RIBs and puffins in one hour. This is a fast, hands-on Reykjavik outing where you get close to wild puffin colonies by boat, not just from the shore. I especially like the way the ride is built for getting near the islands, with suspension seating that helps on Iceland’s sometimes-bumpy water.

Two things make it a smart use of your time: the tour includes warm full-body waterproof suits and goggles, and the guide shares real context about Iceland’s puffins and why hunting harms them. One consideration: the boat is a speed-boat experience, so it’s not ideal if you have a bad back or are expecting a quiet, cushy cruise.

Key Highlights

• RIB speed-boat proximity to puffin-populated islands in the Bay of Reykjavík
• Full-body waterproof suit + goggles included for warmth and dry viewing
• English live guide explaining puffin ecology and the impact of hunting
• Harpa Concert Hall from the sea, seen along the Reykjavik coastline
• About 40,000 puffins on the islands you’re headed toward (and Iceland’s global share)

RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Viewing in 60 Minutes

This tour is built for people who want puffins without spending half a day traveling. In just one hour on the water, you’re taken out to islands where puffins are plentiful, then you head back—simple and efficient when your Iceland schedule is tight.

The big idea here is motion plus closeness. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) can reach spots that bigger vessels often can’t, so your viewing stays “real” instead of distant and observational. And because you’re on the water from Reykjavik, you get a second payoff: the coastline views while you move between points.

What the Included Gear Does for You on the Water

If you’ve never tried puffin-watching on a cold, windy bay, you’ll appreciate the tour’s approach to comfort. You’ll wear a full-body waterproof suit and goggles, plus you’ll get a life vest. That gear matters because the sea experience is about hours of cold air and spray potential, not just a quick look through binoculars.

Here’s the practical part: the suit and goggles lower the barrier to having a good time. You won’t have to gamble with your own layers as much, and you won’t spend the trip fiddling with wet clothes. Still, you’ll want to wear warm layers underneath, and bring comfortable shoes—the tour notes waterproof shoes are not included, so your footwear plan matters.

One more thing: luggage and large bags aren’t allowed. That’s actually helpful for keeping the meeting point and boarding smooth, but it means you should travel light.

Close Puffin Colonies: Getting Near Without Guesswork

Iceland is home to an estimated 60% of the world’s puffins, and this tour takes you toward islands that hold around 40,000 puffins. That’s not just trivia—it’s the reason this trip is designed the way it is. The tour’s goal is to put you near active colony areas where puffins are visible and photo-friendly.

You’ll ride toward the puffin-populated islands on a custom-built speedboat with suspension seats. In plain terms, that “closer and more mobile” setup helps you spend more of your hour where birds are, instead of drifting at an awkward distance. When puffins are most visible (and when you’re trying to frame them cleanly), being closer changes your whole experience.

Also, the guide’s commentary adds meaning. You can expect English explanations that connect puffins to human impacts—specifically, why puffin hunting is harmful and how to help put a stop to it. That turns the trip from a wildlife photo stop into a learning moment you can actually carry home.

The Reykjavík Coast and Harpa: A Sea-View Bonus

Many Iceland tours focus on one target and ignore the travel scenery. This one quietly gives you a second view window: you sail along the Reykjavik coastline and see Harpa Concert Hall from the water.

From the sea, Harpa looks less like a landmark photo and more like a geometry lesson—glass, angles, and light reflecting off the bay. It’s also a good time to settle in before you focus on the birds, because you’re moving along the coast with the guide talking and the water setting the pace.

If your timing includes early or late-day light, this coast segment can be especially useful for quick photos. Even if the puffins are your main reason for going, you’ll likely appreciate having a scenic payoff during the ride there and back.

How the Hour Typically Flows (and What to Watch For)

The tour is straightforward: meet, gear up, head out, view puffins, return. But the sequencing matters because the best moments on a puffin boat depend on conditions.

After you arrive at the wooden hut meeting area marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT (and get there early), you’ll be prepared with your suit and goggles. Then you’ll board the custom speedboat and cross toward the Bay of Reykjavík puffin areas.

You can expect the guide to provide narration during the sailing, and you’ll spend time approaching colony zones where puffins are most active. Some departures may visit multiple spots during the hour, so don’t assume it’s only a single approach line—this kind of route flexibility helps keep sightings lively.

On the way back, you’ll end up with another look at the Reykjavik coastline and the sea-view angle on Harpa. That wrap-up matters because once the puffin excitement settles, you’ll still have something to look at besides the water surface.

Weather, Timing, and What You Should Bring

This is a winter-coast style experience, even in summer. The key is that you’ll be warm and dry on top, thanks to the suit, but you still need to dress for wind and cold air around the boat.

What to bring (based on the tour requirements):

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing

What not to rely on:

• Waterproof shoes are not included, so plan your footwear accordingly if you tend to feel cold in wet or damp conditions.

Also, consider how you’ll handle your hands and phone. Goggles help your eyes, but your phone will still need protection from spray. I’d plan for basic weather protection even if you’re dressed for it.

One small logistics note that can make your start smoother: you should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure to prepare. That isn’t just a “be early” request—it’s time to get oriented at the hut row, get checked in, and fit gear properly.

Price and Value: Is $81 Worth It?

At around $81 per person for a one-hour RIB tour, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. The value is in the combination: guided interpretation, the chance to see puffins up close, and the included protective gear (suit, goggles, life vest).

Here’s how to judge whether it fits your budget:

• If you mainly want puffins and don’t care about long cruising, this is an efficient way to spend limited Iceland time.
• If you’re the type who hates waiting from a distance, the speed-boat approach can feel worth the cost because it keeps viewing opportunities closer and more active.
• If you’re already planning to buy your own waterproof layers and protection, the included suit is a direct savings you’d otherwise have to manage.

What’s not included also affects real value. Food and drinks are not provided, and waterproof shoes aren’t included. If you’re hungry or underprepared for wet footwear, the “cheap” part of your day can quietly become more expensive. Plan a snack strategy before you go.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong match for:

• People who want wildlife viewing with motion and a close approach
• Visitors who like practical gear and a guide-led explanation
• Travelers who can handle cool, windy water conditions with the right clothing

It’s not a good fit for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm)

That’s worth taking seriously because the tour involves riding on a speed-boat and using a full waterproof suit. If your body won’t handle that ride comfortably, you’ll enjoy puffins less.

If you’re unsure, think about what tends to bother you most: vibration, sitting for any length of time, or cold wind exposure. The RIB speed-boat experience is part of the charm, but it’s also part of why the suitability rules exist.

Getting the Best Photos Without Stress

You’ll likely be photographing quickly. Puffins are animated, and the boat approach pace can be lively. A few practical moves help:

• Wear your goggles properly early, so you’re not adjusting mid-sighting.
• Keep your hands steady and protect your phone from spray.
• Focus on short bursts rather than trying to film everything from one perfect angle.

The most important photo advantage is simple: closeness. A bigger boat often means a longer distance and smaller birds in the frame. Here, the RIB approach keeps viewing nearer, which usually improves both your composition and your chance of clear shots.

Also, be patient when birds aren’t immediately in view. The tour’s movement between points means you should give the guide a moment to position the boat, then start shooting when birds appear.

Should You Book This Puffin Speed-Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a high-value puffin experience in a short window and you’re excited by close viewing from a RIB speed-boat. The included waterproof suit and goggles reduce the chance of your day turning into cold misery, and the guide-led context about puffins (including the impact of hunting) gives the trip more meaning than a simple photo stop.

Skip or consider an alternative if speed-boat vibration isn’t your thing, you have back issues, or you’re pregnant. Also, if you’re traveling with lots of gear, remember luggage and large bags aren’t allowed, so pack smart.

If you do book, I’d plan your footwear ahead, dress warm under the suit, and arrive early enough to get oriented at the REYKJAVIK BY BOAT hut row. That’s how you start the hour feeling calm instead of rushed.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik RIB puffin watching tour?

The duration is 1 hour.

What’s included in the tour price?

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

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at a little wooden hut (in a row of wooden huts) marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on.

Do I need waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes are not included. The tour recommends bringing comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Is there a height requirement?

Yes. It is not suitable for people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).

What language is the tour guide speaking?

The guide provides live commentary in English.

What’s the cancellation and payment policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.