Ultimate Guide to Puffin Tours in Iceland: Finding the Perfect Experience

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On 2025-03-14

Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness one of the most charming seabirds in their natural habitat - the Atlantic puffin. With their distinctive, colorful beaks and charming personalities, these "clowns of the sea" have become a must-see attraction for visitors. A puffin tour in Iceland provides not just a chance to see these remarkable birds but also to experience the breathtaking coastal landscapes they call home.

Whether you're a dedicated birdwatcher or simply looking to add a memorable wildlife encounter to your Icelandic adventure, choosing the right puffin tour can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about puffin tours in Iceland - from the best locations and seasons to detailed reviews of the top tour options available.

Table of Contents

Understanding Puffins in Iceland

Before diving into the specific tours, let's understand what makes puffin watching in Iceland so special.

Why Iceland Is Perfect for Puffin Watching

Iceland hosts about 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population, with an estimated 8-10 million puffins making the island their breeding ground each year. The country's coastal cliffs provide ideal nesting conditions for these birds, and the surrounding waters offer abundant food sources.

Puffin Behavior and Characteristics

Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) are small seabirds, standing about 18 cm tall with a wingspan of 50-60 cm. They're instantly recognizable by their black and white plumage and colorful beaks that become especially vibrant during breeding season. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, capable of diving up to 60 meters deep to catch fish.

What many visitors find fascinating is that puffins are monogamous, often returning to the same partner and nesting site year after year. They typically lay just one egg per season in burrows dug into cliff faces or in crevices between rocks.

When to See Puffins in Iceland

The puffin-watching season in Iceland typically runs from late April to mid-August, with the peak viewing times being May through July. This is when puffins come ashore to breed, making them much easier to spot than during winter months when they're out at sea.

It's worth noting that climate change and environmental factors have been affecting puffin populations in recent years, making conservation efforts increasingly important. Responsible puffin tour operators contribute to these efforts by practicing sustainable tourism and educating visitors.

Best Locations for Puffin Tours in Iceland

While puffins can be found along many parts of Iceland's coastline, certain locations offer particularly reliable and impressive viewing opportunities:

Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The Westman Islands, particularly Heimaey, host the largest single puffin colony in the world, with an estimated 1.1 million breeding pairs. The island's Storhofdi peninsula is a prime viewing spot.

Látrabjarg Cliffs

Located in the Westfjords, these cliffs are the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. They're home to millions of seabirds, including a significant puffin population. The birds here are known for being relatively unafraid of humans.

Borgarfjörður Eystri

This small town in East Iceland is home to Hafnarhólmi, a harbor area with specially built wooden platforms for puffin watching that allow visitors to get remarkably close to the birds without disturbing them.

Ingólfshöfði Cape

This isolated headland in Southeast Iceland requires a special tractor ride to access, but rewards visitors with excellent puffin viewing opportunities away from the crowds.

Reykjavík Area

Surprisingly, you don't need to venture far from the capital to see puffins. Islands like Akurey and Lundey (literally "Puffin Island") in Faxaflói Bay host thousands of puffins and are easily accessible via boat tours from Reykjavík's Old Harbor.

Top Puffin Tours in Iceland

Now, let's explore some of the best puffin tours in Iceland, comparing their features, prices, and what makes each unique.

1. Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Price Range: 5,990-7,490 ISK
Departure Point: Reykjavík Old Harbor
Season: May 1 - August 20
Tour Type: Traditional boat tour

This classic puffin tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Iceland or those who want to experience wildlife watching without venturing far from the capital. The tour takes you to either Akurey or Lundey islands, both just a short 15-20 minute boat ride from Reykjavík's Old Harbor.

What Makes This Tour Special:

The proximity to Reykjavík makes this tour incredibly convenient - you can easily fit it into a morning or afternoon, leaving plenty of time for other activities. The tour operators are experienced captains who know exactly where to position the boat for the best viewing opportunities without disturbing the birds. They'll cut the engines and drift quietly near the islands, allowing passengers to observe the puffins in their natural habitat.

The tour includes commentary from knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about puffin biology, behavior, and conservation. High-quality binoculars are provided for closer observation, and the relatively small boats allow for a more intimate experience.

Best For:

Travelers with limited time in Iceland
Those staying in Reykjavík without a rental car
Families with children (the short duration is perfect for younger attention spans)
Budget-conscious travelers (it's one of the most affordable wildlife experiences in Iceland)

2. From Reykjavik: Puffin and Volcano Tour in Westman Islands

Duration: 10-12 hours
Price Range: 49,900-59,900 ISK
Departure Point: Reykjavík (with hotel pickup)
Season: May 15 - August 15
Tour Type: Comprehensive day tour combining puffins with volcanic landscapes

This immersive tour combines the best of Iceland's natural wonders by taking you to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), home to the world's largest puffin colony and the site of the dramatic 1973 Eldfell volcanic eruption.

What Makes This Tour Special:

This is far more than just a puffin-watching experience - it's a comprehensive exploration of one of Iceland's most fascinating regions. The journey begins with a scenic drive along the South Coast, followed by a ferry ride to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago.

On Heimaey, you'll visit multiple puffin viewing spots, including Storhofdi cliff where thousands of puffins nest. The tour includes a guided hike up Eldfell volcano, which erupted in 1973 and nearly destroyed the entire town. You'll learn about the incredible story of the islanders' fight to save their harbor by cooling the lava flow with seawater.

The tour also includes visits to "Puffin Rescue" - a local organization that rescues young puffins (called pufflings) that become disoriented by town lights, a common phenomenon in late summer.

Best For:

Wildlife enthusiasts who also appreciate geology and history
Travelers who want a deeper, more comprehensive experience beyond just seeing puffins
Photography enthusiasts (the combination of puffins and volcanic landscapes offers incredible photo opportunities)
Those who prefer structured, all-inclusive experiences

3. Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: 9,990-12,990 ISK
Departure Point: Reykjavík Old Harbor
Season: May 1 - August 20
Tour Type: Adventure RIB boat tour

For those seeking a more exhilarating wildlife experience, this high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour combines puffin watching with an adrenaline-pumping ride across Faxaflói Bay.

What Makes This Tour Special:

The RIB boats used for this tour are smaller and faster than traditional tour boats, allowing for a more thrilling experience and access to areas larger vessels can't reach. The speed of the journey to the puffin islands means more time can be spent observing the birds.

These boats can get closer to the shoreline (while still maintaining a responsible distance), often providing better views of puffins nesting in the cliffs. The small group size (maximum 12 passengers) ensures a more personalized experience and less disturbance to the wildlife.

All participants are provided with warm, waterproof overalls, life jackets, and goggles, making the experience comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

Best For:

Adventure seekers who want more than a standard boat tour
Smaller groups and couples (the intimate setting is perfect for sharing the experience)
Photography enthusiasts (the stable platforms and closer access make for excellent photo opportunities)
Those who may be prone to seasickness (ironically, the faster RIB boats often cause less motion sickness than larger, slower vessels)

4. Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: 13,990-16,990 ISK
Departure Point: Húsavík Harbor, North Iceland
Season: May 15 - August 10
Tour Type: Combined whale and puffin watching

For those exploring North Iceland, this tour from the "whale watching capital of Europe" offers a two-for-one wildlife experience, combining puffin watching at Lundey Island with the opportunity to see humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins in the rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay.

What Makes This Tour Special:

This tour provides exceptional value by combining two premier wildlife experiences in one outing. Húsavík is widely regarded as the best location for whale watching in Iceland, with sighting success rates over 98% during summer months.

The tour begins with a visit to Lundey (Puffin Island), where thousands of puffins nest in the summer months. After spending time observing these charming birds, the boat continues further into Skjálfandi Bay to search for whales.

The traditional wooden boats used by this tour company add to the authentic experience, and hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served on board - a welcome treat in the cool North Atlantic waters.

Best For:

Wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize their nature experiences
Travelers exploring North Iceland (as opposed to staying only in Reykjavík)
Those who appreciate traditional vessels (the oak boats are beautifully maintained)
Photographers seeking both bird and marine mammal shots

Final thoughts

After exploring the magnificent puffin tours in Iceland, it's clear that these excursions offer an unparalleled wildlife experience that should be on every nature lover's bucket list. Whether you choose the accessible waters around Reykjavík or the breathtaking landscapes of the Westman Islands, witnessing these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Each tour highlighted provides its own unique perspective on Iceland's beloved puffin colonies, combining professional guidance, environmental education, and stunning natural scenery. The best operators prioritize sustainable practices that respect wildlife while giving you front-row access to one of nature's most delightful spectacles.

For the optimal experience, remember to book your tour during the peak puffin season (May through August), bring appropriate clothing for Iceland's changeable weather, and don't forget your camera with a zoom lens to capture those perfect puffin portraits.

When planning your Icelandic adventure, allow time for a dedicated puffin excursion. It isn't just another activity—it's an opportunity to connect with Iceland's rich maritime heritage and diverse ecosystem in a profound way.

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