Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

If you’re dreaming of seeing puffins in their natural habitat while exploring Reykjavik, the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour might catch your eye. This short but action-packed excursion promises to bring you face-to-face with these charming birds, all from the comfort of a speedy inflatable boat. We’ve gathered the details, reviews, and what you need to know to decide whether it’s worth adding to your Iceland itinerary.

What really stands out about this tour are its small-group setting, capped at just 12 travelers, and the close-up wildlife encounters aboard a custom-made RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Plus, the safety gear and warm flotation suits included make it a practical and cozy way to get out on the water, even if the weather isn’t perfect.

On the flip side, keep in mind that seasickness might be an issue for some, especially since the ride can feel quite lively and bumpy—even a bit rough, as some reviews suggest. That said, if you’re comfortable on boats and eager for a swift, wildlife-focused adventure, this experience could be a highlight of your Reykjavik stay.

This tour suits travelers who want an up-close puffin experience without a long commitment. It’s especially good if you like small groups, personalized attention, and don’t mind a little splash and wind. It’s not ideal for anyone with severe seasickness or those looking for a very relaxed, calm boat ride.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: The RIB boat gets you very near the puffin nesting islands, making for excellent wildlife viewing.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 people, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.
• Warm and Safe: Gear up with full flotation suits, hats, gloves, and goggles, which helps in colder weather and rough water.
• Wildlife Variety: Besides puffins, some reviews mention seeing other seabirds and even whales like humpbacks, adding more value.
• Duration & Convenience: At around an hour, it’s a quick outing that fits nicely into a day of sightseeing in Reykjavik.
• Weather Dependent: The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What to Expect on the Tour

Let’s break down what this tour involves, starting from the meeting point and moving through each part of the experience.

Meeting Point and Start

You’ll meet your guide at Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavik, at Elding Whale Watching. The location is close to public transportation, making it easy to access. Once there, you’ll check in, receive your safety gear, and get ready for the adventure. Since the tour is hosted by Elding Whale Watching, a reputable provider, you can expect good organization and clear instructions.

The RIB Boat Ride

The core of this experience is the roughly 40-minute boat ride aboard a custom-made RIB. This type of boat is designed for speed and agility, which means you’ll get very close to the islands where puffins nest. Reviews confirm that the boat is equipped with cushioned seats and safety gear, which helps make the sometimes bumpy ride more comfortable.

Some travelers mention that the boat ride can be “quite rough” or “fast,” so if you’re prone to seasickness, bringing medication or choosing an alternative tour might be wise. On the plus side, many say that despite the lively ride, safety is never compromised, and the guides do a good job of explaining what you’re seeing.

Puffin Islands: Lundey and Beyond

The tour focuses on the island Lundey, where puffins breed during the summer months. The islands are only about 10 minutes away from Reykjavik, making this a quick but rewarding trip. From the boat, you’ll be able to see hundreds of puffins flying and swimming, many with fish in their beaks—truly a sight to behold.

One reviewer pointed out that their guide was very knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about puffins and local ecology. The opportunity to see so many birds in action, with some flying close enough for good photos, is what makes this tour memorable. The added bonus, according to a few reviews, was spotting other seabirds and even whales like humpbacks.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

You’re not just getting a boat ride; you’re getting an educational experience. Guides provide live commentary about puffins, their nesting habits, and the ecological importance of the islands. Several reviews mention how the guides are friendly, patient, and eager to share their knowledge.

Bringing binoculars is recommended, as it enhances the bird-watching experience. Many guests also appreciated the photos taken by guides, which help capture moments that are hard to snap with a phone in such quick encounters.

Comfort and Safety

The tour’s safety equipment includes flotation suits, which are especially important given the sometimes chilly water and wind. Guests generally find the gear comfortable and sufficient to keep warm during the trip. Eyewear and gloves are also provided, making sure you’re protected from spray and wind.

While some reviews note that the ride can get rough, all mention that safety was never compromised. Feeling secure on a small boat in open water is crucial, and this tour seems to deliver on that front.

Duration and End of Tour

The entire experience lasts about an hour, including the boat ride and wildlife watching. Afterward, you’ll return to the meeting point. It’s a quick outing, perfect if you want a wildlife highlight without dedicating your whole day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $85 per person, this tour offers a good value if you’re eager to see puffins up close. Remember, the experience is all about getting as close as safely possible to the islands—something that can be tricky from land or larger boats. The small-group format means more personalized attention, and the included safety gear adds to the comfort and warmth, particularly in Iceland’s cool summer weather.

Compare this to other wildlife tours, and you’ll see that the focus on intimate, close-up encounters makes it stand out. Some reviews mention seeing hundreds of puffins and even whales, which adds to the overall value, especially since the tour is quite short and focused.

Considerations

• Seasickness might be an issue for some, so prepare accordingly.
• The weather can cancel the tour; if winds or storms are forecasted, you might get a different date or a full refund.
• Snacks aren’t included, so plan to eat before or after, or bring a small snack along.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This puffin tour is ideal for travelers who:

• Are excited about wildlife and birdwatching.
• Want a personalized experience with small groups.
• Are comfortable on boats and enjoy a quick, lively ride.
• Appreciate educational guides sharing interesting facts.
• Are looking to add a unique, close-up wildlife encounter to their Reykjavik trip.

It’s less suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, traveling with very young children (minimum age is 10), or prefer a calm, relaxed boat ride.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour offers a fantastic chance to see some of Iceland’s most charming seabirds in action, all from the deck of a nimble RIB. With expert guides, safety gear, and a small-group atmosphere, you get a more personal and engaging wildlife experience than larger boat trips can usually offer.

While the ride can be a bit bumpy and weather-dependent, many travelers find that the close encounters with puffins and the chance to learn about local ecology make it worthwhile. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy nature, don’t mind a splash of wind, and want a memorable, wildlife-focused outing in Reykjavik.

If you’re after a quick, fairly affordable way to see puffins in Iceland and don’t mind the occasional rough water, this tour could very well be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 53 days ahead, as the tour is popular and fills up quickly.

What’s the minimum age?
The minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm, making it suitable for older children comfortable on small boats.

What should I wear?
The tour provides full flotation suits, hats, gloves, and goggles, but it’s also wise to wear layers underneath in case of colder weather.

Is the tour suitable for people with seasickness?
Seasickness could be a concern since the boat ride can be rough. If you’re prone, consider medication or ask about alternative options.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 1 hour, including the boat ride and wildlife viewing.

Can I see other wildlife besides puffins?
Yes, some reviews mention seeing other seabirds and even whales like humpbacks.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are snacks included?
No, snacks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What’s the meeting point?
Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavik, near public transportation.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
No, it’s mainly a boat ride from the meeting point; physical activity is minimal.

If you’re eager for a lively, fun, close-up puffin adventure in Reykjavik, this tour offers a memorable dose of birdwatching and scenic sea views without a huge time commitment. Just be prepared for weather and seas, and you’ll likely come away with some delightful wildlife memories.