Jet skiing in Reykjavík: which tour to book

Book the two-hour Reykjavík Bay tour. It costs from €160, gives you about an hour riding past Viðey and the puffin island of Lundey, and leaves time in the day for something else. Jet skis only run from May to September. Whoever drives needs a driving licence, and the wind decides whether you go.

How it works

All the tours we sell are run by Reykjavík Jet Skis from a base in Gufunes, on the north-east edge of the city, about fifteen minutes from downtown. You can meet there or book the pickup. You are given a fleece undersuit, a drysuit, boots, gloves, a life vest and a helmet with a radio, so the guide can talk to you on the water.

The skis are Sea-Doos, stable and quick. You ride in a line behind the guide, with stops to look around. Two people can share one ski, or you can ride alone. The price differs between the two, and the checkout shows both. Riding alone is more fun. Sharing is cheaper and the passenger gets the better view.

The water in Faxaflói is cold even in August. The drysuit keeps you dry, but your face and hands will feel it. Bring dry socks and a towel.

The tours

Reykjavík Bay Jet Ski Tour, from €160. Two hours in total and about an hour of riding, out to Lundey for puffins and round Viðey. Departures at 09:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 17:00. Children from 8 can ride as passengers. This is the one we would book.

Sunset Jet Ski Tour, from €218. The same route at 19:00 to 20:00 starts. In May and June the sun does not really set, so you are paying extra for evening light, not a sunset. In late August and September there is a real one. Children from 8 as passengers.

Adventure Jet Ski Tour, from €240. Three hours with about two hours of riding, further round the bay past Harpa and the Sun Voyager. Minimum age 12. Worth it if you have ridden before and the first hour would leave you wanting more.

Private Jet Ski Tour to Hvammsvík, from €657. A private ride up the coast into Hvalfjörður, ending at Hvammsvík hot springs, with the return by road. It is a lot of money. Our Hvammsvík guide explains the springs.

Puffins

Lundey holds thousands of nesting puffins from May to late August. A jet ski gets you there faster than a boat, but you cannot stop close and drift for long, and the noise does not help. If puffins are the reason, Elding’s Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching from €63 is cheaper and better for watching. Our puffins guide compares the boats. Choose the jet ski for the ride. The puffins are a bonus.

Who it suits, and who it does not

It suits anyone who has driven a car and wants an hour of speed in the middle of a sightseeing trip. No experience is needed and the guide sets the pace.

It does not suit small children. Most tours take passengers from 8, and the adventure tour from 12. It does not suit anyone who hates cold water on their face. And it does not work as a last-day activity: wind and swell cancel trips, and you want a spare day to move it to.

Season and cancellations

Our calendars show departures from 1 May to late September and nothing from October to April. All four tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before. If the operator cancels for weather, you get a refund or a new date.

Our honest take

Book the two-hour bay tour, ride your own ski if the budget allows, and go in June or July when the puffins are home. One hour on the water is enough for most people.

Skip the sunset tour in early summer, when there is no sunset. Skip the private Hvammsvík ride unless money truly does not matter. And if you only want puffins, take the boat.