Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

Key Points

• Affordability and Duration: Priced at $60.38 per person, this 1-hour boat tour offers a quick yet immersive puffin encounter.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary about puffins and other seabirds, enriching the experience.
• Prime Viewing Access: The custom boat brings you close to Akurey Island, where puffins nest from May to August.
• Inclusive Equipment: Binoculars are included, aiding in bird observation, and a multilingual audio guide app enhances learning.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times help fit the tour into busy Reykjavik itineraries.
• Weather Dependence: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to strong wind are possible, with free rescheduling or full refunds.

The Puffin Cruise from Reykjavik: An Up-Close Birdwatching Adventure

This 1-hour Puffin Cruise departs from Geirsgata 11, Reykjavik, operated by Special Tours Iceland. At $60.38 per person, it offers a swift, engaging way to see puffins up close during their nesting season from May to August. The tour is designed for those seeking a practical yet memorable outing, with a max group size of 33 travelers ensuring personalized attention.

The experience includes expert guidance, binoculars, and access to a multilingual audio guide app, making it accessible for international visitors. The departure times are flexible, allowing visitors to choose a slot that best fits their day in Reykjavik. Given the average booking window of 41 days in advance, it’s advisable to reserve early, especially during peak puffin season.

While the tour is short, many praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to get surprisingly close to the birds on the rocky island. For visitors eager to combine quick sightseeing with nature, this tour hits just the right balance.

Starting Point and How to Join the Puffin Cruise

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, conveniently located near public transportation options. This makes access straightforward whether arriving on foot or via local transit. For those staying at a hotel, hotel transfers are available at an extra charge—it’s best to contact the supplier directly to arrange this.

Participants meet their guide and board a custom-designed boat, specially built to maximize bird proximity and viewing. The short ride out to Akurey Island takes approximately 15 minutes, making this outing suitable even for those with limited time.

Upon reaching Akurey, the boat circles the island a few times, then engine noise is turned off to allow undisturbed birdwatching. The size of the group ensures plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the sights comfortably, and binoculars are provided onboard, though bringing your own is recommended for optimal viewing.

What Makes Akurey Island a Puffin Sanctuary

Akurey Island serves as a protected breeding ground for puffins from May through August. The rocky slopes and outcroppings provide safe nesting spots, making it a prime location for observing nesting and raising young puffins. During the nesting season, the island is teeming with puffins in various activities—flying, nesting, and diving for fish.

The custom boat lets you get very close to the island, offering a unique vantage point for birdwatching that isn’t available from land. Once the boat circles the island and the engines are turned off, you can enjoy a peaceful environment to observe the seabirds’ natural behaviors.

However, note that early season visits may see fewer puffins, and some reviews mention that bird sightings can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

The Experience of Puffin Watching: Up Close and Personal

The guides excel at sharing insights about puffin biology and behavior, making this tour both fun and educational. They point out Northern Fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots, providing a broader context of the local seabird population.

Many reviews highlight the ability to see puffins flying overhead, diving into the water, and nesting on land. The binoculars help with detailed viewing, and guides often use humor and storytelling to keep the atmosphere lively. One reviewer mentions that the guide Patrick is both hilarious and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyment.

The timing of the trip during May to August aligns with the puffins’ nesting period, offering the best chance of seeing large numbers of puffins in action. Some reviews note that bird activity can be less plentiful outside of peak months, so plan accordingly.

The Boat: Design, Comfort, and Observational Benefits

The custom-built boat used for this tour is described as a well-maintained, old wood vessel that adds charm to the experience. Its design allows passengers to get very close to the action, with clear views of both the island and flying puffins.

Seats on the Skúlaskeið, the vessel used, are comfortable enough for the short ride, but some reviews suggest that having your own extra binoculars can improve observational success. The boat’s stability is generally appreciated, with many guests feeling safe despite the occasional splash or wind.

The attention to safety and passenger comfort is evident, and the sound of the engines is turned off during birdwatching to minimize disturbance.

Optimal Viewing Conditions and What to Bring

The tour is weather dependent, and calm, clear days provide the best bird visibility. Windy or stormy conditions can lead to cancellation, with full refunds or rescheduling offered if the weather prevents operation.

Guests are advised to dress in layers because the choppy waters and cold wind can make the boat ride uncomfortable. Bringing personal binoculars might improve the experience if you want more detailed views, although binoculars are provided onboard.

A good camera is recommended for capturing the puffins in flight or on land, as the birds are often quite close but fast-moving. Some reviews remark that binoculars provided are not always the best quality, reinforcing the value of bringing your own.

The Importance of Timing: Early, Peak, and Late Season Visits

The best period for puffin sightings is May through August. During this time, nesting activity peaks, and the island is filled with puffins flying, nesting, and diving. Visiting outside of these months may result in fewer birds, as some reviewers observed in late or early season trips.

Guests should be mindful that early May trips might see fewer puffins, and some reviews mention that bird sightings can be quite limited if the season is waning. Conversely, mid-summer visits tend to be more rewarding, with large puffin populations and active nests.

Practicalities: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

Reservations are recommended at least 41 days in advance, especially during peak puffin season. The tour is priced at $60.38, offering good value considering the included equipment and expert guidance.

The cancellation policy is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather, and cancellations due to wind or storms are handled without penalty.

The meeting point at Geirsgata 11 is accessible via public transport, and hotel transfers are available for an additional fee. The group size is capped at 33 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Who Will Enjoy this Puffin Cruise

This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, families, and casual visitors interested in a quick nature outing. The expert guides and binoculars make it suitable for all ages and levels of birdwatching experience.

However, visitors should dress appropriately for unpredictable weather and prepare for a boat ride that can be windy or choppy. Those with severe motion sickness may want to consider their tolerance, although many reviews mention feeling no discomfort.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Puffin Cruise

The Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik offers a cost-effective, well-organized, and informative wildlife experience. The custom boat allows for close-up views of puffins and other seabirds, and the guides excel at sharing entertaining and educational commentary.

While weather conditions can impact the likelihood of bird sightings, the seasonal timing and location generally provide good opportunities for observing these charming seabirds. It’s a great choice for visitors wanting a short, engaging nature experience during their time in Reykjavik.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Puffin Cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, including the boat ride and time spent circling Akurey Island.

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes an expert guide, binoculars, and access to a multilingual audio guide app. Food and drinks are not included, and hotel transfers can be arranged for an extra fee.

When is the best time to see puffins?
May through August is the peak season for puffin nesting, with the highest chances of seeing large numbers of puffins in flight and nesting.

What should I bring?
Dress in layers to stay warm and dry, bring your own binoculars if you want detailed views, and a camera for photos. The boat ride can be windy or choppy, so prepare accordingly.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour has a full refund policy if canceled more than 24 hours in advance due to poor weather, including wind or storms.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is appropriate for most ages, especially given the short duration and group size. Be mindful of the weather conditions and the boat ride if traveling with young children or those sensitive to motion sickness.

This Puffin Cruise offers a charming, educational, and close-up encounter with Iceland’s beloved seabirds, making it a worthwhile addition to any Reykjavik itinerary.