Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour — A Close Encounter with Iceland’s Iconic Birds

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and love wildlife, this Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers a charming, straightforward way to see some of Iceland’s most adorable birds. Departing from the Old Harbour on a cozy wooden boat, known affectionately as “Old Skuli,” this hour-long adventure takes you out onto Faxaflói Bay to explore two small islands: Lundey and Akurey. For just $59 per person, you’ll get a chance to see puffins and other seabirds in their natural environment—an experience that’s both accessible and memorable.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: First, the 100% sighting guarantee means you’re almost assured of seeing puffins—no disappointment here. Second, the expert guides are praised for their knowledge and humor, making the trip educational yet fun. However, keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the experience—if it’s too rough or foggy, the tour could be canceled, and you’ll be refunded. This makes it best suited for those with flexible schedules and an interest in nature, especially bird lovers and families wanting a light-paced outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guaranteed puffin sightings make this tour appealing for wildlife enthusiasts.
• The hour-long cruise offers a quick, no-fuss experience suitable for all ages.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary, enhancing your understanding of the birds and environment.
• The tour uses a small, comfortable wooden boat that balances intimacy with space.
• Weather-dependent cancellations mean you should plan for flexible weather conditions.
• Binoculars are provided on board to help you get a closer look at the birds.

An In-Depth Look at the Puffin-Watching Experience

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

Your adventure starts at the Special Tours office located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. From there, you’ll board the “Old Skuli”, a beautifully maintained wooden vessel that can hold up to 33 passengers—small enough to keep the experience personal, yet spacious enough for comfort. The crew’s friendly approach helps set a relaxed tone, making everyone feel welcome from the start.

Once aboard, the boat departs into Faxaflói Bay, a scenic stretch of water surrounded by small islands and rugged coastlines. The boat cruise itself takes approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the islands, giving you plenty of time to settle in, look around, and chat with your guide. The main highlight of the trip is reaching Lundey and Akurey, islands famous among birdwatchers and locals alike. These little outposts, covered with hills and slopes, serve as nesting sites for puffins and other seabirds.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once close to these islands, the captain turns off the engine to allow for a peaceful, bird-friendly environment. Here, you’ll observe puffins, along with northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. The sights are lively: puffins are most active on land during foggy or cloudy days, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal times, as one review pointed out.

The tour guarantees 100% puffin sightings, which is a big plus. Many travelers have noted how enchanting it is to see these birds soaring, diving, and hopping about their rocky hideouts. “We saw many puffins flying and diving,” a reviewer remarked, emphasizing how active and entertaining their behavior was. Another noted, “Puffins are most active on land when it’s foggy / cloudy,” hinting that timing can influence what you see.

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The Birdlife and Environment

While puffins are the main attraction, the tour offers a broader look at common Arctic and North Atlantic birds. With binoculars provided, you can scrutinize nests, watch puffins jump off rocks, and even catch glimpses of baby puffins in their burrows, as one traveler fondly described. The islands’ natural setting, with small hills and slopes, creates a perfect backdrop for birdwatching. Many guests have appreciated being able to observe the native wildlife in a peaceful, unobtrusive manner—the boat’s engine is turned off once arriving, which minimizes disturbance.

The Guides and Their Impact

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Rebecca, Patrick, and Yngvi stand out for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. One reviewer said, “Rebecca was amazing! She was professional, knowledgeable, and fun,” reflecting how guides elevate the experience. Their storytelling and willingness to answer questions make a sometimes fleeting wildlife encounter into a charming, educational outing.

The Vessel and Comfort

The boat itself, “Old Skuli,” adds character to the trip. It’s described as spacious enough for comfort, with plenty of room for binoculars and seating options—inside for warmth, outside for better views. This setup allows guests to choose their preferred viewing style, which is especially helpful if the weather turns chilly or windy.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

• Duration: Typically around 1 hour, making it a perfect quick activity that doesn’t eat up your whole day.
• Cost: At $59, the price offers good value, especially considering the guaranteed puffin sightings and guided commentary.
• Availability: Check in advance for specific starting times, as they vary; mornings before 11 am or late afternoons around 6:30 pm are best for seeing puffins on land.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is dependent on weather conditions. Cancellations are fully refunded if conditions are too rough or foggy, so flexibility is key.
• Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, it’s best to inform the operator beforehand, as assistance can be provided.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Bird lovers, families with children, and anyone seeking a relaxing wildlife experience will find this tour a real treat. It’s also ideal for travelers who want a short, memorable outing without long hikes or complicated logistics. The many reviews praising the enthusiasm and expertise of the guides show that this tour is well appreciated by those who value educational and engaging experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is the Puffin Boat Tour Worth It?

For $59, you get more than just a boat ride—you get a chance to see iconic puffins in their natural habitat, with the assurance of guaranteed sightings. The small vessel size and friendly guides make this feel like a personal adventure, not just a commercial tour. If weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of lively, flying puffins and other seabirds, all set against the rugged Icelandic scenery.

This tour is particularly suited for those who appreciate wildlife observation without the hassle of long hikes or large tour groups. It’s a great choice for families, bird enthusiast couples, or solo travelers wanting a quick but meaningful connection with Iceland’s natural fauna.

In essence, if you’re after an authentic, fun, and affordable way to encounter puffins—and aren’t overly concerned about weather—this boat tour offers significant value. It’s a delightful, relatively short adventure that leaves you with plenty of pictures, stories, and a fond memory of Iceland’s charming seabirds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to bring my own binoculars? No, binoculars are provided on board, which help you get a closer look at the puffins and other birds.

What if I don’t see any puffins? The tour guarantees 100% puffin sightings. If weather or timing affects the birds’ activity, the crew may offer a lifetime voucher for a future trip.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 1 hour—just enough to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling rushed.

Where do I meet for the tour? You meet at the Special Tours office located on Reykjavik’s Old Harbor.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations due to weather are fully refundable if you notify the operator at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? Generally, yes, but it’s recommended to inform the operator beforehand for assistance, especially if mobility is a concern.

What’s the best time of day to see puffins on land? Early mornings before 11 am and late afternoons around 6:30 pm are suggested, as puffins tend to be more active on land during these times.

Is food or drink included? No, meals or beverages are not included, so you might want to bring a snack or drink if you wish.

How weather-sensitive is the experience? Very. Rough seas or fog can lead to cancellations, but that’s part of the unpredictability of wildlife tours in Iceland.

To sum it up, the Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers a wonderful, budget-friendly opportunity to see one of Iceland’s most endearing seabirds in a relaxed setting. With friendly guides, guaranteed sightings, and scenic islands, it suits anyone wanting a light, authentic wildlife encounter during their Iceland trip. Just check the weather forecast, and you’re likely to walk away with some memorable birdwatching moments and a few puffin stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: