Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and want a truly authentic wildlife experience, this Premium Puffin Tour offers a rare chance to see these charming birds in their natural habitat. For $85 per person, about an hour on a small, intimate group, you’ll hop aboard a custom-made rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and head out into Faxaflói Bay. The goal? To get as close as safely possible to the puffin colonies on Lundey Island, known locally as “Puffin Island,” during their breeding season.

What we love about this tour is how it balances thrilling boat rides with educational insights about Iceland’s seabirds and ecology. The small group size (capped at just 12 travelers) ensures personal attention and a relaxed vibe. Plus, the included safety gear and warm flotation suits mean you stay comfortable even in the brisk Icelandic sea. It’s an experience that can fit into a busy Reykjavik itinerary and offers a genuine, up-close look at these adorable birds.

One thing to consider is the variable weather — the boat ride can be rough, and a few reviews mention choppiness or seasickness. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your medication or prepare accordingly. Though, this tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families with older children (minimum age 10), and anyone keen to see puffins in a unique, personal setting.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: The RIB boat gets you remarkably close to puffin nesting islands, offering a more intimate view than land-based tours.
• Small Group Comfort: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about puffins and local seabirds, enriching the wildlife encounter.
• All-Weather Gear: Warm flotation suits and safety equipment are included, making sure you’re prepared for the elements.
• Potential for Rough Seas: The boat ride can be bumpy, so it’s better suited for those with moderate physical fitness and no seasickness concerns.
• Timing & Booking: Tours are booked roughly 53 days in advance and run during puffin nesting season, typically in summer.

In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour

What the Tour Offers

This one-hour boat trip departs from Ægisgarður in Reykjavik, specifically from Elding Whale Watching. The primary highlight is the chance to observe puffins in their natural breeding habitat on Lundey Island, just a short 10-minute ride from the harbor. The custom-made RIB allows you to venture close enough for stunning views and even capture some photos of these small, charismatic birds.

The Itinerary

Start at the meeting point in the Old Harbour, where you’ll receive a briefing on safety and gear. Once aboard, the fast, exhilarating ride begins, taking you across Faxaflói Bay to the puffin islands. During the trip, guides share interesting facts about puffins, their nesting habits, and the broader ecological context, making it a learning experience as well as a sightseeing adventure.

The main attraction is the 40-minute visit to Lundey Island, where puffins are often seen flying around or nesting on the cliffs. Numerous reviews mention seeing hundreds of puffins, with one noting, “Yes, we saw hundreds of them! So beautiful and fun!” The proximity to the birds is a significant advantage over land-based viewing, giving travelers a rare chance to see these birds in their summer breeding plumage.

What You Can Expect

Guides are praised for their knowledgeability — sharing fun facts and birdwatching tips. Some reviews mention that bringing binoculars enhances the experience, but the guides’ photos and descriptions help even those without binoculars feel engaged.

The tour also includes essential safety gear and a warm flotation suit, which are critical given the unpredictable weather at sea. Several travelers appreciated being dressed warmly and comfortably, noting that the suits and gear made the experience much more enjoyable, even on a blustery day.

The Boat Ride: Thrills and Challenges

The RIB boat is capable of reaching high speeds, which makes for an exhilarating ride. While many reviews describe the ride as “fun” and “adventurous,” a few mention that the seas can be choppy, causing some seasickness or discomfort. “My husband felt a little seasick… but we still felt safe the whole time,” said one traveler. If you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to consider medication or opt for a different tour if available.

The small group size is a highlight, creating a personal atmosphere where guides can answer questions and point out birds and other sea life like gulls or even whales, as one reviewer noted seeing a humpback whale.

Wildlife Sightings Beyond Puffins

While puffins are the main stars, guides often point out other seabirds, and some lucky guests have seen whales or dolphins. Such sightings add an extra layer of excitement and make the short trip even more rewarding.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want an authentic, up-close encounter with puffins, especially during their breeding season in summer. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate small-group experiences, value personalized guidance, and are comfortable in a motion-heavy boat ride. Families with children over 10 will enjoy it, but younger kids or those sensitive to seasickness might find the ride challenging.

How Does It Compare to Other Tours?

Compared to land-based puffin watching, this tour offers a more direct and immersive experience. The ability to see birds flying and nesting from the boat’s proximity makes it a unique opportunity. The price point of $85 is reasonable considering the short duration, the high-quality equipment, and the expert guidance.

While some reviews mention rough waters, many travelers find the thrill part of the adventure. The small group size and guides’ attentiveness are consistently praised, making it a value-rich experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour combines excitement and education in a compact, well-organized package. You’ll leave with not only amazing photos but a richer understanding of Iceland’s seabirds and their environment. The personalized approach, enthusiastic guides, and close-up bird sightings make it stand out among wildlife tours.

If you’re eager to see puffins up close, enjoy a short but memorable boat ride, and don’t mind the potential for choppy waters, this tour offers a fantastic value. It’s especially suited for travelers who love nature, are curious about local ecology, and want a personalized experience that fits easily into a day of Reykjavik sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, including the boat ride and time spent near the puffin islands.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Ægisgarður in Reykjavik, at the Elding Whale Watching meeting point.

Is there a minimum age?
Yes, travelers need to be at least 10 years old or taller than 145 cm to participate.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential, and the tour provides full flotation suits, hats, gloves, and goggles to keep you comfortable in the weather.

Can I expect to see whales or other animals?
While the focus is on puffins, some reviews mention sightings of whales, dolphins, and other seabirds, adding to the excitement.

Is the boat ride rough?
The boat can be quick and bumpy, especially in windy conditions. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider medication or be prepared for a lively ride.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This small-group RIB puffin tour from Reykjavik offers a rare close-up birdwatching experience that’s fun, educational, and memorable. It’s ideal for those keen on wildlife, adventure, and authentic nature encounters in Iceland.