Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

Reykjavik’s puffins are best seen from the water, and this 12-person RIB tour gets you closer to their island home than a larger whale-watching boat can. The ride to Lundey can take about 10 minutes, leaving roughly 40 minutes for bird watching before you return to the harbor.

I like the warm flotation suit and safety gear, which take the edge off Iceland’s cold wind, and I like the quick one-hour format, which fits neatly into a day of sightseeing. The main consideration is distance: close up means as close as the birds and nesting grounds allow, not stepping onto the island or standing beside a puffin.

At a glance: what makes this short tour worth considering

• Lundey is only about 10 minutes from the harbor, so most of your hour is spent near the puffin colony rather than traveling across open water.
• A RIB boat brings you close to the cliffs while keeping the nesting island undisturbed.
• The group is limited to 12 people, giving you a better view and more room than a large sightseeing boat.
• Warm flotation suits, hats, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are supplied, useful even in summer when the wind can feel sharp.
• The guide covers other seabirds as well as puffins, and some guides share photographs taken with a proper camera after the trip.
• The ride can be lively, especially in wind or rough water, so a sensitive stomach is worth considering.

Why a RIB is the right boat for Reykjavik puffins

Puffins nest on small offshore islands and spend much of their time moving between cliff ledges and the sea. A large boat can take you into the general area, but a rigid inflatable boat can approach the island more closely and turn more easily for a better viewing angle.

That closeness has a limit. You remain on the boat, and the captain keeps a respectful distance from the nests. This is important, even if it means your photographs are not always as close as the tour title suggests.

The RIB also changes the ride itself into part of the outing. It is a fast, open-water trip rather than a slow cruise. Some departures feel smooth and stable, while wind can make the ride rough. One visitor described the boat as less physical than expected, while another found the ride quite rough. Both impressions can be true on different days.

You sit on cushioned seats with handles on the seat in front. That helps you brace yourself when the boat moves. Shorter riders may find that their feet dangle a little, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters, or about 4 feet 9 inches. The minimum age is 10.

From Ægisgarður 5c to Lundey in about 10 minutes

You meet Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The location is near public transportation, and the tour ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back into the city.

The setup is simple. After check-in, the crew provides the warm flotation suit and other required safety equipment. The clothing is not just a minor extra. The harbor may feel manageable, but the wind on the open water can be much colder, and the suit gives you a warmer, more secure layer for the ride.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That number matters when you are trying to see a small bird bobbing on the sea or flying past a cliff. You still need to take turns looking and photographing, but you are not competing with a large crowd spread across several rows.

The guide gives live commentary during the ride. Guides named Knute, Adam, Naina, Tarzan, and Andy have led departures, and the strongest part of the experience is often the explanation of what you are seeing. The crew does not focus only on puffins. They may also identify other seabirds and explain their behavior.

Lundey: puffins on the cliff and in the water

The main stop is Lundey, one of the small islands near Reykjavik where puffins gather during nesting season. The island itself is the attraction, with birds perched on the cliffs, flying out over the water, and floating near the boat.

You may see a few birds close to the water, or you may find large numbers spread across the area. On a good outing, puffins can appear in the hundreds or even thousands. They are especially entertaining when carrying fish, trying to lift off, or landing awkwardly on the sea.

The advertised wildlife time is about 40 minutes. That is a useful amount of time for a one-hour trip. The short ride from the harbor leaves you with a real viewing period instead of spending most of the tour getting to the colony.

The boat may pause at more than one viewing point, depending on conditions and where the birds are active. The guide may point out birds on the cliffs, in the water, or moving between nearby sites. You might also see other seabirds, and there is always the chance of an extra sighting such as a whale, though no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.

This is not a landing tour. You do not walk on Lundey, and that is good for the birds. Puffins are small and easily disturbed during nesting season. The RIB lets you watch the colony without putting people among the nests.

The honest truth about getting close to puffins

The phrase close up needs a little explanation. You will get closer to the islands than you would on a standard large boat, but you will still view the birds from the water. The captain cannot simply pull up against the nesting cliffs, and the boat must avoid disturbing the colony.

That means your experience depends on bird behavior, sea conditions, light, and your eyesight. Puffins are small, quick, and often farther away than they appear in promotional photographs. If you want sharp images, bring your own binoculars and a camera with a useful zoom.

The binoculars supplied on some departures may not give you a clear view. One practical-minded visitor found personal binoculars far better, and that is advice worth following if you already own a compact pair. Phone cameras can capture decent pictures when birds come near, but a rocking boat makes photography difficult.

There is one nice solution: the guide may take photographs with a larger camera and share them after the trip. That can give you the close detail your phone cannot manage. Still, treat these photos as a helpful extra, not a guaranteed part of every departure.

Warm clothing and a boat built for a short rough ride

Elding supplies a warm flotation suit along with necessary safety equipment. Depending on the departure, the clothing setup can include a hat, gloves, goggles, and other protective gear. You should still dress sensibly underneath, but you do not need to arrive with a full expedition wardrobe.

The seats are cushioned and designed to move with the boat. Handles in front of you give extra support. These features make the RIB feel more secure, but they do not turn it into a calm harbor cruise.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. A passenger reported feeling unwell from the wind and motion, while others found the boat stable and safe. The difference may come down to weather and personal tolerance.

The tour calls for moderate physical fitness. You need to board the RIB, remain seated during the ride, and handle the movement of the boat. The age and height rules are not casual suggestions. They relate to safe seating and the ability to use the boat properly.

A guide-led bird outing, not just a speedboat ride

The speed is fun, but the guide gives the trip its purpose. Without commentary, the outing could become a quick boat ride followed by distant dots on a cliff. Good live guidance helps you understand why the birds gather there and what else is moving around the boat.

The crew explains puffins as well as other seabirds. You may learn to watch the water, not just the cliffs, since many puffins float nearby and repeatedly fly out to feed. A guide can also help you spot birds your eye would otherwise miss.

The best guides balance facts with patience. That matters when a bird appears for only a few seconds and everyone wants to look at once. The guides praised most warmly by name include Knute, Adam, Naina, Tarzan, and Andy, although the exact crew for your departure can vary.

The experience is in English. If you enjoy nature outings with plenty of explanation, this is a strong match. If you want silent photography time, the engine, wind, and group format may feel less ideal.

Is $85 a fair price for one hour?

At $85 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an hour. The value comes from the boat, the small group, safety equipment, warm suit, captain, and guide, as well as the chance to reach the puffin islands quickly from central Reykjavik.

A larger or slower boat might cost less, but it may not get as close to the islands. A land-based viewpoint can be cheaper, but it will not offer the same view of puffins floating around the boat or flying low across the water.

I would see this as a targeted splurge rather than an all-purpose sightseeing trip. You are paying for a focused wildlife outing that takes little time from the rest of your day. If puffins are high on your Iceland list, the price is easier to justify. If you are only mildly interested in seabirds, a one-hour RIB trip may feel expensive.

The small group also adds value. With a maximum of 12 people, the guide can keep the commentary personal, and you have a better chance of seeing over the shoulders of the group. The tour does not include snacks, hotel pickup, or drop-off, but the central harbor meeting point keeps those omissions manageable.

How to fit the tour into a Reykjavik day

The one-hour length is the big planning advantage. You can place it between other Reykjavik activities without giving up half a day. Since the trip starts and ends at Ægisgarður 5c, you can continue around the Old Harbour after returning.

Allow yourself enough time to find the meeting point and put on the equipment. The advertised duration is approximately one hour, but you should not schedule another activity so tightly that a small weather delay causes trouble.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Because puffins are present in Iceland during nesting season, check the seasonal timing before you build your plans around them. The tour can run smoothly, yet wildlife numbers and viewing quality can still vary.

Who will enjoy this RIB outing most?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Puffin fans who want the closest practical boat approach from Reykjavik.
• Photographers who bring binoculars and understand that a moving boat makes sharp phone photos difficult.
• Short-on-time sightseers who want a focused wildlife activity lasting about an hour.
• Families with older children, provided each child is at least 10 years old and 145 centimeters tall.
• People who like small groups, rather than large boat excursions.
• Visitors comfortable with a lively ride and changing sea conditions.

I would pause before booking if you dislike fast boats, get seasick easily, or expect to stand beside puffins on the island. You remain aboard, and the birds may still be farther away than you hope.

My verdict: book it for access, not guaranteed close-up photos

Book this tour if you want a quick, well-equipped trip to see puffins around Lundey and you value a small RIB over a larger sightseeing boat. The warm suit, careful crew, useful commentary, and short travel time make it a practical choice in Reykjavik.

Bring binoculars. Keep your camera ready, but do not judge the tour only by the size of your photographs. The most rewarding moments may be watching a puffin paddle beside the boat, carry a mouthful of fish, or struggle into the air while the guide explains what is happening.

Skip it if your idea of close up means touching distance, walking on the island, or guaranteed perfect conditions. The tour respects the birds, and that means distance remains part of the deal. At $85, it is best for you if seeing puffins from the sea is a priority, not just a possible bonus.

FAQ

Where does the Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour start?

It starts at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Ægisgarður 5c.

How long does the puffin tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour, with about 40 minutes spent around Lundey.

How many people can join the RIB tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 people.

What is the minimum age and height?

The minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters.

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes necessary safety equipment and a warm flotation suit. Hats, gloves, goggles, and other warm clothing may also be provided as part of the gear setup.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You make your own way to the harbor meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.