Iceland · Bird Watching

Reykjavík Premium Puffin Watching

1 Hour Round trip from Reykjavík Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 1-hour premium puffin watching tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
  • 02 Small-group RIB boat experience with only 12 passengers
  • 03 See puffins, auks, gannets, and other seabirds in Faxaflói bay
  • 04 Expert naturalist and captain on board
  • 05 Custom-made RIB boat with high quality suspension seats
  • 06 Warm overalls, goggles, and safety equipment provided
  • 07 Views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavík skyline from the water

Head out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a fast-paced puffin watching adventure by custom-made RIB boat. In just one hour, reach the bird-rich islands of Faxaflói bay, where puffins, auks, gannets, and other seabirds gather along the cliffs and over the water during the breeding season.

With only 12 passengers on board, this small-group experience offers a close-up and comfortable way to enjoy Iceland’s summer birdlife. Along the way, your naturalist and captain share insights about the wildlife and surroundings, and on the return journey you can take in panoramic views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavík skyline from the sea.

Puffins, auks, gannets, and a variety of other seabirds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just minutes from the harbour.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Hour
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Check-in and Boarding

Arrive at our ticket office at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Check in and sign the required safety waiver. You'll be provided with warm overalls, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

Premium Puffin Watching

Board our custom made 12 seater RIB boat, located right in front of our office. Our expert naturalist and captain will give you a safety briefing and ensure you’re comfortably seated in our high quality suspension seats. Departing from the Old Harbour, we’ll quickly make our way to the islands in Faxaflói bay, offering the fastest and most convenient way to see these iconic birds.

Puffins, auks, gannets, and a variety of other seabirds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just minutes from the harbour. Enjoy ample time to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Our RIB boats allow us to get as close as possible to the islands and when conditions permit, we’ll turn off the engines completely, allowing you and the birds to enjoy the peacefulness of nature undisturbed.

Throughout the tour, our onboard naturalist will share fascinating facts and stories about the puffins, other seabirds, and the beautiful surroundings, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the wildlife and environment.

Return to the Old Harbour

After an unforgettable adventure, we’ll head back to the Old Harbour, where your tour concludes about 1 hr. after departure. On the way back we will have a chance to view Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavík skyline from a unique angle!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 1 Hour

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 1 hr. expertly narrated puffin watching tour on a RIB boat.
  • Small Group - only 12 passengers with expert naturalist & captain.
  • High quality suspension seats for extra safety and comfort.
  • Panoramic views of Reykjavík.
  • We supply warm overalls, goggles and all necessary safety equipment.

What's Not Included

  • Pick up / Drop off (not available for this tour)
  • Refreshments (not available for this tour)

Know before you go

Make your own way to the Old Harbour for check-in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour lasts about 1 hour and requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate. If the minimum is not met, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

For safety reasons, participants must be at least 145 cm tall, weigh less than 140 kg and able to stand comfortably in our saddle-like seats. The tour may not be suitable during pregnancy and is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee injuries. Please consult with your doctor prior to booking this tour. Keep in mind that you are required to sign a safety waiver prior to departure, confirming that you are physically fit.

We abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible wildlife watching, thus each encounter is on the animals' terms and distance may be kept to minimise disturbance.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Reykjavík, IS
Tour start
Reykjavík, IS
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 hour finishes where it began, in Reykjavík.

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