Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

If you’re heading to Iceland and love wildlife, this Puffin Watching Tour from Reykjavik might just be a highlight of your trip. For around $95, you get to hop aboard a small RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and zip across Faxaflói Bay to see these charming, colorful birds in their natural habitat. It’s a quick, action-packed adventure packed with opportunities to spot not only puffins but also other seabirds like gannets, auks, Arctic terns, and fulmars.

What really sets this tour apart is how close you can get to the puffins — thanks to the small, speedy boats that venture deeper into the islands and along towering sea cliffs. Plus, with a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about puffin behaviors, it’s both fun and educational.

A potential consideration? The short duration of one hour means you’ll want to go in with realistic expectations about how many puffins you’ll see and how close you’ll get. If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply eager for a thrilling sea adventure, this tour is a wonderful choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate small-group experiences and want to combine wildlife spotting with a dash of adrenaline.

Key Points

• Up-close puffin sightings: Small boats allow for better proximity to nesting sites.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about puffins and seabirds.
• Speedy RIB boat: Adds excitement and allows access to less reachable spots.
• Wildlife variety: Expect sightings of gannets, auks, Arctic terns, and more.
• All necessary safety gear provided: Including coveralls and binoculars.
• Good for most travelers: Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

An Authentic Look at the Puffin Watching Experience

This tour starts at the Reykjavik Old Harbour, where you meet your captain and guide. The check-in process is straightforward, and staff are friendly and clear about safety procedures. You’ll be fitted with coveralls to stay warm, especially important given the chilly Icelandic waters, and all safety equipment is included to give you peace of mind.

Once aboard, the thrill begins as the RIB boat, with its powerful engine and sleek design, zips out into Faxaflói Bay. The ride itself is part of the fun — expect a high-speed cruise over the cold waves, which is an experience in itself. This swift journey means you’ll cover a larger area than traditional boat tours, making it easier to find the best puffin hotspots.

What to Expect During the Tour

The main event? Watching puffins in their summer nesting grounds between May and August. The small boat design is a huge plus, as it gets you closer to the islands and cliffs where puffins gather. Reviewers mention that the boats are able to approach the islands closely enough to see puffins on the shore, diving into the water, and flying just overhead.

One guest, Helga, described her experience as “amazing” because they saw hundreds of puffins. She also mentioned that the guide, Maria, was very knowledgeable and took photos for her, which she appreciated. Another reviewer, Lisa, emphasized how “fun” the ride was for all ages, highlighting the exhilarating nature of the small boat.

Learning About the Birds

Guides not only take you to the best viewing spots but also share interesting facts about puffins, such as their habits, diet, and nesting behaviors. For instance, guests learn that puffins are quite social during the breeding season, and you can see them flying, diving, and even carrying fish in their beaks.

According to reviews, guides like Rob and Megan are very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions, adding an educational touch to the trip. Some reviewers appreciated the extra effort guides made to take photos of the puffins, then share them afterward — a thoughtful bonus that enhances the experience.

Wildlife Beyond Puffins

While puffins steal the spotlight, other seabirds like gannets, auks, and Arctic terns also make appearances. Several travelers noted seeing seals and even humpback whales during their ride, thanks to the wide reach of the small boats, which venture into quieter spots the larger ships might miss.

The Duration and Its Value

At just one hour, this tour is a quick but packed wildlife adventure. Reviewers consistently say that this length is perfect — enough time to see a good number of birds without feeling rushed or cold. The fast pace adds an element of excitement, especially for those who enjoy a bit of wind-in-your-hair action.

Practical Details That Matter

Price and Value: At $95 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing and adventure. Compared to longer or larger boat trips, the focus here is on getting better proximity and a more personal experience. Many reviews highlight that the tour exceeded expectations, with guests seeing hundreds of puffins and other seabirds, plus appreciating the professional guide and well-organized process.

Group Size and Personal Experience: The small size of the RIB boat means fewer fellow travelers, which creates a more intimate setting. This allows guide Rob to share more detailed insights and ensures everyone gets good views. Guests report that everyone gets a chance to see the birds clearly regardless of where they sit.

Meeting Point and Ease of Access: The tour starts at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, which is easy to find. No hassle with pickups or complicated logistics. The staff are clear, and the meeting process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer shorter, hassle-free excursions.

Clothing and Comfort: Since Iceland is often chilly and windy, guests recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bringing extra layers. The provided coveralls help keep you dry and warm during the high-speed cruise.

Limitations: The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility or back issues. Also, large luggage isn’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This puffin tour excels in delivering an authentic and active wildlife experience. The speedy RIB boat makes it possible to reach nesting sites that larger vessels can’t, providing guests with closer views of puffins in their natural environment. The expert guides ensure that the trip is both educational and engaging, sharing stories and facts that enrich the bird-watching experience.

The reviews paint a picture of a well-organized, safe, and fun trip. Guests consistently mention seeing hundreds of puffins, capturing amazing photos, and enjoying the exhilaration of the boat ride. Many say it was a highlight of their Iceland trip, particularly for those who love wildlife and outdoor adventures.

Who Will Love This Tour?

• Wildlife enthusiasts eager to see puffins up close
• Adventurers looking for a high-speed boat ride
• Families with children over 10 years old
• People who appreciate small-group, personal experiences
• Travelers wanting a short but memorable activity
• Those interested in birdwatching beyond puffins, like gannets and Arctic terns

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

• Travelers with mobility issues or who prefer longer, calmer cruises
• Those traveling with very young children or pregnant women
• Visitors who prefer to combine puffin watching with other activities, like whale watching (though some tours do combine these)

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour offers a fantastic, intimate glimpse into the lives of Iceland’s adorable seabirds. The small RIB boats allow you to get closer than ever to nesting sites, and the knowledgeable guides make the trip both fun and informative. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to blend wildlife observation with a quick, exhilarating boat ride.

At just under $100, the tour delivers great value, especially considering how many puffins and other seabirds you can see. The organized, professional setup and friendly staff ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. While it’s not suitable for very young kids or those with mobility problems, it’s perfect for adventurous travelers and bird lovers eager to tick a bucket-list item off in style.

If you’re in Reykjavik and want a wildlife adventure that’s memorable, visually stunning, and relatively short, this puffin tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a chance to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty from a different perspective — with the wind in your hair and puffins all around you.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it a quick but highly engaging wildlife experience.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The process is straightforward, with clear instructions provided.

What should I wear?
Guests should bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and consider layering. The tour provides coveralls to help stay warm and dry.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for travelers over 10 years old due to the nature of the open-air boat ride and safety considerations.

Can I see other wildlife besides puffins?
Yes, you might spot gannets, auks, Arctic terns, and sometimes seals or even whales, thanks to the wide reach of the small boats.

Are binoculars provided?
Yes, binoculars are included in the tour to help you get better views of distant birds.

Is there any food or drinks available?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s best to bring snacks if desired, but large luggage isn’t permitted onboard.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, outdoor boat tours are subject to weather conditions. It’s wise to check the forecast and dress accordingly.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a comprehensive picture of what to expect from Iceland’s Puffin Watching Tour. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just looking for a fun and memorable sea adventure, it’s a chance to encounter one of Iceland’s most adorable inhabitants in their natural setting.