Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Discovering the captivating world of Icelandic puffins is a must-do for many visitors to Reykjavik. The Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these charming seabirds up close on Akurey Island. With convenient round-trip transfers, knowledgeable guides, and a limited group size, this excursion promises an intimate and unforgettable encounter with nature. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this cruise might just be the highlight of your Reykjavik experience.

Key Points

• The Puffin Sightseeing Cruise in Reykjavik offers close encounters with seabirds, including puffins, on a 15-minute journey to Akurey Island.
• The tour provides round-trip transfers, an expert guide, binoculars, and coffee, ensuring a worry-free and informative experience.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible, accommodates infants, and has a maximum of 33 travelers, providing an intimate setting.
• Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and abundance of puffins, though some note the birds may be seen from a distance.
• Recommendations include booking earlier time slots to avoid crowds and bringing personal binoculars for closer views of the puffins.

Overview and Experience

The Puffin Sightseeing Cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland offers visitors a chance to witness the charming seabirds up close.

With 26 reviews and a 4.0 overall rating, the cruise takes passengers on a 15-minute journey to Akurey Island, home to puffins and other seabirds.

Multiple departure times provide flexibility, and the expert guide offers commentary on the local flora and fauna.

Binoculars are available for onboard use, and coffee is served during the cruise.

The excursion includes round-trip transfers from the Skarfabakki Harbour, ensuring a worry-free shore experience.

Inclusions and Logistics

Round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour are included with the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise.

An expert guide accompanies every tour, providing commentary on the local flora and fauna. Binoculars are available for use during the cruise, allowing you to get an up-close view of the puffins and other seabirds.

Coffee is served throughout the 15-minute journey to Akurey Island, home to puffins and other wildlife.

On top of that, the tour comes with a worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee, ensuring you’ll return to port on time.

Meeting Points and Pickup Information

Participants have the option to head directly to the meeting point or request pickup.

The meeting point is the Special Tours Ticket Office at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. Travelers should arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

For those requesting pickup, it’s available at the bus area in the port.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Accessibility and Participation

The cruise is wheelchair accessible and situated near public transportation.

Infants can join the tour, as they’re allowed to sit on laps, and infant seats are available.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 33 travelers per cruise, ensuring an intimate experience.

Customers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

With these accessibility and participation options, the Reykjavik Puffin Sightseeing Cruise caters to a wide range of travelers, making it an inclusive and convenient way to spot the charming puffins and other seabirds.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, abundance of puffins, and overall enjoyable experiences offered by the Reykjavik Puffin Sightseeing Cruise.

However, some passengers mentioned seeing puffins from a distance and suggested bringing personal binoculars. Feedback on group sizes and visibility of puffins was mixed.

To ensure the best experience, the cruise recommends:

1. Booking earlier time slots for fewer crowds.
2. Bringing personal binoculars for closer views of puffins.
3. Preparing for the possibility of seeing puffins from a distance.
4. Expecting a wonderful tour with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

Puffin Viewing Highlights

A highlight of the Reykjavik Puffin Sightseeing Cruise is the opportunity to witness these charming seabirds up close.

The 15-minute journey to Akurey Island brings visitors face-to-face with puffins, as well as other species like Arctic terns and black guillemots.

The expert guide provides insightful commentary, pointing out the distinctive features of the puffins and their nesting habits.

Binoculars are available for a closer look, allowing guests to observe the puffins’ colorful beaks and comical movements.

The scenic backdrop of the island’s dramatic cliffs and ocean views completes the memorable puffin viewing experience.

Preparing for Your Puffin Adventure

Preparing for your puffin adventure begins with a few essential tips.

First, bring binoculars to get a closer look at the puffins.

Second, dress warmly in layers, as the weather can be cool on the water.

Third, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes to navigate the rocky terrain on the island.

Finally, pack any snacks or beverages you may want, as only coffee is provided during the cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Day to See Puffins?

The best time to see puffins is typically early morning or early evening when they’re most active. Many reviews recommend booking earlier tour times for smaller crowds and better visibility of the birds.

Can I Take Photographs During the Cruise?

Yes, you can take photographs during the cruise. The cruise provides binoculars for onboard use, allowing you to get a closer look at the puffins and other seabirds. Many reviewers recommend bringing personal binoculars for the best photo opportunities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

There are no age restrictions for this activity. Infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available. The cruise accommodates all ages, making it suitable for families with young children.

How Often Do Puffins Return to Their Nesting Sites?

Puffins typically return to their nesting sites on rocky cliffs and islands each year between April and September. They spend the rest of the year out at sea, only coming back to breed and raise their young.

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

Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. However, coffee is served during the tour, and there may be additional snacks or refreshments available for purchase on board.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. With round-trip transfers, knowledgeable guides, and an intimate group size, it’s a great way to experience Iceland’s stunning coastal scenery and wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, this cruise is sure to leave a lasting impression.