Puffin Paradise: The Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland

If you’re as enchanted by puffins as I am, Iceland is the ultimate destination to witness these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. Known for their vibrant beaks and endearing waddles, puffins are a highlight for many visitors to Iceland. Let me guide you through the best places to see puffins, the ideal times to visit, and some personal experiences that made my puffin-watching adventures unforgettable.
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ToggleWhen to See Puffins in Iceland
The best time to see puffins in Iceland is during their breeding season, which lasts from late April to early September. The peak viewing months are June and July when the puffin colonies are most active, and the birds are easily spotted as they care for their young.
The best places to see puffins in Iceland
1.Dyrhólaey
Located on the southern coast, Dyrhólaey is a popular spot for puffin watching. This dramatic promontory offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and black sand beaches, and it's a known nesting area for puffins.
Personal Experience: We visited Dyrhólaey twice with high hopes of seeing puffins. On our first visit, we were thrilled to spot a single puffin perched on the cliff edge, its colorful beak bright against the backdrop of the dark rocks. It was a brief but magical encounter that left us eager for more.

2. Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
The Westman Islands, located off the south coast of Iceland, are home to the largest puffin colony in the country. Heimaey, the main island, is particularly renowned for puffin watching.
Personal Experience: Our trip to the Westman Islands was nothing short of spectacular. As we explored Heimaey, we were greeted by countless puffins. Watching them dart in and out of their burrows and taking off from the cliffs was a captivating sight. This experience was truly a puffin lover's dream come true.

3. Látrabjarg Cliffs
Situated in the Westfjords, Látrabjarg Cliffs are among the largest bird cliffs in Europe. The cliffs provide an ideal nesting ground for puffins and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Recommendation: While reaching Látrabjarg requires a bit of a journey, the reward is well worth it. The cliffs are teeming with puffins during the breeding season, and the birds are quite approachable, making it a fantastic spot for photography.

4. Borgarfjörður Eystri
In East Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is another excellent location for puffin watching. The Hafnarhólmi puffin colony is easily accessible, and a viewing platform allows for close observation of the birds.
Recommendation: This area is less crowded than some of the more popular puffin-watching spots, offering a peaceful and intimate experience with nature.

Puffin Watching Tours
If you prefer a guided experience, several puffin-watching tours are available throughout Iceland. These tours often combine puffin watching with other activities such as whale watching or exploring nearby islands.
1. Reykjavik Puffin Tours
From Reykjavík's Old Harbor, visitors can embark on puffin watching tours that typically last 1-2 hours, taking you to nearby islands like Lundey and Akurey where thousands of puffins nest during the summer months (May-August). These boat tours, operated by companies like Special Tours and Elding, provide an intimate glimpse of these charming seabirds in their natural habitat, with experienced guides sharing insights about puffin behavior and ecology while ensuring respectful wildlife viewing practices.
2. Westman Islands Tours
Numerous operators on the Westman Islands offer specialized puffin-watching tours. These tours often include a visit to the island's puffin habitats and provide insights into the life and habits of these fascinating birds.
3. Husavik Puffin Watching Tours
In North Iceland, tours from Husavik also offer puffin-watching opportunities, often in combination with whale watching, making for an exciting and diverse wildlife experience.
Tips for Puffin Watching
- Timing: The best time to see puffins is early in the morning or late in the evening when they return from feeding at sea.
- Respect Nature: Always maintain a respectful distance from the birds and their nests to avoid disturbing them.
- Bring Binoculars: While puffins can often be seen up close, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience, especially when observing larger colonies.
- Photography: A zoom lens will help you capture stunning photos of these charismatic birds without getting too close.
Final Thoughts
Seeing puffins in Iceland is a magical experience that combines the thrill of wildlife observation with the stunning beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Whether you’re exploring the cliffs of Dyrhólaey, the islands of Vestmannaeyjar, or the remote reaches of the Westfjords, each puffin sighting is a moment to cherish.
Our journey to find puffins led us from the solitary puffin at Dyrhólaey to the bustling colonies of the Westman Islands, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and set off on your own puffin-watching adventure in Iceland—you won’t be disappointed!

About the Author
Meet Gitana, the adventurous soul behind Tripsiniceland! She has been living in Iceland since 2022, Gitana is passionate about helping travelers discover the best of this stunning country. Through her blog, she shares expert tips and insider advice to ensure you have an unforgettable Icelandic adventure. Whether you're dreaming of glaciers, volcanoes, or hidden gems, Gitana’s goal is to make your Iceland experience truly extraordinary!