Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavík

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and love the idea of seeing puffins in their natural environment, a speedboat tour like this can be a real highlight. We haven’t done this particular trip ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it looks like a lively, engaging way to combine wildlife viewing with a bit of adventure on the water.

What we love about this experience? First, the up-close encounters with puffins and seabirds are often described as charming and memorable. Second, the knowledgeable guides seem to add a lot of value — sharing insights about the birds and the local environment makes it more than just a boat ride.

On the flip side, a potential drawback to consider is the ride’s speed and comfort. One reviewer mentioned feeling the boat was a bit too powerful and the ride quite slow, which might impact your comfort if you’re sensitive to boat motion.

All in all, this tour appears best suited for travelers who want a quick, fun wildlife encounter with a splash of Icelandic coastal scenery. If you’re into birdwatching, or just looking for a unique way to see the harbor and nearby islands, this could be worth considering.

Key Points

• Close-up puffin sightings are the main highlight, especially during May to August.
• Expert commentary enhances the experience, making it educational and engaging.
• Fast RIB boats provide a spirited ride, which is both exciting and a consideration for comfort.
• Small group size (max 12 travelers) helps keep things personal and manageable.
• Additional costs like hotel transfers aren’t included but are available if needed.
• Weather dependence means the tour might be canceled if conditions aren’t suitable.

The Experience in Detail

What the Tour Offers

Starting from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, your adventure kicks off with a friendly meet-up where you’ll be fitted with warm overalls, life jackets, goggles, and gloves. These gear items are especially helpful since the Atlantic air can be chilly, even in summer, and waterproof gear keeps you comfortable during the ride. The suspension seats are a nice touch, offering a bit more comfort during the fast-paced trip.

Within approximately an hour, you’ll be aboard one of the two RIB speedboats that dart quickly across the water. The goal? To get you as close as possible to Lundey or Akurey, islands near Reykjavik renowned for their puffin populations.

The Pinnacle: Puffin & Seabird Watching

The main reason to do this tour is birdwatching — especially puffins, which nest on these islands from May to August. These little guys are truly adorable, with their colorful beaks and comical expressions. The rocky shores and small hills make for a perfect nesting environment, and the specially designed boat ensures you can get close enough to see these birds in their natural setting without disturbing them.

Your guide will share insights into the puffins’ habits, why they choose these islands, and how they interact with their environment. Besides puffins, you’ll likely spot other seabirds like northern fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns, adding some variety to your birdwatching.

The Ride: Exciting but Variable

While the speed and the power of the RIB bring an adrenaline rush and make the trip feel dynamic, some travelers reported that the boat ride was quite slow despite warnings about safety. One review mentioned the boat being “very powerful,” yet the ride felt sluggish, which could affect your overall enjoyment if you prefer a more comfortable cruise.

Since the boat is designed to get you close to the shoreline for the best bird viewing, the rocky shores and waves make for a lively ride. You might find this a fun, energetic experience, or a little less relaxing if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a gentler cruise.

Educational Value and Guides

One of the tour’s strengths appears to be the guides, like Celina, who are described as wonderful and knowledgeable. They keep guests entertained and provide rich insights about the seabirds and the region. This educational component elevates the tour from just a boat ride to a true learning experience.

Logistics and Practicalities

• The tour departs at 12:00 pm from Ægisgarður 5F in Reykjavík, near public transportation.
• Duration is roughly one hour, making it a quick addition to your day.
• Pricing is around $85 per person, which seems reasonable given that it includes gear, guidance, and the boat trip.
• Hotel transfers are available for an extra fee (~2200 ISK), which might be helpful if you prefer not to navigate to the meeting point yourself.

Walkthrough of the Itinerary

Meeting Point & Preparation: Arrive a little early if possible; you’ll be fitted with gear that keeps you warm and dry. The friendly staff explains safety procedures and what to expect.

Boarding & Departure: Once on the boat, you’ll feel the thrill of speeding toward the islands. The boat’s design allows for getting close to the rocky shores, perfect for birdwatchers.

Bird Watching & Learning: As you cruise around Lundey or Akurey, your guide points out puffins and explains their behavior, nesting habits, and information about other seabirds. The scenery is rugged and natural, making for a scenic backdrop during the wildlife viewing.

Return & Reflection: After about an hour on the water, you’ll head back to Reykjavik’s harbor. Some guests might want to stay and explore more, while others may appreciate the brief, intensive nature of the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re enthusiastic about birdwatching and want a close-up view of puffins in their natural habitat, this trip is a solid choice. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy adventurous boat rides and don’t mind a bit of motion on the water.

However, if comfort is your top priority or you’re concerned about boat speed, you might find the ride a little less relaxing. The tour’s small group size, combined with the personal attention of guides, makes it a good pick for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience.

This activity isn’t specifically promoted as family-friendly, but it can suit older children or teens interested in wildlife and adventure. Just keep in mind the boat ride’s energetic nature and the weather conditions, which can influence comfort levels.

The Value of the Tour

At about $85, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, educational content, and scenic adventure. The inclusion of gear and guidance means you’re set for a safe, enjoyable experience without additional surprises.

While it’s a relatively short trip, the up-close puffin encounters tend to leave a lasting impression. For bird lovers and those wanting to see Iceland’s seabirds without dedicating a full day, it represents a fun, manageable outing.

Final Thoughts

This Puffin Express by RIB speedboat from Reykjavík offers a unique chance to get close to Iceland’s iconic seabirds, especially puffins, in a lively and engaging way. The expert guides make it informative and fun, and the scenic boat ride adds an element of adventure.

That said, the experience’s success depends on your comfort with boat rides and weather conditions. If you’re looking for a quick, wildlife-focused outing that combines a bit of thrill with learning, this tour fits the bill well. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate small, personal group settings and enjoy getting close to nature.

If you’re planning your Iceland trip and are eager for a birdwatching adventure that’s both fun and educational, this tour could be a memorable part of your Reykjavik itinerary.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it could be suitable for older children or teens who enjoy wildlife and boat rides. Keep in mind the energetic nature of the boat and weather considerations.

What should I wear?
You’ll be provided with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jackets, but it’s a good idea to wear warm, waterproof clothing underneath, especially if it’s a chilly day.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about one hour, making it a quick but immersive outing.

Is hotel pickup available?
Not included in the base price, but hotel transfers are available for an additional fee (approximately 2200 ISK).

Will I see puffins?
Yes, especially from May to August when puffins nest on Lundey or Akurey islands. The boat’s design helps you get close enough for a good view.

What other seabirds might I see?
Besides puffins, look out for northern fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns, which add variety to the birdwatching experience.

Can I cancel if the weather’s bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How many people are on each tour?
A maximum of 12 travelers per trip, ensuring a more personal experience and better viewing opportunities.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering it includes gear, guides, and an engaging wildlife experience, many find it reasonable. It’s a short but memorable outing, especially if puffins are a bucket-list bird for you.

If you’re eager for a taste of Icelandic wildlife with a dash of adventure, this tour definitely deserves a spot on your Reykjavik list. Just prepare for a lively ride and keep your camera ready!