Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Reykjavik’s vibrant harbor comes alive during the summer months as visitors flock to witness the puffin watching tour by RIB speedboat. This thrilling excursion offers a chance to observe these captivating seabirds in their natural habitat, providing a unique glimpse into their behavior and ecology. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants can expect a personalized experience, exploring the scenic coastal waters and discovering the charm of these charismatic creatures. As the boat zips across the waves, the anticipation builds, leaving you eager to learn more about these fascinating birds and the incredible landscape they call home.

Key Points

• This RIB speedboat tour from Reykjavik offers close-up views of thousands of puffins in their natural habitat during the summer breeding season.
• The 1-hour tour is priced at €70 per person and is limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience.
• Guides provide educational insights on puffin behaviors and ecology, and the scenic ride includes views of mountains and city lights.
• The tour includes necessary gear like waterproof suits and life vests, and optional add-ons like pickup/drop-off service and food/drinks.
• The tour operation is weather-dependent, and cancellations or rescheduling may occur for participant safety, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavik offers an intimate encounter with these captivating seabirds, with prices starting from €70.00 per person for a 1-hour adventure.

The tour has a limited group size of 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a live English-speaking guide.

Visitors can expect close-up views of thousands of puffins in their natural habitat, learning about the birds’ behaviors and ecology from the knowledgeable guides.

The scenic ride offers striking vistas of the mountains and city lights, along with the opportunity to spot other avian species like northern fulmars, gulls, and arctic terns.

The tour also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

Experience and Highlights

From the moment the RIB speedboat pulls away from the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, participants on the Puffin Watching Tour are treated to up-close encounters with thousands of these charming seabirds in their natural habitat.

Knowledgeable guides provide educational insights into the puffins’ behaviors and ecology, heightening the overall experience.

As the boat glides through the waters, guests marvel at the scenic views of mountains and city lights.

The tour also offers opportunities to spot other captivating species like northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.

With the engine turned off upon arrival, guests can observe the puffins’ lively antics undisturbed, creating an immersive and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Tour Details and Logistics

Departures for the Puffin Watching Tour commence from the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, located only 15 minutes away from the puffin islands of Lundey and Akurey.

The tour utilizes RIB speedboats designed for shallow drafts, allowing them to get up close to the islands. Upon arrival, the boat’s engine is turned off to provide an optimal observation experience.

The tour also features a few key highlights:

1. Enjoy a scenic ride with views of the surrounding mountains and city lights.

2. The New Special Tours Iceland app is available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, simplified Chinese) to enhance the experience.

3. Experienced captains prioritize safety and navigate based on weather conditions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Puffin Watching Tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, guided tour, and life vest for participants.

Optional add-ons are available, such as pickup and drop-off service, food and drinks, and waterproof shoes.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or children under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). This is due to the nature of the RIB speedboat ride and the need to prioritize safety and comfort for all guests.

The tour operator ensures that participants are well-equipped and prepared for the adventure, providing the necessary gear and guidance to maximize the puffin-watching experience.

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Important Information

Determined by weather conditions, the tour’s operation is a priority for the experienced captains, who ensure the safety of all participants.

While the puffin-watching experience is highly engaging, travelers should note a few important considerations:

1. The tour is subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to inclement weather, as the captains won’t compromise safety.

2. Photographing the puffins can be challenging due to their small size and rapid movements, but the guides will provide tips to enhance the experience.

3. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or children under 4 feet 6 inches (140 cm) due to the nature of the RIB speedboat ride.

Customer Feedback

Overall, customers have given the Puffin Watching Tour a positive rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides and engaging experience, though they note that photographing the puffins can be challenging due to their small size and rapid movements. The tour’s strengths are summarized in the table below:

Strengths	Challenges
Knowledgeable Guides	Photographing Puffins
Engaging Experience	–
Close-up Views of Puffins	–
Scenic Ride	–

Despite the difficulty in capturing the puffins on camera, customers have overwhelmingly praised the Puffin Watching Tour for its educational and entertaining aspects, making it a popular attraction for visitors to Reykjavik.

What to Expect

During the Puffin Watching Tour, travelers can expect an up-close encounter with Iceland’s iconic seabirds in their natural habitat. Aboard the specialized RIB speedboats, guests will venture to the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey, where thousands of puffins congregate during the summer breeding season.

The tour offers several highlights:

1. Observation of puffins in their natural environment, providing unique opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

2. Educational insights from knowledgeable guides, who share their expertise on the puffins’ behavior, habitat, and conservation.

3. Scenic views of the surrounding mountains and city lights, adding to the overall experience.

The RIB speedboats are designed to navigate the shallow waters and get close to the puffin colonies, allowing for an immersive and memorable encounter with these charismatic seabirds.

Booking and Availability

The Puffin Watching Tour typically operates daily from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour during the summer months, when the puffin population is at its peak.

Travelers can book the tour conveniently online, choosing from a range of departure times to suit their schedules.

With a maximum group size of 12 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience. Guests should book early, as the tours frequently sell out, especially during the peak summer season.

Availability may be limited on certain dates due to weather conditions, but the experienced captains always prioritize safety.

Booking the tour in advance is recommended to secure a spot and avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring on the Puffin Watching Tour?

For a puffin watching tour, one should bring warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the puffins in their natural habitat. Sunscreen and snacks may also be useful.

How Do I Get to the Departure Location?

The departure location is the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, which is only a 15-minute ride from the puffin islands. You can reach the harbour by public transportation, taxi, or by walking if your hotel is nearby.

Can I Request a Private Tour or Smaller Group?

Private tours and smaller groups may be available upon request, subject to availability. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about customizing the experience to their preferences.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participants?

The tour has age and health restrictions. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or children under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). Participants must be able to board the boat safely.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

There are no discounts mentioned for this tour. However, children under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) are not allowed to participate, which may indicate some pricing flexibility for families. The tour has a limited group size of 12 participants.

Recap

This Reykjavik puffin watching tour by RIB speedboat offers a thrilling opportunity to see these captivating seabirds up close in their natural habitat.

With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a personalized experience for up to 12 participants, it’s a must-do activity during the summer breeding season.

With free cancellation and convenient departure from the Old Harbour, it’s an ideal way to witness the charm of puffins in Reykjavik.

You can check if your dates are available here: