Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Iceland’s puffins are the main event here, but the RIB speedboat ride adds real excitement. You race out from Reykjavík harbor, skim along the coast, and approach the small islands where about 40,000 puffins gather. I especially like the close access to the birds and the view of Harpa Concert Hall from the sea.

The one-hour length also works well in a busy Reykjavík schedule. You get a brisk wildlife outing without losing half a day. The tradeoff is comfort: the seats are designed for speed and stability, not softness, and one recent outing found the meeting point confusing.

Key points to know before booking

• About 40,000 puffins gather near the tour islands, giving you a strong chance to see busy colonies during the season.
• The RIB can approach more closely than larger boats, which helps with photographs and bird watching.
• Harpa Concert Hall looks different from the water, adding a quick city sightseeing element to the wildlife trip.
• A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest are provided, but waterproof shoes are not.
• The speed and suspension seats make this an active ride, so it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone shorter than 140 centimeters.
• Arrive 30 minutes early at the wooden REYKJAVIK BY BOAT hut, since the exact harbor setup may not be obvious at first.

Meeting the boat at Reykjavík harbor

Your starting point is a little wooden hut in a row of similar huts, marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That extra time is used for check-in, clothing, and safety preparation, not wasted sightseeing time.

I would not cut this close. One recent booking found the meeting point confusing because a nearby building was locked and the correct spot was not immediately clear. Look for the marked hut rather than relying only on an address or building number.

Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be purchased as an add-on. If you are staying elsewhere in Reykjavík, allow time to reach the harbor on your own unless you arrange transport.

Before boarding, you receive a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. The suit helps with spray and cold air, but it does not replace warm clothing. Wear comfortable shoes, and remember that waterproof shoes are not supplied.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for the ride, such as a small camera or phone if permitted by the crew, and avoid carrying anything bulky that needs to be stored.

The first burst across Reykjavík Bay

Once everyone is dressed and seated, the boat heads out across the Bay of Reykjavík. This is not a slow harbor cruise. The RIB is a custom-built speedboat with suspension seats, so the trip gives you a quick taste of open-water travel before the puffin viewing begins.

The suspension seats are useful because they soften the movement of the boat, but they are not plush. A recent rider found the seats hard on the back. If your back is sensitive, this is an important point, even though the ride is only one hour.

The boat’s speed is part of the attraction. You cover the distance to the islands quickly, leaving more of the outing for bird viewing. At the same time, the open boat setup means you feel the wind, spray, and motion more than you would on a large enclosed vessel.

Keep your warm layers on under the suit. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the water can feel much colder than the harbor. Goggles are provided for a reason, especially when the boat is moving at speed.

Harpa Concert Hall from the water

Early in the ride, you travel along Reykjavík’s coastline with views back toward the city. Harpa Concert Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in Reykjavík, and seeing its colorful glass facade from the water gives you a fresh angle on a familiar sight.

This part is brief, but it gives the trip a useful two-part character. You are not only heading to a bird colony. You are also seeing Reykjavík from a low, open-water position that larger sightseeing boats cannot quite match.

The city view is best treated as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. If you want a full harbor cruise or a detailed architectural tour of Harpa, this is not the right activity. The boat moves with purpose, and the guide’s attention soon shifts to the islands and their birds.

Reaching the puffin islands

The main goal is to reach islands known for large puffin colonies. Iceland is home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s puffin population, and these islands are among the most populated spots near Reykjavík. About 40,000 puffins are associated with the islands visited by the tour.

The RIB’s narrow, mobile design lets it get closer to the islands than larger boats can. That does not mean you should expect to touch the birds or step ashore. You remain on the boat, watching wild puffins in their own setting.

This closer approach is valuable for photography. Puffins are small, and distance matters when you are trying to see their bright bills, compact bodies, and quick movements. The RIB can position itself near the colony, giving you a better view than a distant pass on a large sightseeing boat.

Still, wildlife is not a stage performance. Birds move, weather affects visibility, and the precise viewing conditions can vary. The tour offers access to populated islands, not a guarantee that every puffin will pose beside the boat.

What the guide adds to the hour

An English-speaking guide accompanies the trip and provides commentary during the ride. The guide explains the puffins and the places you visit, while also adding context about Iceland’s relationship with these birds.

One particularly useful part of the commentary concerns puffin hunting. You learn why hunting can harm puffin populations and what people can do to help stop it. That conservation message gives the bird viewing more meaning than simply collecting close-up photographs.

The guide also explains the sights along the coast and the islands. A report from one outing described visiting three different places by boat, with interesting information along the way. The exact route may depend on conditions, but the trip is not simply a straight run to one rock and back.

The commentary received a positive mention from a rider who was less happy with the meeting point and firm seats. That balance is useful: the information appears to be a strong part of the outing, even if the physical comfort is less polished.

Why the RIB format matters

The biggest choice is between this RIB ride and a larger puffin-watching boat. The RIB offers greater mobility and a more active feel. It can move close to the island edges and then reposition quickly, which is helpful when you want to follow the best view.

A larger boat may feel calmer and more comfortable, especially for anyone who dislikes wind, spray, or firm seating. This speedboat is better for you if getting closer to the colonies and feeling the movement of the water matter more than having a roomy indoor cabin.

The RIB also gives you a stronger sense of speed. One French rider described the experience as offering more sensation than a large boat. That is a fair way to understand the product: it combines a wildlife trip with a short adventure ride.

The downside is that the same features that make the boat fun can make it tiring. The hard seats may bother people with back issues, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant women. Anyone under 140 centimeters, or 4 feet 6 inches, cannot join.

Photography, clothing, and comfort

You will want a camera for the puffin islands and the city views, but plan around the conditions. You are outside on a moving boat, so steady close-ups can be difficult. The RIB improves your position, but it does not turn wildlife photography into an easy task.

Wear warm layers under the supplied waterproof suit. Comfortable shoes are required, and waterproof shoes are not included, so bring footwear that can handle wet conditions. The suit protects most of your clothing, but the exposed parts of your body still need protection from cold wind.

Goggles are supplied and help shield your eyes during the fast sections. The life vest is also included. These basics mean you do not need to rent special protective gear, but you should still arrive dressed for Icelandic weather rather than treating the suit as your only warm layer.

Keep your belongings small. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, so this is not a good activity to schedule while carrying airport bags or a full daypack. Store larger items before arriving at the harbor.

How much value do you get for $81?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavík. The value comes from combining several elements in one compact outing: a guided boat ride, close access to puffin colonies, coastline views, and a fast RIB experience.

I think the price makes sense for a short Reykjavík stay when you want a memorable wildlife activity without committing to a longer excursion. You get equipment, a guide, and a specialized boat rather than paying only for transport across the harbor.

The value is weaker if you are mainly seeking a relaxed boat ride or a long wildlife session. One hour passes quickly, especially once you include boarding and preparation. You are paying for intensity and access, not a leisurely half-day on the water.

The lack of included food and drinks is not a serious issue for a one-hour activity. The extra cost to consider is pickup and drop-off, since neither is part of the basic price. If you are already near central Reykjavík harbor, arranging your own way there should be simple enough.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking easier to fit around Iceland’s changeable plans. Check the available departure times before choosing your day, since the trip lasts one hour and start times vary.

Who should book this puffin outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want three things at once: wild birds, a short time commitment, and a fast ride. It suits couples, solo visitors, and families with older children who meet the height requirement and can handle an active boat.

It is also a good choice for photographers who value a closer position to the islands. The boat’s mobility gives you a better chance to frame the puffins than a larger vessel might, although the moving boat and weather still require patience.

This is less suitable if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike speed, or need a soft, stable indoor ride. The tour is not designed for luggage, and it may not be comfortable for anyone who feels cold or motion-sensitive on open water.

I would also think carefully about the timing. Puffins are seasonal wildlife, and the trip is built around visiting their populated islands. Check the available departure date and conditions as part of your planning rather than assuming the same bird activity at every time of year.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

Book it if you want the closest and most energetic puffin experience available in a short Reykjavík outing. The strong points are clear: the RIB reaches nearer to the islands than larger boats, the guide adds useful conservation information, and the route includes a fine view of Harpa from the sea.

Skip it if comfort matters more than speed, or if firm seats and open-water motion may cause trouble. Also check the meeting point carefully, arrive 30 minutes early, and bring warm clothing plus suitable shoes.

For most able-bodied visitors who have only an hour to spare, $81 is a fair price for a focused wildlife trip with a little adventure built in. Just think of it as a brisk ride to see wild birds, not a soft-seated harbor cruise.

FAQ

How long does the puffin tour last?

The tour lasts one hour, including the boat ride out to the puffin islands and the return to the starting point.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the little wooden hut in the row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price, but they are available as a paid add-on.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

You receive a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. Waterproof shoes are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Anyone under 140 centimeters, or 4 feet 6 inches, cannot join the tour. The supplied information does not give a specific age requirement.

Is the tour suitable for someone with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, and the speedboat seats may feel firm during the ride.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.