taken to some of the most populated puffin islands in the area, with the boat visiting three different locations on one reported outing. You should think of these as wildlife viewing areas rather than formal stops where you get off the boat.

Watching approximately 40,000 puffins

The islands are home to about 40,000 puffins, and Iceland hosts roughly 60 percent of the world’s puffin population. Those figures explain why Reykjavík can offer this experience so close to the city. You are visiting a major puffin area without committing to a remote expedition.

The RIB’s smaller size is the key advantage. It can get closer to the islands than larger boats, giving you a better chance to see the birds clearly. You may see puffins near the water, around the colony, or flying between the sea and the island. The exact sighting pattern will vary, and no wildlife trip can guarantee a particular pose or number of birds.

Bring a camera if you want photographs, but keep your expectations sensible. The boat is moving, the birds are wild, and the weather may be bright, gray, windy, or wet. The best value of the experience is being close to an active seabird colony, not collecting a perfect close-up of every bird.

The guide’s commentary matters here. Puffins are charming, but the trip is stronger when you understand the setting and the conservation concerns. The information about puffin hunting gives the sighting a serious edge and helps you see the birds as part of Iceland’s natural world, not just as cute subjects for photos.

Three viewing areas in one hour

A one-hour tour moves at a quick pace. The boat heads out, reaches the puffin areas, visits several spots when conditions allow, and returns to the starting point. One account described visiting three different places by boat, which suggests that the crew may use more than one viewing area to find useful positions around the colonies.

That variety is valuable because birds do not gather in exactly the same place all day. Moving between locations can also give you different angles on the islands and more time to watch flight patterns. The drawback is that you do not have unlimited time at each place. If you want a long, quiet period with binoculars and no engine noise, this is probably too short and too active.

The schedule also means you should not expect to step ashore. This is a boat-based viewing trip, not an island walk. You see the colonies from the water, which protects the birds and keeps the outing compact.

At the end of the hour, the RIB returns to the same starting area. That makes planning easy. You are not dropped in another part of Reykjavík, and you can continue with the rest of your day from the harbor.

Is $81 a fair price?

At $81 per person, this outing sits in the moderate-to-expensive range for a one-hour activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a custom RIB ride, a guide, a waterproof full-body suit, goggles, and a life vest. You are paying for the boat type and access to puffin areas, not simply for transport around the harbor.

The smaller boat is the main reason to choose this trip over a cheaper, slower harbor cruise. You can get closer to the islands, and the speed gives the outing more character. If puffins are your priority, the added cost may be worthwhile.

The value is weaker if you are mainly looking for a scenic ride past Harpa. You can see the concert hall from the water here, but the central purpose is wildlife. Also remember that pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the harbor yourself unless you purchase transportation as an add-on.

Food and drinks are not included either, though the tour lasts only an hour. For most people, that is not a serious issue. The real budget questions are the boat style, the short duration, and the lack of included transfers.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would point this outing toward visitors who want a short wildlife experience with some speed. It fits well into a Reykjavík itinerary and does not require a full day away from the capital. It also suits photographers who prefer a smaller boat and closer access, provided they are comfortable with movement and changing weather.

Families may find the one-hour length manageable, but the height rule matters. Anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters, cannot join. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

If you get seasick easily, the supplied information does not describe any specific motion-sickness provision, so consider the fast RIB format carefully. The suspension seats may help with the ride, but one person found them hard on the back. You should choose this only if you can handle a firm seat and a brisk boat journey.

This is also a good fit if conservation information matters to you. The guide discusses the effect of puffin hunting and ways to help stop it, giving the outing a clear environmental angle.

Small practical details that make a difference

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early, not just a few minutes before departure. Finding the correct wooden hut and getting dressed takes time, and the meeting point can be confusing if you focus only on a building number.

Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes. The waterproof suit protects your main clothing, but waterproof shoes are not supplied. Avoid bringing luggage or a large bag, since those are not allowed on the boat.

Keep the tour’s short duration in mind when planning the day. You will spend about an hour on the water, plus preparation time before departure. Pickup is not included, so add time to reach the harbor and return to your next activity.

The free-cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

Book it if you want wild puffins, a fast boat, and a compact schedule. The close approach to the islands is the strongest reason to choose it, and the view of Harpa from the sea is a pleasant bonus. The guide’s conservation discussion adds substance to what could otherwise be a simple photo outing.

Skip it if you need a soft seat, have back problems, are pregnant, or prefer a slow and sheltered cruise. Also skip it if the chance of seeing puffins is not enough to justify $81 for one hour.

For the right person, this is a lively way to connect Reykjavík with Iceland’s seabird life. Arrive early, dress warmly, bring no large bag, and expect a real speedboat ride rather than a gentle sightseeing cruise.

FAQ

How long does the puffin boat tour last?

The tour lasts one hour on the water, with additional time needed before departure to arrive early and put on the provided gear.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at a small wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the boat.

What clothing and equipment are included?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest.

Should I bring waterproof shoes?

Yes. Waterproof shoes are not included, so you should bring suitable footwear along with warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, though transportation may be available as an add-on.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters. Large bags and luggage are also not allowed.