Birdwatching · PUFFIN WATCHING TOURS IN REYKJAVIK
This is the shortlist you would send a birding friend: 15 puffin watching tours in Reykjavik worth the early alarm, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll cruise aboard the wooden Puffin Express, also called Old Skuli, toward Lundey and Akurey. Expect close views of puffins, fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots, with binoculars on board and an English-speaking guide such as Patrick or Joe.
“Lots of puffins. Weather was great. Everything on time. Great experience”
From Reykjavik’s harbor, you’ll take an express boat around Akurey Island, home to nesting puffins from May through August. Guides such as Patrick, Peter, and Joe have shared facts about puffins, fulmars, gulls, terns, and Icelandic sea life. The one-hour trip includes binoculars and several island circuits for better views.
“OK tour, guides were knowledgeable and seemed very interested in educating the passengers on the boat about puffins and their behavior. Unfortunately, the sea state was rough and this made for a bit unpleasant ride as well photographing the birds hard.”
Combine a one-hour puffin cruise on the shallow-draft Old Skúli with a 2 to 3.5-hour whale trip aboard the spacious Andrea. Guides such as Patrick, Alex, Oscar, and Celine have brought sharp wildlife knowledge and humor to recent outings. Expect seabirds, possible dolphins, minke whales, humpbacks, and a free whale-watching ticket if nothing appears.
“Enough time to watch the wales/ puffins (special stop in the way Back of the puffin tour to watch some Orcas). Very good organisation and discribtion of the tour and the animals.”
From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, sail to Akurey, Engey, or Lundey with Elding Adventure at Sea. A naturalist guide explains puffin life while you watch birds from the boat and borrow onboard binoculars. The cruise is advertised as one hour, though tides, weather, and boarding can stretch it closer to 80 or 90 minutes.
“This was a nice tour but I wish there were some binoculars offered because it was difficult to see morale than just blobs given that the birds aren’t very big.”
Join a small group of up to 12 at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a two-hour RIB trip with a marine biologist guide. You’ll visit puffin islands, search for whales and dolphins, and return past Harpa and Sun Voyager. Warm waterproof gear, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are supplied. Expect a bouncy, windy ride.
“Liked the entire whale watching trip! Saw a hump back and a few minkie whales!”
From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll ride a rigid inflatable boat across Faxaflói Bay to puffin colonies on rocky islands. Guides such as Anna, Maria, and Mikel have shared useful facts about nesting, feeding, and flight, while the captain brings you close without landing. Expect seabirds, cold spray, and a lively ride, with the best puffin numbers from May through August.
“Well organised, good group size, friendly staff, knowledgeable guide. Seeing the puffins in their natural habitat was delightful. Recommend this to everyone. Booking was easy. Finding the location easy. Good facilities and clear communication. Need to book in advance as very busy. An hour to see the puffins was enough time. Saw some great other birds too.”
Meet Elding at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a 1 to 1.5-hour cruise to Engey, Akurey, or Lundey. Your guide explains puffin life and other seabirds while the captain brings the boat close to protected nesting islands. Binoculars and raincoats are supplied, and crew photos may be shared afterward.
“It was an excellent experience and very informative. We saw many more puffins that expected! We would definitely do again.”
From Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you’ll ride a small RIB boat toward two or three protected puffin islands in Faxaflói Bay. Guides such as Maja, Alex, Sam, and Ricardo share facts about the birds while the captain cuts the engine for quiet viewing. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and binoculars are included.
“Alma was an excellent guide who took great photos for us. We get pretty close to the puffin island but If you have good binoculars bring them because the ones provided weren’t that great.”
Travel from Reykjavik by minibus and ferry to Vestmannaeyjar, where you will watch puffins at Stórhöfði, see Elephant Rock, visit Eldheimar Museum, and hike Eldfell Volcano. Guides such as Tomasz, Rebecca, Thor, and Elisa bring local history to life. It is a long, active day with lunch and drinks at your own cost.
“A long days trip to Vestmannaeyjar.. But it was worth it The puffins stole our hearts The weather was bad, but all part of the experience of an extraordinary island”
From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, combine a longer whale-watching cruise with a shorter puffin boat trip around Akurey. Look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, blankets, binoculars, and an app are included. Hotel pickup costs extra.
“Great trip, smooth ride, warm and great coffee! We enjoyed the trip and especially enjoyed seeing a humpback whale!”
Head from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Lundey in a fast RIB boat capped at 12 people. Elding supplies a warm flotation suit, hat, gloves, goggles, and safety gear. Your guide, often including Knute or another member of the bird team, explains puffins and seabirds while the captain brings you as close to the nesting cliffs as safety allows.
“Fun and exciting. The crew did a wonderful job of explaining not only the puffins we saw but also several other sea birds we saw.”
You’ll take two separate Elding boats from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: a one-hour puffin cruise to Lundey or another nearby island, then a three-hour search for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Heated indoor seating, loaner binoculars, protective gear, live English commentary, and a whale guarantee are included.
“Staff was very informative and easy check in and prompt departure. I saw about 5 humpback whales, hundreds of puffins and even a sea lion! Incredible experience!!”
Cruise from Reykjavik’s Skarfabakki Harbour to Akurey Island on a small sightseeing boat built for shallow coastal waters. An expert guide, with guides such as Joel, Patricia, Oscar, and Rebekah praised for lively commentary, points out puffins and Arctic terns. Loaner binoculars and round-trip port transfers are included.
“We were amazed to see so many puffins up close. It was a great tour with plenty of time to take pictures. Enjoyed the commentary from Oscar.”
Sail 15 minutes from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to the puffin islands, including Lundey, on a small fishing boat limited to 38 passengers. An English-speaking biologist guide explains the birds while the captain handles the route. Bring warm clothing and a camera, especially in late summer when some puffins begin leaving.
“Guide was helpful. Saw few puffins as they start to leave by this time.”
Ride Reykjavík Bay with guides Gauti and Guðjon, heading toward Puffin Island and Viðey for seabirds, then passing the Imagine Peace Tower and Harpa. This small-group tour includes warm riding gear, helmet communication, guide-led wildlife facts, and pickup options. It suits first-time riders and experienced jet-ski fans.
“This was one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland! We lucked out with the early morning tour being just the two of us—felt like a private adventure! The jet skis were fast and handled amazingly, even with some big waves (which only made it more fun!). We saw lots of puffins up close—way more than expected. Our guide was fantastic: super friendly, full of interesting facts and fun info about the area and wildlife, and constantly checking in to make sure we felt safe and comfortable. He also allow us time to play around and even do donuts. The gear was top quality and kept us warm and…”
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