Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Discover the Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat in Reykjavik

The Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat offers a quick yet immersive wildlife experience for nature lovers visiting Iceland. For $82 per person, this 1-hour tour departs from the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, taking travelers on an exciting ride to the small islands where thousands of puffins nest. The tour emphasizes close encounters with these adorable birds, along with educational insights from knowledgeable guides.

This tour is well-suited for those looking for a fast, fun, and engaging way to see puffins in their natural environment. While it only lasts an hour, it combines a thrilling speedboat ride with the chance to observe birdlife and enjoy scenic views of mountains and city lights. It’s important to note that weather conditions influence sailing plans, but safety and passenger comfort are always top priorities.

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Key Points

• Duration of 1 hour makes this tour ideal for tight schedules.
• Close-up puffin sightings and learning about the birds from expert guides.
• Speedboat adventure provides a fun, fast-paced experience.
• Visit Lundey and Akurey islands, known for colorful birdlife and rocky shores.
• All necessary safety gear, including waterproof suits, goggles, and life vests, is provided.
• Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small, personalized tour.

Starting Point at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik

The tour begins at a small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT in the Old Harbour. Travelers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to prepare and get suited up. The meeting point is straightforward, and the activity concludes back at the same spot, making it easy to incorporate into a day’s plans.

The Old Harbour location is central, with easy access for visitors staying in Reykjavik. Since the tour is dependent on weather, the captains make the sailing decision based on current conditions, prioritizing safety above all.

Exciting Speedboat Ride to Lundey and Akurey Islands

The speedboat ride is a major highlight, taking just 15 minutes to reach the islands of Lundey and Akurey. These islands are known for their colorful bird populations and rocky shores. The boat’s shallow draft allows it to get very close to the islands, offering great viewing opportunities.

Once at the islands, the boat engine is turned off so passengers can observe the birds without noise disturbance. The boat’s design ensures a safe and stable platform for wildlife viewing, and the full-body waterproof suits and goggles keep everyone comfortable, even if splashes occur.

Guided Tour with Expert Wildlife Explanation

During the stop, a licensed guide shares insights about the puffins and other birds seen on the islands. The guide discusses the behavior and habitats of puffins, along with sightings of northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. This educational element makes the experience both entertaining and informative.

The guides leverage their 20+ years of experience, ensuring accurate and engaging commentary. The tour’s inclusion of an app with five language options (English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese) enhances understanding and allows guests to access additional information during the trip.

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What to Expect During the Puffin Watching Experience

The main focus is on observing thousands of puffins up close, with the opportunity to see these birds in their natural environment. The small group size of up to 12 participants ensures personal attention from the guide and a less crowded experience.

The duration of one hour makes this tour perfect for visitors with limited time but still eager to enjoy a memorable wildlife encounter. The weather-dependent nature of the trip means that sailing may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe—an important consideration for planning.

Included Gear and Safety Measures

Participants receive full-body waterproof suits, goggles, and life vests to maximize comfort and safety during the ride. The speedboat is designed for quick, close navigation to the islands, allowing an intimate look at the bird colonies.

Since waterproof shoes are not included, travelers should consider bringing their own if they want extra comfort, especially if they plan to explore the islands after the boat ride. The equipment provided sufficiently prepares guests for the adventure, regardless of weather.

Logistics and Accessibility

The activity is designed as a small group experience, with live English-speaking guides leading the tour. Pick-up and drop-off are available as an optional add-on, but the meeting point at the Old Harbour is straightforward for most visitors.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm), due to safety considerations. Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid missing boarding.

The Role of Weather in the Tour

Since the tour is dependent on weather conditions, the captain will decide whether to proceed based on safety and comfort. This cautious approach ensures that passengers are not exposed to rough seas or poor visibility, but it also means that the trip may be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is unfavorable.

Travelers should check the forecast and be flexible with their plans. The tour’s full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance if conditions prevent sailing.

Comparing the Puffin Speedboat Tour to Other Options

This tour offers a unique combination of a speedboat adventure and close puffin sightings that many other tours may lack. Its short duration makes it ideal for visitors who want a quick wildlife fix without dedicating hours to the activity.

Compared to larger boat tours, the small group size and personalized guidance enhance the experience. The focus on educational commentary and interactive app support a richer understanding of Iceland’s birdlife.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Puffin Watching Tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers who enjoy wildlife and scenic boat rides. It’s especially suited for those on a tight schedule but still eager to see puffins in their natural habitat.

Since the tour involves a speedboat ride, participants should be comfortable with fast-paced boat trips and be able to wear waterproof gear. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back issues, or small children under 140 cm tall.

Final Thoughts on the Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat

For $82, this one-hour tour provides a fun and educational way to see thousands of puffins up close, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Reykjavik’s city lights. The small group size and expert guides ensure an engaging experience, while the speedboat ride adds an element of excitement.

The dependence on weather is a key consideration, but the safety-first approach is reassuring. Travelers who appreciate close wildlife encounters and scenic coastal views will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Reykjavik visit.

If you’re looking for a short, memorable wildlife adventure, this tour offers a great balance of fun, education, and scenic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the puffin watching tour last?
The tour lasts 1 hour, making it a quick yet rewarding wildlife experience.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, at a wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

What is included in the tour?
Guests receive full-body waterproof suits, goggles, life vests, and a guided tour led by an experienced guide.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Visitors should plan accordingly, especially if they wish to bring snacks.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling depends on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) due to safety requirements.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, waterproof clothes and bring waterproof shoes if possible. The tour provides waterproof suits and goggles.

What birds might I see besides puffins?
You can expect to see northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.

Is the boat ride safe?
Yes, the speedboat is designed for close, safe navigation, with safety gear provided at all times. The captain will decide on sailing based on weather conditions.

What makes this tour different from other puffin tours?
Its speedboat experience offers a more dynamic, close-up encounter, with a small group setting and educational features like the multi-language app.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby