Puffins come this close in Reykjavik. On a 1-hour RIB cruise out of the Old Harbour, you get the thrill of riding right into Faxaflói Bay to watch puffins on cliffs and rocky islands. It is one of those Iceland outings where the speed of the boat actually helps you see more behavior, from nesting to flying overhead.

I love two things most. First, the RIB ride gets you closer than you’d get on a bigger boat, so you can pick out burrows, wings, and diving action without squinting forever. Second, the guides like Anna and Maria bring the birds to life with clear spotting tips, and some guides even help by taking photos to share afterward.

One thing to consider: this is an open-air, high-speed boat. If you’re older, sensitive to a bouncy ride, or nervous holding your phone while you zip across the water, plan to bring the right clothes and keep your phone secured in the provided suit pockets.

Key points to know before you go

• RIB closeness in Faxaflói Bay: you’ll cruise around islands and sea cliffs where puffins nest in summer.
• Warm coveralls included: wind and spray feel way less scary with the provided gear.
• Binoculars on hand: you can scan for puffins, gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns.
• Expert captain + wildlife guide: you get both driving skill and on-water bird talk.
• Photo help can happen: some guides take extra shots and share them by email.
• Short but packed: it’s only about 1 hour on the sea, so go for the birds, not a long scenic cruise.

Why a RIB Boat Makes Puffin Spotting Easier

Iceland’s puffins are famous for a reason. They look cute on land, but the real show is how busy they are at water level—popping up to breathe, then disappearing underwater after fish. A standard sightseeing boat can limit your view because it has to stay farther out. A RIB helps because it can maneuver close to rocky coastlines while still giving you a wide view out over the bay.

This matters for two reasons. One, you spend more time watching actual bird behavior instead of just trying to find them through distance and glare. Two, puffins often stay busy—flying to feeding spots, hopping between rocks, and returning to nest areas—so proximity turns a glimpse into a real wildlife moment.

You will also see other seabirds in the area. Depending on the day, keep an eye out for gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns alongside puffins. The best part is that the guide helps you tell who is who and what each bird is doing, so it feels less like random spotting and more like understanding the rhythm of the colony.

Old Harbour Setup: Whale Safari Office to Safety Suits

The tour’s meeting point is the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour. Plan to arrive early enough to park yourself calmly, because the tour starts with a straightforward flow: you check in, meet the captain and guide, then get a short safety briefing before you go anywhere near the water.

Then comes the Iceland part: the coveralls. You put them on over your clothes, and that single step makes a huge difference in comfort on a fast boat. People report the suits cut the wind and help keep you dry, even if weather turns sloppy. You also get safety equipment and you’re shown how to wear it properly.

Before departure, you’ll also want to think about footing. On a RIB, your stability comes from good positioning and gripping points. Reviews highlight that the crew keeps things organized and that everyone can see from the boat—no one gets stuck in a useless corner.

If you have your own camera or phone, bring it—but treat it like an onboard tool, not a hand-held entertainment device. The boat moves, water splashes, and a few small habits (like using the suit pockets for your phone) can save you from stress.

The 1-Hour Cruise in Faxaflói Bay: Cliffs, Inlets, and Nesting Action

The timing is simple: about an hour on the sea. You’ll whiz out over Faxaflói Bay toward the islands and cliffs where puffins congregate in summer (May through August is when nesting activity is at its strongest).

What you should expect during the ride:

• The boat bounces over waves as you approach rocky areas.
• You cruise around sea cliffs and inlets to view nesting birds.
• You get chances to watch puffins on land and on the water.

Most days, puffins are not just sitting. You’ll see them fly in and out of the colony, dive out after fish (then reappear), and carry food back and forth. In a few reports, guests described how busy the colony felt—hundreds of birds in the air, on the water feeding, and on the cliffs roosting or nesting. Even if you don’t count them, you’ll feel it.

You may also spot other wildlife bonuses. Some riders reported seals popping up and, on at least one occasion, humpback whales surfacing in the wider region. Those sightings are never guaranteed, but the point is that when conditions are right, the bay can deliver more than puffins.

Important reality check: puffins can spook. If you’re too aggressive with zooming, reaching forward, or changing your angle abruptly, you may see more flying off than close behavior. Let the crew set the approach lines, then settle in and watch calmly.

Guides and Captains: Turning Birds Into a Real Story

The guide and captain combo is a big reason this tour earns such high marks. The captain’s job is getting the boat into the best viewing positions while driving smoothly enough to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The guide’s job is spotting and explaining, so you don’t just see puffins—you understand what you’re looking at.

In the feedback, you’ll see guide names like Anna, Maria, Megan, and Miquel showing up again and again. People consistently mention that the guides are funny, friendly, and quick to answer questions in plain language.

On the bird side, you can expect commentary on puffin behavior and diet: what they eat, how they nest in burrows, and how they move between land and water. You’ll also get help identifying other seabirds you might see on the same stretch of coast, such as gannets and Arctic terns.

There’s also a practical photo benefit. Several guests say the guide takes photos from the boat and shares them afterward by email, sometimes using longer lenses. That matters because puffin photos from a bouncing RIB can be hit-or-miss on a phone. If your shots come out blurry, it helps to have that backup.

What to Bring for Comfort and Better Puffin Photos

For this tour, your goal is warm, dry, and stable. The operator provides coveralls and binoculars, plus safety gear, but you still need the right base layer.

Bring:

• Warm clothing you can move in
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes or sports shoes with good grip
• Anything you’ll want for photos, stored so it doesn’t fly out

Photo and phone tips that actually help:

• Treat your phone like a fragile tool. One rider specifically advised keeping it in the velcro pocket on the suit so it stays put during bouncing moments.
• Use binoculars early. Instead of chasing every movement with your camera, scan first, then take a steadier shot once you know where the action is.
• Expect some motion. The boat zips and rises and falls. You’ll get better photos if you pause a beat before firing shots, rather than trying to capture every wing beat instantly.

Also note the no-nonsense luggage rule: luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. If you’re doing other Reykjavik activities, travel light so you aren’t forced to improvise.

Price and Value: Is $101 for an Hour Fair?

At about $101 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But here’s why it can still feel like strong value: you’re paying for a short, targeted wildlife experience with real equipment support. You get a professional captain and wildlife guide, coveralls, safety gear, and binoculars included—plus a boat style (RIB) that improves your odds of seeing puffins up close.

You also get convenience. Reykjavik Old Harbour is walkable and the tour is only about an hour long, so it slots neatly into a day without eating half your schedule. That matters if you’re doing a full Iceland trip and need to squeeze in one quick nature outing.

One more value point: people rate the transport very highly, with 88% giving top scores. For a RIB, that comfort and safety reputation is not a small detail. It directly affects your ability to actually enjoy the ride and keep watching the birds instead of worrying.

If you’re price-sensitive, compare this to other wildlife tours by asking one question: do you want speed and closeness, or do you prefer a calmer ride from farther out? If closeness and behavior are your priority, this tends to make sense.

Who This Tour Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip is fun, but it is not for everyone. It’s an open-water RIB experience, and the operator lists clear limitations.

Not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

Also, keep in mind that conditions can include wind and spray. The coveralls help a lot, but they can’t fix every physical limitation.

Who it suits best:

• Adults who want a short, high-energy wildlife outing
• People who are comfortable with boats and changing weather
• Bird lovers who want puffins plus other seabirds in the same hour
• Travelers who value expert guidance and practical spotting help

If you’re taking medication that makes you lightheaded, or you know you struggle with bouncy rides, consider that carefully before booking. Comfort gear helps, but the experience is still a fast ride across cold water.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Puffin RIB Tour?

I’d book it if you want puffins in a tight time window and you care about close, active viewing. The mix of RIB proximity, warm provided gear, and guide-led spotting is a strong combo for getting your money’s worth in one hour.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re nervous about a bumpy, open-air ride
• You rely on your phone for photos and hate the idea of securing it and managing motion
• You’re traveling with someone who falls under the listed restrictions

If you’re in Reykjavik during the main puffin season (roughly late spring through summer), this is one of the easiest ways to turn the puffin dream into actual, watchable bird behavior.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour.

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The duration is 1 hour.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a professional captain and wildlife guide, use of coveralls, all necessary safety equipment, and binoculars.

Are food and drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide provides the experience in English.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes or sports shoes.

Are coveralls provided?

Yes. You’ll be provided with coveralls to help you stay warm and protected.

Is luggage or a large bag allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people under 145 cm in height.

Is the tour refundable if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers reserve now & pay later.

If you want, tell me your travel month and who’s going (age range, any mobility concerns, photo priorities). I’ll help you decide what time of day to aim for and how to pack for the cold and spray.