If you want puffins without guesswork, this tour is for you. I love the 100% sightings guaranteed setup and the chance to watch puffins on Lundey and Akurey with the engine off. My main caution is that the ride can feel a bit bumpy on windy days, and the guide’s voice can get tough to hear.

This is an easy, one-hour Reykjavik outing built around real wildlife time, not long sightseeing transfers. You’ll board at the Old Harbour, cruise the bay, and get enough minutes close to the birds to make it satisfying even with kids or tight schedules.

Why This Puffin Boat Feels Worth It

This trip runs on the simple idea that Iceland’s puffins are best seen on their own terms. Instead of just spotting birds from far away, you head to two nearby islands in Faxaflói Bay—Lundey and Akurey—where puffins breed in big numbers. The tour also keeps the group manageable (about 33 passengers on an old wooden boat), so you’re not fighting a crowd for a view.

And yes, the “100% sightings guaranteed” matters. It turns puffin watching from a roll of the dice into a planned wildlife moment—especially helpful in a place where weather can change fast.

Key Points at a Glance

• 100% puffin sightings guaranteed so you can plan with confidence
• Cruise out of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and into Faxaflói Bay
• Island viewing at Lundey and Akurey, with the boat’s engine turned off
• Built on an old wooden boat (Skúlaskeið, nicknamed Old Skuli) for a more personal feel
• Binoculars are included, so you can actually study the birds
• You also look for other species like fulmars, terns, and guillemots

From Old Harbour to Lundey: The One-Hour Plan

The tour starts at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at the Special Tours office. From there, you step onto the Puffin Express and head straight into Faxaflói Bay. This matters because you’re not spending your time driving around. You’re spending your time on water, with the islands as the point.

The duration is one hour total. That’s short enough to fit into a morning or evening, but long enough for a rhythm that works: depart, cruise to the bird islands, stop for close observation, then return.

The boat experience: Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli)

The trip runs on an older wooden vessel called Skúlaskeið, fondly referred to as Old Skuli. It’s spacious enough for 33 passengers, which keeps it comfortable without feeling like a floating stadium.

What I like about this style of boat is the feel. It’s not just about “getting on a boat.” You’re on a real working craft that’s sized for close-to-shore wildlife watching. That also plays into the way you position yourself for viewing.

On-water reality: wind, sound, and motion

This is Iceland at sea level—so plan for variable conditions. The tour depends on weather, and if conditions make it unsafe, it may be canceled with a full refund. Even when it’s running, the ride can get choppy. One common tip from actual guests: if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring meds beforehand.

Sound is another practical detail. A few people said the guide can be hard to hear when wind and engine noise get strong. If you’re the type who relies on the guide’s explanations, you might try sitting where it’s easier to hear (often mid-boat) or ask your guide to repeat key facts when possible.

The Puffin Islands: Lundey and Akurey Up Close

The core of the tour is the stop at two nearby islands—Lundey and Akurey—both known for colorful birdlife. These are small, hilly islands in the bay, and the whole point is that they’re close enough for your boat to get you into the action without intruding on the birds.

You’re there in time to see puffins in several everyday behaviors:

• puffins standing on rocks
• puffins flying overhead
• puffins moving around the island area
• puffins catching food and interacting with the sea

During the viewing portion, the boat’s engine is turned off. This is a small detail that makes a big difference. Less noise means you can actually focus on what the birds are doing, and it usually makes the experience feel more peaceful and wildlife-first.

Other birds you can spot along the way

Even if puffins steal the show, the islands are bird-rich. Based on what’s actually been reported, keep an eye out for:

• northern fulmars
• gulls
• Arctic terns
• black guillemots
• and sometimes eider ducks (mentioned as another rewarding bonus)

This is one reason the tour works for more than hardcore birders. You’re not stuck waiting for one bird to appear. You’re watching a seabird scene.

The “100% Sightings Guaranteed” Part—What It Means for You

The tour explicitly includes a 100% guarantee of puffin sightings. On a practical level, that reduces the biggest risk of puffin watching: spending money and time and still not seeing the birds clearly.

The guarantee doesn’t mean you’ll see puffins in every single moment. Birds move, weather changes, and your sightlines vary with wind and light. But it does mean the operator is committed to getting you to a place and time where puffins should be visible—and where your guide can work the viewing.

It also changes how you should plan. If you’re doing only one puffin activity in Reykjavik, this is a smart candidate because the tour is built around a targeted wildlife outcome, not just a cruise.

Your Guide Matters: The People Behind the Bird Facts

This trip stands or falls on the guide, because you’re going to want help reading bird behavior. The tour includes a live guide in English, and the names that popped up again and again in reports included guides like Patrick (often called The Puffin Man), Joe, Vera, and Rebekka.

Common threads in the best reviews:

• guides who tell puffin facts in a fun way, with jokes or songs
• guides who keep checking so everyone gets a good look
• guides who also explain other seabirds you might spot, so you learn while you watch
• guides who answer questions and keep the group feeling safe and included

There’s also a captain component. Several comments praised captains for smooth piloting and for taking stability seriously—especially helpful when conditions get a little rough. Names that appeared included Andreas and Anders (as remembered by guests).

Photo tips you’ll actually use

Binoculars are provided on board, and that’s a real advantage—especially if you’re not used to spotting small details from a moving boat. If you want photos and video, focus on short bursts when birds come close or when puffins are active around the island edges. Also, try different viewing spots: roof seating was mentioned as a favorite for getting an overhead perspective.

One practical caution: even when you see lots of puffins, the photo results depend on how birds move relative to the boat and your seat. Don’t assume every shot will be perfect—aim for a few good clips and let your eyes do the rest.

What You’ll Do When the Boat Stops

Here’s the rhythm once you’re near the islands:

1. The boat cruises in the bay toward Lundey and Akurey.
2. You position yourself for viewing—near railings, and for some people up higher if the boat layout allows it.
3. When you reach the islands, the engine is turned off.
4. You watch puffins on land and in the air, plus other seabirds in the wider area.
5. You use the binoculars when the birds are a bit farther away.

This stop is the reason the one-hour duration works. You get enough time to see puffins repeatedly rather than only one quick pass. Guests who went during summer months often reported puffins were still active on the islands, which supports why timing helps.

Price and Value: $64 for an Hour at Sea

At about $64 per person for a one-hour tour, the cost isn’t “cheap,” especially for a short time window. But value is about what’s included and what you’re buying.

You’re paying for:

• a guided boat trip with a live English guide
• access to the viewing area around Lundey and Akurey
• a structured puffin-focused experience (not random cruising)
• binoculars on board
• and the 100% sightings guarantee

If you compare this mentally to other Reykjavik activities, the “hour” length is actually a benefit. It’s easy to add on without losing a big chunk of your day to weather delays or logistics. Also, the included guide makes the time count. You’re not just staring at seabirds—you’re learning what you’re seeing.

If you’re budget-sensitive, put it on your list if puffins are a priority. If you’re only mildly interested in birds, there are likely other uses for your time and money. But if puffins are your main reason to visit Iceland in the first place, this feels like a straightforward purchase.

Best Time to Go (Based on What You’ll Likely Feel)

The tour runs seasonally, and puffins are most active on the islands when conditions help them spend time on land. People pointed out that foggy or cloudy conditions can increase what you see on the island. Bright, sunny weather sometimes pushes more activity out at sea.

Timing also matters within the day. One useful tip from actual guests: early morning before 11am, or later around 6:30pm, can be a better bet for seeing puffins on land.

So if your schedule allows, choose a time window that gives you the best chance of land activity. If your only options are midday in clear weather, don’t panic—just set expectations that you might see more birds flying and less time with puffins standing right at the shoreline.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit for:

• families with kids who want a short, exciting wildlife outing
• first-time Iceland visitors who want one “wow” moment without complicated planning
• bird lovers who appreciate binocular support and species ID
• anyone who dislikes long days but still wants real nature time

It’s also workable if you’re traveling solo. The group size stays small enough that the experience feels personal, and the guide-led birdwatching makes it easier to focus.

If you have motion sensitivity, you’ll want to plan ahead with seasickness prevention, because some reports describe the ride as bumpy. And if you’re hard of hearing or sensitive to noise, remember that wind can make the guide harder to hear during the cruise.

Quick Practical Notes Before You Book

Bring layers. Boat trips are about wind chill, even in warmer months. Wear shoes with grip for the deck area, and keep your binoculars handy so you’re not fumbling every time a bird calls attention.

If you want the best viewing angles, try to get to a good spot early when you’re approaching the islands. And for the best “I saw it” moment, prioritize watching for activity on land as much as overhead flight.

Should You Book This Puffin Boat Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if puffins are a must-see on your Reykjavik trip. The combination of a short, focused route out of Old Harbour, binoculars included, island viewing at Lundey and Akurey, and the 100% puffin sightings guarantee makes it a practical choice—especially if you’re visiting for limited time.

If you dislike boats or you get very seasick, then think twice and plan for motion. But if you can handle a one-hour ride, this is one of the cleaner, more direct ways to see Atlantic puffins close to their home turf without turning your day into a long gamble.

FAQ

Where does the Puffin Express tour depart?

You meet at the Special Tours office on Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

How long is the Reykjavik puffin boat tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

Does the tour include binoculars?

Yes. Binoculars are provided on board.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

Yes. The tour includes a 100% guaranteed puffin sighting.

What islands do you visit during the tour?

The boat goes to two nearby islands in Faxaflói Bay: Lundey and Akurey.

What other birds might I see besides puffins?

You may also see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Eider ducks were also mentioned by some guests.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. Tours depend on sea conditions and may be canceled due to weather. If canceled for weather, you receive a full refund.

What language is the guide speaking?

The live guide speaks English.