Puffin Watching and Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

The best reason to take this tour is the chance to see Atlantic puffins from a cliffside staircase, not from a boat far offshore. At Hafnarhólmi, you can sometimes get within about 10 feet of the birds, with the sea and their burrows right below you. I love that the tour pairs this wildlife stop with the quiet village of Bakkagerði and a waterfall instead of making the long drive for puffins alone.

I also like the dramatic East Fjords scenery along the road and the simple comfort of an air-conditioned bus with WiFi. Guides such as Eva, Nicki, Annalise, Brin Treva, and others have been praised for friendly, entertaining commentary. The catch is time: about 90 minutes each way is possible, and the puffin stop may last only 45 to 60 minutes.

• Puffins at Hafnarhólmi: A wooden stairway brings you close to one of Iceland’s major Atlantic puffin colonies.
• Bakkagerði village: See Lindarbakki, a classic turf house, and learn about local elf folklore at Alfaborg.
• Gufufoss waterfall: A short stop brings you to a graceful waterfall often compared with Skógafoss.
• Cruise-friendly return: The tour begins and ends at Ferjuleira in Seydisfjordur.
• Wildlife timing matters: Puffin numbers can drop sharply by August, when birds begin leaving for the sea.
• Long scenic drive: The five-hour estimate includes driving, and the group may contain as many as 59 people.

Why Hafnarhólmi makes the long drive worthwhile

This tour is built around Hafnarhólmi, a small rocky islet beside the harbor at Borgarfjordur-Eystri. In summer, Atlantic puffins return to nest and raise their young here. The site is unusually easy to reach, so you do not need a boat trip or a strenuous mountain walk to get close.

The viewing area uses wooden stairs along the cliff. You can pause on the steps and look across at puffins perched near their burrows, flying low over the water, or heading out to sea. A viewing platform sits higher up, but some people find the lower section of the stairs gives a better angle and a closer look.

Bring patience. These are wild birds, not performers on a schedule. They may sit out at sea feeding, especially later in the season. Some departures see large numbers close by, while others spot only a few birds in the distance. The difference can come down to weather, time of day, crowd levels, and the stage of the nesting season.

The site can also become crowded. Several buses may arrive close together, and the narrow stairs can make it hard to reach the rail. If seeing puffins is your main goal, move toward the viewing area promptly, but do so carefully. You may need to wait for a good position rather than pushing through a line of people.

The stop is scheduled for about an hour, though the full excursion has sometimes run closer to six hours. That extra time can help, but do not count on it. If the tour is operating under tight ship timing, you may get only 45 or 50 minutes with the birds.

The East Fjords drive is part of the experience

From Seydisfjordur, the road to Borgarfjordur-Eystri takes you through a remote corner of Iceland. The scenery is the reward for the long bus ride: steep slopes, open water, wide valleys, and quiet stretches of countryside. You will spend much of the day looking through the windows rather than walking from sight to sight.

The driving time is the main tradeoff. A one-way ride can take about 90 minutes, depending on the route and conditions. With the stops included, the five-hour trip can feel full, especially if you are sensitive to winding roads or hoped for a relaxed morning in Seydisfjordur.

The air-conditioned vehicle helps on a long ride, and onboard WiFi is included. The tour is offered in English. Some guides add music, singing, personal stories, or local customs to the ride. That style can be entertaining, though the quality and amount of commentary depends on the guide assigned to your bus. Guides including Eva, Nicki, Annalise, Brin Treva, and Berlin have received especially warm praise for their friendly approach and clear, engaging delivery. Other departures have had less consistent commentary, including guides who were difficult to hear or seemed less familiar with the area.

The group limit is 59 people, so this is not a small private outing. On busy cruise days, several buses may be heading to the same places. That can affect stairway queues, bathroom lines, and the amount of quiet time you get at each stop.

Bakkagerði offers more than a quick photo stop

Bakkagerði is a small fishing village in Borgarfjordur-Eystri. The tour gives you about 20 minutes at Lindarbakki, a traditional turf house, and about 30 minutes at Alfaborg, though the exact flow can change when buses are being spaced out.

Lindarbakki is one of the clearest reminders of how Icelanders once built for the climate. Thick turf walls and a grass-covered roof provided insulation against cold and wind. People continued living in homes of this type into the early 20th century. It is a modest sight, but it helps explain how daily life once worked in Iceland’s harsher rural districts.

Do not expect a large museum or a long indoor visit. This is a brief outdoor stop, and the turf house may be more interesting to you if you enjoy traditional buildings and local history. Some people find it less exciting than the birds, but it gives the day a useful human element.

Alfaborg means elf rock. The hill is linked to Icelandic folklore and is said to be the home of the elf queen. You can take an easy walk for a higher view over Borgarfjordur-Eystri, or stay near the village if you prefer. Even if elves are not your thing, the hill offers a good reason to look beyond the bus parking area and take in the fjord.

The stop is not always presented with perfectly clear directions. Ask your guide exactly where Lindarbakki and the path to Alfaborg are before setting off, especially if you want to use the short free time well. Some departures have also included nearby village sights such as a church exterior or cemetery, depending on how the day was arranged.

Food is not included. A café stop may be available in Bakkagerði, and soup with bread has been a popular choice, but you should not rely on a full lunch being arranged. Bring a snack if you need regular food, especially because the tour can stretch beyond five hours and remote facilities are limited.

Gufufoss is a graceful final highlight

Gufufoss is smaller and gentler than Iceland’s famous Skógafoss, but it has its own appeal. Water slides down a rugged cliff, sending up a fine mist. The Icelandic word gufu means steam, which explains the waterfall’s name.

You will usually have about 30 minutes here. The view from a distance is easy to enjoy, but reaching the closer viewpoint can mean uneven ground, rocks, and a short rough walk. You do not need to go all the way in to appreciate the falls, so set your own limit. For anyone with limited mobility, the distant view may be the practical choice.

Gufufoss is sometimes crowded, especially when several buses arrive together. It is also the least universally praised stop on the route because the waterfall is modest compared with Iceland’s giant southern falls. I would treat it as a pleasant bonus, not the reason to book the tour.

The waterfall works best as part of the whole day. After the long ride to Borgarfjordur-Eystri and the intense focus of puffin watching, this is a quieter place to stretch your legs and take a few photographs.

The timing matters more than the brochure suggests

The tour is advertised at about five hours, including driving. In practice, the day may run for 5.5 or even six hours. That can be welcome if your bus is able to give you extra time at the bird colony, but it matters if you have a ship departure, another booking, or simply want time back in Seydisfjordur.

The tour begins and ends at Ferjuleira, 710 Seydisfjordur. For cruise passengers, the return to the same meeting point is useful, but you should still allow a buffer before any ship deadline. Bus loading can be confusing when several departures are scheduled close together. Look for clear staff instructions and confirm your bus time before wandering away from the port area.

Restroom planning deserves attention. The puffin site has facilities, and some tours stop in a village or service area, but remote Iceland does not offer frequent toilets. A bathroom stop can also create a delay when two full buses arrive at one facility. Use the available stop, and do not assume another one will come soon.

The same applies to food and water. Lunch is not included, and the schedule may not provide a proper meal break. Pack something small and filling. That simple step can make the long ride much more comfortable.

Is $214 a fair price for this day?

At $214 per person, the tour is not cheap. You are paying for the bus, driver, English-speaking guide, fuel, port pickup and return, WiFi, taxes, and access to several widely separated sights. The price makes the most sense if you have only a short port stay and want to see a major puffin site without arranging a rental car.

The value is strongest when the birds are active and the guide brings the region to life. Seeing puffins close on the cliff stairs can be far better than viewing them from a boat at a distance. The price feels harder to justify if you visit late in the season, see only a few birds, and spend most of the day on the bus.

The tour has a maximum of 59 people, so you are paying for convenience rather than privacy. A private vehicle would give you more control, but it would cost much more. For a solo visitor or couple coming from a cruise ship, this shared option can be a sensible way to reach a remote corner of East Iceland.

Who will enjoy this tour most

You should consider booking if puffins are high on your Iceland wish list, you are comfortable with a long bus ride, and you want a guided day from Seydisfjordur. It suits people who like combining wildlife with folklore, village scenery, and a waterfall rather than spending every minute at one bird site.

It is less suitable if you need frequent restroom stops, dislike winding roads, have limited ability on stairs or uneven ground, or want a quiet small-group outing. The puffin stairs can be crowded, and the waterfall path is not fully smooth. You can see parts of the experience without tackling every step, but the tour is not ideal for someone who cannot manage the bus and outdoor stops.

Season is crucial. The best chance for large numbers is generally from May through the end of July. By August, many puffins may have left or may spend more time at sea. No tour can guarantee close sightings, so book this for a strong possibility, not a promise.

Weather can also cancel the outing. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Seydisfjordur puffin tour?

Book it if your priority is close puffin viewing from land and you accept the long drive and shared bus format. Hafnarhólmi can deliver one of Iceland’s best easy-access bird encounters, and the route adds a real sense of East Iceland beyond the port.

I would choose an early-season departure when possible, pack lunch and water, and move efficiently at the puffin stop. If you are visiting in August or need a leisurely, highly polished tour with extensive natural history commentary, think carefully before paying $214. The scenery is beautiful, the birds can be remarkable, and the day can also feel rushed. Your expectations about timing and wildlife will decide how much value you get.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is about five hours, including driving time. Some departures have taken closer to 5.5 or six hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Ferjuleira, 710 Seydisfjordur, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How close can I get to the puffins?

At Hafnarhólmi, a wooden staircase along the cliff can bring you very close to the birds. Some people have been within about 10 feet of puffins from the stairs, though crowding and bird activity vary.

Are puffins guaranteed?

No. Puffins are wild birds and may be out at sea feeding. Numbers also tend to drop later in the season, particularly in August when migration begins.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You should bring a snack, as the remote route and changing schedule may not provide a full meal stop.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English guiding is provided, and WiFi is available on the air-conditioned vehicle.

How large can the group be?

The tour can have a maximum of 59 people. Several buses may operate on the same day.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Most people can participate, but the puffin site includes stairs and the closer route at Gufufoss includes uneven ground and rocks. You can view the waterfall from farther away without taking the rougher path.