Puffins, fast and close. On this 12-seat RIB speedboat trip from Reykjavik, you zoom to the islands just offshore, then switch off the engines so you can watch seabirds with less noise. I like that the warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles are included, because Iceland’s wind has a way of sneaking in. You should note one consideration: near the puffin island area, the water can get a bit rocky.

Quick highlights

• 12-seat small-group format, so you can ask questions without feeling rushed
• Engines off at the islands for quieter wildlife viewing
• Warm waterproof gear included (overalls, gloves, goggles), plus a lifejacket
• Speed to the puffins so the trip stays short and you keep your day
• English-speaking guide with city and wildlife context as you travel

A Speedboat Puffin Hunt from Reykjavik, with Quiet Wildlife Time

This is a simple idea done in an Iceland way. You start in Reykjavik, you hit the water fast, and you spend most of the time looking for puffins right where they live, on islands just outside the city. The best part is that the boat does not treat this like a drive-by photo stop. Once you’re in position, the engines are turned off, so the moment feels calmer and more natural.

I also like the timing. A lunchtime start means you do not surrender your whole day to weather and schedules. Instead, you get a clear chunk of nature time, then you’re back in the city while you still have energy for museums, hot dogs, or whatever you planned for the afternoon.

And because puffin watching is outdoors in a wind machine, you get real protection. The included waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles matter more than people expect, especially if you’re used to wearing just a jacket over layers.

Price and Value: What $76 Gets You in Real Terms

At $76 per person, this is not a budget activity, but it also is not a luxury-only experience. The value is in what you get bundled into the price: a one-hour nature outing (often closer to an hour and a half start to finish), a small 12-seat RIB ride, an English guide, and the gear you need to stay comfortable.

You do pay extra compared with a slower harbor cruise, but you also gain something important: speed to the islands. The faster you reach the puffin area, the more of your limited time stays focused on wildlife rather than travel.

One more value point: you are not just handed binoculars and left alone. The guide provides guidance in English, sharing information about puffins and also about what you are seeing around Reykjavik as you move through the route.

If you’re traveling light, it also helps that hotel pickup is not included, which usually means you meet up close to the action yourself. You trade convenience for a simpler price.

Entering the Day at the Dock: Meeting Point, Timing, and Vibe

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavik. It’s the kind of meeting place that’s designed for people to find without a scavenger hunt, and it’s near public transportation. Bring your mobile ticket, because that’s what you’ll use to get checked in.

The tour starts at 12:00 pm, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That “back where you started” setup is practical. You do not have to plan an extra transfer or guess where you will end up.

Small-group energy is part of the vibe here. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the guide can spend more time with people who have questions, whether it’s about puffin behavior, island habitat, or how to spot movement at sea.

How the Route Works: Harpa, City Views, Videy Island, and Old Harbour

Even though this trip is built for puffins, you still get Reykjavik context as part of the ride. Think of it as a fast city-to-sea story, with major landmarks appearing along the way. Here’s what each stop generally feels like, and how it fits your expectations.

Stop 1: Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

You’ll start by passing the Harpa area, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable buildings. From the water, the glass and geometry can look even more striking than on foot. It’s a quick way to get your bearings before you head toward the islands.

The upside is easy. You get a “city kickoff” right away, so you are not waiting until the island portion to feel like you’re on a Reykjavík outing. The only downside is that if the weather is rough, you’ll feel the wind early, so dress for cold even at the start.

Stop 2: Reykjavik

As you move along the city coastline, you see familiar areas from a different angle. This is the part that helps the guide talk through what you’re looking at, tying the city to the marine wildlife outside it.

I like this because it keeps the ride from feeling like dead time. If you’re someone who likes explanations, you’ll have something to listen for besides the roar of the engines.

Stop 3: Videy Island

Videy Island is the big wildlife focus. The idea here is that you spend the majority of the tour in a close encounter with puffins. When you arrive, the engines are turned off so you can enjoy the wildlife quietly.

This is where the experience can shift depending on sea conditions. One review noted it can get a bit rocky near the puffin island area, and that tracks with how RIB rides can feel when the water is choppy. If you are sensitive to motion, keep that in mind and use the provided gear fully, including the goggles to keep spray away.

Stop 4: Sun Voyager

You’ll also pass the Sun Voyager along the route. It’s a recognizable sight from the waterfront, and it adds a “Reykjavik landmarks” layer to the tour. It’s not the main event, but it helps make the speedboat ride feel like more than just transportation.

From a practical standpoint, this stop is great for photos if conditions allow. If visibility drops due to wind-driven mist, don’t stress. The puffin portion is the payoff.

Stop 5: Old Harbour

Old Harbour gives you that classic port feel. You’re still in motion, but you start to shift back into city mode. Watching boats and shoreline activity from the water is a nice final chapter before you head back to the meeting point.

This stop also matters because it gives you a smoother landing mentally. After looking for birds on islands, it’s comforting to see the harbor again, even if the trip felt short.

Why the Engines-Off Moment Matters So Much

Here’s the thing about wildlife tours. Noise changes behavior. This one builds in a pause that you actually feel. When you reach the islands, the boat turns off the engines, and that quiet makes the environment feel more respectful and less chaotic.

You also get a better viewing window. When engines are running, you’re fighting sound, vibration, and sometimes spray. When they’re off, you can focus on scanning and noticing what puffins are doing.

It’s also the reason this experience feels distinct from a generic cruise. You’re not just traveling through the right area. You’re spending time in a way that lets the birds stay the main character.

Guides in English: Humor, Bird Facts, and City Context

The tour runs with English guidance, and the small group size means you’re not stuck listening passively. I like this format because it invites back-and-forth. If you point at something moving and ask what it is, you can actually get an answer that helps you see better.

From the guide names that show up with this trip, you can expect a personality, not a monotone lecture. Guides such as Celia and Joe are described as fun, and others like Rebecca and Patrickgin bring plenty of information about puffins along with a lighter tone. That mix matters because puffin watching can be tricky at first. The birds can look like dots on the water until someone helps you understand what you’re seeing.

Also, the guide information isn’t only about birds. You get context on the city and wildlife around Reykjavik as you travel. So even if you spot fewer birds in a given moment, you’re still getting value from the stories and explanations.

Gear Check: Overalls, Gloves, Goggles, and the Comfort Factor

Cold water and sea wind are the real villains on a speedboat. The good news is you’re not expected to solve this with your own bulky clothing alone. You’re provided with warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket.

That kit changes the experience in two ways.

First, you can focus on watching instead of huddling. If your hands are warm and your face is protected, you’re more willing to stay alert for longer.

Second, the goggles are not just a nice add-on. On a fast RIB ride, spray is common. Goggles help keep your view clear when conditions push water into the air.

Practical tip: wear the layers you’re comfortable in underneath the waterproof set. The overalls are warm, but they work best when you have a sensible layer system, not just thin clothes.

Rough Water Happens: What to Expect on a RIB

This is a speedboat. Speedboats move fast, and they can feel lively when waves line up. One note that matters is that it can be rocky near the puffin island area. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or miserable, but it does mean you should be ready for some up-and-down motion.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it. Keep your stance steady, keep your attention on the guide’s instructions, and take a few slow breaths when the boat hits choppier water.

The comfort gear helps, but it cannot erase ocean physics. The good part is that the tour is short, so the choppy portion does not last all day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want puffins without spending your whole day on the water. The lunchtime start is ideal when you have limited time, and the one-hour nature focus keeps it from ballooning into a time sink.

It also suits families within the height rule. A child must be 140 cm to participate in the RIB tour. Most travelers can participate, based on the tour info.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you fall into one of these buckets:

• You want a close-up wildlife experience, not a distant photo opportunity
• You like guided explanations while you’re doing the activity
• You want to see the Reykjavik coastline quickly and efficiently

If you strongly dislike small boats, or you’re very sensitive to motion, this might be a harder sell. Still, the provided gear plus the short duration make it more manageable than longer boat trips.

Should You Book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

I think you should book this if you want the best mix of speed, comfort, and wildlife time. The included warm waterproof gear removes a lot of friction. The 12-seat group keeps it personal, and the engines-off viewing moment is the kind of detail that actually improves how the experience feels.

You should pause before booking if you know you struggle with choppy water, because the ride can get rocky near the puffin island area. Also remember hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to handle your own arrival at Ægisgarður 5F.

Finally, there’s the weather factor. The tour requires good weather, and if it gets canceled you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That safety net is useful in Iceland, where conditions can change quickly.

If your schedule allows and you’re willing to handle a lively short boat ride, this is one of the most time-efficient ways to chase Reykjavik’s puffins.

FAQ

How much does the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express cost?

It costs $76.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 1 hour (approx.). From start to finish, it may run longer depending on conditions.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Reykjavík by Boat, Ægisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the tour in?

The tour offers guidance in English.

What gear is included for cold and wet weather?

You’re provided with warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket.

Is there a minimum age or height requirement for children?

Yes. A child must be 140 cm in height to be able to participate in the RIB tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.