Vestmannaeyjar: Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour

Vestmannaeyjar: Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour
Location: Southern Region, Iceland, Iceland
Country: Iceland
Supplier: Ribsafari ehf.

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of Iceland’s rugged coastline, puffins, and volcanic landscapes, the Vestmannaeyjar: Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour might just be a perfect addition to your trip. It’s a quick, one-hour outing that promises a close look at some of the island’s most iconic sights — from puffin colonies to volcanic lava formations.

What I really like about this tour is how it combines wildlife spotting with a dash of Iceland’s volcanic history. And the fact that it’s led by a local guide who’s eager to share stories makes it even more engaging. Plus, the boat itself offers a relaxed way to see the islands without a long trek.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour runs during the busy summer months, with a maximum of 35 passengers. If you’re seasick or prefer a quieter experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re keen on nature, wildlife, and a bit of local lore, this tour has a lot to offer.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a quick but memorable adventure in the Westman Islands, especially if you like seeing puffins and learning about volcanic activity firsthand.

Key Points

• Wildlife lovers will enjoy spotting puffins, kitty-wakes, gannets, and fulmars.
• A unique highlight is visiting the island of Elliðaey to see the famous “loneliest house in the world.”
• History buffs will appreciate the views of the new lava from the 1973 eruption.
• The sea cave visit offers impressive acoustics and a chance to enjoy some music in a natural setting.
• Guided commentary helps you understand the islands’ volcanic history and wildlife.
• Small group size (max 35) keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Tour

Setting Sail from Heimaey

The tour departs from a straightforward meeting point in Vestmannaeyjar, within walking distance of the ferry dock — just a short stroll from the harbor and the kids’ playground. This makes it easy to incorporate into your day without fussing over complicated logistics.

Once onboard, you’ll quickly find yourself out in the open sea, with the wind in your hair and your camera ready. Because the tour lasts about an hour, it’s perfect for fitting into a tight schedule or combining with other activities.

The Puffin Islands: Elliðaey and Bjarnaey

The real stars of this trip are the puffin colonies on Elliðaey and Bjarnaey. These islands are known for their abundance of puffins during the summer months — a real treat if you’re into birdwatching or just enjoy seeing these charming birds in their natural habitat.

We’ve heard from visitors that the puffins are surprisingly close, giving you fantastic photo opportunities. Some reviews mention that the guides do their best to point them out and share info about their behavior and nesting habits.

The Loneliest House on Elliðaey

One of the most striking sights is the loneliest house in the world on Elliðaey. Surrounded by rugged landscape and ocean, this little cabin looks like it’s been plucked from a storybook. It was built as a hunting lodge and now stands as a symbol of the island’s remoteness.

Seeing it from the water really highlights how isolated and unique this spot is. It’s a quick stop, but one that leaves a lasting impression — especially for fans of quirky, off-the-beaten-path sights.

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The 1973 Eruption and Lava Fields

Another fascinating aspect is the view of the new lava from the 1973 eruption. This eruption was a major event in the islands’ recent history, reshaping parts of the landscape and creating fresh volcanic rock.

The boat cruise offers a perspective that’s hard to get otherwise — sailing past the volcanic remnants and seeing the rugged, blackened coastline. It’s a visual reminder of the islands’ volcanic origins and ongoing geological activity.

The Sea Cave and Music Experience

A visit to a sea cave is always a highlight, especially with its impressive acoustics. Some tours include playing music or simply enjoying the natural echo as part of the experience. It’s a surreal moment where nature’s sounds amplify your own voice or music, making it memorable.

Keep in mind that the cave visit is brief and primarily for the experience and atmosphere, not a full exploration. Still, it’s a fun and atmospheric addition to the cruise.

Wildlife and Landscape

Throughout the trip, your guide will share insights into the islands’ wildlife and volcanic history. Besides puffins, you might spot kitty-wakes, gannets, and fulmars soaring above or nesting on the cliffs.

The scenery is rugged and striking — jagged coastlines, black volcanic rocks, and the vast Atlantic stretching beyond. It’s a peaceful, natural setting that reminds you of Iceland’s raw beauty.

Is It Worth the Price?

For around an hour’s boat ride, the price is quite reasonable considering the sights and stories packed in. It’s a chance to get up close to puffins and learn about volcanic activity from a knowledgeable guide — elements that elevate this beyond just a sightseeing cruise.

Keep in mind that food and drinks aren’t included, so if you’re hungry afterward, plan to grab a snack in town. Also, the tour runs only in summer (June to mid August) at 1:00 pm, so it’s essential to check availability in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.

The group size maxes out at 35, which helps keep things personal and allows for better interaction with the guide. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take precautions since the trip is on open water and can get a little choppy.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Dress warmly — even in summer, the sea can be cool and windy.
• Bring sunglasses and a camera — you’ll want to capture the puffins and volcanic landscapes.
• Binoculars are recommended for better wildlife viewing.
• Arrive early at the meeting point, which is just about 100 meters from the ferry dock.
• Check the weather forecast before going; tours run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour offers a manageable, engaging slice of Iceland’s Westman Islands, combining wildlife viewing, volcanic scenery, and a touch of quirky history. It’s especially suited if you’re short on time but want a memorable experience that’s both visual and educational.

The knowledgeable guides really make a difference, providing context and stories that bring the landscape to life. And the chance to see puffins in their natural habitat is a definite highlight for bird lovers.

While the trip is brief, the experiences it offers — from the puffins to the lava fields — are worth it. It’s a relaxed adventure that appeals to anyone interested in natural beauty, wildlife, and Iceland’s volcanic past.

If you’re visiting the Westman Islands in summer, this tour is a simple, enjoyable way to connect with the islands’ unique charm without a huge time commitment.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically aimed at families, older children who are comfortable on boats and interested in wildlife may enjoy it. Always check with the tour provider if you have younger kids.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, tours run in rain or shine, but extreme weather might cause cancellations for safety reasons. Always check the forecast and confirm with the provider.

How long does the tour last?
It’s exactly one hour, making it a quick and convenient activity.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, sunglasses, a camera, weather-appropriate gear, and binoculars are recommended to make the most of the experience.

Can I see puffins during the entire summer season?
Yes, the tour operates from June to mid August, which is prime puffin season.

What’s included in the tour?
The boat ride, visits to puffin islands, views of the loneliest house, lava from 1973, a sea cave visit, and a local guide providing info.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, maximum 35 passengers, which helps keep the experience personal.

Is the tour accessible for people prone to seasickness?
It might not be ideal, as it takes place on open water. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions.

What’s the meeting point?
A large white and yellow house by the children’s playground at the harbor, close to the ferry dock.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This boat tour offers a neat package of Icelandic wildlife, volcanic scenery, and local stories — all wrapped into a lively, one-hour cruise. If you’re after a relaxed way to see some of the Westman Islands’ highlights, it’s well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: