Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Cruise Akurey Island & Expert Guide

Summary

Puffin express cruise from Reykjavik with expert guide and close-up birdwatching at Akurey Island

You’ll feel the salty breeze as your boat glides from Reykjavik toward Akurey Island’s rocky shore. Watch puffins up close through binoculars while your local guide shares stories about Iceland’s seabirds. There’s laughter when someone tries to mimic a puffin call, and a quiet moment as engines pause near nesting cliffs. It’s simple but unexpectedly moving.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if a “puffin express” would live up to the name, but stepping onto that boat in Reykjavik, there was this weird mix of excitement and chill in the air. The harbor smelled like seaweed and diesel — not unpleasant, just real. Our guide, Edda, handed me binoculars with a grin and said, “You’ll want these for the little clowns.” I laughed because I’d only seen puffins on postcards before. Fifteen minutes later, the city was behind us and Akurey Island was right there — greenish hills dotted with birds that looked way smaller than I expected.

We drifted so close to the rocky shore that you could hear the wings flapping (it’s more of a whirring sound than you’d think). Edda pointed out an arctic tern swooping by — she said they’re actually more aggressive than they look. The puffins themselves were busy — some standing awkwardly like tiny penguins, others diving straight into the water. One popped up so close I almost dropped my phone trying to snap it. There was this moment when the captain cut the engine and everything went quiet except for seabird chatter and waves slapping against the hull. It felt peaceful in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been out there.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about seabirds in half an hour — fulmars, guillemots, all these names I still probably can’t pronounce right. Edda told us how puffins dig burrows for their nests; she even imitated their call (which made everyone laugh). On the way back, someone asked if we could do it again tomorrow. Honestly? If you’re in Reykjavik between May and August, this day trip is worth squeezing in. Even if you’re not a bird person — I wasn’t either before this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffin cruise from Reykjavik

• Pickup from Reykjavik hotel
• Board puffin express boat
• Cruise 15 minutes to Akurey island
• Observe puffins and seabirds
• Circle around Akurey island
• Captain turns off engines for quiet
• Return cruise to Reykjavik

Top questions

How long does the puffin cruise from Reykjavik take?

The boat ride to Akurey Island takes about 15 minutes each way; total tour time varies depending on observation time around the island.

Are binoculars provided on the Reykjavik puffin tour?

Yes, binoculars are available on board for guests during the cruise.

When is the best time to see puffins at Akurey Island?

Puffins nest on Akurey Island between May and August each year.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee if booked directly with the supplier.

What other birds can you see besides puffins?

You may also spot northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots during the tour.

Is this Reykjavik puffin cruise suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

How close does the boat get to Akurey Island?

The specially designed boat gets very close to Akurey’s rocky shore for better viewing of puffins and other seabirds.

What’s included

Your day includes binoculars on board so you won’t miss any details of those busy little puffins around Akurey Island. An expert local guide shares stories and facts as you circle near nesting spots. Hotel pickup can be arranged directly with the supplier for extra convenience if you need it.