Reykjavik: Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour & Close Encounters

Fast RIB boat ride from Reykjavik’s harbor to puffin islands with live guide and close bird encounters

You’ll zip across Reykjavik’s harbor on a speedy RIB boat with a local guide, get so close to puffins you’ll hear their wings flapping, and learn quirky facts about their lives: all while bundled up in warm safety gear. Expect laughter, sea spray, and moments of real quiet as you float among Iceland’s most famous seabirds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Puffin tour from Reykjavik harbour

• Depart from Old Harbour Reykjavik
• Ride custom made RIB boat
• Approach puffin islands quietly
• Observe puffins in natural habitat
• Listen to guide's puffin stories
• Return to harbour

The experience

We stepped onto the dock at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, still rubbing sleep from our eyes and zipping up those thick flotation suits they hand out: honestly, I looked like a blue marshmallow but didn’t care. The guide, Jónas, grinned and checked our zippers (“Icelandic weather likes surprises,” he said). We climbed into the RIB boat, which looked way sleeker than I expected. The engine rumbled to life and suddenly we were gliding past fishing boats, the city shrinking behind us, salt in the air and that weird mix of diesel and seaweed smell.

The ride out was quick: faster than I thought possible on water. I kept blinking away sea spray while Jónas pointed out little islands ahead. “That one’s home to thousands of puffins,” he shouted over the wind. When we got close, he cut the engine completely. Everything went quiet except for birds calling above us, so many of them, darting in and out of burrows or just floating like tiny footballs on the waves. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just watched. There was this moment when a puffin flapped right by my head. I ducked (probably unnecessary) and everyone laughed.

Jónas shared stories about how locals used to call puffins “lundi” (he made us all try saying it, my attempt got a laugh). He explained why these birds come back every summer, how they survive winters at sea. The whole thing felt relaxed, not like a lecture. Just someone who really loves these birds sharing bits of his world. At one point I noticed my hands were cold but didn’t want to dig for gloves because I didn’t want to miss anything. The light was kind of silvery that morning, bouncing off the water in this way that makes everything look sharper.

On the way back to Reykjavik, we sped up again (wind in our faces, hair everywhere), and I kept thinking about how close we’d been to those little birds just doing their thing out there. It’s funny what sticks with you after a trip. Sometimes it’s not even the photos but that hush when the boat engine stopped and all you could hear was wings and water.

What’s included

• Your day includes a fast-paced 1-hour RIB boat ride departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour with live guidance from an experienced local captain.
• all necessary safety equipment plus a warm flotation suit are provided so you can focus on watching puffins up close without worrying about comfort or logistics before heading back ashore.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Elding Whale Watching

Traveler reviews

4.65★★★★★★★★★★

93 verified traveler reviews

5 ★75

4 ★11

3 ★2

2 ★2

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Reykjavik puffin tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour from departure at Old Harbour until return.

Is safety equipment provided on the puffin boat tour?

Yes, warm flotation suits and all necessary safety equipment are included for every guest.

What is the minimum age or height for this tour?

The minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm tall.

Can pregnant travelers join this RIB boat tour?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Where does the puffin tour depart from in Reykjavik?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area.

Are guides local experts on this tour?

Yes, your captain and guide are locals who share facts and stories about puffins and Icelandic nature.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Is this suitable for people with back or heart problems?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.