Reykjavik: 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour

Exploring the natural wonders of Iceland’s coastline is a captivating experience, and the Reykjavik 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour offers an ideal opportunity to witness these charming seabirds up close. Departing from the city’s harbor, this eco-friendly excursion takes visitors to prime puffin breeding grounds, where they can observe not only these beloved creatures but also a variety of other avian species. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable amenities, this tour promises a memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the island’s vibrant wildlife.

Key Points

• The 1-hour Puffin Watching Tour departs from Ægisgarður 5 in central Reykjavik, with easy access via public transportation.
• The tour sails to prime puffin breeding grounds, including Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, allowing for a 30-minute wildlife viewing experience.
• Along with puffins, the tour also offers opportunities to observe a variety of other seabirds, such as eider ducks, arctic terns, and cormorants.
• The tour provides free binoculars, warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets to enhance the viewing experience during the chilly boat ride.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour from Reykjavik costs €54.00 per person and lasts for an hour.

Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also opt for a reserve now & pay later option.

The tour departs from Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik and sails to the puffin breeding grounds on Akurey, Engey, or Lundey.

During the 30-minute wildlife viewing, guests can observe puffins along with other seabirds like eider ducks, arctic terns, and cormorants.

Binoculars, warm overalls, and refreshments are available onboard.

Itinerary and Wildlife Viewing

Starting from Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik, the tour sails to Akurey, Engey, or Lundey – the prime puffin breeding grounds.

During the 30-minute wildlife viewing, guests can observe the puffins in their natural habitat along the rocky shores. Along With puffins, they’ll spot eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, geese, and oystercatchers.

The naturalist guide enhances the experience by sharing interesting facts and stories about the local seabirds. The environmentally-friendly approach ensures a responsible way to view the wildlife while contributing to their protection.

Starting Location

The tour departs from Ægisgarður 5, an easily accessible location in central Reykjavik. This starting point is just a short walk from the city’s main harbor and offers convenient public transportation options.

| Getting There | Directions |

| — | — |

| By Foot | A 10-minute walk from Harpa Concert Hall |

| By Bus | Take buses 1, 3, or 14 and get off at the Ægisgarður stop |

| By Taxi | Approximately a 5-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik |

The central location ensures a smooth start to the puffin watching adventure, allowing guests to arrive and embark on the tour with minimal hassle.

Puffin Breeding Grounds

After departing from the convenient starting point in Reykjavik, the tour sails to the nearby islands of Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, home to some of the best puffin breeding grounds in the region.

Over the course of 30 minutes, visitors can observe these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat. Puffins nest in burrows along the rocky shores, diving for fish to feed their young.

The tour also provides opportunities to spot other local wildlife, including eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and more. The knowledgeable guide enhances the experience with engaging commentary about the birds and their ecosystem.

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Other Birds Observed

Along With the captivating puffins, the tour also provides opportunities to observe a variety of other seabirds that inhabit the local islands.

Visitors can spot eider ducks bobbing on the waves, their distinctive black and white plumage contrasting against the blue sea. Arctic terns swoop overhead, their graceful aerial displays mesmerizing to watch.

Eider ducks bob on the waves, their black and white plumage contrasting the blue sea. Arctic terns swoop overhead, their graceful aerial displays mesmerizing.

Guillemots, with their sleek black and white bodies, perch on the rocky cliffs, while the robust cormorants dry their outstretched wings.

Fulmars and geese add to the avian abundance, and the iconic oystercatchers patrol the shoreline, their bright orange beaks a standout feature.

Onboard Amenities

To enhance the overall viewing experience, the tour provides a variety of onboard amenities.

Free binoculars are available for passengers to get a closer look at the puffins and other seabirds.

Plus, the tour company outfits travelers with warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets to ensure they stay comfortable during the chilly boat ride.

Refreshments can also be purchased on board, allowing guests to enjoy a snack or beverage as they take in the stunning coastal views.

These thoughtful amenities contribute to a memorable and enjoyable puffin watching excursion.

• Free binoculars

• Warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets

• Refreshments available for purchase

Customer Feedback

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 173 reviews. Customers praised the knowledgeable guides, who enhanced the experience with interesting facts and stories. The transportation was also highly rated, with a 4.7/5 score. While the value for money received a 4.3/5 rating, the tour’s environmentally friendly approach to wildlife viewing was appreciated.

| Rating Metric | Score |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.5/5 |

| Guide | 4.7/5 |

| Transportation | 4.7/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |

| Highlighted Reviews | Praised knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences |

Important Information

Not all guests may find this tour suitable, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Plus, certain items are prohibited on the tour, such as high-heeled shoes, luggage, and large bags. Visitors are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing to ensure comfort during the journey.

• High-heeled shoes aren’t allowed.

• Luggage and large bags are prohibited.

• Appropriate weather-ready attire is recommended.

The tour’s environmentally friendly approach benefits wildlife protection and responsible tourism efforts.

Guests should review this information carefully to determine if the Puffin Watching Tour in Reykjavik aligns with their needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, refreshments are also available for purchase onboard. The tour provides a warm and comfortable experience, so you can enjoy the puffin watching without worrying about packing a meal.

How Often Do Puffins Return to Their Nests During the Tour?

Puffins typically return to their nests every few hours during the breeding season to feed their chicks. The tour allows visitors to observe these frequent visits and the puffins’ behaviors at their active breeding grounds for around 30 minutes.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has no specified maximum group size, but it give you an intimate wildlife viewing experience. Group sizes are typically small, allowing for personalized attention from the guide and optimal visibility of the puffins.

Can I Disembark on the Islands to Get Closer to the Puffins?

Unfortunately, guests are not able to disembark on the islands during the tour. The boat stays a safe distance from the puffin breeding grounds to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Guests can view the puffins up close using the provided binoculars.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements. It’s suitable for all ages, though young children may require assistance from a parent or guardian during the boat ride and wildlife viewing.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik 1-Hour Puffin Watching Tour provides a chance to witness Iceland’s vibrant wildlife up close. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable amenities, and stunning views, this eco-friendly excursion offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re observing puffins, eider ducks, or arctic terns, this tour delivers an enriching experience that showcases the beauty of Iceland’s seabirds.

You can check availability for your dates here: