Speed plus bird spotting sounds like a trick, but it works. This 1-hour RIB puffin cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbour puts you close to the nesting islands and sea cliffs across Faxaflói Bay, and I especially like the up-close RIB vantage and the guide-led bird facts (with photo sharing on many trips). The main drawback is that it is short, and puffins can also get skittish, so you are betting on timing and conditions.

I also like the practical touch: you are not out there freezing in your own clothes all morning. You get coveralls, safety gear, and binoculars, plus an English-speaking guide who helps you spot where the action is.

One more thing to consider up front: this is an open-air, fast ride. If you are sensitive to choppy water or you have back or mobility issues, the boat pounding can be the limiting factor, even with the warm suits.

Key highlights I’d circle on your plan

• RIB closeness for better sightlines than bigger boats near the islands
• Faxaflói Bay birding with chances to see puffins plus gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns
• Short, efficient outing built for early morning from Reykjavik Old Harbour
• In-the-field guidance on what behaviors mean, plus tips for getting photos
• Warm coveralls and binoculars included, so you travel lighter

Meeting Whale Safari in Reykjavik Old Harbour, then gearing up fast

The tour meets at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik Old Harbour. Plan to arrive early enough to take care of the basics without stress, because the whole experience starts with a quick safety check and then you are off to the boat.

Once you are on site, the process is straightforward: you get a short safety briefing, you put on provided coveralls, and you climb aboard and grab the rail. The guide and captain take it from there, and you get the feeling this is a well-run operation built for cold water and real sea conditions.

This matters for value. You are paying for more than a boat ride. You are paying for gear, safe handling, and someone coordinating the spotting so you do not spend the hour guessing where the birds are.

RIB ride across Faxaflói Bay: what the speed really adds

A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is the point of this tour. It moves quickly and keeps you able to shift positions, which is how you get those close, usable views of puffins sitting on rocks, flying past, or moving over the water.

You will zip out over the ice-cold bay, then bounce over waves as you head toward rocky areas and cliffy inlets. If you have ever watched a zodiac-style boat run in wind, you already know the sound and motion can be intense. Several people specifically recommend getting your phone secured in a pocket, because it is easy to focus on birds and forget you are on open water.

The good news: the coveralls do a lot. Many reviews call out that the suits help block wind and keep you dry even when conditions are rough. Also, the boat setup gives you enough sightlines so people in different seats can still see what is happening.

If you are the type who gets nervous on fast boats, take that seriously. One review described the ride feeling rough on the outward run, with the boat slapping the water. You might still enjoy it, but it is not a gentle cruise.

Puffin watching near cliffs and islands: where the birds put on a show

This is a nesting habitat tour, not a far-off viewing experience. Puffins are most active in the nesting season from May through August, and that timing drives where the boat goes and what you see.

On the water, you look for puffins roosting and nesting on islands and sea cliffs, plus puffins flying and feeding around the rocks. Expect to see a lot of movement: birds take off quickly, they pop up from the water, and they can carry fish as they work the area. Several trips report hundreds of puffins, which is why this tends to beat the frustration people sometimes feel when puffins are hard to find.

A specific place keeps coming up in the accounts: Lundey Island puffin colony. It shows up as a common destination in practice, so if you are choosing this tour for the likelihood of a big colony, that is a reassuring detail.

Also, do not expect a zoo-style guarantee of perfect closeness all the time. Even with the RIB, puffins can spook and move away if the boat gets too close or the conditions are noisy. One review even set expectations, saying it is difficult to get super close in the way people imagine, but you still get far better views than many larger-boat options.

More than puffins: gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns in the mix

Puffins are the stars, but the bay is full of other seabirds. As you cruise, you should keep your eyes open for gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. The guide will help you sort the calls and shapes, and that makes the whole hour feel like active birding instead of just waiting for one species.

In practice, the bird mix also helps your odds. If puffins are packed in one spot but not active, other birds may be wheeling overhead or landing near the rocks. That keeps the viewing lively, even when the puffins are being a bit camera-shy.

On top of the birds, there can be marine extras. One review described humpback whales surfacing multiple times during the cruise. Others reported seals and even a harbor porpoise popping up. You should not plan the hour around marine mammals, but it is worth knowing the bay can deliver surprises.

The guide moment: what to listen for and how it improves your photos

What makes this tour feel worth it is how much guidance you get while you are actively scanning the water and cliffs. You will hear facts about puffins and their behaviors as you cruise near the nesting areas.

You can pick up patterns fast. For example, the guide explains what you are seeing when puffins are on shore versus when they are flying or out on the water. You also get talk about their diet, including capelin, and how they handle the daily work of feeding and guarding space near nesting sites.

That’s not just trivia. It changes how you watch. If you understand what a bird is doing, you spend less time aiming randomly and more time tracking real action.

Photo help is another strong point in the accounts. Multiple people say the guide takes photos onboard and sends them afterward, and that is especially handy if your own shots do not come out because the boat is bouncing and puffins keep moving. If you do not know what to do with your phone during a fast ride, this matters, because you can focus on sightlines and let the crew capture the sharper angles.

My practical tip: be ready to share your email if they offer to send photos. A few reviews singled this out as an extra that makes the experience feel even better.

Warm coveralls, binoculars, and the small things that make it comfortable

This is an outdoor activity where comfort is not optional. You should bring warm clothing and wear closed-toe shoes, with sports shoes recommended as well. The idea is simple: you want layers that work with the provided coveralls.

The coveralls are a big reason people say they stayed warm. They also make it easier to handle wind off the water, because the fabric blocks a lot of that cold air. Several people specifically mentioned pockets for items like glasses and phones, which helps a lot when you are trying to keep gear secure.

If you tend to get distracted by taking photos, treat this like a safety-first activity. Keep your phone tucked away when you are not actively shooting. One account noted that squeezing in your phone safely reduces the chance of it ending up in the water during the ride.

And remember the luggage rule: luggage or large bags are not allowed. You will want to travel light, like you are going out for a serious walk in cold weather, not like you are loading a car.

How long you’re on the water, and why timing affects puffin sightings

The tour duration is listed as 1 hour. In real life, you should expect that the total experience includes some waiting before departure, so the pure time looking at birds might be slightly under an hour on some days.

That is still enough time if you are set up for it. A key theme across the accounts is that this is short and focused, which is great if you only have limited time in Reykjavik or you want a nature-focused morning without committing to a half-day expedition.

The flip side is that puffin sightings can vary with conditions. One person felt disappointed because their boat seemed farther offshore than they expected, while others reported seeing puffins very close with nesting burrows and lots of flying birds. In other words: expect the tour to follow responsible distance guidelines, and accept that you might not get the closest possible angle every single time.

If you are deciding between doing this at the end of your Iceland trip versus earlier, this is where it helps to think like a birder. This tour is closer to Reykjavik and built for short-day success, which makes it a smart backup if you have already tried puffin routes elsewhere and had mixed luck.

Value for $101: what you get for the price in Iceland terms

At around $101 per person for an hour, you are not paying just for fuel and a seat. You are paying for:

• a professional captain and wildlife guide
• provided coveralls and safety equipment
• binoculars
• the boat size and mobility that lets you position for better views

In Iceland, tours cost what they cost. But this one earns its keep because it includes the gear that matters for cold, plus the guidance that turns spotting into a real experience. If you had to rent cold-weather gear and do your own birding, you would lose time, spend money, and likely miss the best angles.

The other value signal in the accounts is that organization gets praised repeatedly: clear communication, punctual operations, and a strong sense that everyone knows what to do once you show up. When you are paying for a tight time window, that professionalism matters.

Who this RIB puffin cruise suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a good match if you:

• want puffins from Reykjavik without a long drive
• like wildlife watching that includes action, not just sitting and hoping
• are comfortable with cold air, wind, and a fast open-water boat ride
• enjoy learning what you are seeing while you are actually looking

It is not suitable for children under 10, and it is also not appropriate for pregnant women. People with back problems, mobility impairments, or anyone under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm) should skip this option.

If you are unsure about your tolerance for the ride, treat that as a real deciding factor. The experience is designed to get close and move efficiently, so it can feel rough for some people.

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin watching RIB tour?

Book it if your goal is the best shot at close puffin views from Reykjavik in a tight time window, and you are comfortable dressing for cold and riding a fast open boat. The included coveralls, binoculars, safety gear, and guided spotting turn it into more than a quick sightseeing stop.

Hold off if you hate choppy water, you need easy, smooth transport, or your mobility or back situation makes the boat ride hard. Also be realistic about closeness: puffins can move away, and conditions can change what you see in an hour.

If you do book, do two things to improve your odds. Wear warm layers under the coveralls, and when the team offers photo sharing, give your email so you can keep the best shots even if your phone skills get overwhelmed by the speed.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the puffin watching tour?

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

How long does the tour last?

The duration is 1 hour. You check available starting times when booking.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, use of coveralls, all necessary safety equipment, and binoculars.

Do I need to bring food or drinks?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes, with sports shoes recommended. The tour also requires wearing provided coveralls.

Is this suitable for children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 10 years old.