Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

Puffins, fast boats, and Reykjavik air. A RIB speedboat cruise from central Reykjavík gets you as close as possible to puffins around nearby islands, with the engines turned off when wildlife viewing matters most. I love the small-group feel and the fact that guides can actually answer your questions, whether you end up with guides like Celia, Rebecca, or Joe.

I also love the practical clothing setup, with warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles handed out so you can focus on spotting birds instead of fighting the cold. One thing to consider: the ride can get choppy near the viewing area, so if you get motion sick easily, plan for a bumpy moment or two.

Key highlights that make this puffin cruise worth your time

• Close-to-the-birds viewing: a fast 12-seat RIB helps you reach the puffin islands quickly, so most of your time is spent watching, not traveling.
• Engines off near wildlife: once you arrive at the islands, the boat slows down and switches off the engines so the puffins can go about their day.
• Warm waterproof gear provided: overalls, gloves, and goggles plus a lifejacket mean you’re not guessing what to wear.
• Tiny group on a luxury RIB: with up to 12 travelers, you get more guide time and fewer people competing for attention.
• A short midday slot: it’s designed to be a clean break from your morning or afternoon plans, with a start time of 12:00 pm.
• Guides who mix humor with bird facts: you’ll likely hear fun, memorable puffin stories from the onboard guide, like Patrickgin and others.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($76 per person)

At $76 per person, this isn’t a budget city tour. But it also isn’t “pay extra for nothing.” You’re paying for three things that matter in Iceland bird watching.

First, you’re paying for the boat style. A RIB speedboat is built to cover water quickly, and that reduces the amount of time you spend waiting around. Second, you’re paying for access. The goal is a close encounter, not a distant view from shore. Third, you’re paying for the guide experience, plus the included gear that keeps you comfortable and safe.

If you’re visiting Reykjavík with limited time, this kind of short wildlife excursion often beats the “full-day” approach. You get a high-energy puffin outing without losing an entire day to weather delays or long travel time. And because the group stays small, you’re not stuck in a crowd that can’t hear the guide or see the birds when they appear.

Your 12-seat RIB ride: fast to get there, calm when it counts

This tour’s rhythm is smart. You move quickly from the Reykjavík harbor area to the islands just offshore, then you shift into quiet mode once you’re in the right spot. That switch is more important than it sounds.

RIBs are thrilling because they’re quick and responsive. That speed helps you catch the time window when puffins are active and visible. Then, when you reach the islands, the boat turns off its engines. That reduces noise and vibration, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to watch wildlife without turning it into a show.

Also, the boat is small. A 12-seat setup means you’re not scanning over shoulders for the whole trip. You can reposition with the group, and you can ask questions as the guide is talking. The guides in this kind of operation often bring energy and humor, which helps when the action is quick and you have to be ready for sudden bird sightings.

The midday timing that keeps your Reykjavik plans intact

Starting at 12:00 pm is a big deal if you’re planning around daylight, meals, and other city stops. This tour is built to be short. You get about an hour of nature time on the water, and the whole outing typically lands closer to 1 to 1.5 hours start to finish.

That makes it a great fit for:

• People who want puffins without surrendering the whole day
• Visitors staying in central Reykjavík who can reach the meeting point easily
• Travelers who prefer focused tours, not multi-hour bus rides

If your day is already packed, this timing can be a win. You can do a morning activity, hop on the boat at lunch time, and still have energy left for an afternoon walk along the harbor.

Where you meet, and why no hotel pickup is normal here

You meet at Reykjavík by BoatÆgisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity also ends back at the meeting point.

Because hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, you should plan to get there under your own steam. The good news is that it’s near public transportation, so you’re not stuck relying on a car or a specific shuttle. If you’re staying near central Reykjavík, this usually feels straightforward and quick.

If you do not like being on time under pressure, build in a little buffer. Boats run on a schedule, and you will want to show up ready to go, gear on, and listening when the guide gives the first safety and spotting tips.

What you’ll see on the boat: Reykjavik views plus island wildlife

One of the enjoyable parts of this tour is that it feels like it’s doing two things at once: Reykjavík sightseeing plus puffin watching.

Here’s how the boat experience tends to flow in a way that makes sense from a visitor point of view.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

You’ll pass by or view Harpa from the water. Harpa is one of Reykjavík’s signature buildings, and seeing it from the harbor angle gives you a different sense of scale than the usual street-level look. It’s also a good “warm-up” moment, so you can get your bearings before the wildlife portion starts.

Reykjavik city views

Between stops, you’ll get water-based views of the city. This is where the RIB ride feels like more than just transportation. You’re moving fast enough to feel like you’re getting somewhere, but still close enough to Reykjavík that the city is part of the show.

Videy Island, the puffin focus

Videy Island is where your eyes should start doing the real work. This is the island area associated with puffin sightings on this type of offshore route. Once you’re near the viewing area, the tour’s approach becomes quieter, and the guide helps you read the water and the birds’ behavior.

Puffins don’t always appear on demand. They can pop up, swim, dive, and reappear. That’s why being close matters, and why the “engines off” moment is so valuable. When you keep noise low, you get more chance to watch their normal routines.

Sun Voyager

From the water, Sun Voyager is another quick, recognizable landmark. It’s a nice visual pause between wildlife spotting bursts, and it helps the trip feel well-rounded rather than a single-purpose excursion.

Old Harbour

Old Harbour brings you back toward the part of Reykjavík that many first-timers want to see. Watching the harbor approach from the water has a satisfying end-of-ride feeling, especially after you’ve been focused on wildlife.

The gear setup: warm waterproofs, goggles, and a lifejacket

Iceland wind and spray can steal your attention fast, especially on a fast boat. This tour solves that by providing the gear that usually makes the difference between enjoying the ride and wishing you stayed on land.

You’re given:

• Warm waterproof overalls
• Gloves
• Goggles
• A lifejacket

That means you’re not scrambling for a last-minute winter jacket that’s actually waterproof, and you’re not wearing normal glasses that might get salt spray on them. It also boosts safety and comfort, which helps you stay alert when the birds appear.

Here’s the practical takeaway: dress for being wet and cold, even in the middle of the day. You’ll be on moving water. The provided layers help a lot, but you’ll still want your own warm base layer, especially if you run cold.

Spotting tips that help once you’re near puffin country

You’ll get guidance in English, and this is one of the best reasons to do a guided boat trip versus trying to guess wildlife timing on your own. A good guide turns random moments into real sightings.

In particular, pay attention to how the guide explains:

• Where puffins tend to be when you’re near the island area
• What body movements can signal activity above the water
• How to watch without constantly moving your head and losing the birds

Because it’s a small group, you can ask questions in plain language. If you miss something, you can usually get a clearer explanation right away.

Also, give yourself permission to look quickly when you hear the first bird call-outs. Puffins can appear suddenly and then vanish again. The best strategy is short looks, then steady watching.

Sea conditions: why the ride can feel rocky near the islands

One of the most honest things to know is that the ride can be rocky near the puffin island area. In real life, that means you should expect some bouncing, especially on choppier water days.

If you hate motion, consider:

• Picking a spot where you feel most stable on the boat
• Holding still during rougher moments rather than leaning for a better look
• Bringing your usual motion-sickness remedy, just in case

Even if you don’t love boats, a short RIB outing is often easier to manage than a long one. You are only out for a limited window, and once puffins show, the discomfort tends to fade behind excitement.

How much time you should expect on the water

The plan is for about one hour of nature experience, but your total outing typically lands around 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish. That mismatch is normal for small tours. Boarding, gearing up, the transit out, and the return add up.

So if you’re trying to keep a tight schedule, treat it like a focused block of time rather than a neat 60-minute slot. A practical approach is to plan your next activity with a little breathing room.

Who this tour suits best, and who should reconsider

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a close puffin encounter rather than a distant view
• Prefer small groups and time for questions
• Like speedy, energetic travel with a clear wildlife purpose
• Need a short Reykjavik activity around midday

It’s also ideal if you want to combine wildlife with landmarks. The route gives you views of Harpa, Sun Voyager, and Old Harbour while you’re heading to the islands.

I’d think twice if:

• You are extremely sensitive to motion or rough water
• You don’t want to dress in waterproof layers, even though they provide them
• You need hotel pickup, because you will travel on your own to the meeting point

Should you book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

If your main goal is puffins and you want to maximize your chances of seeing them up close, I think this is an excellent choice. The standout value is the combination of close viewing, a small-group setup, and provided gear that keeps you comfortable enough to stay focused.

I’d book it when you can do this at a fixed time. The 12:00 pm start is convenient, and the short duration makes it easy to fit into a real Reykjavík day. It’s also a smart pick if you want a guide who adds personality and bird detail without turning it into a long lecture.

If you’re on the fence, the deciding factor is your comfort with a fast boat ride. If you can handle some choppy moments, this is one of the most fun and efficient ways to chase puffins from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

The tour is listed at about 1 hour, with time focused on the nature experience on the water.

How much does it cost?

It costs $76.00 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Reykjavík by BoatÆgisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes one hour of nature experience on a 12-seat luxury RIB boat, English guidance, warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a child height requirement?

Yes. A child must be 140 cm in height to be able to participate in the RIB tour.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.