Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

The best part of this trip is the quiet approach to the puffin islands just outside Reykjavik. The fast 12-seat RIB gets you there quickly, then the crew cuts the engines so you can watch the birds without a growling motor between you and the action. I like the small group and the provided warm gear, especially when Iceland’s midday weather has a mind of its own.

I also like the one-hour format. You get a proper wildlife outing without giving up your morning or afternoon, and guides including Celia, Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe have earned praise for their humor, bird facts, and care with safety. The tradeoff is a rocky ride near the islands, and a short trip can never guarantee the same number of puffins every day.

Key points to know before you book

• Fast route to the puffin islands: The RIB spends less time crossing open water and more time near the birds.
• Engines off for viewing: The boat goes quiet at the islands, giving you a better chance to hear and watch the wildlife.
• Only 12 seats: The small boat leaves room for questions and a more personal guide experience.
• Warm equipment included: Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket are supplied.
• A useful noon departure: The 12:00 p.m. start fits neatly around a morning walk or an afternoon in Reykjavik.
• Height rule for children: A child must be at least 140 centimeters tall to join the RIB ride.

Reaching the puffin islands from Reykjavik

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, in the Old Harbour area. The tour begins at noon and returns to the same meeting point, so you can plan around it without arranging a taxi back from another part of the city.

The boat is a luxury RIB with room for no more than 12 people. That number matters. On a larger vessel, wildlife watching can feel like a crowd gathered around one side of a deck. Here, you have a better chance of hearing the guide and asking a question without shouting across the boat.

The RIB is built for speed, and that is useful on a trip this short. The crossing to the islands takes less of your hour, leaving more time for the main event. You are not signing up for a long cruise with puffin watching added as an afterthought. The route is designed to reach the bird colonies quickly.

The boat then slows and shuts off its engines near the islands. This is one of the most important details of the trip. Quiet viewing gives you a more natural encounter and makes the boat feel less intrusive. It also gives the guide a chance to point out the birds and explain what you are seeing without the constant noise of a running motor.

What you see around Harpa and the Old Harbour

The listed route includes Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik, Videy Island, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the Old Harbour. These are best understood as visual landmarks along the boat ride, not separate stops where you get off and tour each site.

Harpa is one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable buildings, with its glass facade facing the water. From a RIB, you get a different angle than you would from the city street. The building helps you place yourself as the boat leaves the harbor, while the shoreline gives the guide a natural setting for sharing information about the city.

The Old Harbour is both your departure and return point. That makes the start simple, but you should arrive ready for a boat outing rather than expecting a long check-in process at a major terminal. The activity ends where it begins, which is handy if you are combining it with lunch or other central Reykjavik plans.

The Sun Voyager appears as part of the coastal view. The steel sculpture is easy to recognize from land, but seeing it from the water changes the composition. You also get a broader look back toward the city as the boat moves away from the harbor.

Videy Island and the wildlife focus

Videy Island is the key geographic point in the route. It sits just outside Reykjavik and forms part of the coastal setting where the puffin watching takes place. The main appeal is not a shore visit. The value comes from reaching the islands by a small boat and viewing the birds in their own surroundings.

Puffins are wild animals, so the quality of the outing depends on nature as much as on the crew. You may see many birds, as some people did on their trips, but no guide can promise a fixed number or a perfect pose. The boat’s quiet approach gives you a good chance to watch without disturbing the colony, but you should arrive with realistic expectations.

The RIB can get close to the islands, though close does not mean touching the rocks or crowding the birds. The crew’s decision to turn off the engines is a strong sign that the wildlife, not just the thrill of speed, is the point of the trip.

Bring patience. Puffins may be flying, sitting on the water, or gathered around the island. The guide can help you spot them, but your best moments may be brief. Keep your eyes moving and listen for directions about where to look.

A fast boat with a short, lively ride

A RIB speedboat gives this outing more energy than a standard sightseeing cruise. You feel the movement of the boat, and the trip across the water is part of the fun. At the same time, speed means motion, and the water near the puffin island can be rocky.

One person described the ride as a little rocky near the island but still very enjoyable. That is useful advice. If you are prone to seasickness or simply prefer a smooth ride, a larger boat may suit you better. If you like a brisk trip and do not mind some bounce, the RIB adds a memorable edge.

The supplied clothing helps. You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket. The goggles are especially practical on a fast boat, while the outer layer gives you protection from cold air and spray. Wear clothes you can comfortably layer underneath, since Icelandic conditions can change quickly, even on a short outing.

The boat has 12 seats, and the small capacity also affects the feel of the ride. You are close to the guide and the other people on board. That creates a more social setting, but it also means less personal space than you would have on a large vessel. For most people, the compact size is part of the appeal.

Guides who make the hour count

The guide does more than point toward birds. The commentary covers puffins, other wildlife, and Reykjavik itself, so the ride has a useful city component even during the stretches between the islands.

Celia has been singled out for her bird, wildlife, and city knowledge. Patrickgin brought a funny, informative approach, while Rebecca was praised for being well informed, friendly, and helpful. Joe was also noted for mixing good bird facts with humor. The exact guide depends on the departure, but these names give you a sense of the style to expect: personal, talkative, and focused on making the short ride count.

Because the group is small, you can ask questions. That is valuable if you want to know how puffins behave, what other birds you might spot, or how the nearby islands relate to Reykjavik. The English-language guidance should be easy to follow, though the wind and boat noise can still make it worth listening closely when the guide speaks.

Safety receives clear attention. You wear a lifejacket, and the crew provides the proper outer clothing. The short route does not mean the crew treats it casually. The boat’s movement and the coastal conditions call for sensible instructions, so follow the guide when boarding, sitting, and moving around.

Why the noon timing works well

The 12:00 p.m. departure is one of this trip’s strongest practical features. You can spend the morning seeing central Reykjavik, visiting Harpa from land, or having a slow breakfast. After the boat returns, you still have the afternoon for museums, food, or another booked activity.

The official duration is about one hour. One account allowed roughly an hour and a half from start to finish, so I would not schedule something immediately afterward. Give yourself a little breathing room for boarding, returning to the harbor, and getting out of the provided gear.

This is not a full-day nature trip. That is precisely why it works for many schedules. You get a close look at the coast and puffins without handing over half a day to transport and waiting around.

The lunchtime departure may be less useful if you have a tightly timed excursion leaving Reykjavik at the same hour. Check your plans carefully, since late changes within 24 hours are not accepted under the stated policy.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for a small 12-seat boat, a fast route, specialist wildlife guidance, safety equipment, and warm waterproof clothing. The price makes more sense if you value a close, personal outing rather than simply seeing puffins from a distance.

The small group is the main value point. You have a better chance of hearing the guide, asking questions, and getting a clear view than you might on a much larger boat. The provided clothing also saves you from needing to rent or purchase special outerwear for a short trip.

The cost is harder to justify if you want a long cruise, a broad range of sights, or a guaranteed wildlife show. The tour is brief, and the puffins remain wild. You are buying access and a well-planned chance to see them, not a promise that every bird will perform on cue.

For a first visit to Reykjavik, I see it as a focused add-on. It pairs well with a day spent in the city because it adds a taste of Iceland’s coastal wildlife without taking over your schedule.

Who will enjoy this RIB trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A close look at puffins in their natural setting
• A small group rather than a large sightseeing boat
• A short activity that fits around other Reykjavik plans
• A lively ride with some speed and movement
• A guide who can discuss birds, wildlife, and the city
• Warm outer gear supplied at no extra charge

Families need to check the height rule carefully. A child must be at least 140 centimeters tall to take part in the RIB tour. The activity is suitable for most people according to the supplied participation information, but the ride can be rocky, so comfort on a moving boat matters.

It is less suited to you if you dislike fast boats, want a guaranteed number of sightings, or need a completely smooth ride. It also may not be ideal for anyone hoping to step ashore at Videy Island, since the listed route describes viewing the islands from the boat rather than an island visit.

Booking, weather, and what to wear

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English. The meeting point is near public transportation in central Reykjavik, and no hotel pickup or drop-off is included.

The tour needs good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, refunds are not available and changes are not accepted.

The crew supplies waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket. I would still dress in warm layers underneath, because the boat moves fast and the air on the water can feel colder than it does on the street. Wear footwear that feels secure, and keep your phone or camera protected from spray.

A camera with a zoom lens can help, but do not let it pull your attention away from the water. Puffins are small, quick birds, and the best sight may last only a few seconds. Watch first, photograph second.

My call: book it for a close wildlife outing

You should book the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express if you want a compact, energetic wildlife trip with a real chance to get close to puffins. The quiet engine-off viewing, small group, warm gear, and strong guide feedback give the $76 price a reasonable foundation.

Skip it if you need a calm boat, a long sightseeing cruise, or certainty about wildlife sightings. For the right person, this is a smart use of one hour in Reykjavik: quick, personal, and much more memorable than simply checking puffins off a list.

FAQ

Where does the puffin speedboat tour start?

It starts at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, in the Old Harbour area.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 12:00 p.m.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts approximately one hour. You may want to allow extra time around the departure and return.

How many people can join the boat?

The RIB has a maximum capacity of 12 participants.

Is warm clothing provided?

Yes. The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Can children join the RIB tour?

Yes, but a child must be at least 140 centimeters tall to participate in the RIB tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.