Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and want to see the island’s most charming seabirds in their natural habitat, the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour might be just what you’re looking for. This small-group adventure, capped at only 12 travelers, promises to get you closer to the puffins than most land-based or larger boat tours can. Traveling aboard a custom-made rigid inflatable boat (RIB), you’ll cruise around Faxaflói Bay, where puffins breed in the summer, offering ample chances for memorable wildlife sightings and stunning photo opportunities.

One of the standout features of this tour is how personal and immersive it feels. With live guidance, safety equipment, and warm flotation suits provided, it’s clear the organizers prioritize both comfort and safety. But, as with any wildlife tour, weather conditions can influence the experience—some reviews mention choppy waters and seasickness, so it’s worth considering your comfort with small, fast boats. Ideal for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, or those with a flexible schedule, this tour offers a quick but rewarding peek into Iceland’s seabird life.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: Traveling on a RIB boat means you can get as close as safely possible to puffin colonies and nesting islands.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about puffins and other seabirds, enhancing your experience.
• Comfort & Safety: Warm flotation suits and all safety gear are included, making the boat ride more comfortable, even in windy conditions.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 participants, so you get a more intimate, personalized outing.
• Short & Sweet: Just about an hour long, fitting easily into a busy day of Reykjavik sightseeing.
• Wildlife & Extra Sights: Some reviewers also spotted whales, adding an unexpected bonus to the trip.

What to Expect from the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour

The Booking & Meeting Point

The tour is priced at $85 per person and is usually booked well in advance—on average, 53 days ahead—showing its popularity. You’ll meet at Ægisgarður 5c, in downtown Reykjavik, conveniently close to public transportation. The tour is confirmed immediately at booking, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket, making the process straightforward.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start: Elding Whale Watching Base — This is your departure point, where a friendly crew and knowledgeable guide await. Your group size is capped at 12, ensuring personal attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

First Stop: Lundey (Puffin Islands) — After a quick safety briefing and getting suited up in warm flotation suits, hats, gloves, and goggles, you’ll hop aboard the RIB boat. These boats are specially designed for speed and maneuverability, allowing you to get very close to Puffin nesting islands only about 10 minutes away.

The RIB Boat Experience

The ride itself is described as fun and exhilarating, with some reviews noting it can be a bit rough—especially in windy weather. The high-speed RIB provides a quick, adrenaline-pumping trip, but it’s also very stable and safe, especially with the safety gear provided. Expect to feel the wind and spray, but overall, the experience is described as both safe and enjoyable.

Wildlife Viewing & Learning

Once near the puffin islands, you’ll have around 40 minutes to observe and photograph these adorable birds. Reviewers mention how close the boat gets, allowing for excellent photo opportunities—especially if you bring binoculars, as one traveler did. Guides shared interesting facts about puffin behavior, nesting habits, and ecology, making this more than just a sightseeing trip.

Some lucky guests also report spotting other seabirds and even whales, like a humpback, which adds an extra layer of excitement. Guides’ extensive knowledge really shines here, with reviews praising their ability to point out the various birds and explain their behaviors.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at the starting point, giving you a full hour of wildlife fun. Since it’s a quick trip, it fits well into a day packed with Reykjavik sightseeing or other excursions.

The Value of This Experience

At $85, this tour offers good value considering the personalized nature, the short duration, and the opportunity to see puffins in the wild—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. The included safety gear and warm suits mean no extra costs or packing heavy layers, and the small group size ensures you’re not lost among crowds. Plus, the ability to see puffins at close range makes this stand out from land-bound viewing options, which often only offer distant glimpses.

Most reviewers felt this tour was worth the price, especially given the high quality of guides and the thrill of the ride. However, some mention the ride can be rough, and seasickness might be a concern for sensitive travelers. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider medication or choosing a calmer, more stable boat option (like a classic boat tour).

Making the Most of Your Puffin Trip

• Dress warmly: The tour provides excellent gear, but layering is still advisable, especially if the weather is cold or windy.
• Bring binoculars: While the boats get close, binoculars help see the tiny puffins more clearly and capture their behaviors.
• Be prepared for weather: The experience is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to cancellations or a less comfortable ride.
• Seasickness: If you’re easily seasick, inform the crew beforehand and consider medication.
• Timing: Book well in advance during peak summer months (June to August), as it’s very popular.

Summary: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager for a close-up view of puffins in their natural environment. It’s especially suited for adventure seekers, those who don’t mind a quick, bumpy boat ride, and travelers looking for a personalized, small-group experience. Kids over 10 years old with moderate physical fitness will enjoy it, but younger children might find the ride too rough or cold.

If you’re after a relaxed, calm boat trip with a focus on birdwatching from the shore, this might not be the best fit. However, if you want to combine a sense of adventure, wildlife discovery, and stunning views in a short time, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it easy to slot into a busy day of sightseeing.

Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavik.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, the minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm. It’s geared towards slightly older children and adults comfortable on small, fast boats.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the RIB boat ride, safety equipment, and warm flotation suits. Guides provide live commentary and wildlife facts.

Are meals or snacks included?
No, snacks are not included, so plan to eat before or after your trip.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour will be rescheduled or fully refunded if canceled.

Will I see puffins?
While sightings are highly likely (many reviews mention seeing hundreds), wildlife can never be guaranteed. The best chance is during the summer months when puffins breed.

The Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Iceland’s most beloved seabirds. Its combination of speed, knowledge, and intimacy makes it stand out from more traditional boat trips. Despite the potential for rough waters, most travelers find the experience thrilling and rewarding, especially those eager to combine wildlife watching with a bit of adventure.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a personalized experience, love birdwatching, or are simply looking for a unique way to explore Reykjavik’s coastal wildlife. If you’re prepared for a quick, lively ride and want to see puffins in the wild, this trip could be a highlight of your Icelandic adventures.

To sum it up, for those who value close wildlife encounters, expert guides, and a spirited boat ride, the Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour provides a fun, memorable excursion packed with genuine wildlife moments. It’s a fantastic choice for nature lovers wanting an authentic Icelandic seabird adventure.