Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise — An Honest Look

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and love the idea of spotting adorable puffins in their natural habitat, this Puffin Sightseeing Cruise might be on your radar. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but from what we gather, it’s a charming way to combine wildlife viewing with Iceland’s stunning seascapes. It’s a short, roughly one-hour experience designed to fit into a busy cruise schedule, and it promises a look at some of Iceland’s native seabirds, especially puffins.

What’s appealing about this cruise? First, the chance to get close to puffins and other seabirds is a major draw, especially since puffins are such charismatic birds that rarely come close enough for good photos. Second, the guides are knowledgeable, providing insights into the local flora and fauna that can really enrich the experience. On the flip side, one potential drawback is that you can’t get super close to the island, as environmental protections and boat size limit how near you can approach. This makes it more of a scenic bird-watching trip rather than a close-up encounter.

This tour suits travelers who are fond of nature, wildlife, and beautiful coastal scenery but don’t want a lengthy commitment. It’s particularly well-suited for cruise ship passengers or those with limited time in Reykjavik. If you’re looking for a relaxing, informative, and scenic outing, this could fit the bill—just keep in mind that it’s more about watching birds from a distance than close-up bird photography.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: About one hour long, making it perfect for tight schedules.
• Wildlife focus: Great opportunity to see puffins and seabirds like Arctic terns and black guillemots.
• Expert commentary: Guides are knowledgeable, adding context about Iceland’s flora and fauna.
• Limited proximity: The boat’s size and environmental restrictions mean you see birds from a distance.
• Comfort & convenience: Round-trip transfers from the port simplify logistics.
• Weather-dependent: The tour requires good weather; cancellation is possible if conditions aren’t favorable.

The Experience in Detail

This cruise starts at the Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal, just a short walk or transfer from Reykjavik’s cruise port. The round-trip transfer included in the price ensures you won’t have to worry about navigating on your own, which is a big plus if you’re unfamiliar with the area or pressed for time. The tour’s price, around $62.90 per person, is reasonable considering the focus on wildlife and scenic views, though some might see it as an investment in a one-hour experience rather than a full day’s adventure.

Once aboard the boat, which is described as state-of-the-art and capable of reaching tricky areas, you’ll set out towards Akurey Island, home to puffins during the season. The boat ride itself is about 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and listen to your guide’s commentary. The boat’s design allows it to get closer to the rocky shoreline of Akurey than larger vessels might be able to, which is helpful for bird watching.

The highlight of this cruise is undoubtedly the puffins. These birds are both adorable and fascinating to observe, especially during breeding season when they’re busy flying back and forth with fish. Many reviews mention seeing thousands of puffins, which is quite a visual spectacle. The guides are praised for knowing exactly where to position the boat for the best views, and some reviewers have noted that they felt the guides were very personable and informative, making the trip more engaging.

However, it’s worth noting that due to environmental restrictions, the boat cannot get super close to the island itself, so most sightings are from a bit of a distance. Some visitors, especially those relying on mobile cameras, found it challenging to photograph the birds clearly. As one reviewer pointed out, “the puffins look tiny,” so don’t expect to get close-up shots unless you have good binoculars or a camera with a zoom. The boat’s shallow draft and smaller size, though, do help in inching closer to the nesting sites compared to larger vessels.

While it’s an enjoyable adventure, weather can be a factor. Several reviews mention cancellations or rescheduling due to poor conditions, which is common for outdoor sea trips. Nevertheless, the company offers full refunds or rescheduling options, so it’s not a huge concern if you’re flexible.

The Guide and Atmosphere

From the reviews, the guides seem to stand out as a major positive. Comments mention knowledgeable, friendly, and funny guides who provide a good mix of facts and entertainment. For instance, one reviewer said, “Rebekah was a great narrator,” while others appreciated the commentary from guides like Joel and Patricia. Their insights help turn a simple bird-watching trip into a more memorable experience.

The boat itself is described as small, which limits the number of passengers (maximum 33). Some guests appreciated this, feeling it created a more intimate atmosphere and allowed for better viewing opportunities. Others noted the sound system’s limitations, which sometimes made it harder to hear the commentary clearly—something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise or rely heavily on the guide’s insights.

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

Most reviews agree that the puffins are abundant and active during the season, with many flying overhead, bobbing in the water, or nesting on the rocks. The use of binoculars is recommended to enhance the viewing experience, as the birds are mostly seen from a distance. It’s worth noting that some visitors, despite seeing plenty of puffins, were disappointed that the boat couldn’t get closer for better photos.

One reviewer summed it up by saying, “You need binoculars to really appreciate them because the boat cannot get close enough due to environmental restrictions.” Nonetheless, seeing thousands of puffins flying and feeding provided plenty of photo opportunities—if you’re prepared for distance shots.

Value for Money

At roughly $62.90, this tour offers a decent value if you’re interested in a quick, wildlife-focused outing. It’s not a full-day adventure, but for many, that’s a perk—it fits neatly into a busy cruise schedule or a day in Reykjavik when you want something relaxing yet memorable. The inclusion of binoculars, expert guides, and round-trip transfers adds to the value, especially considering how these elements make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Several guests called out the excellent customer service, with one noting the company held the boat for a late-arriving passenger, exemplifying their dedication to good service. Another appreciated the prompt communication about pick-up concerns, making for a hassle-free experience overall.

What to Keep in Mind

• The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations happen if conditions are poor.
• The boat cannot get very close to the birds, so don’t expect up-close photography.
• The small boat size means fewer passengers, which can be a plus for comfort.
• Bring binoculars if you want to get a better look at the puffins and seabirds.
• The timing is flexible, with multiple departures available, making it easy to fit into your day.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, note that the sea can be choppy, although this info is not explicitly provided but typical for boat trips.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is a solid choice for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts who want a quick but authentic experience of Iceland’s seabird colonies. It’s also ideal for visitors who appreciate guided commentary that enriches the scenery. If you’re traveling with children, the short duration and calm nature of the cruise might suit families with older kids, but keep in mind the limited proximity to the birds and the weather reliance.

It’s not for those expecting close-up bird photography or a full-day adventure, but it hits the mark as a relaxing, scenic, and educational outing that adds a dash of wildlife to your Iceland trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?
While the tour is fairly short, the sea can be choppy depending on the weather. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring appropriate medication or consider whether you’re comfortable with small boat rides.

What time does the cruise depart?
Multiple departure times are available, so you can choose a slot that fits your schedule. Confirm your preferred time when booking.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, but coffee is served on board during the cruise.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal, Skarfagarðar 8, 104 Reykjavík. Transfers are included for guests from Skarfabakki Harbour.

What if my ship is delayed?
The company offers a worry-free guarantee—they will hold the boat if you’re late or arrange transportation if your ship departs before the tour finishes. If your ship leaves early and you miss the tour, your money will be refunded.

Can I cancel if the weather turns bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are possible. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In sum, this Puffin Sightseeing Cruise from Reykjavik offers a relaxed, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience that’s especially suitable for those wanting to see puffins without a lengthy commitment. The guides’ knowledge and the chance to witness thousands of these charming birds make it a memorable addition to any Iceland trip, provided you’re prepared for some distance bird viewing and variable weather. If you like the idea of a peaceful boat ride with great scenery and informative commentary, this could very well be worth your time.