Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavík

Introduction

If you’re visiting Reykjavík and have a soft spot for adorable seabirds, the Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat offers a quick, interactive way to see puffins in their natural habitat. This tour takes you out from the busy Old Harbour into the open waters, where the chance to spot these charming birds up close is quite high—if weather cooperates.

What we love about this experience is the speedy, exhilarating ride on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), providing both adventure and a chance for excellent wildlife viewing. Plus, the guides are knowledgeable and eager to share their passion, turning what could be just a boat trip into an educational outing.

One possible consideration is that the ride can be somewhat bumpy—as one reviewer noted, the boat is powerful and fast, which might not appeal to everyone, especially those sensitive to motion. Still, if you’re after a lively, outdoor experience with a focus on seabirds, this tour is a good choice.

This activity is particularly suitable for nature lovers, birdwatchers, or anyone seeking a short but memorable adventure on the water. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Iceland’s wildlife but aren’t looking for a long or strenuous outing.

Key Points

• Up-close Puffin Viewing: Specially designed boats get you close enough to see puffins and other seabirds in their natural environment.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide insightful commentary about puffins, seabirds, and Icelandic coastal ecosystems.
• Speedy and Exciting Ride: The RIB boat offers a fast, fun experience—think of it as a thrill with a purpose.
• Comfort and Safety: Warm overalls, life jackets, goggles, and gloves are provided for comfort and safety.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 12 travelers) mean a more personalized experience.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially with unpredictable weather.

Exploring the Tour Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, at Ægisgarður 5F, right in the heart of the city. From there, you’re whisked out onto the water in a roughly one-hour journey. While brief, this window is well used—offering a snapshot of Iceland’s coastal wildlife and the thrill of riding a powerful speedboat.

Timing-wise, the tour departs at 12:00 pm, a sensible midday slot that balances morning sightseeing with afternoon plans. Arriving a little early is recommended to get fitted with the provided gear, including warm overalls, goggles, gloves, and life jackets—all designed to keep you comfortable in Iceland’s often brisk weather.

The Route and Key Stops

The main stop is Lundey or Akurey, islands just off Reykjavík’s coast, famous for their puffin populations. These rocky islands host nesting sites from May to August, making summer the ideal time for birdwatching.

The boats are specially designed to get close to the shoreline—so close, in fact, that you’ll have a genuine opportunity to observe puffins in a setting that feels intimate yet safe. Their small hills and slopes are home to colorful seabirds, with puffins being the primary stars.

Wildlife and Bird Life

Puffins are the highlight, with their distinctive black and white bodies and bright orange beaks. We’re told they nest between May and August, so timing is key if you want to see them in full breeding plumage.

Other seabirds you might spot include northern fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns. The guides are well-versed, sharing stories about how puffins interact with their environment and how they fit into the broader ecosystem. One reviewer noted that the guide, Celina, “kept us entertained and truly taught us a lot about puffins and this part of Iceland,” suggesting that the educational component is genuinely engaging.

The Ride and Comfort

The RIB speedboats are fast and powerful, making the ride lively and exciting. This was appreciated by some, but others noted the ride could feel overly intense. One review mentioned, “a very slow ride despite warnings of danger of breaking the neck,” which might be a bit confusing—likely a miscommunication, but it hints that the boat is quite swift and maybe jarring for some travelers.

The suspension seats are a small luxury, helping to cushion the bumps, and the provided gear ensures you stay warm and protected from spray or wind.

Authenticity and Value

For $85 per person, the tour offers a good balance of adventure, education, and wildlife viewing. The small group size (max 12) enhances the intimacy and allows guides to give more personalized attention. The inclusion of safety gear and warm overalls makes this a comfortable choice even in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Real Traveler Perspectives

A standout positive review called the experience “truly a special time out on the water,” praising guide Celina’s entertainment and teaching skills. This suggests that the guides are a real asset and genuinely passionate about sharing their knowledge.

Conversely, a more critical review pointed out the boat’s speed and safety equipment, describing the ride as “very slow” despite warnings, hinting at a different expectation of the adventure level. It’s worth noting that some travelers may prefer a calmer or more leisurely outing.

Practicalities and Considerations

• Booking in advance is recommended, with an average booking lead time of about 35 days.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers but might be less ideal for those with motion sensitivity.
• The hotel transfer option costs extra (around 2200 ISK), but most will find the meeting point in downtown Reykjavík convenient.
• Cancelation is straightforward, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours beforehand, which is helpful given Iceland’s changeable weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager for a close encounter with puffins and seabirds, as well as those craving a bit of adventure on the water. It’s suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a lively ride and are comfortable with small-group, outdoor activities.

If your goal is to relax with a gentle boat ride or see Iceland’s scenery from afar, this might not be the best fit. However, if you want a fun, educational, and wildlife-focused experience, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat offers a quick but memorable glimpse into Iceland’s coastal bird life, with the added thrill of a high-speed boat ride. The combination of expert guides, close-up birdwatching, and the adventure of a powerful boat makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking something different from typical sightseeing tours.

While the ride’s brisk pace and the weather-dependent nature of wildlife sightings require some flexibility, the overall value lies in the intimacy of the experience and the chance to see puffins—arguably Iceland’s most charming seabird—up close.

This tour is best suited for adventure-minded nature lovers looking for a short, engaging outing that combines education, excitement, and a touch of wildlife magic. If you’re prepared for the boat’s speed and Iceland’s unpredictable weather, you’ll find this a rewarding way to connect with the island’s vibrant seabird colonies.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and small groups make it family-friendly, but young children should be comfortable on a speedboat ride.

What kind of safety gear is provided?
Warm overalls, life jackets, goggles, and gloves are included to ensure comfort and safety during the ride.

How long is the actual wildlife viewing?
The boat ride lasts about an hour, providing ample time to observe puffins and other seabirds close to the shoreline.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.

Are hotel transfers available?
Yes, for an additional fee of around 2200 ISK, but most travelers find the meeting point in downtown Reykjavík convenient.

What time does the tour depart?
Departures are at 12:00 pm, so plan to arrive a bit earlier for gear fitting.

Is the boat ride noisy or uncomfortable?
The boat is fast and powerful, which may be too much for some, but suspension seats help reduce discomfort.

What else can I see during the tour?
Besides puffins, you might spot gulls, Arctic terns, and northern fulmars, depending on the season.

How does this tour compare in value?
At $85, it offers a unique, wildlife-focused experience with expert guides in a small-group setting—good value for those wanting an active, educational outing.

In essence, the Puffin Express combines adventure and nature in a way that’s authentic and engaging. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or an adventure seeker, it’s a lively way to explore Iceland’s coastal wildlife and get a fresh perspective on Reykjavík’s marine environment.