The Faroe Islands are a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise. What makes this archipelago stand out is its rugged coastline, towering sea stacks, and vibrant birdlife — particularly puffins. Exploring these islands by boat offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land. We especially enjoy the Exclusive 1,5 Hour Drangarnir Boat Tour for its intimate size, expert storytelling, and chance to see wildlife up close. If you’re drawn to birdwatching, the Puffin Safari Boat Tour is a must, bringing you close to thousands of puffins amidst stunning coastal scenery. For those wanting a personalized experience, the Private Sightseeing Tour with a local skipper offers a tailored day out, while the Photography Boat Tour in Vagar is perfect for capturing the islands’ dramatic landscapes. Lastly, if you’re interested in history, the Self-guided Tour Rebellion in Klaksvik in the 1950ies offers a fascinating insight into local resilience.
Below is a list of the five best tours in the Faroe Islands, each providing a different way to experience this remarkable place, whether by boat, private guide, or self-guided experience.
1. Exclusive 1,5 Hour Drangarnir Boat Tour
Exploring the Faroe Islands’ natural highlights by boat offers a unique vantage point — and no tour exemplifies this better than the Exclusive 1,5 Hour Drangarnir Boat Tour. This small-group adventure takes you close to some of the most iconic sights, including the Drangarnir sea stacks, the Múlafossur waterfall, and Skarðsáfossur. The tour lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a perfect option if you’re tight on time but still want an immersive experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the Drangarnir sea stacks, towering 70 meters above the Atlantic, offering unforgettable photo opportunities — no camera can quite do justice to their majesty.
The boat stops also include the Múlafossur waterfall, often called “the most Instagrammed waterfall in the world,” which you get to approach closely from the water, and Skarðsáfossur, where you can see a hidden cave and basalt formations. But what really sets this tour apart is the knowledgeable guide who shares folklore, history, and wildlife sightings — including puffins, whales, and seals, if luck’s on your side. Reviewers praise its intimacy, professional captain, and fun storytelling, with one emphasizing how it’s “worth it for sure,” despite the price.
Bottom Line: If you want a quick, scenic boat trip that combines iconic sights with wildlife viewing, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for nature lovers who appreciate small groups and expert commentary.
2. Puffin Safari Boat Tour
For those enchanted by birds, the Puffin Safari Boat Tour offers an unforgettable encounter with thousands of puffins, along with stunning coastal scenery. This approximately 1.5-hour trip focuses on Vágar Island’s coastline, where the Tindhólmur islet and the Drangarnir sea stacks serve as dramatic backdrops. The tour is designed for wildlife lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure without strenuous activity.
What makes this tour special is the focus on puffins, which are guaranteed to be seen during the season. The boat glides close to the islet of Tindhólmur, known for its five peaks and striking appearance, featured as the setting for the Peter Pan and Wendy movie. The boats also pass by iconic formations like the Drangarnir sea stacks, providing fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers appreciate the small group size, friendly captain, and the fact that it’s a non-intrusive way to see the birds in their natural habitat. One noted, “It was lovely to see puffins from the water, even if some waves made the viewing a bit distant,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for bird enthusiasts and those who want a tranquil, wildlife-centered experience. It’s a good value, especially considering the guarantee of puffin sightings.
3. Photography Boat Tour in Vágar
If capturing the Faroe Islands’ rugged beauty is your main goal, the Photography Boat Tour in Vágar is a standout. Starting in Sørvágur, this 1.5-hour adventure takes you through the fjord, giving ample opportunities to snap stunning images of Sørvágur fjord, the Drangarnir seastacks, Tindhólmur, and the Múlafossur waterfall. The focus is on aesthetic shots of the dramatic landscapes and natural sculptures, making it ideal for photographers or anyone wanting to improve their landscape photography skills.
This tour offers a less touristy experience, with the chance to explore Faroese scenery from a peaceful boat. The guide shares tips on best angles and lighting, ensuring you bring back top-quality photos. Reviewers highlight the rewarding experience of seeing the islands in a way that’s hard to match from land — “This gave a great look at sights you wouldn’t see otherwise,” one writes. The small group and expert guidance make it accessible even for amateur photographers.
Bottom Line: Designed for photography enthusiasts, this tour provides a relaxed pace and stunning vistas, perfect for creating memorable images of the islands.
4. Private Sightseeing Tour with Local Skipper to Vágar Area
For travelers seeking personalized attention, the Private Sightseeing Tour with a local skipper offers an intimate, flexible way to see Vágar’s highlights. This 1.5-hour experience is capped at six people, ensuring plenty of room for questions and custom requests. The tour includes visits to Drangarnir, Tindhólmur, and Skarðsáfossur, with the added benefit of a guide who shares personal stories, folklore, and insights into Faroese life.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to tailor your experience. Whether you want to linger at a particular spot or focus on wildlife, your skipper can accommodate. Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one noting, “We loved every minute, and our guide knew everything about the islands.” The tour’s exclusivity and flexibility make it ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a private, memorable day on the water.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a customized, personal experience with a local expert. It offers great value for a small-group, private tour.
5. Self-guided Tour Rebellion in Klaksvík in the 1950ies
If history sparks your interest, the Self-guided Tour Rebellion in Klaksvík provides an affordable, flexible way to learn about the 1950s rebellion through an MP3 or app. This tour takes you through Klaksvík’s streets, visiting sites like Klaksvík Hospital, the Yellow Doctor’s House, and the Klaksvík Museum. It’s designed to be completed at your own pace over 2 to 3 hours.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local resilience and community history. It’s perfect for history buffs, independent travelers, or families who want an immersive, educational experience without the constraints of a scheduled tour. The audio guide narrates the story of the rebellion, including key figures and events, like the crisis involving the beloved doctor with a hidden past. Reviewers mention the ease of use and the compelling storytelling.
Bottom Line: An inexpensive, self-paced way to discover Klaksvík’s past, ideal for history enthusiasts or travelers who prefer their own rhythm.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When picking a tour, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. Want to see iconic rock formations and wildlife? The Exclusive Drangarnir Boat Tour is a solid choice. If birds are your passion, go for the Puffin Safari. Photography buffs should opt for the Photography Boat Tour, while history lovers might enjoy the Self-guided Klaksvík Rebellion Tour. For a private, customized day, the skipper-guided tour offers flexibility and personal interaction.
Remember that some tours, like the boat trips, depend on weather conditions, especially for wildlife viewing. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
In summary, the Faroe Islands offer a range of engaging tour options — from wildlife-focused boat trips to private explorations and self-guided historical walks. For travelers seeking a quick but memorable experience, the Exclusive Drangarnir Boat Tour hits just the right note. Nature lovers and photographers will find the Photography Boat Tour and Puffin Safari especially rewarding. Meanwhile, those interested in local stories and history should not miss the self-guided Klaksvík rebellion.
No matter what you choose, these tours help you connect with the islands’ raw beauty and resilient spirit. Book early, pack warm gear, and prepare to be amazed by the natural wonders and stories of the Faroe Islands.
