Puffins feel close in Faxaflói Bay. This small-group trip takes you from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour onto a fast RIB boat, where the captain can cut the engine to silently approach wildlife in Faxaflói Bay. I like that it’s designed for viewing first, not just a quick pass-by, and you’re in the middle of puffin nesting habitat.

Two things I really like: you get warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and binoculars for each person, so you can actually enjoy the hour instead of wrestling layers. And you’re not stuck in a huge crowd—this is capped at 12 travelers, which makes it easier to see what the guide is pointing out.

One consideration: the ride can feel rough. A couple of people noted the waves can make the boat bounce, and if you have knee problems it’s not recommended. If you’re sensitive to motion, go into it expecting a lively, bumpy RIB experience.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Engine-off approach: the captain can shut off the engine to reduce noise while nearing birds and seabirds
• Akurey and nearby reserves: you stay on the boat around protected islands but get extra-close views from the RIB
• Warm gear included: overalls, gloves, and goggles take the edge off Iceland wind and spray
• Small group feel: max 12 travelers means the guide can actually work with your viewing positions
• Puffins in season: runs May 15 to Aug 20, when sightings near Reykjavík are at their best
• Photo help: guides have taken photos to share after the tour (timing can vary)

From ticket office to boat in Old Harbour

This tour starts in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area. You’ll show up about 30 minutes before departure at the ticket office (Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík). Then the guide walks you down to the dock where the boat is waiting.

That early arrival matters. In practice, it gives you time to get your binoculars and help yourself to the included protective gear without rushing. It also helps you get your bearings—Old Harbour is busy, and it’s nice to be calm before you step onto a fast boat.

The tour finishes back near where you started, so you’re not “stuck” far from the city. You can roll right into Reykjavík’s food and sights right after the hour. Also, the operator offers multiple departures across the day (up to four), so you can pick a time that matches your weather window and energy level.

One more practical note: it’s in English and uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re already juggling hotel reservations and day tours.

Faxaflói Bay birding: what you’re really buying with this hour

You’re not just paying to see puffins in the distance. The whole concept is built around close-enough viewing while keeping a respectful distance from nesting birds.

Faxaflói Bay is where large numbers of seabirds feed and nest along the Reykjavík coastline. The tour is timed to the best season for these near-shore sightings, from May 15 to August 20. In that window, you’re hoping to see puffins nesting around the islands, plus seabirds like gannets (the largest seabird in the North Atlantic) and other wildlife that shows up when conditions cooperate.

The biggest value here is the boat technique. The RIB setup lets the captain move quickly between birding hotspots. Even better, the captain can shut off the engine to approach more quietly. That’s not just “cool”; it can change what you see. Birds respond to disturbance, and a silent approach gives them less reason to react.

You’ll also get guidance during the trip. The captain and guide share facts and stories about Iceland puffins, Faxaflói Bay, and whatever wildlife you spot. If you care about understanding what you’re looking at—why puffins nest where they do, what seabirds are doing—you’ll get more out of this than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Akurey and the island reserves: getting close without landing

Your main birding time happens around two or three islands, including Akurey. These are nature reserves, which means you typically don’t hop off onto the islands. Instead, you stay on the boat while the captain maneuvers the RIB close to the nesting areas.

Here’s how that works in real terms: because you’re on a rigid-hulled inflatable, the crew can get the boat into viewing position near the protected shoreline. Some people loved this setup because it feels like you’re right at the edge of puffin territory. Others point out that puffins are small and that sightlines depend on where you sit and how good your zoom is.

That’s why binoculars are included. They’ll help, especially if you’re not in the best seat for aiming your camera. One person mentioned the provided binoculars may not be as strong as they expected, so if you own a decent zoom lens or binoculars, you might bring them too. At minimum, bring your phone camera readiness and keep expectations realistic: puffins are adorable, but they’re also compact, fast, and often partly framed by rock.

You’ll probably spend about 50 minutes in this island-viewing section. It’s long enough to feel you’re doing more than just passing by, but short enough to keep everyone warm and moving on a windy coastline.

Stop 1: the short start that sets the tone

Before the birding, there’s a brief start phase that revolves around getting ready and getting to the boat. The key details are simple:

• Arrive 30 minutes early at the ticket office in Old Harbour
• The guide brings you down to the dock
• The total tour is about 1 hour, including the boarding and island viewing time

This short prep period is where the included gear becomes a real upgrade. You’ll likely get suited up quickly, and you’ll be more comfortable once you’re out in the wind.

Also, this is operated during the months when near Reykjavík bird activity is best. In colder months, the experience wouldn’t be the same. The tour is purpose-built for the May 15 to Aug 20 season, so the timing is part of the value, not an extra.

Comfort and the RIB ride: cozy gear helps, but waves are real

The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety gear. Multiple people praised this setup for keeping them comfortable even when the day was windy or rainy. In fact, a few comments specifically said they didn’t get wet, and the protective clothing made a big difference.

But you still need to respect the boat. A couple of people described the ride as very bumpy and even frightening on rough waves, and at least one person connected that bumping to a knee injury. If you have any knee issues, the tour explicitly isn’t recommended.

If you’re not sure how you handle boat movement, think about your own tolerance first. This isn’t a smooth, slow ferry. It’s built for speed and positioning around islands, which naturally means you’ll feel the water.

Seating can matter. One person said if you sit in the back and you’re shorter, tall passengers can block views. So if you care about maximizing your sightline, arrive early, get suited up fast, and pick a seat where you can see the waterline and island area clearly.

Gear list: what’s provided (and what to bring anyway)

Included gear is one of the tour’s strongest practical points. You get:

• Binoculars for each passenger
• Warm overalls, gloves, goggles
• Necessary safety equipment
• All local taxes included in the price

That means you don’t need to buy Iceland winter gear for a single hour. It also reduces stress because you know you’ll have the right kind of insulation for wind off the water.

What I’d still bring:

• A phone/camera that you can secure with a strap or in a pocket with a good closure
• Something warm to wear under the overalls (the overalls help, but layers still make comfort easier)
• If you have them: your own binoculars or a zoom lens, especially if you want to capture puffins at distance

One extra tip: the tour can be in all weather conditions, but you should still dress for the day’s wind. Weather in Reykjavík can shift quickly, and your gear will help most when you don’t arrive underdressed.

Price and value: how $105 fits the experience

At about $105.22 per person for roughly one hour, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavík. The value comes from a few concentrated elements that add up:

• Small group size (max 12) for better viewing and a more guided experience
• RIB boat that lets the crew position close to nesting areas quickly
• Included warm protective gear and binoculars, which saves you money and effort
• Seasonal timing (May 15 to Aug 20) when near-shore puffin viewing is best

If your priority is seeing puffins with minimal fuss, this is the kind of tour where the logistics aren’t something you manage. You show up, you suit up, and you head out.

On the flip side, if you’re hoping for a calm, gentle nature walk, you may feel the trade-off: it’s an hour on a fast boat in real coastal weather. The value is strongest if you accept that and want the best chance of close viewing.

Timing your day: seasonal best and multiple departures

The tour runs May 15 through August 20. That’s not random. It’s built around the months when puffins nest off the Reykjavík coast and when seabird activity is high enough for boat viewing near shore.

There are up to four departures each day, so you can plan around your schedule. I like having options because Reykjavík weather can change fast. If one departure window looks rough, you might have another time available later that feels safer and more comfortable.

Also, the tour duration is short. That’s good if you want a payoff without losing half your day, and it pairs well with other Reykjavík activities before or after.

Who should book this puffin RIB tour?

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A guided wildlife experience with facts about what you’re seeing
• A chance at many puffins during the best season near Reykjavík
• A short outing that still feels like a real activity, not a drive-by

It’s especially appealing to people who value close-up viewing but still want wildlife etiquette (nature reserves, stay on the boat, quieter approach when possible).

Skip it or think twice if:

• You have knee problems (explicitly not recommended)
• You’re very sensitive to bumpy boat rides
• You’re bringing very young children (minimum age is 10, and it’s not recommended for young children)

Height also matters. There’s a minimum height of 145 cm. And because seating can affect sightlines, taller seats or a front-leaning position can help you see small birds.

Should you book Puffin & Bird Watching from Reykjavík?

If you’re visiting Reykjavík in the season and your dream is puffins in their nesting setting, this is an easy yes. The small group size, the included warm gear, and the RIB approach technique are exactly what make this kind of wildlife trip work in real life, not just on paper.

Book it if:

• You want the best chance at sightings between May 15 and Aug 20
• You don’t want to handle cold-water logistics yourself
• You’re comfortable with a fast boat ride and windy coastal conditions

Pass if:

• Your knees or back are a concern, or you know rough rides don’t treat you kindly
• You need a calm, low-motion experience

If you match those expectations, you’ll likely walk away with the kind of bird memories that stick.

FAQ

How long is the puffin and bird watching tour?

It runs for about 1 hour total.

When does the tour operate?

It operates in the best months near Reykjavík: May 15 to August 20.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

You get binoculars for each passenger, plus warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment. Local taxes are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off.

How many departures are there each day?

There are up to four departures each day.

What weather should I expect?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately for wind and spray.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.