Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour — An Up-Close Look at Iceland’s Feathered Friends

If you’re dreaming of seeing those iconic, colorful puffins in their natural habitat, this Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour might just be your best bet. Based out of Reykjavik’s historic Old Harbour, this tour offers a gentle hour-long cruise with a promise (and pretty impressive track record) of guaranteed puffin sightings. It’s a chance to enjoy the wildlife and scenery of Iceland’s coast without leaving the city, which is pretty much the best combination you can get for a quick nature fix.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides who really know their birds — they keep the trip lively and packed with interesting facts. Second, the up-close views of puffins and other seabirds, thanks to the boat’s strategic stops and the availability of binoculars. The one possible snag? Since the trip depends heavily on weather conditions, there’s a chance it might get canceled if the sea turns rough or the weather is uncooperative. But overall, this tour tends to suit travelers who want a brief, nature-rich outing and are open to the Icelandic weather.

If you’re a bird enthusiast, a family looking for a memorable outing, or simply someone curious about Iceland’s wildlife, this tour could be a great fit. Just remember it’s a boat ride — so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer land-based activities, consider that before booking. With that in mind, let’s break down everything you need to know to decide if this puffin trip makes sense for your Iceland adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guaranteed puffin sightings make this tour a low-risk wildlife experience.
• The one-hour duration is perfect for fitting into a busy day or as a short activity.
• The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and engaging manner.
• The boat, Old Skuli, is cozy and not overly large, which helps keep the experience personal.
• Expect to explore surrounding islands like Lundey and Akurey, known for their birdlife.
• Weather can impact the trip, so flexibility is key.

Why You’ll Love the Puffin Watching Boat Tour

From the moment you step aboard the “Old Skuli”, you’re in for a charming experience. This isn’t a large, commercial cruise; it’s a small, wooden boat that feels intimate and relaxed. The crew and guides are known for their friendliness and deep knowledge, making the hour fly by with stories and facts about puffins and other seabirds. The scenic cruise around Faxaflói Bay offers beautiful views of Reykjavik’s harbor and nearby islands, providing a different perspective on the Icelandic coast.

One of the big draws? The puffins themselves. And the tour really delivers on this front. According to many reviews, you can expect a guaranteed sighting — these birds are quite active on land during foggy or cloudy weather, which often coincides with early mornings or late afternoons. Several travelers mention that puffins are most lively on land during these times, so booking your trip accordingly might improve your chances.

Another highlight is the chance to learn from guides who seem genuinely passionate. They’ll share insights about puffins’ habits, nesting, and the other birds spotted around Lundey and Akurey. Many reviewers have complimented their guides for being funny, knowledgeable, and engaging, which makes the experience more memorable and less like just a quick wildlife check.

What to Expect During the Tour

The adventure kicks off at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, where you’ll meet your crew and hop on the spacious yet cozy wooden boat, Skúlaskeið. This vessel has a capacity of 33 passengers, which strikes a good balance — small enough for a personal experience, yet enough to share the fun with others. Once aboard, the guide will provide a quick safety briefing and introduce you to the birdlife you might see.

The cruise itself lasts about an hour, with the boat gently navigating around the bay. As you leave the harbor, you’ll cruise out to Lundey and Akurey, two islands teeming with bird activity. The boat’s engine is turned off when you arrive at the islands, allowing you to observe the birds in a more natural setting without the noise of the boat. You’ll have binoculars at your disposal, and many reviews highlight that these work well even as telephoto lenses for your phone.

Most travelers agree that the puffins are most active on land when the weather is overcast or foggy, making timing important. Guides often point out other seabirds like gulls, Arctic terns, and guillemots, adding to the overall birdwatching experience. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a seal or two — a bonus that some reviewers have enjoyed.

The boat ride is described as smooth and comfortable, though some mention it can be slightly wavy, which is normal for sea trips. The boat has a covered, inside seating area to escape wind or rain when needed, so don’t forget to dress for the weather.

Value for Money and Practical Details

At $59 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the top-notch reviews about guiding, sightings, and the overall experience. The lifetime voucher offered to some guests who don’t see many puffins is a thoughtful touch, reflecting the company’s confidence in their ability to deliver a memorable sighting.

Included in the price are the guided tour, binoculars, and a guarantee of puffin sightings. Extras like food and drinks aren’t included, but since the trip is only an hour, many find it convenient to bring a snack or enjoy Reykjavik’s nearby cafes before or after.

Timing-wise, the tours run at various times — check availability for your preferred slot. Most reviews mention that early mornings or late afternoons tend to be the best for land-based puffin activity, so planning around those times could enhance your chances.

It’s worth noting that the tour is dependent on weather conditions. If the sea is too rough or the weather turns particularly bad, the tour might be canceled for safety reasons — and you’ll receive a full refund. That’s a fair policy, but it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast when booking.

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The Experience in Practice: Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reading through reviews, it’s clear that the guides really make this trip. Many praise guides like Rebecca, Patrick, and Yngvi for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. One traveler called Patrick both “knowledgeable and hilarious,” which sounds like a perfect combination to keep the mood light and fun.

Sightings are the star of the show. Multiple reviews mention seeing puffins flying and diving, with many describing the birds as “adorable” and “active.” One reviewer said, “The puffins are most active on land when it’s foggy or cloudy,” hinting at the importance of timing and weather. Another noted that the captain was skilled at getting close to the islands, allowing plenty of bird-watching opportunities.

Some reviewers mention that they didn’t see as many puffins as hoped, which is understandable given wildlife unpredictability. However, the tour’s 100% sighting guarantee and the company’s quick response (offering a future voucher) help mitigate disappointment. Several travelers appreciated the informative commentary, which enhanced the experience even if puffins were scarce.

The boat itself gets glowing reviews for being quaint and comfortable — it’s not a modern speedboat but a lovely wooden vessel that adds to the charm. The small group size means you won’t feel crowded, and you’ll have a good chance to ask questions or simply enjoy the scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This puffin-watching trip is a great choice for wildlife lovers and anyone wanting a quick, scenic outing from Reykjavik. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a personalized experience, thanks to the smaller vessel and enthusiastic guides. Nature enthusiasts who want to learn about puffins and other seabirds will find this tour particularly rewarding.

However, keep in mind that it’s a boat-based activity, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer land-based viewing, this might not be your top pick. It’s also not suitable for travelers looking for a long, extensive wildlife expedition — the hour-long tour is brief but packed with the essentials.

If you’re traveling with kids who are comfortable on boats and interested in birds, this could also be a memorable outing for the whole family. Just ensure they’re ready for a short ride and potentially cool weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness? The trip is relatively short and described as smooth, but if you are sensitive to motion, it’s wise to take precautions. The weather can influence sea conditions, so stay prepared.

What happens if the weather is bad and the tour gets canceled? Tours are weather-dependent. If the sea is too rough or conditions are unsafe, the tour will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Can I see other birds besides puffins? Yes, you’ll also observe northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots, making it a broader seabird experience.

Are binoculars provided? Yes, binoculars are available on board, which greatly enhance the viewing experience and are helpful for spotting and photographing the birds.

How long does the trip last? The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to slot into your Reykjavik itinerary.

Is this tour family-friendly? While not explicitly designed as a family activity, it’s suitable for anyone comfortable on boats and interested in wildlife. Just consider the age and comfort level of children before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers a straightforward, charming way to connect with Iceland’s wildlife without straying too far from the city. The small boat, knowledgeable guides, and guaranteed puffin sightings make it a reliable option for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike. It’s especially appealing if you value personalized attention and a scenic, relaxed ride.

If your goal is to see puffins in their natural environment with minimal fuss, this tour is hard to beat. It’s ideal for travelers who want a memorable wildlife experience but don’t want to commit to long or expensive excursions. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and book early if possible — that’s when the puffins are most active on land.

In the end, this trip is about the joy of witnessing these charming birds up close and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Iceland’s coast. For many, it’s a highlight of their Reykjavik visit — simple, genuine, and full of adorable puffins.

Note: Always check current availability and weather conditions before booking, as these can affect your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: