Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching

Our classic puffin tours offer an intimate and enjoyable adventure on a small boat, providing a unique opportunity to observe puffins, often referred to as the "clowns of the sea," in their natural habitat from late April to mid-August.

The tour takes you to one of three islands (Engey, Akurey or Lundey) known for their abundant birdlife depending on the tides and conditions. While we don’t land on the islands, the captains expertly navigate close to the shores, allowing for an up-close experience with the puffins without disturbing their nesting areas. In addition to puffins, you’ll have the chance to see other bird species, such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants.

Additionally, there's a possibility of spotting other wildlife, such as seals, adding to the excitement of the tour. The rocky shores of the islands provide the perfect backdrop as our knowledgeable crew shares interesting facts and stories about the puffins and the surrounding environment. If the weather allows, the engines might be turned off, enhancing your experience by letting you fully immerse yourself in the natural sounds of the birds and the environment. This tour is designed to offer a comfortable and memorable way to enjoy Iceland’s stunning wildlife, only a few minutes away from the city centre of Reykjavík.

1 hr. puffin tour
Excellent guidance
Use of raincoats
Use of binoculars

Since the birds are quite petite, we suggest bringing a good zoom lens for capturing high quality, close-up photos. Binoculars are also available to borrow on board if needed.

Can't get enough of the sea? Combine this tour with whale watching or try our premium puffin tour that will take you closer and faster to the wildlife!

Check-in
Meet us at our ticket office at least 15 min. before departure to check-in and receive your boarding card(s). Our team will show you to our boat, that is usually docked at the floating pier in front of our Visitor Centre / Wildlife Exhibition.
Boarding
Our team will greet you on board the puffin boat and welcome you on board. Make sure to have your boarding card(s) readily available to ensure a smooth boarding process. Once on the boat, you are free to walk around, chat with the crew or find the perfect lookout spot!
Puffin Watching
Depending on the tides, we will visit the puffin colonies on either Engey, Akureyri, or Lundey. These three islands, located just off Reykjavík, are known for being breeding grounds for these charming birds during the summer. The islands are protected, so we won’t be able to set foot on them, but the captain will sail as close as possible without disturbing their natural behavior. Keep an eye out for seals as well; they can often be seen resting on the rocks or hunting for food. Binoculars are available on board for you to use.

The journey to the islands can take up to 15 minutes.
Disembarking
The total duration of the tour is about 1-1,5 hrs. from boarding to disembarking, while the duration spent with the wildlife can vary. We hope you have a pleasant time on the tour and leave with a smile on your faces, as well as ever lasting memories. Feel free to email us at [email protected] for feedback or photos, which our team will happily provide if they were able to take any on the tour!

Now that you’re back on land, we recommend taking a stroll through the Old Harbour area, it is a small and quaint section with shops, restaurants and cafés.

The boat deck can be slippery, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear. Please note that this tour is weather dependent for the best viewing experience and a more enjoyable cruise.

Please stop by the Elding office in the Old Harbour no later than 15 min. prior to tour departure to collect your ticket(s).