Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Imagine cruising off the coast of Reykjavik in search of one of Iceland’s most charming symbols — the puffin. For about an hour, you’ll hop aboard a well-designed sightseeing boat, heading to Akurey Island, home to puffins and other seabirds like Arctic terns and black guillemots. The tour costs around $62.90 per person and includes round-trip transfers from the port, making it a simple, fuss-free outing.

Two things we particularly like? First, the expert guides who share nature insights that turn bird-watching into an educational experience. Second, the close-up views of these delightful birds, thanks to the boat’s ability to reach tricky shoreline spots. On the downside, some travelers mention that the boat can be a bit small, which might limit your comfort.

This tour is well-suited for nature lovers, families, or anyone curious about Iceland’s native wildlife. If you’re eager for a peaceful, scenic cruise with a focus on birdlife, this may be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Wildlife close-ups: You get to see puffins and seabirds in their natural habitat.
• Expert commentary: Guides share insights about flora and fauna, enriching your wildlife experience.
• Convenient transfers: Round-trip pickup from Reykjavik’s harbor simplifies logistics.
• Limited duration: The trip is about an hour — enough time to enjoy scenic views without feeling rushed.
• Good value: Including binoculars and a guide, it offers a memorable wildlife outing at a reasonable price.
• Weather-dependent: The experience is subject to weather conditions, common for outdoor wildlife tours.

Exploring the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

An Easy, Scenic Journey to Akurey Island

We loved the way this cruise makes seeing puffins accessible without a long trek or complex arrangements. After meeting at the Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal, you’re quickly on board, with round-trip transfers included, which is a real plus if you’re not keen on walking or navigating public transport. The boat itself is designed for sightseeing, with the ability to approach rocky shorelines closely, thanks to its shallow draft.

The cruise lasts roughly 15 minutes to reach Akurey Island, a protected seabird habitat just off Reykjavik’s coast. During this short journey, your guide will point out flora and fauna, offering a calm, relaxing start to your wildlife adventure. We appreciated hearing about the island’s bird populations — including the puffins that are most active during the nesting season.

Close Encounters with Puffins and Other Seabirds

Once circling the island, you’ll be watching for puffins flying overhead, bobbing on the water, or nesting on the cliffs. According to many reviews, guides like Rebekah and Joel are both knowledgeable and welcoming. For instance, one reviewer praised a guide named Patricia for her friendly demeanor and detailed explanations. They pointed out that the boat gets quite close, although birds are still viewed at a distance, necessitating binoculars for optimal viewing.

“We saw puffins galore! They were flying everywhere,” one happy traveler exclaimed, emphasizing how plentiful the birds were. Others mention that, due to environmental restrictions, the boat cannot get too close, but binoculars are provided — a thoughtful touch that helps you appreciate the tiny, busy birds.

The Wildlife Experience: Realistic Expectations

Many reviewers highlight the quality of the guides’ commentary. They’re not just pointing and saying “look there,” but sharing stories about the puffins’ behaviors, nesting habits, and the island’s ecology. This elevates the trip from simple birdwatching to a genuine learning experience.

However, a few found the small boat size less comfortable, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer larger vessels. One reviewer noted that unless you sit on the starboard side, it can be tricky to get good photos over other passengers’ heads. That said, many still enjoyed the up-close viewing opportunities that the boat’s design affords.

Weather and Seasonality: Keep It Flexible

The tour is weather-dependent — it can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor, which is common for outdoor trips. One traveler was glad they went during a rescheduled day, noting, “It was worth going — we saw many puffins despite the season’s end.” The last puffin season typically ends in late summer, so if you want the best bird activity, consider timing your visit accordingly.

Additional Touches that Add Value

On board, coffee is served, which adds a cozy element to the trip. Binoculars are provided for all guests, so you can get a better look at those tiny, fish-fetching puffins. The NEW Tours App in multiple languages is a modern touch, helping you follow along with commentary even if the sound system isn’t perfect.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for nature lovers who want a relaxed, educational outing. It’s also well-suited for families or anyone with limited mobility — the round-trip transfer from the port means you won’t need to walk far. If you’re hoping for close-up photos of puffins, be aware that the boat cannot get too close, but binoculars are included, and guides are great at pointing out where to look.

If you’re traveling during late summer or early fall, you’ll likely see the most birds. Travelers who appreciated knowledgeable guides and peaceful scenery consistently rated this tour highly, even if the boat is small or the weather isn’t perfect.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour, a perfect quick outing.
• Price: Around $62.90 per person, offering fair value considering binoculars, guide, and transfers.
• Inclusions: Binoculars, expert guide, round-trip transfers, and a modern app for commentary.
• Meeting Point: Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal, with easy access from Reykjavik.
• Transportation: Complimentary transfers for those arriving at Skarfabakki Harbor; a short walk if arriving at Miðbakki.
• Capacity: Limited to 33 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance, a flexible policy for weather concerns.
• Weather Considerations: The trip may be canceled due to bad weather, so plan for flexibility.

Summary: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in wildlife and birdwatching, especially if you’ve dreamed of seeing puffins in Iceland, this cruise offers a simple, well-priced way to do so. It’s particularly appealing if you prefer educational guides and value included binoculars. Families, casual birders, or travelers who want a short, scenic trip that enhances their Icelandic experience will find this tour hits the spot.

Those looking for an adventure with lots of proximity to wildlife might be disappointed since the boat cannot get too close, but overall, most reviews highlight the wonderful views and knowledgeable guidance. For the casual observer or wildlife enthusiast, this trip balances scenic beauty, educational value, and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the puffin cruise?
The cruise lasts about one hour, including the trip to and from Akurey Island.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transfers from the port, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and an expert guide providing commentary.

Can I see puffins up close?
You’ll see puffins and other seabirds from a distance, as the boat cannot approach too close for environmental reasons. Binoculars are provided to help you see the tiny birds better.

Are there multiple departure times?
Yes, several departures from Reykjavik are available, allowing you to pick a time that suits your schedule.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the boat comfortable?
Some travelers find the boat small, which may affect comfort; sitting on the starboard side can improve wildlife views.

How accessible is this tour?
The transfer is included for passengers from Skarfabakki Harbour, making it easy to join without walking far.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, some layers for weather changes, and binoculars, although they are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a short and scenic outing that families with children tend to enjoy, especially those interested in birdlife.

In all, this puffin cruise offers an authentic, relaxed way to connect with Iceland’s natural environment. While not an adventure for those seeking close encounters, it provides a beautifully peaceful, educational glimpse into the island’s seabird colonies — perfect for those who appreciate quiet, scenic wildlife watching with knowledgeable guides.