Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Key Points

• Guaranteed puffin sightings ensure you see these charming birds up close.
• One-hour boat tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, making it a quick yet memorable experience.
• Expert guides provide engaging and informative commentary about puffins and local birdlife.
• Includes binoculars onboard for better viewing, with an app available in five languages.
• Scenic stops on Lundey and Akurey islands offer picturesque landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.
• Weather-dependent tour may be canceled due to conditions, but refunds are available if notified 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Reykjavik’s Puffin Watching Boat Tour: An Up-Close Bird Encounter for $59

The Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers a wonderfully accessible chance to see Iceland’s iconic Atlantic Puffins in their natural habitats. For just $59 per person, this one-hour journey begins at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik and promises 100% puffin sighting guarantee. The tour caters to those seeking a quick, engaging wildlife experience combined with scenic views of Reykjavik’s bay.

The tour is ideal for visitors who want a short, family-friendly adventure with a focus on birdwatching and nature. The expert guides make the experience both educational and entertaining, while the included binoculars help you get a closer look at the birds. However, travelers should be aware that weather conditions influence the tour schedule and could lead to cancellations, though full refunds are offered if notified 24 hours beforehand.

From the Old Harbour to Reykjavik’s Islands

The activity departs from the Special Tours office located at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a lively starting point packed with maritime activity. Once aboard the classic wooden boat, Skúlaskeið—affectionately called “Old Skuli”—the boat sets out into Faxaflói Bay.

The route takes you across the bay to two small islands: Lundey and Akurey. These islands are covered in hills and slopes, providing the perfect backdrop for bird colonies and scenic photo opportunities. As the boat approaches, the engine turns off to minimize disturbance, allowing for a peaceful observation of puffins and other seabirds.

Exploring Lundey and Akurey Islands

The two islands visited during the tour are known for their colorful birdlife. Lundey, which translates as “Puffin Island”, is renowned for its puffin colonies, especially on land. Akurey also hosts various seabirds such as northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

During the visit, the boat’s engine remains off, creating a calm environment conducive to birdwatching. The small size of the boat ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of space for passengers and plenty of opportunities to observe the birds in their natural surroundings.

What to Expect During the Puffin Sightings

Once at the islands, sightings of puffins are guaranteed, thanks to the tour’s 100% guarantee policy. The best time to see puffins on land tends to be early morning before 11 am or late afternoon around 6:30 pm, as these are the times when puffins are most active on land.

The guide explains the behavior of puffins and their interactions with other bird species. You’ll learn about puffin nesting habits, their feeding routines, and their seasonal movements. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and lively commentary, which adds significant value to the experience.

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The Classic Wooden Boat “Old Skuli”

This tour takes place aboard “Old Skuli,” a spacious and charming wooden vessel designed to comfortably hold up to 33 passengers. Its classic design enhances the authentic maritime feel of the experience, allowing passengers to enjoy outdoor viewing and cozy inside areas.

The size of the boat helps maintain a personal atmosphere, avoiding overcrowding. Some travelers appreciate the nostalgic charm of the vessel, which adds to the overall magic of birdwatching on the water.

Included Features and Viewing Comfort

The tour package includes binoculars to enhance bird spotting and an app available in five languages to provide additional information during the trip. The guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the experience accessible whether you are a bird enthusiast or a casual observer.

While food and drinks are not included**, the meeting point at the Old Harbour is easy to access, and the full tour is well-paced for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance makes this tour flexible for changing plans.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak puffin season. The “Reserve now & pay later” option allows for flexible planning. Keep in mind that sea conditions can vary, and adverse weather might lead to cancellations, but full refunds are granted if the tour is canceled due to weather.

For best spotting results, consider early morning or late afternoon tours. Customers note that puffins tend to be most active on land during foggy or cloudy weather, so timing can influence your success.

The Role of Guides and Captain

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of the guides, with personalities like Rebecca, Patrick, and Yngvi noted for being knowledgeable, humorous, and personable. The captains are appreciated for their skill in getting close to the islands and the bird colonies, ensuring good viewing opportunities even under challenging conditions.

Some reviews mention guided storytelling, including sea chanteys sung by the captain, which add a fun and authentic maritime touch to the trip.

The Overall Experience and Value

At $59 per person, this one-hour puffin tour provides excellent value for such a focused wildlife encounter. The guaranteed sightings, personalized boat size, and expert guides make it a reliable choice for bird lovers and nature explorers.

While weather can impact the experience, the flexible booking and full refund policy help mitigate this concern. The opportunity to see puffins up close in their natural habitat makes this tour a noteworthy addition to any Reykjavik visit, especially for those short on time but eager to connect with Iceland’s distinctive birdlife.

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour – Final Thoughts

This scenic, short boat trip stands out for its guaranteed puffin sightings and intimate boat design. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a quick, fun, and educational wildlife experience in Reykjavik’s bay.

The knowledgeable guides and friendly crew earn praise across reviews, rounding out a reliable, well-organized tour. The scenic stops and opportunity to observe seabirds make it a worthwhile adventure for nature lovers.

While weather remains a factor, the full refund policy and flexible booking options provide peace of mind. For $59, this tour offers a memorable birdwatching experience that complements Reykjavik’s vibrant city life beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the puffin sighting guaranteed?
Yes, the tour explicitly guarantees 100% puffin sightings, making it a dependable choice for bird enthusiasts.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is 1 hour, with the boat ride and island stops included within this time frame.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at the Special Tours office located at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat tour, binoculars, and the guidance. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to weather are accepted, and a full refund is issued if you notify the provider 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby