Reykjavík: Puffin & Bird Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Summary

Puffin watching up close from reykjavik harbour with rib boat and local birdlife guide

You’ll board a speedy RIB boat from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour with just 12 others, guided by a local bird expert who brings you up close to nesting puffins and seabirds on protected islands. Binoculars in hand, wind in your face—you’ll laugh, learn new words (maybe), and leave with salty cheeks and memories that stick.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so giddy about seeing puffins, but there we were—standing at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour in these giant orange overalls, laughing at each other like kids. Our guide, Sigrún, handed out goggles and gloves (“Trust me, you’ll want these!” she said), and I could smell the salty air mixing with something faintly fishy from the boats nearby. The whole group was just twelve of us—felt almost like a secret club.

The ride itself? Fast. Like, wind-in-your-face fast. I gripped the seat tighter than I’d admit as we zipped across the bay towards those little green islands where the puffins nest. Sigrún slowed down as we got close—she pointed out these black-and-white birds bobbing around or just standing on rocks, looking vaguely annoyed at us (or maybe that’s just their face). She passed around binoculars so everyone could get a good look. There was this moment when one puffin flapped right over our heads—I ducked instinctively and then cracked up because everyone else did too.

I kept noticing how quiet it got once the engine cut back near the islands. Just waves slapping against rubber and a bunch of seabirds squabbling over something invisible to us. Sigrún told stories about how locals used to come here for eggs (not anymore—it’s all protected now), and she even tried teaching us the Icelandic word for puffin. I still can’t pronounce it right; she laughed when I tried—probably butchered it completely.

We never left the boat—the islands are nature reserves—but honestly, being that close felt enough. My cheeks stung from wind and grinning too much by the time we headed back. I keep thinking about those birds: bright beaks, tiny wings beating like mad against a grey sky. If you’re in Reykjavík between May and August and want to do something that makes you feel both small and kind of lucky, this puffin & bird watching tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffin and bird watching tour

• Arrive at Old Harbour ticket office
• Prepare for the tour 30 minutes prior
• Guide walks group to boat
• Sail near 2-3 puffin nesting islands
• Observe puffins from RIB speedboat
• Return to Old Harbour

Top questions

How many people are on each puffin & bird watching tour?

The tour is limited to 12 passengers per boat.

Where does the puffin tour depart from in Reykjavík?

The tour starts at the ticket office in Reykjavík's Old Harbour.

Do you land on the islands during the tour?

No, all viewing is done from the boat because the islands are nature reserves.

What months does this Reykjavík puffin tour operate?

The tours run daily from May 1st to August 20th.

Is safety equipment provided on this bird watching trip?

Yes, warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety gear are included.

Are binoculars included for bird watching?

Yes, each passenger receives binoculars to use during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 10 years old with a minimum height of 145 cm (4ft 9in).

Does this Reykjavík puffin tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the Old Harbour ticket office.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary safety gear—warm overalls, gloves, goggles—and binoculars for every passenger. You’ll meet your group at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour before heading out with an expert local guide who brings you close to nesting puffins and seabirds by RIB speedboat.