Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and have a soft spot for adorable seabirds, this puffin watching tour might just be a highlight of your trip. It’s a quick, accessible way to see these charismatic birds in their natural habitat, without needing a full day at sea. We’ve seen plenty of reviews praising the experience for its friendly guides, good value, and the chance to photograph puffins up close. Of course, it’s not perfect—puffins are small and sometimes tricky to spot—and weather can play a role. But overall, it’s an experience that appeals especially to nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

Two things we really like about this tour are the excellent onboard binoculars—which make it easier to see the tiny puffins and other seabirds—and the knowledgeable naturalist guides who share fun facts and stories along the way. It’s a tour that balances sightseeing with education, making the experience more meaningful. One possible thing to consider is the price—at $58 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik, but many reviewers feel the close-up views and expert guiding make it worth it.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic boat ride with a chance to see puffins without a huge time commitment. It’s ideal if you’re visiting Reykjavik and want a family-friendly, eco-conscious way to enjoy Iceland’s seabird colonies. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for wheelchair users and involves some time on the water, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer land-based activities, you might want to think twice.

Key Points

• Close-up wildlife viewing: See puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat with the help of onboard binoculars.
• Eco-friendly experience: The tour emphasizes environmentally responsible tourism, supporting wildlife protection projects.
• Naturalist guide: Knowledgeable guides share interesting facts and stories, enriching the experience.
• Comfortable boat ride: The boat is small enough for good views but roomy enough for comfort, with warm overalls and rain jackets provided.
• Flexible timing: Usually lasts around 1 hour, with different departure times based on availability.
• Weather considerations: Weather can impact visibility and comfort, so bring weather-appropriate clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Puffin Watching Tour

This 1-hour boat tour from Reykjavik takes you to islands known for their puffin colonies—Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. The exact island varies depending on weather and tide conditions, but the aim remains the same: to give travelers an up-close look at puffins and other seabirds in their breeding grounds.

Starting Point and Check-In

You’ll meet at Elding’s ticket office in Ægisgarður 5, in the heart of Reykjavik. The walk from the city center is just about five minutes, making it a very convenient starting point. Once you arrive, you’ll check in and can explore the nearby Whale Watching Centre if you arrive early. The staff here are friendly and will guide you through the process of exchanging your voucher for tickets.

The Boat and Its Comforts

The boat itself is cozy and designed for birdwatching, with plenty of space to move around. When you board, you’re given warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, which come in handy if the weather turns chilly or damp. You’re also free to borrow binoculars, which are perfect for spotting those tiny puffins, especially since they’re small birds that tend to stay at a distance.

The Cruise and Wildlife Spotting

The cruise itself lasts about 1.5 hours, with roughly 30 minutes spent on the islands where puffins breed. The captain knows the best spots to get close without disturbing the birds, and if conditions are right, he might even turn off the engine so you can listen to the puffins’ calls. Many reviews mention how easy it is to photograph the birds thanks to the proximity and the binoculars.

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The Islands and Birdlife

The islands are rocky and rugged, and besides puffins, you’ll see other seabirds like eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, geese, and oystercatchers. Some reviews highlight how the birds are often in water or in flight, so you get to observe their different behaviors—fishing, flying, or simply resting.

Guides and Educational Value

The naturalist guides are a definite highlight. Reviewers praise their friendliness and knowledge, with many mentioning how they provide fun facts and answer questions. One reviewer noted how the guide even shared photos after the trip, which is a nice added touch. This helps turn a simple birdwatching outing into a more educational and memorable experience.

The Realities of the Experience

While many rave about their sightings, it’s worth noting that puffins are small and quick-moving, which can make close-up viewing tricky. According to some reviews, puffins are “much smaller than you’d expect” and can be hard to see clearly without binoculars. The onboard binoculars are a bonus here; bringing your own or a good camera can make a difference.

Weather can also be a factor, especially in Iceland where rain and wind are common. Several travelers mention how the crew provides rain jackets and blankets, which help keep everyone comfortable. One review pointed out that on a day with some rain, the guide handed out binoculars so everyone could still enjoy the views despite the weather.

Pricing is another consideration. At $58 per person, some find it a bit steep, especially considering the short duration. However, most agree that the quality of views and the knowledge shared make it worth the cost. The experience’s small group size also means everyone gets a reasonable chance to see and photograph the birds without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the Ægisgarður 5 meeting point, a short walk from downtown Reykjavik. After check-in, you board the boat, which heads out into the harbor. The first leg of the trip is about 15 minutes, giving you a chance to settle aboard and enjoy the sea views. You then make your way to the islands—Lundey, Engey, or Akurey—where puffins breed.

Once at the islands, the crew carefully positions the boat to give everyone the best chance of seeing the birds without disturbing them. Here, you’ll likely see puffins in water, in flight, or perched on rocks, depending on the weather and time of day. The guide provides interesting facts about puffins and their environment, making the trip more than just birdwatching.

After about half an hour, the boat heads back to Reykjavik, with the final 15-minute ride providing a relaxed way to reflect on what you’ve seen. Many reviewers mention how the return trip is smooth, and the crew often keeps the engine off for a short while, so you can listen to the sounds of the seabirds.

The Value of This Tour

At first glance, $58 may seem like a significant expense for just an hour of activity, but when you consider what’s included—the professional guides, binoculars, warm gear, and the opportunity to see puffins in the wild—the value starts to make sense. Many travelers also appreciate that their ticket purchase helps support environmentally friendly tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.

The small group size and the ability to walk around the boat freely—thanks to its manageable size—also add to the overall experience. Plus, the chance to photograph puffins in their natural habitat, especially with guides sharing photos afterward, makes it a memorable outing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This puffin tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and anyone interested in Iceland’s wildlife. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy outdoor adventures and wildlife, it’s a good choice. It’s also suitable for those who want a relaxed, environmentally responsible activity that fits easily into a day in Reykjavik.

Because the experience involves a boat ride on the water, it’s best for those comfortable with small ships and open sea conditions. If you’re especially sensitive to motion sickness, consider whether this trip fits your needs.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour offers a friendly, educational, and scenic way to see Iceland’s adorable seabirds in their natural environment. Many travelers praise the expert guides, the close-up views, and the support for conservation efforts. While the short duration and weather dependency mean it’s not an all-day adventure, it’s a perfectly timed outing to add a touch of wilderness and wildlife to your Iceland itinerary.

If you’re looking for a small-group, eco-conscious tour with excellent birdwatching opportunities, this experience ticks many boxes. Just be sure to dress warmly and bring your camera—your chances of capturing some puffin magic are pretty good.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own binoculars?
No, the tour provides onboard binoculars for free, making it easier to see the tiny puffins and seabirds.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the boat ride and nature of the activity, it’s generally suitable for older children comfortable on the water.

How long does the tour last?
The total activity lasts about 1 hour, with the boat ride itself being slightly longer, around 1.5 hours including transportation to and from the islands.

What should I wear?
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. The tour supplies warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, but you’ll want to dress in layers, especially if it’s chilly or rainy.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep in mind that availability may vary, so check ahead.

Is this tour good in bad weather?
Weather can impact your experience—if it’s very windy or rainy, visibility might be limited. The guides do their best to make it enjoyable regardless.

Will I see puffins on the tour?
Most reviews indicate that puffins are usually present, especially during breeding season, but sightings can depend on weather and tide conditions.

Are there other birds besides puffins?
Yes, you can expect to see various seabirds like eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, geese, and oystercatchers.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat ride, onboard binoculars, warm gear, and a naturalist guide. Refreshments are available for purchase.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not specified as wheelchair accessible, so if mobility is a concern, check directly with the provider.

If you love wildlife, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want to tick puffins off your Iceland bucket list, this tour is a straightforward, enjoyable choice. The small group, friendly guides, and focus on conservation make it a memorable outing that many travelers find worth the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: