Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

Puffins get way closer than you expect. This fast little RIB trip out of Reykjavik pairs close puffin time with quiet moments when the engines shut off, guided by friendly bird and city talk from people like Celia. I also like the practical bonus of warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles so you stay comfortable instead of just hoping for good weather.

My second big win is the small group feel. With a maximum of 12 travelers on a 12-seat luxury boat, you get room to ask questions, and guides like Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe bring the kind of humor that makes wildlife watching feel easy, not like homework.

One thing to think about: the ride can feel a bit rocky near the puffin island area, and this tour is weather dependent. If you are sensitive to choppy water, plan accordingly and dress for the conditions.

Key things I’d mark on your map before you go

• 12-seat RIB speedboat means you spend more of the trip actually watching and less standing around
• Engine-off wildlife time helps you enjoy the moment quietly instead of over the roar of the motor
• Warm waterproof gear provided (overalls, gloves, goggles, lifejacket) so you can travel light
• English guidance with lots of questions thanks to the very small group size
• Midday start keeps your morning and afternoon open in Reykjavik
• City sights from the water through multiple stops, not just one point on a map

A midday puffin mission from Reykjavik

This tour is scheduled for 12:00 pm, and it is designed for people who want a real nature experience without losing an entire day. Since it is a short outing that comes back to the same meeting spot, you can plan meals, a museum visit, or just a long walk in town afterward.

You meet at Reykjavík by BoatÆgisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you will want to make your own way there. The good news is that it is near public transportation, which makes it easier to slot into a busy Reykjavik itinerary.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. That simplicity matters, because it keeps you from thinking about transfers after your wildlife time ends.

Price and value: what $76 buys on the water

At $76 per person, this is not a budget-only boat ride, but it is also not priced like a private charter. The value is in the package: one hour of guided nature time on a fast RIB, English commentary, and the key comfort items to handle Icelandic weather.

You are also paying for efficiency. The boats are fast, so you reach the islands outside Reykjavik quickly and spend more of the ride time where it counts. Several people noted they got super close to puffins in their natural habitat, which is exactly the point of using a small RIB instead of a larger sightseeing vessel.

One more value point: small group size. Maximum 12 travelers means you are not lost in a crowd, and you can actually follow what your guide is pointing out. If you want a puffin trip that feels personal, this price starts to look more reasonable.

What you actually get: warm gear and safety basics

The boat portion only works if you stay comfortable enough to keep your eyes on the water. This tour takes care of that by providing warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus a lifejacket.

That matters in Reykjavik because weather can change fast, and windy conditions can make a cold day feel colder. With the waterproof set and goggles, you are not stuck wearing your best clothes and hoping for the best. You can dress in layers under the provided overalls, and the outer protection does the heavy lifting.

Lifejackets are included, which is reassuring on a RIB. The guide also provides full guidance in English, with information on puffins, city sights, and local wildlife. The small-group setup makes it easier to get your questions answered, whether you are curious about the birds or the coastline views.

The RIB ride experience: fast, fun, and sometimes choppy

This is a speedboat, so expect a thrilling ride. The boats are very fast to get you to the islands quickly, and that speed is part of the fun. When the group arrives at the islands, the engines are turned off so you can enjoy wildlife quietly.

That engine-off moment is more than a nice touch. It changes the whole feel of watching birds. With less noise, you can focus on what your guide is pointing out and enjoy the surrounding soundscape.

That said, there is a real-world consideration. One guide-led puffin watching trip can mean a rougher patch of water. If you get motion sick, consider it seriously before you go. Even with warmth and gear provided, choppy water can still be uncomfortable.

Stop-by-stop: Reykjavik sights from the water to the Videy puffin area

The route includes several Reykjavik highlights, which makes the tour feel like more than a single wildlife stop. It also means you get a good mix of city views and bird time, even though the total outing is short.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Your day kicks off with views tied to Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre. From the water, Harpa looks different than from the street, and it gives you a quick sense of the modern side of Reykjavik right away.

The only drawback here is timing. City moments like this are best enjoyed as quick photo and orientation windows, not as long stops. You get the shot, you get the view, then you move on.

Reykjavik (city cruising)

As the boat works its way along the Reykjavik coastline, you get that running overview of the city. This is a nice way to orient yourself if you are new to Reykjavik, especially when you plan to do a walking day later.

Because the boat is moving, it is not the best moment for reading every detail on shore. Treat it as a view-and-scan portion, and use it to decide where you want to explore next on foot.

Videy Island (the main wildlife focus)

Videy Island is the nature centerpiece. This is where the engines are turned off and you get the closest puffin encounter. Since the whole point of the tour is proximity, this is where the small boat really earns its keep.

The most important thing for your comfort is staying ready to watch continuously. With the engines off, you have a calmer window, but you still want to keep your attention on the water. If conditions get rough, hold steady and follow the guide’s positioning advice.

Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is another standout sight on the route. Even if you have seen it before, the boat angle gives you a different view and a sense of scale.

This stop is short, so it is mainly for sightseeing. Use it like a marker, then plan a land visit later if you want more time with photos and views.

Old Harbour

Old Harbour brings you back to Reykjavik’s classic waterfront feel. It is a good contrast to the more modern city elements you may see earlier in the ride.

Again, you likely will not have long lingering time on the harbor itself. Think of it as a closing highlight, a last glance, and a way to end your tour with Reykjavik still in view.

Guides, humor, and why small groups feel better

One of the most consistent strengths here is the guide experience. People mention guides who were very knowledgeable about birds and wildlife and also funny in a way that makes the trip feel light.

Names that came up include Celia, Patrickgin, Rebecca, and Joe. Even if you do not get the exact same guide, you can expect the same style: a guide who can explain what you are seeing while keeping the mood upbeat.

Because there are up to 12 travelers, you are not stuck passive-listening. You can ask questions when you want, and the guide can tailor explanations in real time. That is a big deal when you are trying to connect with wildlife you may not see often.

Safety also gets treated seriously. The speed and proximity could be intimidating on paper, but in practice it feels well managed, without turning the experience into a dry lecture.

Comfort hacks for a windy Reykjavik puffin day

You are getting waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket, which covers the essentials. Still, a few choices can make the experience smoother.

Bring a warm base layer underneath the provided overalls. Even if the gear is warm, you will feel cold if you wear thin layers. Also, keep your hands and head protected, since you will need gloves for wind and spray.

If you are worried about the water feeling rough, plan to take it slow with your expectations. Keep your focus on the moments when the engines shut off, because that is when wildlife watching becomes calm and concentrated.

Finally, set yourself up at the meeting point so you start relaxed. Since there is no hotel pickup, arriving early enough to get kitted up matters.

Who should book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want close-up puffin watching without spending the whole day on the water
• Like small group tours where you can actually talk to the guide
• Prefer a fast RIB experience that gets you to the islands quickly
• Are traveling in English and want commentary throughout the ride

It also works for many visitors because most travelers can participate. There is a height requirement for children: a child must be 140 cm to be able to join the RIB tour.

If you hate boats, or you are very sensitive to choppy water, you might want to rethink. The ride can be thrilling, and rocky patches can happen near the island area. Good weather is also required for the tour to operate, so plan for that reality.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience depends on good weather. That is not a small footnote, it is core to whether you will go. If conditions are poor, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

The practical takeaway is this: if Reykjavik is your only chance to see puffins, you should book with enough flexibility. If you have multiple days available, you can choose a date that has the best chance of calm conditions.

When weather is right, the engine-off time and close proximity can feel magical. When it is rough, the trip can still be fun, but your comfort will depend on how you handle boat motion.

Should you book this puffin RIB tour?

I would book Puffin Watching Speedboat Express if you want the simplest path to puffins close to Reykjavik, with the comfort gear done for you. The combination of a small 12-seat RIB, engine-off wildlife watching, and friendly English guidance makes this feel like a high-effort nature outing that stays manageable in time.

Skip it if you are fragile on boats or you cannot handle the possibility of rocky water. Also, if you need a fully guided land-style experience with long stops, this is not that. It is short, fast, and focused on getting you to the islands and back with enough time for real watching.

In the end, this is a smart choice for a midday break in Reykjavik, especially if you want your bird time to be the main event, not just a side stop.

FAQ

How much does Puffin Watching Speedboat Express cost?

It costs $76.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 1 hour.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Reykjavík by BoatÆgisgarður 5F, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity starts and ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What gear is included for the boat ride?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour child-friendly?

A child must be 140 cm in height to be able to participate in the RIB tour.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.