Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour — A Close-Up Look at Iceland’s Iconic Birds

Imagine zooming across Faxaflói Bay on a small, agile RIB (rigid inflatable boat), with the wind in your hair and the chance to see hundreds of puffins in their natural habitat. This one-hour tour from Reykjavik offers a lively, intimate encounter with Iceland’s most beloved seabirds, along with a quick peek at other seabirds like gannets, auks, and Arctic terns. Led by experienced guides, you’ll learn about puffins’ habits and behaviors while getting some fantastic photo opportunities—without the crowds.

What we really love about this experience is how close you can get to the nesting islands and sea cliffs, often a rarity in wildlife watching. Plus, the high-speed RIB makes it possible to cover a large area in a short time, so you leave feeling like you’ve really made the most of your hour on the water. The only caution? The boat ride can be a bit bumpy, especially if the weather is windy, so it’s not ideal for everyone.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind a bit of adventure. Families with older children, bird enthusiasts, and anyone eager for lively, up-close nature viewing will find this a memorable addition to their Iceland trip.

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Key Points

Close Encounters: This tour offers intimacy with puffins—seeing them fly, dive, and nest close-up.
Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts and even taking photos during the cruise.
Fast-Paced Adventure: The high-speed RIB boat zips out across the bay, making it a fun and exhilarating ride.
Limited Duration: At just one hour, it’s a quick but very rewarding wildlife experience.
All Necessary Equipment: Safety gear, coveralls, and binoculars are included, making the trip comfortable and safe.
Best Time for Puffins: The tour runs from May through August, aligning with the puffins’ nesting season.

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A Detailed Look at the Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour

What’s Included and What to Expect

For $95 per person, you get a professional captain and wildlife guide, coveralls, all safety equipment, and binoculars. The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a convenient starting point close to the city center. The experience is designed for those who want an up-close, personal view of puffins in their natural environment, without the crowds often found on larger, more traditional boats.

The Itinerary: A Typical Journey

You meet at the Whale Safari office in the Old Harbour early in the day or at a designated time, depending on availability. After a brief safety talk, you’re handed your gear—overalls to keep the wind and spray off—and then climb aboard the small RIB. From there, the boat’s engine roars to life, and you’re off across Faxaflói Bay.

The boat speeds toward the islands and cliffs where puffins nest, often just a few feet from the shoreline. Guides share facts about puffins’ diet, which mainly consists of fish like capelin, and their behavior, such as how they dive for food or fly in coordinated flocks. As you circle the islands, you’ll see puffins on the ground, nesting burrows, or gliding just above the water.

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Wildlife Encounters: More than Just Puffins

While puffins are the star of the show, the bay is also home to gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. A few reviews mention sightings of harbor seals and even humpback whales, though these are not guaranteed. Several travelers highlighted how close the boat can get, which enhances the experience—“we saw many puffins flying, swimming, and diving,” as one review noted.

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The Thrill of the High-Speed Ride

The RIB boat is designed for speed and agility, offering a sensation of exhilaration that makes the experience stand out from more sedate, larger vessel tours. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, though it’s worth mentioning that the ride can be bumpy in choppier conditions. For sensitive stomachs or those with mobility issues, this could be a consideration.

Timing and Weather Considerations

The tour lasts about an hour — enough time to get good viewing and photos without feeling rushed. It’s advisable to dress warmly, especially since the boat is open-air, and the wind can cut through even the warmest clothes. The review mentions that weather can influence the ride: on calm days, the experience is more comfortable, but on windier days, it can be more of a thrill ride.

Authenticity and Educational Value

One of the tour’s standout features is the knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness and expertise. As one reviewer put it, “Rob was a great guide—very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.” Guides also take photos that they send via email, adding a nice personal touch.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and those craving authentic nature encounters. Families with children over 10, birders, and anyone wanting a quick, lively excursion will find it rewarding. It’s less suitable for very young kids or those with mobility restrictions, given the boat’s open and fast-paced nature.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

Compared to larger boat tours, this RIB experience provides an intimate setting where you’re almost nose-to-beak with the puffins. The included binoculars and safety gear ensure you’re well-equipped to enjoy and photograph the birds comfortably. Many reviews mention how close they could get to the nesting islands, which is a big plus for enthusiasts wanting detailed bird observation.

The price point of $95 is reasonable considering the personalized experience and the expert guidance. When you factor in the fast pace and coverage of different islands, the tour feels like a good deal—especially since several guests have noted seeing hundreds of puffins, some even capturing excellent photos of the birds in flight or nesting.

The Experience’s Pacing and Group Size

Because it’s a small-group tour, you won’t be crammed or rushed. The quick hour is perfectly timed to see the puffins at their most active, especially during the nesting season from May to August. The small boat also means fewer crowds and a more flexible, personalized experience.

Practicalities: Booking, Meeting, and Preparation

Booking in advance is recommended, as this tour tends to be popular, especially in peak summer months. The meeting point is straightforward in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, and the company provides clear instructions for what to bring—warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a bit of patience for the weather.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour For You?

If you are eager to see puffins in their natural environment up close, and don’t mind a bit of wind and speed, this tour offers a unique and delightful experience. It’s especially well-suited for those who value personalized guidance and authentic wildlife encounters. Families with older children and bird enthusiasts will find it particularly rewarding.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed, enclosed boat ride, this may not be your best choice. Also, keep in mind that the tour runs during the puffins’ nesting season, so timing is important if you want to see these charming birds in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 1 hour, giving you enough time to see puffins and other seabirds without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the “Whale Safari” office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a convenient location within the city.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally recommended for children over 10 years old, especially because of the open-air boat ride and speed involved.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. The boat is open-air, so dressing in layers is advisable.

Are safety measures provided?
Yes, all necessary safety equipment, coveralls, and binoculars are included to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I see other wildlife besides puffins?
Yes, the bay is home to gannets, auks, fulmars, Arctic terns, and sometimes seals or whales, though sightings of these are not guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can influence the ride, so check the forecast beforehand. The tour can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are too rough for safe sailing.

Is it possible to book the tour and pay later?
Absolutely, the tour allows for reservation with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

Will I get good photos?
Most reviews highlight how close the boat gets, allowing for excellent photos of puffins flying and nesting, especially with binoculars and guides’ help.

In Closing

This Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour is a lively, close-up wildlife experience that combines adventure, education, and natural beauty. For those who want to see hundreds of puffins in a short time and don’t mind a high-speed ride, it’s a fantastic choice. The knowledgeable guides and the intimate setting make it feel more like a personal safari than an organized tour.

While it may not be suited for everyone—particularly those sensitive to motion or seeking a more relaxed boat trip—it offers genuine value for travelers eager to connect with Iceland’s seabirds in a fun and memorable way. Whether you’re a bird lover, a family looking for an exciting outing, or simply curious about Iceland’s wildlife, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable images and stories.