reykjavik puffin tour

Reykjavík Birdwatching Tours

Visit The Puffins, The Skuas, The Auks and all the lively sea birds of Faxaflói Bay on our bird watching tours from Reykjavík´s Old Harbour.

The Atlantic Puffin is both captivating and peculiar. There are many reason why locals, artists and tourists alike are seduced by these  brightly colored seabirds . They are calm while nesting and can dig burrows with their beaks and wings..but seem manic in their flying style because of their small wings. Puffin wings can beat up to 440 times per minute. Their curious behaviors and unique appearance are a couple of the reason we are drawn to Iceland to catch a glimpse.

The Atlantic puffin travels to land in the summer to nest during the warmer months. We have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, more than half the population comes to Iceland to nest in June, July and August. This is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just off the coast of Reykjavik. Puffins, Auks, Gannets along with an incredible variety of seabirds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbor. 

It is a unique and special experience to have them so close to land.

Join our expert bird watching tours from Reykjavík's Old Harbour.

Our Puffin Tours

The premium puffin tour.

Looking for that extra twist, that extra flavour of adventure and exploration? Ride our custom made RIB boats, only 12 persons on each boat with our expert crew. No birdwatching tour will get you closer to the islands, birds and the north sea.

ISK 11,990 1 Hour

The Classic Puffin Tour

It's not just puffins! Take the whole family out on this fun tour with our comfortable sightseeing ship. Meet the puffins & a variety of sea birds on this easy bird watching tour from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík.

ISK 7,990 1 Hour

Prepare for adventure

Reykjavík Boat Tours

Whales, puffins & reykjavík.

This is our greatest adventure! Get as close to the whales, dolphins and puffins as possible with out disturbing them in their natural habitat. Small groups of 12 persons in our fast RIB boats means you get an intimate experience you wont forget.

ISK 23,990 2 Hours

Reykjavík: Classic Whale Watching

The classic and original whale watching tour from Reykjavík. The specially modified whale watching ships and crew will take you out in search of a wide variety of whale species. Operated up to six times day, all year round.

ISK 13,990 3 Hours

Private Puffin Tour

Would you like to enjoy your puffin tour in an extra personal way with a chosen few? Then this is the option for you.

ISK 220,000 1 Hour

Premium Whales & Midnight Sun

Enjoy the golden hours of the seemingly endless midnight sun out on the waters. This evening tour leaves at 20.00 during the summer months from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. It is the ideal way to make the most of your day in Reykjavík.

Sea Angling Reykjavík

In the North we fish and so can you! Cast the anchors away, sail out into the brisk embrace of the Faxaflói bay and follow in the wake of hundreds of generations of Icelandic fishermen. This tour has two daily departures from May 1st to September 30th

ISK 21,990 3 Hours

Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise

Search for northern lights on this thrilling winter cruise where we maximise your chances of sightings! Watching the auroras dance in the vast starry space with the gentle lull of the ocean beneath us is an experience of a lifetime.

ISK 13,990 2 Hours

Our Favourite Tours & Activities

Golden circle tours, south coast tours, tours in reykjavik, action and excitement tours.

What are the whales up to?

The Daily Whale Diary

Puffin palooza: the return of the cutest birds, 05 may 2023.

Puffin palooza, here we come! It's that time of year when our favorite feathered friends return to the isl...

Goodbye Mr. Puffins :(

11 sep 2019.

Another September breaks our heart when we see our dear puffins leaving Iceland. It has been an amazing season...

Plenty of Puffins

15 aug 2019.

The puffins are still on our islands Lundey and Akurey so we have extended the tour season to the end of t...

We still have the puffins!

14 aug 2019.

The puffins are still here! Maybe because of the bad windy weather the puffins hang around for a bit. We still...

Pufflings on the run

02 aug 2019.

Winter is around the corner, and we know it. And pufflings as well. Lots of our little puffins are around the ...

Normal puffin day

31 jul 2019.

Today was a very normal puffin day, the puffins are still flying around feeding their pufflings that will soon...

Iceland is open for travel. Check volcano updates here .

Puffin Tours In Iceland

Meet puffins on our seabird watching tours.

Puffin Tours

PUFFIN TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK

• Tours in NORTH ICELAND
• TOURS ON THE SOUTH COAST
• About Puffins in Iceland

Puffin tours are only open for the migratory season from May to August, so be sure to book your spot early! Watch puffins in their natural habitat and combine your tour with other activities for a full day of entertainment!

Westman Islands, Volcanoes & Puffins Tour

Golden Circle & Puffin Tour

Puffin Watching tour from Reykjavík

Whales & Puffin Tour

North iceland puffin tours.

Rib Boat Whale Watching from Dalvik

Rib express tour from dalvik village in north iceland.

Price from:

PUFFIN TOURS ON THE SOUTH COAST

Ingolfshofdi Puffin Sightseeing Tour

A tractor-drawn hay cart ride to ingolfshofi puffin cape, puffins in iceland.

If you’re wondering if there are puffins in Iceland, the answer is yes! Iceland is the breeding ground for around 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population. The birds spend most of their time at sea, but they return to land during spring and summer. They form large breeding colonies and nest on land from May to late August.

Puffins are great swimmers and divers. They can dive up to 60 meters (200 ft)! They’re able to stay underwater for up to a minute and can fit more than 10 fish in their beak at a time! These cute birds are also fast, reaching speeds of 80kmh (50mph).

While puffins look like miniature versions of penguins with colorful beaks, the sound they make doesn’t resemble any other animal. Their growling sounds like a  muffled chainsaw!

Atlantic puffins are famously monogamous. Most puffins spend their lives with one mate and couples normally go to the same nesting place every year. Once the female puffin lays an egg, female and male puffins take turns caring for the egg and, later, for the baby puffin, also called a puffling.

Puffin Watching Tours in Iceland

Where Can I See Puffins in Iceland?

Looking for the best place to see puffins? Iceland offers plenty of puffin watching opportunities! Wherever you are in the country, you’re never far from one of our puffin watching tours. 

We operate  expeditions from Reykjavik  that take you to “Puffin Island”, home to more than 30,000 of these charming creatures! Just off Reykjavik’s old harbor, the boat tour allows you to see the city from a whole new angle.

If you’re traveling on the northern part of Iceland, join one of our  puffin watching tours from Dalvik . From here, you can combine puffin watching and whale watching near  Hrísey Island  for the perfect day tour. 

Looking for even more adventures? Cross the Arctic Circle and visit Iceland’s northernmost point!  Grímsey Island  is home to a plethora of different seabirds, including puffins. Get your binoculars ready!

You can see puffins on the South Coast, too! Join one of our  bird watching tours from  Ingolfshofdi Hut in the  Icelandic countryside.  Cape Ingolfshofdi lies  between Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park and the famous  Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Thousands of puffins nest in the cliffs in the summertime, making it a great spot to spot these cute seabirds.

Puffins spend most of their time out at sea. For about eight months a year, the birds rest on waves and only come to shore to nest and raise their pufflings. 

What Is the Best Time to See Puffins?

While puffins are out at sea, it’s difficult to spot them. They spread out widely across the Atlantic Ocean. One bird gets more than a square kilometer for itself (0.4 mi² ), so you’ll never see a group of puffins on the sea. 

Your best chances of spotting a colony of puffins in Iceland are in summer, from May to August. The birds are most active in the evenings. Some of their favorite spots in the country include Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords of Iceland and Papey Island in East Iceland. 

But large colonies of these charming seabirds live all along the Icelandic coast. If you’re hoping to see puffins from Reykjavik, you’ll be able to spot them just a short sail away from the old harbor!

Do People in Iceland Eat Puffins?

There are rumors going around saying that Icelanders eat puffins. In reality, not many Icelanders have tried it, and it’s certainly not part of their daily diet. But if you have a lust for a cooked puffin, some restaurants have it on their menus.

Most of the restaurants that have puffins on their menus, offer smoked or boiled birds. People say that depending on the way it’s prepared, puffin meat can taste like pastrami or liver, or have a fishy aftertaste.

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RIB BOAT PUFFIN ADVENTURE

Tour highlights.

• Adventure RIB safari boat tour
• See the Icelandic Puffins up close
• Enjoy incredible panoramic views of Reykjavik
• Small Group Experience
• See more amazing wildlife (Arctic Terns, gannets, razorbills, skuas and many more!)

Tour Details

• Availability : Every day (May – August)
• Duration : 1 hour of fun!
• Meeting time : 30 minutes before tour departing time
• Meeting location : The Whale Safari ticket office at Ægisgarður (the Old Reykjavík Harbour, downtown Reykjavik). It’s very easy to find!
• Age limit : The minimum age for this tour is 10 years old.

Tour description

In the 1 hour Puffin Express tour you will sail from central Reykjavik in a custom made RIB safari boat, specially designed to get you as close as possible to the small islands, it’s wildlife & the beautiful puffins.

Why I think you'll love this puffin adventure! 🧡

I believe this tour is a MUST DO if you're in Iceland during the summer for a few reasons. To begin with, no other tour will get you closer to the islands, the beautiful puffins & the north sea! The boat ride on the rib safari boat is also incredibly FUN & exciting!

Lastly, the tour starts & ends by the old harbor. Just a few minutes walking from most hotels in Reykjavik (no need for long and boring drives to get to the meeting location.)

To sum it up, If you want a truly unforgettable adventure and to get up close & personal with the cutest birds on planet earth - then this tour was made for you!

There is a short taxi out to sea to an island with hundreds of puffins! We saw them flying, hanging out on the island, and swimming around. We event saw some with fish they were carrying back to the island. The guide was great and the ship captain sang an old Icelandic song while heading back. It was a great experience and definitely worth doing!

I almost didn't do this, but then I read a few of the good reviews and booked it. I'm so glad that I did! We saw tons of puffins! It's a nice boat ride, doesn't take too long, and there is a great coffee shop on the dock that you can get a nice strong Irish coffee afterwards

Saw hundreds and hundreds of puffins at sea, overhead and all over Island with our outstanding guide, Iris. Our trip was on a drizzly morning with calm seas, and it turns out that those were ideal conditions, as Iris quickly and accurately explained. Highly recommend this over whale watching - so much more to see and such a unique experience that is available in few locations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Full Refund / Cancellation Policy If there are any changes to your trip to Iceland, it's always possible to either put your booking on hold (bookings never expire) or reschedule to your new travel dates. We also offer full refunds if you cancel your booking with more than 24 hours prior to your tour :) All bookings cancelled within 24 hours of the tour departure are not refundable.
• What is the max capacity for this tour? The Rib-Safari boats have 12 seats so this amazing tour is small and very personalized. You will have direct access to your guide and will be able to ask him as many questions as you can while on the tour :)
• What should I bring with me on my Puffin Tour? Dress warmly for the northern ocean, parkas are your friend or bring warm outdoor clothing like a wool or fleece sweater, some warm headgear and gloves. Sturdy shoes are recommended. ** We will supply you with a very warm overall and more gear, as well as having some sweaters to lend.
• When can I book a puffin tour? Our cute puffin friends go on holiday during the winter season. However, during the summer time, we'll have 8-10 million puffins relaxing and having a great time in Iceland. That's over 60% of the worlds puffin population! Our puffin tours are available from: 1st of May to the 31st of May three daily departures a day 1st of June to the 20th of August nine daily departures a day
• Where/when should I arrive for my puffin adventure tour? We recommend arriving no later then 30 minutes prior to your tour departure at the Whale Safari ticket office, located in downtown Reykjavik, 'Ægisgarður 7, 101 Reykjavík' (a short walk from most hotels and hostels)
• Is there a high and age limit on this Puffin Tour? Yes, the minimum height is 145 cm & 10 years old

Is your question not listed above?

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Price: 11,990 ISK

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puffin tours from Reykjavík - Iceland

Classic Puffin Watching Tour

Available: 1 May - 15 August

Duration: 1-1,5 hr. total Boat type: Yacht or similar

Passengers: 1-36 pax. A fun, fascinating and educational boat trip that takes you up close and personal! 

Premium Puffin Watching Tour

Available:  1 May - 20 August

Duration: 1 hr. total Boat type: RIB's

Passengers:  2-12 pax. Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík by RIB's multiple times a day, this is the ultimate thrilling puffin adventure!

Premium Whale & Puffin Tour

Available: 1 April - 31 October

Duration: 2 hrs. total Boat type: RIB's

Passengers:  2-12 pax. Two tours in one! An exhilarating express whale and puffin tour starting from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. 

Whale & Puffin

Available: 1 June - 15 August

Duration: 5 hrs. total Boat type: Yacht or similar & ship

Passengers: 1-36 pax. This tour combines two fun activities ideal for nature lovers. Start the day puffin watching on a smaller boat and then go whale watching on a big boat.

Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

• Watch puffins on an express cruise to Akurey Island
• A specially designed boat and binoculars let you see the puffins up close
• Learn about the puffin colony from your guide
• Enjoy convenient pickup at the Reykjavik Old Harbour or request hotel pickup (additional fee)
• Expert guide
• Binoculars on board
• NEW - Special Tours App (available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional cost - please contact supplier directly).
• Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Please make your way to the Special Tours ticket office. There you will check in and meet your guide, who will take everyone to the boat just before the departure time. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the departure.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply)
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• 443michaelq 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super Whale Watching in Reykjavik Our first excursion was cancelled due to weather but the excellent staff at Special Tours worked us in to future excursion as we were leaving soon. Desk staff was exceptional helping us. We could not have had a better experience. When we saw the first whale everyone jammed the deck but they put us on so many whales we were coming inside to warm. It must have been a record for sightings. The guide did an excellent job explaining what we were seeing. I highly recommend this tour group due to the staff. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• jogom23 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime experience! This tour exceeded all my expectations :D We were surrounded by so many whales and you didn't even know where to look at! At some point we had humpback whales, fin whales and dolphins all together! Read more Written April 5, 2024
• andrewbM1718HC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very worth doing This was awsome . There were so many whales it was amazing . my family and I really enjoyed it . The knowledge of the person talking was very interesting . I really recommend this tour Read more Written April 3, 2024
• kinseyf2024 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles March 2024 We were not very lucky seeing whales. We saw some harbor porpoises and one or two minke whales briefly if you turned your head fast enough. Try to get on board first/early so you can get a good spot. Bring layers because the wind will get ya. Also bring binoculars if you can! Guide was knowledgeable and had fun facts about whales or other sea creatures. Despite not seeing whales much, we had clear skies and a beautiful view of the Icelandic landscape. Read more Written March 30, 2024
• Daniel C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative and enjoyable boat tour After trying to find the northern lights ourselves, we decided to bite the bullet and purchase the tour. On the first night, although we did see a weak sighting, they decided that we would be able to come back another day free of charge, and we attended the following day. Our second visit was much more successful than the first night with plenty of sightings and even a couple of strong arches. The staff aboard the boats both nights were kind, informative, and very helpful - teaching all on board how and why the lights form, what each country’s ancestors believed they were, and were very accommodating for all levels (children and adults). Aboard the boats, there were hot and cold beverages, as well as snacks to keep us busy in between sightings. If you are lucky to see some lights on the tour, you don’t need to worry about taking photos yourself if you’d rather focus on the moment - the staff take photos and upload them for you to download free of charge. Overall, it was a really good experience and we’re all glad we chose to head out on the hunt with this company! Read more Written March 28, 2024
• J3194FNdavej 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 1st Class comms, instant refund This review is based on communications and information provided by the company. Unfortunately both the trips were cancelled due to extreme bad weather conditions. We were contacted by telephone & email well before both trips were due to depart and updated with probable cancellation. Offers of rescheduling and alternative trips given, however due to timescale we were unable to rebook. Full refund was received within 24 hours, without any problems whatsoever. On this basis I would trust the operator and booking process , and definitely try again for the trips in the future. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• G7308CFbrittanys 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles not great The office staff was not very welcoming or friendly. We did a whale watching tour and a northern lights tour. The whale watching was okay. But honesly I would not book a northern lights boat tour. Your moving to much to take pictures bc you are on a boat. All the photos come out blurry it was honestly a waste of money and time. The whale watching tour was over way overcrowded. We got shoved constantly to the point that we went back inside instead of staying out on one of the decks because of being shoved there just wasnt enough room to move around and see the whales. This company worries more about making money from its tourists then providing good experiences. I would go with another tour company. The only good thing I will say is the guy that was on both on tours on the boat was very friendly and helpful. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• gatesh22 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun at sea Fabulous time looking for the whales, and we found 2. The evening lights cruise was cancelled twice due to the weather. We went out on the 3rd night but unfortunately the lights didn't come out to play. Would still highly recommend Read more Written March 19, 2024
• 282christopherk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour and Guide Great boat and guides. Excellent tour with a great viewing of the Northern Lights. Would do again! Did a great job finding and explaining the Lights. Read more Written March 14, 2024
• Y2554LWangelaw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING !!! AMAZING Northern Lights !! 2 hours cruise with Andrea along the coast line. A very excisting tour. Many thanks to Mother Nature and the Team of Special Tours :-) Read more Written March 12, 2024
• Oren12 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Missed it , no transportation from hotel. The boat seats were not comfortable , and we were very tiered . So we fell asleep inside and did not watch the northern lights after all. Read more Written March 12, 2024
• andrewmN8498FP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spectacular!!! This cruise was the highlight of out trip to Iceland. Of course, we lucked out that the northern lights were especially active that night, but the woman who narrated the experience on the boat was exceptional in her attention to the sky, where to look, and when to look. She likes her job and it shows. In contrast to this tour, the next night we took a bus trip leaving at ten p.m. with the purpose of seeing the Lights. The person who monitored that tour could not hold candle to the woman on our boat tour. This just shows how important the tour guide is and how he or she affects the customer's experience. Read more Written March 12, 2024
• Inspire34165511315 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Made our Trip Our first night the tour was cancelled due to weather. The company offered a free backup plan for a small group tour to the whale museum with private tour guide. Learned a lot about whales and the northern lights. Really neat! Patrick was very funny and very passionate/knowledgeable about whales and the whole industry. Free northern lights drink at the end which was a nice touch. The beautiful thing is if your tour is cancelled you can book another boat tour that works with your trips schedule. We went the next night and saw beautiful northern lights that were all different colours. Really made our trip to Iceland complete. They even offer heavy duty overalls to help mitigate the cold winds if needed. Guide on the boat was fantastic and very knowledgeable as well. Thank you Special Tours! Would definitely recommend booking with them! Read more Written March 8, 2024
• X3103ZPgiuliag 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Whale watching in a beautiful place Wonderful experience! We spotted a humpback whale, and then it followed us back! The scenery during the tour is also stunning. Took so many videos of it, it was great. Read more Written March 7, 2024
• sofiavillabuil 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Amazing! I very very highly recommend this company. Yesterday we went on the whale watching tour which was amazing, the guides were perfect and all staff on board were very friendly and knowledgeable. We managed to see multiple Humpback whales and we found the company very ethical as they kept their space from the whales and were respectful of them. Since we enjoyed this tour so much we decided to book to go on the Northern Lights tour with them later in the evening, this was also amazing, the guide again was amazing, and we managed to see the lights, they even stayed out later so everyone could enjoy the show. After a bad experience with BusTravel Iceland we were hesitant to book any other excursions but Special Tours Iceland have absolutely made our trip and we are very grateful Read more Written February 20, 2024

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Puffin Express

Minimum Age

Tour Highlights

• Guided boat tour

What’s included

The 5 Best Puffin Tours in Reykjavik Iceland [2024]

Looking at Reykjavik Puffin tours? You’re in the right place! We’ve comprehensively reviewed the best 5 Puffin Tours in Reykjavik.

Puffins are adorable seabirds that flock to Iceland by the thousands between April through August. One popular nesting site is just outside of Reykjavik and you can take a fun boat tour to it. Below are the best options to see these cute little birds on your next trip to Iceland!

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Puffin Express Tour from Reykjavik

This guided boat tour from Reykjavik is the perfect choice to see Puffins in their natural habitat!

This 1 hour boat tour takes you to the shores of where thousands of Puffins nest between May through August. This experience is highly rated as one of the best ways to see Puffins in Iceland!

Looking to compare other options? Keep reading for full reviews on the 5 best Puffin Tours Reykjavik:

5 Best Puffin Tours Reykjavik

Below, you will find the 5 best Puffin Tours that can be taken directly from Iceland’s capital city.

1. Puffin Express Cruise from Reykjavik

⌚ Tour Time: 1 Hour | ⭐ Reviews: 4.5 Stars | ✅ Book Here

Why Take This Tour?

The Puffin Express Cruise from Reykjavik is an amazing boat tour for bird enthusiasts to see the charming puffins in their natural habitat. The tour takes you near the shores of Akurey Island, which is home to thousands of puffins from May through August.

One thing I love about this tour is that its main focus is getting close up to the Puffins, without disturbing their natural habitat. It is an incredible experience to see the Puffins up close and be able to get photos.

This tour is highly rated and has also earned over 250+ positive reviews.

What’s Included in the Puffin Express Cruise from Reykjavik ?

✔️ 1 Hour comfortable boat ride that goes near the shores of Akurey Island

✔️ Expert guide that will share facts about Puffins and other birds in Iceland

✔️ Binoculars

☑️ Click Here to Check Availability and Book Now

2. Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching Tour from Reykjavik

⌚ Tour Time: 1 Hour | ⭐ Reviews: 5 Stars | ✅ Book Here

Why take this tour?

The Premium Small-Group Puffin and Bird Watching Tour from Reykjavik is an ideal experience for those seeking a more adventurous and up-close way to see puffins. Led by an expert captain, this tour is via RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). RIB boats can go much closer to the shores than other boats, allowing you to get up close to the Puffin sites.

What’s included in the Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavik ?

✔️ 1-Hour small group tour on RIB Boat allowing you to get up close to the Puffins in their natural habitat

✔️ Expert guide to share interesting stories and facts about Puffins and other wildlife

✔️ Binoculars, warm overalls, gloves, and safety equipment

3. Reykjavik Classic Puffin Watching Cruise

⌚ Tour Time: 1-1.5 Hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.5 Stars | ✅ Book Here

The Reykjavik Classic Puffin Watching Cruise is a great option for those who want to see puffins in their natural environment, but aren’t looking to take the smaller RIB boat. The boat tour is led by an experienced guide and captain, and takes you to the island shores of Akurey and Lundey. This is where you can spot Puffins in their natural habitats!

What’s Included for the Reykjavik Classic Puffin Watching Cruise ?

✔️ 1-1.5 hour boat ride that goes close to the shores of where the Puffins are

✔️ Knowledgeable guide

✔️ Binoculars, rain coats if needed

4. 2 Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Reykjavik

⌚ Tour Time: 2 Hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.5 Stars | ✅ Book Here

This is an exhilarating way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic marine wildlife, including both whales and puffins. On this tour, you will ride in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to explore the waters around Reykjavik and spot whales in their natural habitat, as well as go close to the shores of where the puffins nest.

What’s Included in the 2 Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Reykjavik ?

✔️ 2 hour RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) ride led by expert captain and guide

✔️ Chance to see whales, puffins, and other wildlife up close

✔️ Warm overalls, lifevests, gloves and goggles

5. Iceland Super Saver: Puffin and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

⌚ Tour Time: 3-3.5 Hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4 Stars | ✅ Book Here

The Iceland Super Saver Puffin Cruise and Whale Watching Tour is a great way for nature enthusiasts to see both puffins and whales in their natural habitat. This tour is led by an expert guide that will help point out whale and puffin sightings while on the boat cruise. This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Iceland.

What’s Included in the Iceland Super Saver Puffin and Whale Watching Cruise?

✔️ 3-3.5 hour tour on a comfortable boat with blankets

✔️ Expert guide to help sight and point out whales and puffins

✔️ Chance to see both whales and puffins on one trip

What are Atlantic Puffins?

Puffins are adorable little seabirds found along the North Atlantic ocean. Puffins are popularly known for their distinctive bright orange beaks. They are very different than penguins, but are also great swimmers!

Where Can you See Puffins in Iceland?

Yes, you can see Puffins in Iceland. Here is a list of the best places to see Puffins in Iceland:

• Reykjavik – along the shores of Akurey Island
• The Westman Islands
• Dyrhólaey and the nearby Reynisfjall cliffs
• Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords

Can You See Puffins in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a great place to see Puffins as one of their popular nesting spots is on Akurey Island in the bay of Reykjavik. Therefore, it is a great option to take one of the above boat tours to see the Puffins!

Looking for places outside of Reykavik to see Puffins? Try renting a car and driving from Reykjavik to Vik . Once in Vik, you can check out Dyrhólaey and the nearby Reynisfjall cliffs, which is a popular Puffin nesting spot!

What is the Best Time of Year to See Puffins in Iceland?

Puffins come to Iceland by the thousands between April through August for their breeding season. An estimated number of 8-10 million Puffins come to Iceland. They build nests along rocky cliff edges and costal islands.

The best time to see Puffins on a Puffin tour is in June and July as that is the height of their nesting season.

Important Things to Know about Bird Watching

A few important rules to follow when bird watching is to be respectful of the birds in their natural habitat. Don’t liter or do anything to disturb their nesting. Additionally, if you ever come close to a Puffin or other bird, do not touch them as it can damage their wings.

Puffin Tours Reykjavik: Is It Worth it to go on a Puffin Tour?

It is absolutely worth it to go on a Puffin Tour! In fact, the best way to see Puffins in Reykjavik is to go on a boat tour. This is the only way you can go close to the shores of Akurey Island, where thousands of Puffins call home between April through August. The experience of seeing Puffins in their natural habitat is incredible, and is so worth the trip.

Amber is the owner and author of Get Lost in Wanderlust, a blog that helps travelers plan incredible trips across Europe from bucket list cities to charming hidden gems. She has a Bachelor's Degree in History and Psychology, and enjoys learning more about the culture and historical significance of each place she visits. When she isn't exploring Europe, she loves reading, writing, and planning her next adventure.

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Availability

May - August

Minimum Age

ISK 11.990

Tour Highlights:

• Faxaflói Bay
• Reykjavik Old Harbour
• 1-hour guided RIB boat tour
• Warm flotation suit
• Necessary safety equipment
• How To Get There

Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is the ultimate puffin adventure tour. We arrive before other operators to enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the puffins and seabirds of the Faxaflói Bay.

Take your own way to the harbor since the tour does not offer pickup. Please be at the location 30 minutes before the tour departure.

Summer is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just outside Reykjavík city. Puffins, Auks, Gannets, and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour.

But that is not all; this tour is operated in our custom-made RIB boats. They are specially designed to get you as close as possible to the islands, and when possible, we can switch the engines completely off to give the birds (and you) some peace and quiet to enjoy nature. During the tour, your guide and captain will tell you interesting facts and tales about the Puffins and our surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Participants must be older than 10 years or at least 145 cm.

Please wear warm clothes, like a wool or fleece sweater, warm headgear, and gloves.

Sturdy shoes are recommended.

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before event.

Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavík 101

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THE 3 BEST PUFFIN TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK ICELAND (2024): THE ULTIMATE REVIEW & GUIDE!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PUFFIN TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK?

Whether you are wildlife lover or not, one of the best things you can add onto your Iceland itinerary during the Spring / Summer months is booking onto one of our Top 3 recommended puffin tours from Reykjavik!

Why you ask? Astoundingly, over 60% of the World’s Puffin population flock to Iceland during the warmer months in their millions, an estimated 8 million puffins per year in fact!

This means there’s never been a better location to see these distinctively adorable tiny black and white sea birds in full force up close and personal in their natural habitat – usually with a few fish comically hanging out of their bright orange beaks!

EDITOR’S QUICK LINKS

Don’t have time to read the full post? See our quick links below:

⭐ Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík (Editor’s top pick)

⭐ Reykjavik two-in-one: Whales & Puffins (Dual wildlife combo)

⭐ Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavík (Most budget-friendly option)

Or, keep reading below to jump into each tour itinerary in detail, including 2024 prices and top highlights of each tour to see which is the best one for you:

OUR TOP 3 PUFFINS TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK

TOUR OPTION 1 (EDITORS TOP PICK)

“ Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík “

Honoured with a “Badge of Excellence” on Viator, this 5* premium small group puffin and bird watching tour is vouched as a very highly rated, personalised experience by previous customers and one of the best Puffin tours from Reykjavik options you’ll find!

Sailing out on a custom-made RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), this smaller boat gives you the closest and best possible access to the puffins whilst still maintaining a safe and respectful distance.

Board at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour before zipping across to Faxaflói Bay, north of Reykjavik, to visit a few nearby islands renowned for its thriving Puffin numbers. As well as puffins, there’s the opportunity to see even more birdlife and wildlife too!

Top highlights: Intimate small-group excursion with personal service. Venture out on a custom-made small RIB boat for the best and closest access to the puffins (remaining at a safe and respectful distance).

Tour operator: Whale Safari Iceland.

Availability: 1st May 2024 until 20th August 2024.

Tour Duration: 1 hour (approx).

Time slots: 9am or 1pm. 2 x time slots per day.

Maximum passengers: 12.

Price: From £72 GBP / $92 USD each per adult (10-99 years).

Exclusions: No children below 10 years of age permitted. Minimum height required is 145 cm.

Click to book this ‘ Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík ‘ tour! 🐧💎

TOUR OPTION 2 (DUAL WILDLIFE COMBO)

“ Reykjavik two-in-one: Whales & Puffins “

This dual combination ‘ Reykjavik two-in-one: Whales & Puffins ‘ tour is perfect for all of you wildlife lovers out there who want to see puffins PLUS even more of Iceland’s epic marine life, including whales and dolphins!

First, head out on a 1-hour puffin sightseeing tour from Reykjavik in the morning to see thousands of puffins nesting on nearby islands, before returning back and joining a separate 3-hour whale watching boat tour in the afternoon.

Keep your eyes peeled for incredible marine species, including humpback and minke whales plus dolphins and porpoises! Spot these wonderful creatures from the top deck or from the large windows in the heated lower deck space.

As an added bonus, they have a whale guarantee policy whereby if you do not see any whales on your tour, you are welcomed back on another tour free of charge to try again!

Top highlights: Perfect for a day of spotting the best of Iceland’s wildlife! 1 hour morning puffin boat tour and 3 hour afternoon whale watching tour. See thousands of nesting puffins on nearby islands, before spotting anything from humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises in the afternoon. Protective warm clothing and use of binoculars included. Whale sighting guarantee, offered a free additional trip on another boat tour if you do not see any whales on this tour.

Tour operator: Elding Whale Watching.

Availability: 1st May 2024 until 15th August 2024.

Tour Duration: 4 hours (approx) in total. 1 hour puffin boat tour and 3 hour whale watching tour on the same day. Refer to specific scheduled times given directly by Elding Whale Watching.

Time slots: Refer to specific scheduled times given directly by Elding Whale Watching.

Maximum passengers: Puffin boat tour: 40. Whale boat tour: 200.

Price: From £113 GBP / $142 USD each per adult (16+).

Click to book this ‘ Reykjavik two-in-one: Whales & Puffins ‘ tour! 🐧🐋

Check out our full list of top whale watching tours in Iceland , including from Reykjavik!

TOUR OPTION 3 (BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION)

“ Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavík “

Honoured with a “Badge of Excellence” on Viator, this “ Classic Puffin Watching Cruise ” is highly rated by previous customers. It is also the most budget-friendly puffin tour from Reykjavik we found, priced at just £44 GBP / $55 USD per adult.

With a slightly larger group of up to 30 passengers, head to either Akurey or Lundey islands just north of Reykjavik, known for their plentiful birdlife including flocks of nesting puffins!

While use of onboard binoculars is included, it is recommended to also bring your own.

Top highlights: 20 minute boat ride out to either one of two islands, Akurey or Lundey, known for their plentiful birdlife including puffins. Located just north of Reykjavik. Use of binoculars to borrow, no need to bring your own. Ensures a safe distance from puffins nesting areas is retained.

Tour Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours (approx.)

Time slots: 10am, 12pm or 2pm. 3 x time slots per day.

Maximum passengers: 30.

Price: From £44 GBP / $55 USD each per adult. For children aged 7-15 years, it is £22 GBP / $27.50 USD.

Click to book this ‘ Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavík’ tour! 🐧⛵

PUFFIN TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

What is the best month to see puffins in iceland.

The best months to see puffins in Iceland are between early May to mid August. This is why we have included a puffin tour on our top things to do in Iceland in May and Iceland in August .

That being said, if you want to see them in full force, we would narrow this down further to say the best months to see puffins in Iceland are actually June to July .

This is when thousands of them will be present, fully settled and nesting on land. This, plus their huge numbers, makes it far easier to see and take photographs of them!

In May the puffins will just be beginning to arrive onto the shores, and by August their nesting season is gradually coming to an end. This could result in seeing just a few hundred flying around or bobbing in the sea, rather than June to July’s flocks of thousands!

CAN I SEE PUFFINS NEAR REYKJAVIK?

Yes! You can see plenty of puffins near Reykjavik on nearby islands Akurey or Lundey, located in Faxaflói Bay, between the Spring / Summer months of May to August every year.

This is when they flock to Iceland, including just outside of Reykjavik, in their thousands to nest. It is advised to head out on a designated puffin sighting tour boat from Reykjavik for your best chances of spotting them!

WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST TO SEE THE PUFFINS?

For the highest chance of seeing puffins in Iceland, it is advised that a morning boat tour is the best option to see as many as you possibly can, as during the day some puffins will head out to sea to hunt for fish, etc.

Nonetheless, if you visit Iceland between May and August (and visiting in June or July especially), there should always be plentiful numbers of nesting puffins for you to still see on land.

HOW MUCH DOES A PUFFIN TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK COST IN 2024?

Prices for puffin sightseeing tours from Reykjavik vary slightly between £45 to £70 GBP / $55 to $92 based on the type of boat used and maximum number of passengers permitted per boat.

For example, our top tour pick “ Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík ” is slightly more expensive at £71 GBP / $92 USD because it is held on a custom-made RIB boat, with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

This boat type gives the best chances to see the puffins as closely as possible while still remaining respectful, and the overall tour feeling a lot more intimate and personal with such a small group.

On the other hand, the “ Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Down Town Reykjavík ” is more budget-friendly at just £44 GBP / $55 USD per adult, however the boat used is slightly larger to contain a higher capacity of 30 people maximum.

Both example tours are great options and very highly rated by previous customers, it just all depends what you want to get out of your puffin sightseeing experience!

CAN YOU SEE PUFFINS IN ICELAND IN THE WINTER?

No, it is not possible to see puffins in Iceland during Winter. At best, you may have a chance to see the very last of the nesting puffins around Iceland during late August into September, however after that they will have all left Iceland during its colder months.

It is worth noting that all puffin sightseeing tours in Iceland run seasonally from early May to mid August only.

PACKING LIST FOR ICELAND PUFFIN TOURS

USEFUL THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU ON A PUFFIN TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK:

• A digital camera with a good quality zoom.
• A pair of your own binoculars.
• A lightweight rain poncho .

CONCLUSION: PUFFIN TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK

To conclude, we believe a trip to Iceland in the Spring / Summer is not complete without experiencing one of our recommended puffin tours in Reykjavik!

Though May to August is the official puffin season in Iceland, we highly recommend taking a puffin sighting tour in the months on June and July instead. This is when the puffins in Iceland will be at full capacity in numbers, maximising your chances of seeing as many as possible.

Likewise, the fact the majority by this time will be fully settled and nesting on the islands, it will be much easier to see and take good photographs of them. Once they are in the air, those little puffins are super quick like hummingbirds!

Despite being a few notable highly-rated tours, our top tour recommendation is the “ Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík “.

Though slightly more expensive at £71 GBP / $92 USD per adult, the price is reflective of the intimate, up close and personal experience you will receive on a custom-made RIB boat with a maximum capacity of just 12 people.

We hope you have the best time spotting these adorable little seabirds in Iceland!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Due to an unfavorable air quality forecast, all Blue Lagoon facilities are closed on April 9 and 10.  Read more .

REYKJAVIK EXPRESS PUFFIN TOUR

Starting point.

Meet on location

Leaving up to four times a day from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is the ultimate puffin adventure tour. We arrive before other operators so we can enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the puffins and seabirds of the Faxaflói Bay.

THE ULTIMATE PUFFIN TOUR Leaving up to four times a day from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is the ultimate puffin adventure tour. We arrive before other operators so we can enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the puffins and seabirds of the Faxaflói Bay.

The summer is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just outside Reykjavík City. Puffins, auks, gannets and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour.

But that´s not all, this tour is operated in our custom made RIB boats. They are specially designed to get you as close as possible to the islands and when possible we can switch the engines off to give the birds (and you) some peace and quiet to enjoy nature. During the tour your guide and captain will tell you interesting facts and tales about the puffins and the surroundings.

Our RIBs are also the fastest boats in the harbour, meaning that on a short tour you will spend the majority of your time with the birds.

DETAILS ON THE TOUR: Price & Availability: See booking window on right. Min: 2 participants. Age limit: 10 years or 145 cm. Small Groups: Maximum 12 per RIB boat. Bring with you: Dress according to weather. In Iceland it is always wise to dress in warm and waterproof clothes. Weather changes are swift so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended.* Hotel pick up: Not available for this specific tour due to the early departure time. Please keep in mind that 90% of the hotels in Reykjavík are within a 5-minute walk of our office at the Old Harbour. All hotels in zipcode 101 are within an easy morning walk. Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

* If you don’t have warm clothing we will supply you with a very warm overall and more gear, as well as having some sweaters to lend.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Warm overalls in case of cold weather. Expertly guided puffin watching tour on RIB boat. Flotation suits and all safety equipment.

Important information

Flexible ticket.

Your ticket is flexible which means you can change your departure time up to two hours prior to the reserved departure. If you need to move your booking please contact us directly by e-mail at  info@whalesafari.is  and we will assist you. 

Please note: Moving the booking is always subject to availability.

Please note : 

• Please arrive 30 minuets prior to your chosen departure. If you arrive later then 10 minuets prior to the departure we can not guarantee that you can join the tour. 
• This tour has a minimum of 2 passengers. If the minimum is not met, we will offer you to reschedule or get a full refund.
• The tour has an age limit of 10 years & height limit of 145 CM

This tour may not be suitable for pregnant women. Consult your doctor before signing up.

This tour is not recommended for those with history of back and knee problems or severe heart conditions. Consult your doctor before signing up.

This tour may not be suitable for those over the age of 65 years.

Puffin season is from approximately May - August

Hotel pick up: 

Please e-mail us to info@whalesafari.is to inquire about pick-up services and fees. You can also keep in mind that we are located at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík easily within walking (2-15 min) distance from all hotels located in zop code #101 in Reykjavík. We encourage you to walk! For the environment and for your health :)

Departures:

The season for these tours is dependant on the time that the puffins arrive to Iceland each year for their breading season. The Puffin Watching season can therefor both start and finish a few days earlier or later then our advertised schedule. We adjust to this each year according to the arrival of the birds. 

1st of May to the 31st of May three daily departures  at 09.00, 13.00 & 16.00

1st of June to the 20th of August nine daily departures at 9.30, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30, 16.30 & 17.30

All sea tours and whale watching / wildlife trips are undertaken as the responsibility of its participants. Whale Safari does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk that they assume by booking said activity.

What’s included

• One hour expertly guided puffin watching tour in a 12 seater RIB boat. 
• Small Group - Only 12 passengers with expert guide & captain
• Our RIB's are fast and small so we get you extra close and extra quickly out to the islands!
• Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views off the Sun Voyager & Harpa Concert Hall. 
• Binoculars included for each passenger
• We supply warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment.

What do I need to bring

Dress warmly for our northern ocean, so if you have it, bring warm outdoor clothing like a  wool or fleece sweater, some warm headgear and gloves. Sturdy shoes are recommended. And of course bring your camera!

Friendly cancellation & refund policy

Full refund if cancelled due to weather. Cancellation fee can be witheld if cancelled with short notice.

• 1 day notice: 100% charge

Check availability

Date of travel, we accept these major credit cards..

• No booking fees or any hidden cost.
• Instant booking directly from supplier.
• Best price guarantee!

Why book with us?

5 Best Puffin Tours Reykjavik To Take In 2024

READY TO BOOK YOUR PUFFIN TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK?

You’ve come to the right article as I’m about to show you the 5 best Reykjavik puffin tours .

Iceland is known for its puffins and seeing the majestic birds in the wild is on millions of people’s bucket lists.

So naturally, a trip to Iceland is the perfect place to do so. But it can be hard to find a good tour, as there are so many options to choose from.

After visiting Iceland and taking a puffin tour, I’ve made your life easy for you and simplified your choices down to only the best of the best puffin tours from Reykjavik.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me to keep my site up and running! Read my disclaimer for more information.

🏆 EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Puffin Watching Boat Tour with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Book now!

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Puffin Tour Reykjavik

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour ✔️ 450 reviews ✔️ Guaranteed to see puffins or money back

Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour ✔️ See puffins ✔️ See minke whales & humpback whales ✔️ 4 hour tour

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour ✔️ Get the closest to the islands on a RIB ✔️ Puffin commentary

Best Puffin Tours Reykjavik

1. reykjavik: puffin watching boat tour.

⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars (450+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | 🐧 BOOK NOW

The best puffin tour Reykjavik has to offer is the Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour with over 450 positive reviews!

When booking a tour, I always like to go with a tour which has been tried and tested. I’m not too keen on booking a tour with no reviews or very few reviews.

With more than 450, Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour has certainly passed the test of time . And as hundreds of travellers before me rated this tour highly, I was confident enough to book it myself.

And it did not disappoint.

It’s one of the best things you can do in Iceland without a doubt. Getting to see puffins in their natural habitat while observing from a boat is incredible.

They’re such playful birds, they almost don’t seem real. Puffins are like cartoon characters and I could genuinely watch them all day.

This tour takes you to two spots to see puffins: Lundey and Akurey, two islands just off the coast of Reykjavik. You’re guaranteed to see puffins , or you get your money back. I think this is a nice touch because there’s no point in taking a puffin tour with no puffins.

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour lasts one hour in total, but it doesn’t take very long to reach the islands, allowing for plenty of time for birdwatching.

It’s quite unbelievable actually how much is squeezed into just one hour. Seeing puffins in the wild will leave you with memories to last a lifetime .

And if you’re looking for the best possible experience, then I recommend booking the Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour .

2. Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 Stars (290+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🐧 BOOK NOW

Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour is another favourite of mine, and it offers more than “just” a puffin tour. How does whale watching sound?

Iceland isn’t known for many animals, as there are such few native species, but two animals Iceland is known for are puffins and whales .

Many people come to Iceland to go on a whale watching tour, so why not combine it with a puffin tour from Reykjavik?

Both are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour offers the opportunity to do both of them in one go.

For transparency purposes, many people are misled and assume it’s one tour altogether. I assumed this tour. What it actually is is a puffin tour, back to the harbour, then a whale tour on a different boat.

But that doesn’t take away from the experience- it’s still one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life . The turnaround is quick and no time is wasted transferring boats.

It’s surreal experiencing them both back to back. Getting up close to the islands where there are hundreds if not thousands of puffins is amazing in itself.

And then heading to Faxaflói Bay where you can spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins …wow. It’s the definition of pinch-yourself.

As an animal lover, there are not many excursions which compare to Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour . It’s one of my favourite days ever.

3. Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (90+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | 🐧 BOOK NOW

Another really good option for a puffin tour from Reykjavik is Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour which has a whopping 4.9/5 star rating. Impressive, to say the least.

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour takes you to Faxaflói Bay, the same place where you go whale watching. So there’s a chance of seeing whales too.

But it’s also one of the best spots in Iceland for birdwatching, obviously. There is an abundance of seabirds on show here, including gannets, auks, fulmars, Arctic terns and more.

And who could forget the star of the show, puffins? As I said earlier, they’re real-life cartoon characters. They’re fascinating , and it’s like they all have their own little personalities.

Watching them hop about on the rocks, fly through the air and dive into the sea, then swim round in circles in the sea, it’s amazing. You’ll know what I mean when you see it, but the way they swim in the sea is quite unique. It’s pretty funny!

The tour is on a boat known as a RIB which is a “rigid inflatable boat”. In fancy terms, it’s an inflatable speedboat.

But this is a huge advantage as it means you can get a lot closer to the islands where the puffins are than on other tours, allowing a better look at the birds.

Of course, it’s important to always respect the wildlife and appreciate that it’s their home, we’re simply visiting. To help with this, all of these tours have commentators who will share puffin facts and teach you a lot about the magnificent birds you will get to see.

All in all, Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour is amazing and it’s highly rated for a reason. But this makes it very popular, so make sure to book well in advance.

4. Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | 🐧 BOOK NOW

It’s amazing how high the standard of these puffin tours Reykjavik has to offer is, Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour makes for yet another unforgettable hour at sea.

Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour takes you to Akurey, Engey or Lundey which are known as some of the best spots in the world for puffin-watching.

You can get pretty close to these islands on the boat, but still, puffins are pretty small. That’s why I really like the fact that the tour offers you the use of their binoculars for free .

I felt like a proper explorer or birdwatcher as I can’t say I use binoculars every day, but using them to watch puffins was pretty epic.

If you’re a photographer, puffins will be your dream shot. As apart from when they’re flying or heading towards to cliff face, they tend to sit still for long periods of time, so it’s easy to capture them.

But, if you don’t have a great camera or would prefer to live in the moment, another thing I really like about Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour and most of these other tours, is that the guide will take photos and share them with the group.

It’s a nice touch and I think by reading this post, you’ll be able to spot the quality difference between ones taken on my phone and ones taken on a proper camera haha.

Another really nice touch is that by booking this tour, you are supporting non-profit wildlife protection organisations , environmentally conscious and ethical tourism, and summer research programmes.

It’s good to see money being put to good use, especially since puffins are vulnerable and on the IUNC Red List.

So if you want to spend some time appreciating these beautiful birds and contributing to their protection, then be sure to book your 1 Hour Puffin Watching Tour .

5. Reykjavik: Puffin Observation and Birdwatching Boat Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (25+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🐧 BOOK NOW

Last but by no means least of these Reykjavik puffin tours is the amazing Reykjavik: Puffin Observation and Birdwatching Boat Tour .

Reykjavik: Puffin Observation and Birdwatching Boat Tour is the longest tour on this list (excluding the whale-watching tour), so if you’re looking to spend as much time as possible admiring the puffins, this is the tour for you.

As the above review says, it’s not a major tour company. It’s just two brothers with a passion for the sea, puffins and Iceland. This makes for a much more personable experience , and you really get to know them rather than just hear their puffin facts.

That being said, puffin facts are fascinating. Did you know puffins are nicknamed sea parrots ?

Or that they can dive from 50 metres or more straight down into the water? That’s why the review above calls them “funny divers”. Because it’s just as funny to watch as it is impressive.

Seeing puffins was on my bucket list for years before taking a puffin tour from Reykjavik, and as I’ve said throughout, it’s been one of the best days of my life.

Note that it’s only possible to take these tours at certain times of the year. Puffins stay in Iceland from June until August , the summer months. Outside of this period, they stay out at sea, so unfortunately taking a tour isn’t possible.

Thankfully, there are lots of other animal opportunities in Iceland throughout the winter such as dog sledding in Iceland . It’s another of the best things you can do on the island.

But if you visit in the summer, you have an experience which simply can’t be missed, and that is, of course, taking a puffin tour.

I can’t recommend it enough and Reykjavik: Puffin Observation and Birdwatching Boat Tour provides the perfect opportunity.

Puffin Tour Reykjavik: FAQ

Below are some questions related to Puffin tours from Reykjavik along with my answers to each question.

You can see puffins in Reykjavík on the rare occasion the birds fly inland, but for a better puffin experience, take a puffin tour to nearby islands like Akurey or Viðey where you can get up close to the birds.

The best time to see puffins in Iceland is from late May to early August. This is when they are actively nesting and easiest to spot.

Absolutely! Witnessing puffins in their natural habitat, with Iceland’s stunning landscapes as a backdrop, is a unique and memorable experience for anyone visiting the country.

Puffin Tour Reykjavik: Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete guide to the best puffin tours from Reykjavik .

Remember, the best tour is the Puffin Watching Boat Tour which has over 400 positive reviews.🐧

But in all honesty, no matter which of these puffin tours you choose to take, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time and make some lifelong memories.

Enjoy your trip to Iceland and most importantly, enjoy your puffin tour! After your tour, make sure to head to a souvenir shop so you can take a puffin-themed souvenir from Iceland !

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

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Reykjavík Premium Puffin Tour

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• Duration 1 hour
• Group Size 12 pax max
• Meeting Location Reykjavik Old Harbour

Tour description

Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is the ultimate puffin adventure tour. We arrive before other operators to enjoy an uninterrupted visit to the puffins and seabirds of the Faxaflói Bay.

Take your own way to the harbor since the tour does not offer pickup. Please be at the location 30 minutes before the tour departure.

Summer is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just outside Reykjavík city. Puffins, Auks, Gannets, and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour.

But that is not all; this tour is operated in our custom-made RIB boats. They are specially designed to get you as close as possible to the islands, and when possible, we can switch the engines completely off to give the birds (and you) some peace and quiet to enjoy nature. During the tour, your guide and captain will tell you interesting facts and tales about the Puffins and our surroundings.

Cancelation policy Refund if canceled at least 1 day before the event.

What's Included

• 1-hour guided RIB boat tour
• Warm flotation suit
• Necessary safety equipment

Good To Know

• Participants must be older than 10 years or at least 145 cm
• Please wear warm clothes, like a wool or fleece sweater, warm headgear, and gloves
• Sturdy shoes are recommended

Why Your Friend in Reykjavik Recommends This Tour

An uninterrupted luxury puffins tour. Enjoy the fun boat ride and observe nature in peace!

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Puffin Tour from Reykjavik

No booking fee, best price guarantee, free cancellation, secure payments, fully licensed local tour operators, information.

No minimum age

Satisfy Your Admiration for Birds on This Puffin Watching Tour

Discover the wildlife of Iceland and get closer to nature. Head towards Reykjavík and join this enticing Puffin Watching tour to catch the little cute birds with their ever-interesting beaks wobbling around their nests. Spend some time relaxing amidst the beautiful landscapes of Iceland and unwind in the lap of mother nature. This Reykjavík Puffin Watching Tour is custom-designed for every bird lover and nature enthusiast out there who can’t wait to get some juicy shots of the playful friendly Atlantic Puffins . So, pack your day pack, put on some warm layers and get ready to set sails on this tour to the home of Puffins.

Finding Puffins in Reykjavík:

Puffins are small beautiful little birds with brightly colored bills, emotive watery eyes, and a clumsy, wobbling walk. You would be surprised to know that Iceland is the home to more than 60% of the world’s Atlantic Puffin population . The reason being a Puffin only nests in the same place where it was born. Not only that, they need to be surrounded by their flock when nesting. Puffins are believed to nest in lifelong pairs and foster their chicks in couples only. The social bond is evident amidst the puffins. So, family being a huge deal to puffins, Iceland gets a huge flock of these cute little creatures every year which increases in number with every breeding season.

This makes Iceland one of the perfect places in the world for puffin-watching expeditions. However, you won’t be able to catch puffins all year around. So, it is recommended to visit during the peak nesting season that lasts from June to September. At that time, these brightly colored seabirds dominated the sky, sea cliffs and land. Puffins rest on the ocean’s surface and move towards the land to breed, lay eggs, incubate them and raise their chicks, till the time they fledge (time duration in which the wing feathers are developed and are perfect for flight).

The tour will begin at Reykjavík. You will take a boat to get close enough to the nesting grounds of the puffins which will take only a few minutes. Puffins have breeding grounds that are located on two of the small islands located in a short distance from Reykjavik. The islands are not inhabited by humans and are known as the puffin islands. 

Respect Nature and Be A Responsible Bird Watcher:

When heading on the Reykjavík puffin watching tour, you need to contribute a bit by being responsible when watching the puffins. Despite being in great numbers, puffins are sensitive creatures and get disturbed by the slightest of interference. Always approach slowly and very quietly, do not get too close, and do not try to feed them. Please make sure that you do not touch the puffin or catch them by any means.

  English Speaking Professional Guides

  Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities

  Warm raincoats

  Boat Tour from Reykjavik

  Use of binoculars

 Puffin Watching

 Bird Watching

Attractions

 Reykjavik Harbor

 Faxaflói Bay

 Akurey Island

 Viðey Island

 Lundey Island

 Engey Island

What to bring

 Good shoes

Warm clothes

 Headwear & Glvoes

Zoom lens for close up photos  (optional)

 Camera (optional)

 Tripod (optional)

Good to know

• The deck on the boat can be slippery. We recommend wearing good sturdy footwear. For optimal viewing and a more enjoyable cruise this tour is weather dependent.
• We will visit Engey, Akurey or Lundey Islands on the tour. The puffins are known to breed on these islands during summer.
• The islands are protected so we are not able to set foot on them, however the captain will sail as close as possible, without disturbing any natural behavior. Binoculars are available on board for those who want to use them.
• All puffin tours are subject to weather conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to bad weather conditions.
• If there are no sightings on the tour use tour ticket to join us on the next available day.

It is possible to book a pick up for the tour for extra price. Book the pick up when booking the tour.

• Pick up starts 45 minutes before the tour.
• You should be at the departure point at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

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Most frequent questions and answers

The meeting point for the tour is at Reykjavik Harbor

You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

It is possible to book a pick up from hotels in Reykjavik when booking the tour. 

If you forgot to book a pick up, you can send us an email to [email protected]

Adults: 2.200 ISK

If the tour gets cancelled due to weather you can choose between rescheduling the tour for another departure or receiving a full refund. 

Free cancellation up to 1 day before the tour. If you cancel within 1 day notice, a 100% fee will be charged. 

However, we always ask you to cancel the tour as soon as possible so we can adjust the schedule for the day depending on how many people will be joining the tour. 

Yes, we have a 100% sightings of puffins on the tour. 

Yes, and you definitely should! We recommend that you bring a tripod and zoom lens for close up photos of the puffins.

This is, of course, a personal choice, we have often had pregnant women on our trips. This tour is listed as easy so if you do not feel uncomfortable on a boat, this tour should be ideal for you. 

Do you have a question?

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Hidden Gems

Premium 1 Hour Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Description

Explore the rich birdlife just outside of Reykjavík on a RIB boat with this small group  fun-filled puffin-watching tour. Those wanting to get to know Iceland's spectacular nature, and do so with a little thrill, should not let this opportunity pass them by. 

Puffins are fascinating little creatures that flock to Iceland during the summertime to breed and feed before heading south for the winter. They dig burrows and nest in the hills of three islands just off the coast of Reykjavík and stay there with their little pufflings until they are big enough to fend for themselves. The puffins are often seen flying about or splashing in the sea with a bill full of sand-eel or other prey found in the waters of Faxaflói Bay.

You'll meet your guide at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík where you will be given overalls and assistance with  life vests and other necessary equipment before walking you down to the floating pier where your captain awaits you onboard a RIB boat, also known as a Zodiac.

On this premium tour the fast boat can get you quicker and closer to the islands than any other. Therefore you'll have both an optimal view of the puffins, and get more time marvelling at the fantastic birdlife with a small group and personal guidance - each boat only seats 12 passengers !

If the conditions are just right, the captain might turn off the engines completely, so you'll get a pleasant and peaceful experience with the birds by the shores of the nesting islands.

Among other birds frequently spotted on the tour are Auks, Guillemots, Skuas, Arctic terns and Gannets but a variety of other seabirds can often be seen as well. Your specially trained, professional guides will tell you all about the islands, the birds and wildlife seen on the tour, as well as other interesting sights you may come across.

This is one hour tour with multiple daily departures is perfect for those who have limited time in the city or those who want to venture further than the city centre.

Book now to secure your spot! Check availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

This is a 1 hr. tour on a RIB boat. Passengers must be taller than 145 cm. and fit into one of our overalls (max size xxxl) to partake in the tour. Although we do not venture far off shore, it is advised that pregnant women and people with back problems not join the tour since there is a risk of skidding from hitting the waves.

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Reykjavík Bird Watching TOurs

Visit The Puffins, The Skuas, The Auks and all the lively sea birds of Faxaflói Bay on our bird watching tours from Reykjavík´s Old Harbour. 

The Atlantic Puffin is both captivating and peculiar. There are many reason why locals, artists and tourists alike are seduced by these

brightly colored seabirds. They are calm while nesting and can dig burrows with their beaks and wings..but seem manic in their flying style

because of their small wings. Puffin wings can beat up to 440 times per minute. Their curious behaviors and unique appearance are a

couple of the reason we are drawn to Iceland to catch a glimpse. The Atlantic puffin travels to land in the summer to nest during the

warmer months. We have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, more than half the population comes to Iceland to nest in June,

July and August. This is the best time to experience  the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands just off the coast of Reykjavik. Puffins,

Auks, Gannets along with an incredible variety of seabirds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbor. 

It is a unique and special experience to have them so close to land.

Our Puffin watching boats sail to Akurey and Lundey which are two small islands off the coast of Reykjavik. We strive to protect these

alluring seabirds and therefore we will view from the boat as to ensure we don´t disrupt the nesting process.

We offer two varieties of tours so everyone can experience the magical Atlantic puffin, The Classic and The Express which you can explore

just below.

Premium Puffin Tour

Looking for that extra twist, that extra flavour of adventure and exploration. Ride our custom made RIB boats with only 12 persons on each boat. No bird watching tour will get you closer to the islands, birds and north sea

Up to 9 daily departures

Classic Puffin Tour

It's not just puffins. Meet the skuas, the gannets, the razorbills and arctic terns on a quick and easy bird watching tour from the old harbour of Reykjavík.

Operated four times a day from the 1st of May to the 15th of August.