Exploring the vibrant seabird life of Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay is a must-do activity for visitors to Reykjavik. The Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these charismatic birds up close, all while aboard a historic wooden vessel. With expert guides providing insights and binoculars for enhanced viewing, this one-hour excursion promises an immersive and unforgettable experience in Iceland’s stunning natural setting. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply seeking an adventurous day out, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points

- 1-hour boat tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to view Atlantic puffins and other seabirds in Faxaflói Bay.
- Intimate experience on the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, accommodating up to 33 passengers with binoculars provided.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guides share insights and sing sea shanties during the journey.
- Tours subject to weather conditions, with full refunds offered for cancellations due to unfavorable sea conditions.
- Convenient "reserve now & pay later" booking option and flexible travel plans allow for easy trip adjustments.
An Unforgettable Adventure

The Puffin Watching Boat Tour in Reykjavik promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Departing from the city’s Old Harbour, the 1-hour tour explores Faxaflói Bay and nearby islands, offering 100% guaranteed sightings of the iconic Atlantic Puffin.
Aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, passengers can observe these charming seabirds alongside other species like northern fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns.
With binoculars provided, visitors can enjoy the rich birdlife of the region.
Under the guidance of knowledgeable English-speaking tour guides, this excursion delivers an exceptional opportunity to witness Iceland’s captivating coastal wildlife.
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The Puffin-Watching Experience

Stepping aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, passengers embark on an immersive puffin-watching experience in Reykjavik’s Faxaflói Bay. The boat accommodates just 33 passengers, ensuring a personal encounter with the vibrant seabirds. Binoculars are provided, allowing for up-close views of puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, and more. The knowledgeable guide shares insights throughout the journey, spotting wildlife and even singing sea shanties. As the boat approaches the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey, the sheer cliffs become alive with the sights and sounds of nesting puffins – a truly unforgettable spectacle.
| What You’ll See | Where You’ll Go |
|—————–|—————–|
| Atlantic Puffins | Faxaflói Bay |
| Northern Fulmars | Lundey Island |
| Gulls | Akurey Island |
| Arctic Terns | |
| Black Guillemots| |
Exploring Faxaflói Bay

As the boat departs the Old Harbour and ventures into Faxaflói Bay, passengers can’t help but marvel at the vast expanse of water before them.
The tour explores the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey, where a diverse array of seabirds can be observed. Passengers will spot Atlantic Puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots, among other species.
The nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey abound with a diverse array of seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.
The wooden boat Skúlaskeið, accommodating 33 passengers, provides an intimate and personal experience, with binoculars available on board for enhanced viewing.
The captain’s informative commentary and, at times, melodic sea chanties add to the overall memorable experience.
The Skúlaskeið Boat Tour

Aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, passengers embark on an intimate and captivating journey. Accommodating just 33 people, the tour provides a personalized experience to witness the abundant birdlife of Faxaflói Bay.
Binoculars are provided, allowing close-up views of Atlantic puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. The knowledgeable tour guide offers insightful commentary, enhancing the adventure. Passengers may even be treated to the captain’s rendition of lively sea shanties, adding to the immersive atmosphere.
Though weather conditions can occasionally force cancellations, the tour company offers full refunds for weather-related issues, ensuring a worry-free experience.
More Great Tours NearbyBirdwatching Delights

The abundance of seabirds in Faxaflói Bay captivates passengers on the Puffin Watching Boat Tour. Observers delight in spotting various species, including:
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Atlantic Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and comical waddle.
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Northern fulmars, gliding effortlessly above the waves.
-
Elegant Arctic terns, diving for fish.
The tour’s expert guides share their extensive knowledge, bringing the marine ecosystem to life.
Passengers peer through provided binoculars, marveling at the birds’ intricate behaviors. The intimate boat experience allows for up-close encounters, creating a memorable, wildlife-filled adventure.
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Booking and Flexibility

Booking the Puffin Watching Boat Tour is a breeze with the convenient reserve now & pay later option.
Travelers can check availability for specific starting times and plan their trip with flexible travel plans. No upfront payment is required, making it easy to secure a spot and finalize details closer to the tour date.
The meeting point is at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, providing a straightforward way to join the excursion.
The Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor serves as the straightforward meeting point for the Puffin Watching Boat Tour.
With full refunds for weather-related cancellations, travelers can book with confidence, knowing their experience is protected against the unpredictable Icelandic conditions.
Important Considerations

While the Puffin Watching Boat Tour promises a 100% puffin sighting guarantee, it’s important to be aware that the tours are subject to weather conditions.
Cancellations may occur due to unfavorable sea conditions, for which full refunds are provided.
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s crucial to:
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Notify the local partner of any mobility issues or medical problems in advance to receive appropriate assistance.
-
Dress warmly and bring additional layers, as the weather can be unpredictable on the water.
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Be prepared for potential changes or rescheduling due to weather-related factors.
Customer Testimonials

Passengers consistently praise the Puffin Watching Boat Tour for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the experience to life with their infectious enthusiasm and informative commentary.
Recent reviews highlight the guides’ ability to spot and identify a variety of bird species, providing fascinating insights that enhance the tour.
Customers also commend the captain’s charming renditions of sea shanties, which create a memorable and immersive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Cancellation Policy?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In case of weather-related cancellations, the tour operator provides full refunds as well.
Can I Bring My Own Camera and Binoculars?
Yes, passengers can bring their own cameras and binoculars on the tour. The tour provides binoculars on board, but you’re welcome to use your own equipment to capture the puffins and other birds during the 1-hour boat tour.
Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no age limit or minimum requirement for the tour. The tours are open to passengers of all ages, though very young children may need assistance. The tours accommodate a personal experience for up to 33 passengers.
Can I Purchase Food and Drinks on the Boat?
The boat tour doesn’t offer food or drinks for purchase, but passengers can bring their own refreshments. The 1-hour tour focuses on puffin watching without interruptions, providing a personal experience to observe the birds in their natural habitat.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with the boat accommodating passengers with mobility issues. Guests should notify the local partner about any accessibility needs in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
The Sum Up
The Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Sail on the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, spot vibrant puffins and other seabirds, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Faxaflói Bay. With knowledgeable guides, flexible booking, and a commitment to safety, this tour offers an immersive experience you won’t soon forget.
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