How close do we get to the puffins?

The custom-built RIB is designed to approach the islands as closely as possible while respecting wildlife. The boat can cut engines when near colonies to allow uninterrupted observation.

What birds will I see?

Puffins are the main attraction, but you'll also see auks, gannets, and a variety of other seabirds around the Faxaflói Bay islands.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or do I need birdwatching experience?

No experience necessary. Your guide provides interpretation and interesting facts throughout, making it accessible to all interest levels.

What's included in the EUR 86 price?

The price covers the 1-hour boat tour, expert guide and captain, and access to the islands. Binoculars, cameras, and transport to the Old Harbour are not included.

How do I get to the Old Harbour?

You must arrange your own transport to Reykjavík's Old Harbour; the tour does not offer hotel pickup or shuttle services.

What happens if the tour is cancelled?

If fewer than 2 passengers book, you will be offered a reschedule or full refund. Check cancellation policies for weather-related closures.

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Top Deal

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Reykjavík Premium Puffin Tour

(5)

Reykjavík, Iceland

BirdwatchingBoat ToursAdventure ToursCity BreaksNature Tours

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About this activity

Explore Faxaflói Bay's seabird colonies aboard a custom-built RIB speedboat departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. This 1-hour tour prioritises early-morning access to puffin-rich islands before other operators arrive, with expert narration and engine-off moments for undisturbed wildlife viewing.

Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is the ultimate puffin adventure tour! We arrive at the islands before other operators so we can enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the puffins and seabirds of the Faxaflói Bay.

Duration: 1 hr.

Available: 1 May - 20 August

The summer is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just outside Reykjavík city. Puffins, Auks, Gannets and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour.

But that is not all, this tour is operated in our custom made RIB boats. They are specially designed to get you as close as possible to the islands and when possible we can switch the engines completely off to give the birds (and you) some peace and quiet to enjoy nature. During the tour your guide and captain will tell you interesting facts and tales about the Puffins and our surroundings.

PLEASE NOTE

*This tour has a minimum of 2 passengers. If the minimum is not met, we will offer you to reschedule or get a full refund.

*We do not any assume responsibility for accidents which are caused by our customers or can be traced to their own actions.

*Participants will need to sign a waiver before undertaking the trip.

*You need to make your own way to the harbour since the tour does not offer pickup.

*This tour is operated by our sister company Whale Safari*

Highlights

✓Puffins, auks, gannets and diverse seabirds in their natural habitat
✓Early-arrival advantage: beat other tour groups to the islands
✓Quiet-engine option to minimise disturbance and enhance observation
✓Specialist RIB boat design for close approaches to sea cliffs
✓Expert guide and captain commentary on local wildlife and folklore

Insider tips

★Book early-season departures (May–June) for calmer seas and better wildlife visibility
★Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom for detailed bird photography
★Wear waterproof layers and secure any loose items; RIB boats create spray and wind exposure

Good to know

•Minimum 2 passengers required; single bookings may be rescheduled or refunded
•Self-arrange transport to Old Harbour; no hotel pickup included
•Sign a liability waiver on arrival; tour operator assumes no responsibility for passenger-caused incidents
•Operated by Whale Safari, sister company to the booking platform

Who it's for

Birdwatchers and wildlife photographersNature enthusiasts seeking close encounters with Arctic seabirdsActive city-break visitors combining Reykjavík sightseeing with outdoor adventure

Best time to visit

May–20 August, with peak puffin activity in May and June. Morning departures offer the calmest sea conditions and best light for wildlife spotting.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Maya E.

Jun 2026

our guide Carla was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and 6 stops in about 3 hours.

Mariam J.

Jan 2026

our guide Luca sorted everything for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight ... For our anniversary so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in kyoto, and spot on for a couples day out, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question, tbh

Vik A.

Sep 2025

our guide Aiko was brilliant and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. Booked it for my birthday so it wasnt too busy. Perfect for first-timers, and came away with 200+ photos, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question.

Nick L.

Jul 2025

Carla our guide very good, and a little local spot off the usual route we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Hanoi before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Tom A.

Apr 2025

So nice this one, a little local spot off the usual route was amazing and Fatima the guide explain everything good. Better than Marrakech for sure, we go again!

from€86.95€86.83/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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