Our classic puffin tours offer an intimate and enjoyable adventure on a small boat, providing a unique opportunity to observe puffins, often referred to as the "clowns of the sea," in their natural habitat from late April to mid-August.
The tour takes you to one of three islands (Engey, Akurey or Lundey) known for their abundant birdlife depending on the tides and conditions. While we don’t land on the islands, the captains expertly navigate close to the shores, allowing for an up-close experience with the puffins without disturbing their nesting areas. In addition to puffins, you’ll have the chance to see other bird species, such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants.
Additionally, there's a possibility of spotting other wildlife, such as seals, adding to the excitement of the tour. The rocky shores of the islands provide the perfect backdrop as our knowledgeable crew shares interesting facts and stories about the puffins and the surrounding environment. If the weather allows, the engines might be turned off, enhancing your experience by letting you fully immerse yourself in the natural sounds of the birds and the environment. This tour is designed to offer a comfortable and memorable way to enjoy Iceland’s stunning wildlife, only a few minutes away from the city centre of Reykjavík.
On top of the operator's policy above, every refund carries a processing fee: 3.5% + €0.25 for card payments, or 2% for Alipay and WeChat Pay. It applies to all refunds, including cancellations inside the free-cancellation window — the fee charged when you pay is not returned to us when we refund.
The boat deck can be slippery, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear. Please note that this tour is weather dependent for the best viewing experience and a more enjoyable cruise.
Since the birds are quite petite, we suggest bringing a good zoom lens for capturing high quality, close-up photos. Binoculars are also available to borrow on board if needed.
Since this is a wildlife tour we can never predict or guarantee sightings of any kind. Additionally, abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible wildlife watching and thus each encounter is on the animal's terms. This means that we may manoeuvre the boat in a certain way or keep our distance to minimise potential disturbance. In the event that we don't encounter any puffins, we do not offer refunds, but instead give our passengers a complimentary ticket to use another day.
Can't get enough of the sea? Combine this tour with whale watching or try our premium puffin tour that will take you closer and faster to the wildlife!