Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík

Puffins near Reykjavík are a real payoff. This 1 hour small-group RIB bird-watching trip takes you out into Faxaflói Bay during the best season, with a captain who can even shut off the engine to approach wildlife more quietly. What makes it especially interesting is the focus on viewing puffins and seabirds close to the nesting islands, without crowding or disturbing them.

I like that you get warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear plus binoculars for everyone, so the tour starts ready-to-go even if the wind is sharp. I also like the small group size, capped at 12 travelers, which helps you see the islands more clearly from the boat. You’ll get different departures throughout the day too, so you can match it to your plans.

One possible drawback: the ride is fast and can feel bumpy in rougher water, and the tour is not recommended if you have knee problems. If you’re sensitive to choppy conditions, pick your seat carefully and dress for impact level wind, not just rain.

Key points to know before you go

• Silent engine approach: the captain can turn off the motor to approach birds more quietly
• Akurey islands, no landfall: nature reserves mean you stay on the boat while getting very close
• Seasonal best window: operations run from May 15 to August 20, with up to four departures daily
• All-in gear: warm overalls, gloves, goggles, plus binoculars are included
• Small group viewing: maximum 12 travelers for easier sight lines and a calmer feel
• Guide photos may be sent: some guides take group shots for later download

Old Harbour boarding: your start point is built for fast turnaround

The tour meets at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, near Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early, because you’ll check in and then walk down to the dock where the boat leaves. This matters because the timing is tight once you’re geared up, and the crew is moving people efficiently.

That early arrival also gives you a chance to get your layers sorted before the wind hits. Included gear helps a lot here. If you tend to get cold quickly, you’ll appreciate having warm overalls and gloves ready rather than hunting for rentals last minute.

RIB boat on Faxaflói Bay: speed with an engine-off trick

You’ll cruise on a custom RIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat), which is designed for quick trips on the water. The big practical advantage is access. From the RIB you can get near the islands where puffins nest, and you can reposition fast if conditions or bird activity call for it.

The other smart detail is the captain’s ability to shut off the engine for silent approach. That’s not just a comfort perk. It also supports the tour’s goal of getting close to wildlife without stressing them out. You still hear the sea and feel the boat, but the “quiet approach” technique is exactly how you want your puffin viewing to work.

Now for the caution. Some people report the ride can be bumpy and even frightening in rough water, and at least one review mentions a knee injury from the bumps. If you have back or knee issues, take that seriously. The tour is described as having moderate physical fitness expectations, and it explicitly says it is not recommended for knee problems.

Stop 1 at Old Harbour: a short prep that sets the tone

Your first “stop” is basically start-and-board time back at the Old Harbour ticket office. You arrive early, the guide walks you down to the boat, and you’re on the water shortly after. It’s not a long staging period, so show up on time and let the crew handle the rest.

What I like here is that the tour doesn’t waste your best daylight on paperwork. In a place like Reykjavík, where weather can change quickly, quick organization is part of the value.

Stop 2 at Akurey: the real puffin payoff

The main action happens when you sail close by 2 to 3 islands where puffins nest. These islands are nature reserves, so you don’t go ashore. Instead, you stay on the boat while getting extra close with the RIB approach.

The timing for this portion is about 50 minutes, which is long enough to scan the water and shoreline for puffins, gannets, and other seabirds without feeling rushed. It also gives you time to adjust your camera once you realize where the birds are actively moving. In puffin watching, the “where” matters as much as the “when,” and this route is built around that.

A practical tip: puffins are small. Even if you’re very close, you may still need good binoculars or a camera with zoom. One review mentions that the provided binoculars weren’t great, so if you have your own, bring it. If you don’t, the included binoculars are still a nice head start.

Wildlife you might spot: puffins, great auk, and Atlantic seabirds

This is a puffin-focused tour, and the area off Reykjavík holds massive numbers. You’ll watch for around 30,000 puffins nesting off the coast, plus seabirds like gannets and the flightless great auk. You’re also likely to see other seabirds during the trip, depending on activity that day.

Here’s the value of having an experienced guide and captain in this setting. Instead of just pointing out birds, they share facts and stories about Iceland’s puffins and Faxaflói Bay. That extra context helps you recognize behavior, not just appearances. Puffins diving, walking on rock edges, and calling from nest areas is more interesting when you know what you’re looking at.

Gear and comfort: included overalls, wind protection, and camera help

The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment. This is one of the strongest “value” parts of the experience. Reykjavík weather can be deceiving, especially near the water, and you don’t want to spend your visit cold and distracted.

Reviews also mention that the gear works well even on windy, rainy days. One person said they didn’t get wet at all, and another praised how the jumpsuits and protective layers handled the wind. Still, your comfort depends on how you dress under the gear. Wear layers you can move in, not bulky clothing that restricts your arms.

Binoculars are provided for each passenger. That said, one review notes they may not be strong enough for everyone’s taste. If you’re serious about photography, consider bringing your own binoculars or a longer lens if you have one. One reviewer used a 24-70mm zoom and found it still tricky to see puffins clearly, which tells you how small these birds can look from the boat.

Group size and guide experience: small group means better sight lines

The tour caps at 12 travelers, which is a big deal for wildlife viewing. On boats, sight lines are everything. A smaller group reduces crowding at the rail and makes it easier to swap spots for photos without blocking someone’s view.

The guide team appears to be a standout. Names that came up in past trips include Alex, Maja, Ricardo, Rachael, Alma, Sam, and a captain/driver named Sulle. People consistently praised their ability to explain puffin life and the local bird scene, which is what you want from a short tour. You don’t just want a list of birds, you want the story behind why they’re there and what their behavior means.

Also, many guides take photos during the tour and can share a download link afterward. In some cases, people received images the next day. In at least one case, the photo email was delayed by several days. So think of it as a nice bonus, not the main reason to book.

Timing in Reykjavík: May 15 to August 20, with multiple departures

This tour runs in the best months for spotting birds near Reykjavík, from May 15 to August 20. During that window, you’ll find up to four departures each day, which helps if you’re juggling day trips, whale tours, or your own Reykjavík sightseeing.

It’s also booked well ahead of time on average, about 51 days. If your dates line up with peak season, booking early is smart. Puffin tours often have limited slots, and smaller boats fill faster when the weather cooperates.

Price and value: what you get for about $105

At $105.22 per person for roughly 1 hour, this isn’t a “cheap boat ride.” But it does include several things that would cost you time or money elsewhere: warm protective gear, binoculars, and a specialized RIB route built to get close to nesting islands.

Where the value really shows up is in the combination: small group size, RIB speed, and the bird-focused approach that keeps the experience centered on viewing. If you’ve ever booked a generic tour that spends half the time “traveling to a spot,” this is the opposite. Most of your time is spent where the wildlife activity is.

Who should book, and who should skip this one

This tour is a good fit if you want native wildlife viewing with minimal disturbance and you like the idea of getting close from a boat, not by landing on land. It’s also a strong choice if you want to keep your schedule flexible, since departures run throughout the day during season.

It’s not for everyone. The minimum age is 10 years, and it’s not recommended for young children. There’s also a minimum height requirement of 145 cm. You’ll want moderate physical fitness, and it’s explicitly not recommended if you have knee problems.

If you’re sensitive to rough water, plan ahead. Reviews describe bumps on some rides, so if you know you react poorly to choppy conditions, you may want to look for an alternative format or choose a departure when sea state is likely calmer.

Quick, practical tips for better puffin photos

• Wear the included goggles and gloves, even if you think you won’t need them. Wind can switch from mild to sharp fast.
• Bring your own binoculars if you already own a good pair. The included ones help, but eyesight needs vary.
• Use zoom and shoot with burst mode. Puffins move. You’ll get more usable frames that way.
• If you’re shorter, ask the crew for the best viewing spot early. One review warns that visibility can be affected by sitting toward the back if taller people block your view.

Should you book the Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour?

I’d book it if your top goal is puffins and seabirds close to their nesting areas, without turning it into a long day. The small group, the included gear, and the RIB setup make this feel like a true field-viewing outing, not a slow cruise with bird chatter at the end.

Skip or reconsider if you have knee issues, if bumpy water is a deal-breaker for you, or if you’re traveling with very young kids under the guidance limits. Also, if you’re expecting guaranteed perfect visibility at every moment, know that wildlife viewing depends on weather and bird activity that day, not just marketing.

If you’re traveling in the May 15 to August 20 window and you want a focused, efficient, gear-included puffin experience out of Reykjavík, this is an easy “yes.”

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Reykjavík?

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, near Old Harbour. You’ll be asked to arrive about 30 minutes early.

How long is the puffin tour?

The duration is about 1 hour.

When does this tour operate?

It runs during the bird-spotting season near Reykjavík from May 15 to August 20.

How many departures are there each day?

There are up to four departures each day during the operating window.

What animals are you looking for?

You’ll watch for puffins plus seabirds such as gannets, and the great auk is also mentioned.

Is the tour fully sheltered and does it run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it also notes that it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included items are local taxes, binoculars for each passenger, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment.

Who can participate?

Minimum age is 10 years and minimum height is 145 cm. It’s listed as having moderate physical fitness needs and it is not recommended for travelers with knee problems or for young children.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.