Puffin Watching Speedboat Express

Puffin Watching Speedboat Express: An Honest Look

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and love the idea of seeing puffins up close in their natural habitat, the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express could be a fun addition to your itinerary. We’ve looked into this tour, and while we haven’t personally been on it, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect.

One thing we really appreciate is how this tour combines quick access to puffin colonies with a small-group vibe — meaning fewer crowds and more personal attention from your guide. Plus, the fact that it uses a luxury rigid inflatable boat (RIB) promises a speedy, exciting ride that gets you close to the action. On the flip side, the tour’s short duration and limited time on the islands mean you’re not spending hours out in the water, which might leave some craving a longer wildlife experience.

This tour seems particularly well-suited for those who want a quick, family-friendly outing that doesn’t take up an entire day. If you’re short on time but eager to tick off a bucket-list puffin sighting, this could be just what you need. Just keep in mind it’s ideal for people comfortable with boat rides and who don’t mind the weather, as Iceland’s conditions can be unpredictable.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers more personalized interaction and fewer crowds.
• Fast RIB boat gets you quickly to puffin islands for close-up views.
• Warm gear provided ensures comfort during the ride, regardless of weather.
• Short duration means you get a wildlife encounter without fussing over a full day.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary about puffins and local wildlife.
• Limitations include no hotel pickup and a need for good weather conditions.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Puffin Watching Speedboat Express is designed for those who want a rapid, engaging wildlife experience. The tour starts at the centrally located meeting point in Reykjavík, just a short walk from public transportation. At 12:00 pm, you’ll board a luxury 12-seat RIB, ready to whisk you away toward the islands near Reykjavik.

Once aboard, the boat’s speed promises a quick trip—about 15 minutes—to the nesting islands where puffins gather. The boat’s speed and design mean you’ll spend most of your time in close proximity to the puffins, which makes this experience truly special for bird lovers or anyone keen on wildlife photography.

The Ride and Equipment

We love the idea that your comfort is prioritized with warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles provided. This gear makes a big difference, especially if the weather turns chilly or windy — which it often does in Iceland. The boat is equipped with lifejackets, and the small size of the group (max 12 participants) ensures a cozy, less crowded ride.

When You Arrive at the Islands

Once the boat reaches the islands, the engines are turned off to allow you to quietly observe the puffins without disturbing them. This peaceful moment is when you’ll really appreciate being close enough to see the birds sitting on the rocks or flying nearby. Guides provide informative commentary about puffins and other native wildlife, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Experience from Reviews

One reviewer mentioned that they saw lots of puffins in multiple locations and appreciated how close they could get to the flying and swimming birds. It seems that the quick boat ride pays off in the form of highly visual and memorable encounters.

Another review highlights the friendly father and son operation, emphasizing excellent commentary and the fun of the boat ride itself. The small group size and personal attention appear to make the trip more engaging and less rushed.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At $76 per person, this tour offers a relatively affordable way to see puffins without investing a whole day. When you consider the time you save—just an hour—and the gear and guidance included, it feels like good value, especially if spotting puffins is a top priority.

However, it’s important to remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point in Reykjavík. The tour is scheduled for a midday start, which leaves your mornings and afternoons free for other activities.

Weather and Cancellation

Since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The cancellation policy is quite straightforward: full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a quick, memorable puffin encounter without commitments to longer or more complex wildlife excursions. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable on boats and looking for a family-friendly activity that won’t eat up your day. Nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, or anyone keen on snapping photos from close range will appreciate the experience.

Remember, the tour’s small size and focus on wildlife mean you’ll get a more intimate look at the puffins, which many reviews praise. If you’re a serious birder or hoping for a very prolonged wildlife expedition, you might find this more of a teaser than a comprehensive tour.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Puffin Watching Speedboat Express offers a straightforward, well-reviewed opportunity to see puffins close up from Reykjavik. Its focused, short format makes it ideal for travelers who want a concentrated wildlife experience without dedicating a whole day. The guides seem knowledgeable, and the boat ride promises fun and excitement.

However, keep in mind the weather dependency, and that this is a brief outing—if you’re after a more extensive wildlife adventure or a longer stay on the islands, you’ll want to explore other options. For many, this tour balances adventure, comfort, and a chance to tick off a cute, iconic bird from the Iceland trip list.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at Reykjavík’s meeting point near public transportation. You’ll need to make your way there on your own.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience takes about one hour, including the boat ride and time at the islands.

What should I wear?
Warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles are provided, but dress in layers underneath to stay comfortable during the boat ride.

Can children participate?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be at least 140 cm tall to join the RIB tour.

What if the weather isn’t good?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is weather-dependent.

Is this suitable for bird photography?
Absolutely, many reviews mention getting great photos of puffins sitting at close range, especially since the engines are turned off when stationary.

If you’re eager for a swift, fun, and wildlife-rich experience, this tour could be just the ticket. It’s a lively way to add a bit of nature’s charm to your Reykjavik visit — and to see some adorable puffins in action.