Puffins, right off Reykjavik. I like how the RIB speed-boat gets you close to active puffin colonies, and I like that the tour provides a full waterproof suit plus goggles so the cold stays outside. The main downside to plan around is seat comfort, a few people find the back support on the RIB a bit stiff.

You’ll cruise the Bay of Reykjavík for about an hour, with a pass along the coast where you can see the Harpa Concert Hall from the water before heading out toward the puffin islands. The guide shares why Iceland is such a big deal for seabirds, including that Iceland holds about 60% of the world’s puffins, and you’ll also hear the conservation side of things, including the harm caused by puffin hunting.

Key things I think you’ll care about

• RIB access to puffin colonies: you get closer than bigger boats, which helps for both sightings and photos
• Full-body waterproof suit and goggles: you stay warmer and can focus on watching, not adjusting clothes
• About 40,000 puffins in the area: the tour targets islands with serious numbers
• Harpa by sea: the coastal cruise is part of the experience, not just a transfer
• English live guide: you’re not left guessing what you’re seeing
• No food included: plan ahead so you are comfortable for the whole hour

Why a RIB puffin trip beats the big-boat version near Reykjavik

Reykjavík is one of those places where you can feel like you’re “in town” while still getting real wildlife time. This tour is built for that. The boat is a custom-built RIB speed-boat, and the whole point of a RIB is movement and proximity. You are not just watching birds from far away. You’re positioned so you can actually see puffin behavior up close, including how they pop in and out and move around the colonies.

The tour targets puffin-populated islands in the Bay of Reykjavík area, where the operator points to roughly 40,000 puffins. And there’s a strong Iceland angle here. Iceland is home to about 60% of the world’s puffins, meaning you’re in one of the best places on earth to see them in high season density.

A bigger boat can be stable, but it often forces you into “out at sea” viewing. With a RIB, the viewing changes. The boat can get in nearer and adjust your angle as the islands come into view. That matters for your photos because puffins don’t pose. The closer you are, the higher your odds of getting that frame where the birds are clearly visible, not just dots on the horizon.

Gear and comfort: waterproof suits, goggles, and life vests that matter

This is one of those tours where the included gear is not fluff. You get a full-body waterproof suit and goggles, plus a life vest. That is a big deal in Iceland because conditions can change fast, and the water can feel colder than you expect even when the sky looks decent.

Here’s what you should do with that gear so you get the best experience:

• Wear warm layers under the waterproof suit, so you stay comfortable after you put it on
• Bring comfortable shoes that work with cold weather and possible dampness around the boarding area
• Use the goggles the way they fit your eyes best, because clarity makes the difference between seeing puffins clearly or just seeing movement

One small gear note: waterproof shoes are not included. If you have water-resistant footwear you trust, bring it. If not, focus on comfortable shoes you can keep on for the full ride without irritation.

Also, while the suit helps you stay dry and warm, the ride is still a speed-boat ride. You should expect some motion and cool wind off the water, even with the suit on. If you’re sensitive to that, plan to dress for warmth first, then for wind.

From the hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT to your 1-hour departure

Your starting point is a cluster of wooden huts in Reykjavík. Look for the one marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. The best move is to arrive early, at least 30 minutes before departure, so you have time to check in, gear up, and get settled before the boat leaves.

This matters because the tour is short. At one hour total, there is little room for delays. You want your cold-weather setup sorted before you get out onto the water.

Pickup and drop-off are available only as an add-on. Food and drinks aren’t included, either. So treat the tour like a compact excursion: get yourself ready for wind and water, and plan your timing around a meal before or after.

One more practical item: luggage or large bags are not allowed. That’s common for small boats, but it’s worth taking seriously. Pack light, and keep only what you truly need, like a warm layer, simple personal items, and your phone or camera in a way you can manage with gloves.

On the water: Harpa from the sea and the approach to the puffin islands

Once you’re aboard, you’ll head toward the Bay of Reykjavík and beyond, toward islands known for puffin colonies. The boat is described as having suspension seats, and that’s there for comfort on rougher water. Still, suspension doesn’t remove all stiffness, so if you have back issues, this is not the tour for you.

The itinerary has two big “you came for this” moments:

1. A coastal cruise along Reykjavík’s waterfront where you can see Harpa Concert Hall from the water
2. The out-and-back speed to the puffin islands, where the goal is close viewing of colonies

Harpa is a quick visual payoff, and seeing it from sea makes the city feel different. Instead of just taking photos from land, you’re getting that layered perspective where modern Reykjavík sits in the same frame as cold North Atlantic water.

Then the focus shifts to puffins. The guide steers you toward the best viewing opportunities. Because the boat is mobile and close, you’re more likely to get repeated sightings during the hour, not just one lucky moment.

Some departures may visit multiple viewing areas around the islands. The experience is designed around finding active colonies and positioning you well, so it often feels like more than a single static stop.

As you approach, watch for puffin movement patterns, because they rarely show up exactly where you first look. The closer you are, the faster you’ll learn how to scan: look for heads popping, small flutters near the waterline, then focus on where birds cluster.

Puffins 101 in Iceland: why 60% of the world is here

This tour gives you more than a wildlife sighting. The guide context helps your brain lock onto what you’re seeing.

Iceland’s puffin dominance is the big takeaway. The tour frames it clearly: about 60% of the world’s puffins live in Iceland. That means your one-hour trip is not just visiting a random colony. It’s taking advantage of one of the densest puffin environments anywhere.

Then there’s the conservation message. You’ll hear how puffin hunting has harmed puffins in the past and how conservation efforts aim to stop that harm. Even if you’re purely there for photos, this is one of those parts that makes the experience feel real. Puffins aren’t a guaranteed sighting anywhere in the world, so understanding the pressures on them makes your time feel more meaningful.

One more thoughtful point: when you learn why puffins gather where they do, you become a better watcher. You’ll know what you’re looking for instead of hoping they appear. That turns the hour into something active, like a mini field lesson built into a speed-boat ride.

How to get better puffin sightings in a single hour

With only one hour on the water, your success comes down to simple habits. You won’t control the weather, but you can control your attention.

Here’s how I’d make the most of it:

• Dress for comfort first, so you can stand or shift your position without feeling miserable
• Keep your goggles on and ready, since clear visuals help you track birds fast
• Be ready to look in the direction the guide points, especially during approach moments
• When you spot puffins, keep scanning a little beyond the first cluster, because colonies can draw movement across nearby rocks and water

Puffins are quick. They may pop into view and then disappear. That’s why close proximity matters so much on this tour. A RIB helps you reduce the time between first sighting and actually getting a good look.

Also, don’t treat the hour like one long waiting period. The best viewing often comes in short bursts during your approach and repositioning. Stay alert, not frozen in place with your camera. If you can, use your phone or camera the way you can react quickly, not the way that requires ten minutes of setup.

If you care about photos, think about contrast. You’ll get better results when you focus on birds against darker rock or sea rather than bright sky. And keep your hands positioned so wind doesn’t shake the camera while you’re aiming.

Price and value: what $81 buys you (and what it does not)

At around $81 per person for a one-hour experience, the value is really about the mix of included gear plus the kind of boat you’re on. You are paying for access and comfort in cold conditions, not for a long sightseeing program.

What you do get:

• Full-body waterproof suit
• Goggles
• Life vest
• Guided experience in English
• A custom-built RIB speed-boat ride with suspension seats

What you do not get:

• Pickup and drop-off (it’s available as an add-on)
• Food and drinks
• Waterproof shoes

So the real question is: are you getting something you can’t easily DIY? If you try to self-arrange puffin viewing, you’ll quickly hit the combo of timing, weather, and boat access. This tour bundles that into one short outing with the right gear provided.

Is it expensive for a single hour? Yes, it is a premium in time terms. But it’s also a high-output hour. You’re not just traveling. You’re geared up, positioned close to colonies, and getting guided context plus a coastal city view along the way.

If you want the cheapest possible puffin sighting, you might find alternatives. If you want the closest puffin viewing experience from Reykjavík with proper cold-weather gear, this price starts to make sense.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This one is straightforward if you fit the physical requirements. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). The RIB is fast and the ride involves motion, even with suspension seats.

If you’re generally healthy, comfortable in cool weather, and okay with a short high-speed boat ride, this is an excellent choice for a day in Reykjavík. It also works well if you’re traveling with limited time and want an outdoor wildlife experience without committing to a full day tour.

If you have mobility limits or you know you get uncomfortable on boats with motion, consider skipping. For back issues especially, it’s better to choose a more stable option.

Quick checklist for your puffin day in Reykjavik

You’ll have a much smoother time if you come prepared for cold, wind, and quick boarding.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing for underneath the suit

Plan around:

• No large bags or luggage
• Waterproof shoes are not included
• Food and drinks are not included

And if you’re sensitive to motion:

• This is a speed-boat experience with suspension seats, but it still moves
• If you are unsure, match your comfort level to the tour’s physical suitability limits listed by the operator

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB puffin tour?

If you want the highest chance of close puffin viewing from Reykjavík, this is a strong booking. The combination of a RIB speed-boat, provided waterproof suit and goggles, and a guided English explanation makes the one hour feel focused, not rushed.

I would book it if you:

• Want puffins in the wild without spending the whole day traveling
• Care about getting close enough for real sightings and photo opportunities
• Like the idea of also seeing Reykjavík’s waterfront, including Harpa, from sea

I would skip it if:

• You have back problems or you’re not suited to speed-boat movement
• You hate cold wind exposure even with proper gear
• You need a calm, long sightseeing pace

If you’re doing one puffin tour while based in Reykjavík, this is the type of outing that turns that day into a story you’ll actually remember, puffins and all.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik RIB puffin watching tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $81 per person.

What is included in the tour?

Included items are a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a guided tour, and a life vest.

Where do I meet the tour?

Go to the wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes, you should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure to prepare for the tour.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available for purchase as an add-on.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Are there rules about luggage?

Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).