Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík

Exciting Birdwatching Close to Reykjavík with a Clear Focus on Puffins

If you’re in Reykjavík and eager to see Iceland’s iconic puffins up close, this Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour offers a fantastic opportunity. Priced at $95.21 per person, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and takes place from May 15th to August 20th, during the prime bird nesting season. It departs from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, making it easily accessible and convenient for visitors staying in the city.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its small-group size, limited to 12 travelers, which ensures a more intimate experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, including marine biologists, participants can expect to learn about the local seabirds while enjoying unobtrusive wildlife encounters in Faxaflói Bay. The tour’s focus on wildlife preservation means you’ll get close to 30,000 puffins nesting off Reykjavík’s coast without disturbing their natural habitat.

While the tour’s approximately one-hour duration is brief, it’s packed with birdwatching highlights, making it perfect for visitors with limited time. Travelers often praise the expert guides, the comfort of provided safety gear and warm outfits, and the high success rate of spotting puffins, gannets, and even the flightless great auk. A few reviews note that binoculars are included, although some mention that this wasn’t always consistent, so preparation is advisable.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour

This tour begins conveniently at Ægisgarður 5, right in Reykjavík’s historic Old Harbour area. Travelers should arrive 30 minutes before departure to get ready and meet the small group. The custom-made RIB boats are docked at the harbour, ready to take you across Faxaflói Bay.

The tour operates up to four times daily during the best birdwatching months, giving flexibility to fit it into most sightseeing schedules. The boat ride is designed for both speed and safety, with all necessary safety equipment provided—this includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and flotation devices. The small size of the group and the quiet engine allow the captain to approach the birds without causing disturbance, which is a big plus for naturalist-style observation.

Guests should be prepared to dress warmly, especially given Iceland’s weather, and should note that the tour is not suitable for young children under 10 or those with knee problems. The activity is accessible for those with moderate physical fitness but involves some boat movement and standing.

The Iconic Puffins and Other Birds You Will See

The main attraction of this tour is the opportunity to see up to 30,000 puffins that nest along the coast of Reykjavík. The boat approaches 2-3 islands where puffins are nesting, and while the vessel stays on the water, it gets you extra close thanks to the speedboats that can reach nearer to the islands.

Along With puffins, the tour offers sightings of gannets, the largest seabird in the North Atlantic, and the flightless great auk, adding to the variety of bird species observed. Throughout the trip, guides share informative facts and stories about Iceland’s seabirds, enhancing the experience with educational insights.

The nature reserves around the islands ensure a respectful distance, but the up-close approach in the custom RIB creates excellent photo opportunities and memorable wildlife encounters. Many reviews mention the professional knowledge of the guides, often marine biologists, who make the birdwatching both engaging and educational.

What to Expect During the RIB Boat Ride

The RIB boat ride across Faxaflói Bay is designed to maximize viewing opportunities while keeping passengers comfortable and safe. The custom-made vessels are fast, stable, and equipped with all safety gear, including warm clothing. The silent engine enables the boat to approach the birds quietly, minimizing disturbance.

Guides and captains work together to point out bird colonies and share interesting stories about the species and the bay’s ecosystem. The short duration of about one hour keeps the tour lively and engaging, with several departure times throughout the day, accommodating different schedules.

The boats’ small size allows for more personalized attention and closer proximity to the islands, which many reviewers appreciate. The professional crew ensures a safe and comfortable ride, even in less predictable weather conditions, as the tour runs in all weather with proper gear provided.

The Islands and Bird Colonies Near Reykjavík

The tour’s stops focus on 2-3 islands where puffins nest, offering viewers a close-up look without stepping ashore. These islands are nature reserves, which means the boats stay on the water, but the speedboats get travelers extra close.

This approach allows for spectacular views of the puffins, which are most active during the nesting season. Visitors often remark on the density of puffin colonies, with hundreds of birds flying overhead or swimming nearby. The islands’ natural setting adds an authentic touch to the birdwatching experience, with the surrounding scenery highlighting Iceland’s wild coast.

The guides’ expertise enhances the visit, as they point out various bird species and share insights about their behavior and habitat, making each stop a learning opportunity as well as a chance to snap excellent photos.

The Quality of Equipment and Safety Measures

This tour includes binoculars for each passenger, which significantly enhances the birdwatching experience. Many reviews highlight the provision of warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, ensuring guests stay comfortable during the boat ride, which can be chilly and windy.

Safety is a top priority, with all necessary safety equipment provided and the boat crew demonstrating professionalism. The small boat size and the expert captain create a sense of security, even in weather conditions that may be less ideal.

Guests should note that dry clothing and warm gear are recommended, and the tour is not suitable for travelers with knee problems or young children under 10. The maximum group size of 12 helps maintain safety and comfort throughout the experience.

The Experience and Guides’ Knowledge

The guides are often described as knowledgeable, with some being marine biologists who share fascinating facts about the seabirds and the ecosystem. Their passion, combined with the small-group setting, makes for a personalized and engaging outing.

Reviews frequently mention the guides’ storytelling skills, with some sending professional photos after the trip, adding a thoughtful touch. The captain’s skill in navigating close to the islands without disturbing the birds is also highly praised.

This tour’s educational element appeals to those interested in nature and wildlife, providing context and background that deepen the birdwatching experience.

Practical Tips for a Successful Bird Watching Trip

Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring additional layers in case of wind or rain. The provided gear typically includes outer clothing and safety equipment, but packing a hat and gloves can be beneficial.

Arriving early helps ensure a smooth start, especially during peak season when departures fill quickly. The short duration makes this tour ideal for fitting into a broader sightseeing day, but it’s best to reserve tickets in advance, as it’s a popular activity.

Note that binoculars are generally included, but some reviews mention instances where this was not the case, so checking with the provider beforehand may be helpful. The small group size offers a great chance for questions and interaction with guides, enriching the overall experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This birdwatching tour suits nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in Iceland’s seabirds. The focus on puffins makes it especially appealing during the nesting season from mid-May to late August.

It’s a great choice for those who prefer small-group, personalized tours with a knowledgeable guide. Families with children over 10, and people with moderate physical fitness, will find it accessible, provided they dress appropriately for the weather.

While not ideal for travelers with knee issues or very young children, the comfort and safety measures ensure a pleasant experience for most.

The Sum Up: A Compact but Rich Puffin Viewing Adventure

The Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík offers a focused, high-quality wildlife encounter in a beautiful setting. With up to four departures daily, the flexibility to fit your schedule is a plus, and the expert guides make the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Despite the brief duration, the close-up views of puffins and other seabirds are often praised as beyond expectations, especially for those interested in bird photography or wildlife observation. The small boat size and safety gear add to the comfort and confidence of the experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a personalized, informative, and wildlife-focused outing during their Iceland trip. It’s a solid choice for bird enthusiasts and nature travelers seeking to see puffins in their natural habitat without long or strenuous excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to see puffins on this tour?
The tour operates from May 15th to August 20th, which is the peak nesting season for puffins near Reykjavík.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a quick but engaging wildlife viewing experience.

Are binoculars provided?
Yes, binoculars are included for each passenger, enhancing bird sightings, although some reviews note this may not always be consistent.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 10 years, and travelers should have moderate physical fitness. It’s not recommended for young children under 10.

What should I wear on the tour?
Guests should dress warmly with additional layers, as Iceland’s weather can be chilly and windy, despite the provided safety gear.

How many people are in each group?
The tour limits small groups to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

What bird species other than puffins might I see?
You may also spot gannets and the great auk, along with various other seabirds.

Is this tour canceled in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. If weather is poor, the tour is rescheduled or fully refunded.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be made in advance through platforms like Viator, and it’s recommended to reserve early during peak season since departures fill up quickly.