Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Akurey Island is close to Reykjavik, but its rocky shores hold one of Iceland’s most appealing wildlife sights: puffins bobbing in the water, flying with fish in their beaks, and gathering around their burrows. This one-hour boat trip keeps the outing short and simple, which is useful when your cruise ship gives you only a narrow window in port.

I like the loaner binoculars and the small boat, which can work into shallow coastal areas and get nearer to the island than a larger vessel. I also like the guide-led format. Guides including Joel, Patricia, Oscar, and Rebekah have been praised for making the bird facts lively rather than dry.

The main catch is distance. Environmental limits keep the boat away from the puffin colony, and the birds can look tiny without good optics. The boat’s sound system has also been uneven, and sitting on the wrong side can leave you peering over heads or missing part of the commentary.

Key points to know before you sail

• Akurey Island is about 15 minutes from Reykjavik Harbour, leaving most of the outing for the island and the return cruise.
• Puffins are seen from the boat, not on foot, and binoculars matter for spotting birds on the cliffs.
• Small-boat seating affects your view, especially when the island is on one side of the boat.
• Loaner binoculars are included, though bringing your own pair may give you a sharper view.
• The best wildlife sightings depend on season and weather, with fewer puffins late in the season and possible cancellations in poor conditions.
• The port guarantee protects cruise passengers, with round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki and help reaching the next port if the ship leaves unexpectedly.

A short cruise with a very specific reward

This is not a broad Reykjavik sightseeing cruise. You are not signing up for a long trip around the bay or a general introduction to Iceland. You are going out for one clear purpose: to see puffins and other seabirds near Akurey Island.

That focus is a strength. If puffins are high on your Iceland wish list, the trip gets you from the port to the birds without using half a day. You select a departure time, meet near Skarfabakki Harbour, and set off on a boat carrying no more than 33 people.

The short duration also suits a cruise stop. You have time to see the island, listen to a guide, and return to the port without committing to a full-day excursion. At about $63.51 per person, the price is fair if you place real value on seeing puffins and want a compact outing. It is less compelling if you expect close-up bird photography or a long, detailed wildlife cruise.

Leaving Skarfabakki Harbour

The meeting point is the bus area at Skarfabakki Harbour. If you are arriving on a cruise ship, look for the Special Tours minibus and be ready at the stated meeting time. Complimentary transfers apply to passengers using Skarfabakki.

If your ship is docked at Miðbakki instead, the departure point is only a short walk away, but the included transfer does not apply there. That distinction matters, so check your dock before you head out. One of the more useful practical details is the booking office at the harbour, where you can use a toilet before sailing.

Some departure times include a minibus ride from the port to the Special Tours office or boat departure point. This can save you a longer walk, especially if you are carrying camera equipment or moving at cruise-port pace. Pickup communication has not always been perfect, so I would confirm exactly where to wait and keep the operator’s contact details handy.

The 15-minute ride to Akurey

Once aboard, the boat spends roughly 15 minutes crossing from Reykjavik toward Akurey Island. This is the transition from city port to open water, and it gives the guide time to explain the area’s flora and fauna.

The boat is designed with a shallow draft, allowing it to approach rocky coastal spots that may be difficult for a larger boat. That does not mean you pull right up to the puffins. The colony remains at a respectful distance, both for the birds and because of environmental restrictions. Still, the smaller craft can position itself well and may bring you close enough to watch puffins flying, floating, and moving around the island.

The trip is usually calm and easy, but this is still an open-water outing. Weather affects the schedule, and a poor forecast can lead to a cancellation, a rescheduled trip, or a refund. Bring a jacket and protect your phone from spray. The information does not promise that life jackets are always worn, so if personal water safety is a concern, ask the crew about the boat’s safety arrangements before departure.

Circling the island for puffins

The boat circles Akurey Island, giving you chances to look for puffins on the water, in flight, and around the rocky nesting areas. You may also see Arctic terns and other native seabirds.

Puffins are easy to recognize once you locate them, but they can be surprisingly small at a distance. The most rewarding sightings often come when birds fly near the boat or return with fish for their young. One memorable detail from the trip is watching puffins arrive with fish in their beaks, a simple glimpse of the colony’s nesting season at work.

Your position on the boat matters. Some passengers have had their clearest view from the starboard, or right, side when the boat first approaches the island. The crew may turn the boat, but the port side may face the island only briefly during the return. If you care about photographs, move when it is safe and do not wait until the final turn to find a better angle.

This is also where expectations need managing. You are not guaranteed a close puffin portrait. A phone camera may record little more than small dots on the rocks, especially in wet or gray weather. Binoculars make a major difference, and the tour supplies them for use onboard. If you own a good pair, bring it. The supplied binoculars have received mixed comments about optical quality.

The quiet moment with the engine off

After the boat completes its circle, the crew may shut down the engine for a short period. This is one of the nicest ideas in the itinerary. Without engine noise, you can focus on the water, the island, and the movement of birds around the boat.

It is also your best chance to take photographs without the boat constantly changing position. Keep your expectations realistic: the boat still cannot move into the colony, and the success of your photos depends on light, weather, camera reach, and the birds’ distance.

Coffee is served onboard, but food is not included. The trip is short enough that you do not need a meal, though you should not expect a full snack service. The quiet pause, rather than the coffee, is the real treat.

Guides who make the birding worthwhile

The guide can make or break a short wildlife cruise. With only about an hour, there is not much spare time for a flat or poorly delivered talk.

The strongest guide experiences have included Rebekah, whose clear English and broad bird knowledge helped bring the outing to life, along with Joel, Oscar, and Patricia. Joel has been praised for explaining puffins while also pointing out unusual birds. Oscar’s commentary has added detail without making the trip feel formal, and Patricia has been singled out for teaching visitors about puffins in an engaging way.

The content covers Akurey’s birds, local flora and fauna, and the behavior you are watching in front of you. You might learn why puffins can sit on the water, how they carry fish, or why a calm day can affect their ability to take off.

Sound quality is the weak point. On some departures, the speaker at the back of the boat has not worked well, and the guide’s voice has become harder to hear as the cruise continued. I would sit near the guide or the main speaker if the boat allows it. Do not choose a rear seat solely for an unobstructed view, since a poor audio position can leave you missing the naturalist talk.

When to book for the best bird activity

The puffin season matters more than many people expect. Late-season trips can still produce sightings, including groups on the water and cliffs, but some birds may already have left. One late-season outing had enough birds to make the trip worthwhile, while another produced fewer puffins than hoped.

An earlier departure can help with both crowd levels and bird activity. One useful tip is to choose a morning time when available, since puffins may be out looking for food. Earlier departures can also feel less crowded, though the maximum group size is limited to 33 people.

Spring is appealing for visitors hoping to see the colony during the nesting period, but this tour does not promise a particular number of birds on any date. Wildlife is wildlife. A calm sea, clear weather, and a cooperative colony may give you a wonderful outing. Wind, rain, poor visibility, or seasonal timing can change the result.

How much value do you get for $63.51?

At $63.51, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. The value comes from convenience and access rather than duration. You receive the boat ride, an expert guide, binocular use, coffee, and round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour. For a cruise passenger, the worry-free return arrangement adds real value.

The operator promises to get you back to the Port of Reykjavik on time. If the ship departs unexpectedly, the shore-excursion guarantee says transportation to the next port will be arranged. If a ship delay prevents you from taking the trip, a refund is offered. That protection is important when your schedule is controlled by a cruise line rather than by you.

The price feels worthwhile for birders, families, and anyone who has always wanted to see a puffin colony. It feels high if you mainly want close photographs or a general scenic cruise. At the boat, you may spend only a short portion of the hour focused directly on the birds once boarding, travel, circling, and returning are counted.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this outing to:

• Birders who want a quick look at puffins and Arctic terns
• Families looking for a short, manageable boat trip
• Cruise passengers who want a port-friendly activity with a return guarantee
• Nature lovers who value a guide’s explanation as much as the sighting
• Visitors comfortable using binoculars to view birds at a distance

I would think twice if your main goal is professional-quality photography. The boat cannot get right beside the colony, and the puffins may be too small for a phone camera. I would also avoid booking it as your only chance to see puffins if you are visiting late in the season and cannot accept a lower chance of large numbers.

Most people can take part, and the tour operates in English. The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, which may add useful support before or during the outing.

Booking, weather, and port details

You receive confirmation when booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The experience requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is a sensible policy for a small boat near an exposed island, but it means you should leave some flexibility in your Reykjavik schedule if possible.

The included port transfer is only for Skarfabakki passengers. Miðbakki is close enough to walk from, but do not assume a minibus will collect you there. Arrive early, watch for the Special Tours minibus, and confirm the exact pickup point if your ship’s docking information is unclear.

Final verdict: book it for puffins, not for certainty

I would book the Reykjavik Puffin Sightseeing Cruise if seeing puffins is a priority and I wanted a short excursion that fits neatly around a cruise call. The small boat, included binoculars, expert guides, and port guarantee make it easy to plan. The best trips can bring you close enough to watch puffins flying over the water and carrying fish back to the island.

I would not book it expecting guaranteed close views, perfect audio, or a long wildlife safari. Sit near the guide, choose an early departure when possible, bring your own binoculars and a camera with some reach, and check the season before paying. With those expectations, this is a pleasant and focused Iceland outing that can turn one hour in Reykjavik into a memorable puffin sighting.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately one hour. The journey to Akurey Island takes about 15 minutes, followed by a circuit around the island and a return to Reykjavik Harbour.

Where does the tour depart?

The main meeting point is Skarfabakki Harbour at 544P+F35, 104 Reykjavik, Iceland. Passengers should wait at the bus area and look for a Special Tours minibus.

Is pickup included from every Reykjavik cruise dock?

No. Complimentary transfers apply to passengers at Skarfabakki Harbour. Miðbakki is a short walk from the departure point, but included transfers do not apply there.

Are binoculars provided?

Yes. Binoculars are provided for use onboard. You may bring your own pair if you want sharper optics, since the supplied binoculars may not provide the same quality as personal equipment.

What birds might I see?

The main target is the Atlantic puffin. You may also see Arctic terns and other native seabirds around Akurey Island.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The activity requires suitable weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.