Puffins make the cold feel worth it, and this small-group ride from Reykjavík turns wildlife time into a practical mission: fast out on a RIB boat to Faxaflói Bay, then quiet enough to watch birds without hassling them.

I love how the captain can shut off the engine for silent, close-in viewing.

And I love that the whole setup is built for comfort, so you can actually focus on the birds instead of fighting the wind.

I love that you’re kitted out with warm overalls (plus gloves and goggles) and that the tour includes binoculars for each passenger. Guides I’ve seen named in past trips, like Maja, Alex, and Ricardo, tend to keep the experience moving and explain what you’re seeing on the water and on the nearby islands.

One possible drawback: the ride can be bumpy. The operator warns it’s not recommended for knee problems, and some people who sit in less favorable spots say the view can be harder if you’re shorter or if taller passengers block your line of sight.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Engine-off approach: the captain can shut off the motor to silently approach wildlife
• Faxaflói Bay’s star species: puffins plus seabirds like great auk and gannets
• Comfort gear included: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, so cold is less of a problem
• Small group size: maximum 12 people for better viewing and a more personal feel
• Up to four departures daily: multiple time slots so you can match your day in Reykjavík
• Binoculars provided: you don’t have to bring your own to find the birds

Old Harbour check-in: how the tour stays easy and efficient

Your puffin trip starts back in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure, because you’ll check in at the ticket office and then walk down with the guide to the boat docked at the harbor.

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. That part matters. Old Harbour is also where you’re already likely to be eating, walking, and soaking up the city vibe, so you’re not doing a long transfer to nowhere. You’re close to restaurants and the main sights when you finish, too.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple. If you’re the kind of person who hates standing in lines with printed papers, you’ll appreciate this. And since there are up to four departures each day in the season window, you can usually pick a time that fits your energy level and your weather expectations.

The RIB experience: fast to the birds, then quiet enough to watch

This is a custom RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable) boat. In Iceland, RIBs aren’t a gimmick—they’re a real tool. The ride gets you out quickly over Faxaflói Bay, which matters because you’re trying to spend your time where the birds are.

Then comes the trick: the captain can shut off the engine to silently approach wildlife. That’s not just a nice theory. Less noise and less disturbance means you can spend more time observing normal bird behavior—flying, diving, calling, and working their nests—without the birds responding to the boat constantly.

Now for the honesty. RIBs move. They’re built for speed, and waves are waves. Expect some bumps, especially if the sea is active. The operator makes it clear that knee problems can be an issue, and at least one review highlights pain after rough waves. If your legs, back, or joints don’t do well with short, jolting impacts, you should take the warning seriously.

If you do go, pick your seat wisely. One review notes that very tall people can block the view from farther back. So if you’re shorter, try to choose a front or forward-facing spot where you can see the islands clearly.

Akurey and nearby nature reserves: what “close” really means

Once you’re out on the bay, your main bird viewing happens around Akurey and nearby nesting areas. The tour sails close by 2–3 islands, and these are nature reserves.

Important detail: you typically stay on the boat during the approach and viewing. You’re not hopping ashore onto fragile nesting zones. But you do get “extra close” from the RIB, which is how you balance wildlife protection with good sight lines.

The time on the islands is about 50 minutes, which is long enough to spot birds at multiple moments. Puffins don’t perform on cue. One minute you might see them perched near the nest sites; the next minute you might see them popping up on the water. The longer window helps you catch more behavior than a quick drive-by.

Also, note that “nature reserve” usually means stricter rules around disturbance. That’s why the boat’s approach style matters so much here. If you see the crew handling the approach carefully and keeping the engine quiet when it counts, that’s the point.

Puffins, great auk, and gannets: the bird list you can actually plan for

This tour is built around one headline attraction: puffins. With roughly 30,000 puffins nesting off Reykjavík’s coast, this is one of the places in Iceland where puffins are seriously abundant.

You can also look out for other seabirds, including:

• Great auk (noted as flightless)
• Gannets, which are described as the largest seabird in the North Atlantic
• Other seabirds you might spot while sailing and watching the islands

What I like about the way this trip is framed is that it doesn’t sell puffins only. Yes, puffins are the main event, but the captain and guide keep an eye on the wider ecology of the bay. That’s why you’ll often hear facts and stories during the ride—about how puffins nest on rocky shorelines, and how the bay’s conditions influence what you see.

And if you’re worried about the timing—good news. Even when the season is later, the crew often adjusts and searches for birds. One review specifically mentions being at the end of breeding season and still getting taken to other spots where puffins remained active.

Gear that turns harsh Reykjavik wind into comfortable viewing

Cold in Iceland isn’t just temperature. It’s wind. If you’ve ever tried to watch anything outdoors with wind trying to steal your fingers, you know why this matters.

This tour includes warm weather gear:

• Warm overalls
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Safety equipment
• Binoculars for each passenger

That package is a big part of why people come back happy. Even on windy days, proper goggles and gloves make a difference. A couple of reviews note they didn’t get wet much, and the overall gear helped them stay comfortable even when the wind felt intense.

Still, dress smart even with the gear. Wear layers underneath. Keep a hat or beanie under the provided hood if that’s how you stay warm. And for camera lovers: bring your phone charger and a strap if you have one. On a boat, gear management turns into a mini survival game if you’re not prepared.

Small-group size: why the captain and guide can actually focus

The tour caps at 12 travelers. That’s not just a number—it changes the feel.

With a small group, you can get your questions answered without the guide talking to the back row like it’s a distant lecture hall. It also helps during bird-spotting. When something good pops up, the crew can help the whole group aim at the right direction and not just the first few seats.

Guide quality shows up in small moments:

• Quick explanations of what you’re seeing
• Help with spotting birds against rocks and water
• Extra effort to find active areas when conditions or timing shift

The reviews name several guides, including Maja, Alex, Ricardo, Sam, Rachael, and Alma. The common thread across those names is hands-on attention: people describe guides taking photos for the group, explaining puffin behavior, and supporting passengers with equipment and comfort.

Timing and seasons: when puffins are most dependable

This tour runs during the best months for spotting birds near Reykjavík: May 15 to August 20. Within that range, puffin activity is strongest during breeding season.

But here’s the practical nuance. One review says they were at the end of the breeding season and the crew still made sure they visited spots that had puffins. That suggests the operator isn’t passive if birds are harder to find—it adjusts the route or timing to keep the experience on track.

If you want maximum odds of seeing lots of action, aim earlier in the season. If your schedule forces you late, don’t assume you’re out of luck. The crew is running in months when sightings are still likely, and they seem willing to work for them.

Price and value: what $105.22 buys you in Iceland wildlife time

At $105.22 per person, this isn’t a bargain. But it’s also not just a boat ride.

You’re paying for:

• A guided RIB excursion in a wildlife-rich bay
• The captain’s ability to get close to nesting areas without constantly disturbing birds
• Included binoculars for every passenger
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles (which can cost you time and money if you don’t already have gear in Reykjavík)
• A small group size (max 12)

When you break it down, the value is strongest if you don’t want to gamble on bird spotting on your own. Faxaflói Bay isn’t just a pretty place; it’s a living system. The experience is built to get you to the right spots and help you interpret what you see.

There’s also an ease factor. You don’t need hotel pickup. You meet at Old Harbour, do the tour, then you’re basically back near food and sights.

Tips for better photos without stressing the birds

If you care about photos, you’ll love how this tour is set up for viewing. But you still need smart technique.

A few pointers drawn from what people highlighted:

• Use binoculars even if you’re confident with a camera. Puffins are small, and zoom isn’t always enough when birds are farther than you expect.
• If you have a camera with a mid-range zoom (one review mentions a 24–70mm lens), it can help, but puffins may still be tiny at a distance. Plan on using binoculars as your primary “find” tool.
• Try to choose the most favorable viewing angle. One person noted front seats helped, because birds are small and visibility can be impacted by taller passengers.
• If you can pick a departure around high tide, you may get the closest viewing of birds from the boat. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a useful idea to consider when selecting a time slot.

Also remember the whole point of the engine-off approach: you’re there to observe and photograph without turning the bay into a commotion. If the captain slows and goes quiet, that’s your cue to steady your shots and let the birds do their thing.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a good match if you:

• Want a focused bird trip instead of a general sightseeing cruise
• Enjoy boats and can handle moderate wind and waves
• Like small-group experiences with direct guide attention
• Are traveling in the May 15–August 20 window

It’s not a great match if:

• You have knee problems or sensitivity to rough waves (the operator explicitly warns against it)
• You have issues with bumpy rides and jolts
• You’re bringing very young children (minimum age is 10, and it’s not recommended for young children)

There are also physical requirements you should take note of:

• Minimum height: 145 cm
• Moderate physical fitness level

One more practical note: seat selection matters. If you’re short, don’t assume you’ll see everything from wherever you end up. Try to get a seat where you can get a clean view across the islands.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the puffin and bird watching tour?

You meet at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Arrive about 30 minutes prior to departure to check in and get ready for the boat.

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed at about 1 hour, though the experience can feel like a slightly longer outing depending on timing.

How many departures are there each day?

During the season, there are up to four departures each day.

What is the boat type?

The tour uses a custom RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable) boat designed for fast trips on Faxaflói Bay.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour focuses on puffins and may include other seabirds such as great auk and gannets, plus additional wildlife spotted along the route.

Do we actually walk onto the islands?

No. The islands are nature reserves, so you stay on the boat, while the RIB gets you extra close.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are binoculars for each passenger, warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment and local taxes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour affected by bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, but it’s also described as requiring good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it suitable for kids?

Minimum age is 10 years. It is not recommended for young children.

Should you book this puffin and bird watching tour?

Book it if you want the highest-odds shot at seeing puffins near Reykjavík without turning it into a self-guided guessing game. The combo of small group size (max 12), included binoculars and warm gear, and the captain’s ability to approach quietly is exactly what makes this feel like more than a quick boat trip.

Skip it (or at least think hard) if rough waves are a problem for your knees or back. And if you’re on the shorter side, plan for seat choice so you’re not staring over other people’s heads.

If you’re traveling in the season window from mid-May to late August, this is a very solid use of time in Reykjavík—especially if puffins are on your must-see list.