Reykjavik · REYKJAVIK PUFFIN WATCHING TOURS
Puffins nest on the islands off the old harbour from May to August, and the cruise is short enough to fit a morning. These 8 compare boat size, time on the water and the ones that combine puffins with whales.
Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard the wooden Puffin Express, or Old Skuli, to Lundey and Akurey. An English-speaking guide such as Patrick, Joe, or Rebekka explains puffins and other seabirds while you watch from the boat. Binoculars are provided, and puffin sightings are guaranteed.
“It was a fun trip to see the puffins. The guide was knowledgeable and humorous.”
Take a one-hour express boat from Reykjavik to Akurey Island, where puffins gather from May through August. Your English-speaking guide, perhaps Patrick, Peter, or Joe, explains puffins and local seabirds while you circle the island with binoculars on board. The trip suits a busy sightseeing day.
“We had the opportunity to see some puffins on this trip. It was a good time, the only issue was we could not understand the gentleman who was talking about the puffins.”
Cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor on two separate wildlife trips. The shallow-draft Old Skúli gets close to puffin islands, while the spacious Andrea searches Faxaflói Bay for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Guides such as Patrick and Rebecca add facts, humor, and help spotting wildlife.
“The Whale Watching was incredible! Our guide did a great job of pointing out all the dolphins and telling us all about the animals we were seeing. They also did a great job of finding a big group of Humpback Whales and finding ways for us to observe them safely and respectfully which was great. We also loved doing our Puffin Tour and would recommend brining binoculars for anyone planning on doing this part as the puffins were much smaller than we thought.”
Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Akurey, Engey, or Lundey with Elding Adventure at Sea. Your English-speaking guide points out puffins, eider ducks, terns, guillemots, and more. Free binoculars, rain gear, blankets, and seaman’s coffee help you stay warm while you watch the birds.
“Amazing boat tour, lovely guides too. We got given free binoculars to use on the boat which was really handy. We seen the puffins really close up, I really recommend this tour.”
From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll ride a fast RIB boat across Faxaflói Bay to puffin colonies near Lundey Island. Your captain and English-speaking guide point out puffins, gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. The trip lasts one hour, with coveralls, safety gear, and binoculars provided.
“We loved the puffin tour with Whale Safari. Nice friendly staff on arrival, who helped with our suits and safety equipment. It was fun on the rib boat as we got nice and close and it doesn’t matter where you sit as everyone gets to see. Megan and Miquel were very informative and happy to answer any questions. There were plenty of puffins and other birds too. We managed to get some good pics with our camera but Miquel took plenty too. It was a great trip all round and fun with some speed too making it a fun ride. On our return we made sure they had our email…”
Meet Elding Whale Watching at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a roughly one-hour cruise to Engey, Akurey, or Lundey. Your guide explains puffins and other seabirds while the crew provides binoculars and raincoats. The boat also gives you fine views of Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Sun Voyager.
“An incredible opportunity to see hundreds of Puffins! We went on Puffin excursion in Holyhead, Wales and were terribly disappointed…not one Puffin! Short excursion but well worth your time and money. They also had binoculars available to see them up close!”
Join a small group of up to 12 from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a two-hour RIB ride with a marine biologist guide. Look for puffins, dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, and humpbacks, then return past Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Warm suits, gloves, and goggles are provided.
“The staff were amazing and very friendly, the guide Matt knew his stuff. one of the best experiences I've ever had. I would highly recommend it”
Travel by ferry from Reykjavik’s south coast to the Westman Islands, where you’ll watch puffins, see Elephant Rock, visit Eldheimar Museum, and hike Eldfell Volcano. Guides such as Tomasz, Rebecca, and Thor are praised for local insight and careful pacing, but this is a long, active day.
“puffins!!!! our guide truly knew the area and was able to inspire and answer all questions. she was friendly and knowledgable. no improvements needed”
Pick a road out, a boat or a hot spring.
