Reykjavík Puffin Watching Cruise & Wildlife Islands Tour

Summary

Watch puffins up close from Reykjavík’s harbor with local guides and see city landmarks from the water

You’ll board a small boat in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a close-up look at puffins nesting on nearby islands like Akurey or Lundey. Local guides share stories as you spot seabirds, seals, and city landmarks from the water. Expect salty air, laughter over binoculars, and moments of real quiet — plus raincoats if needed. It’s not just about birds; it’s about feeling part of Iceland’s wild edge for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a pair of binoculars before I’ve even found my sea legs. The boat rocks gently, and there’s this salty chill in the air that wakes you right up — I fumble with the strap while our guide, Sigrún, is already pointing out shapes darting above the water. “Look for the orange beaks,” she says, grinning. We’re barely ten minutes from downtown Reykjavík but it feels like we’ve slipped into a quieter world. I can smell the ocean, sharp and cold, mixed with something earthy from the islands ahead.

We drift close to Akurey (I think? The captain changed course last minute because of tides — apparently puffins don’t care about our schedules). There are hundreds of them, honestly more than I expected, bobbing on the waves or flapping clumsily off dark rocks. Sigrún tells us how they dig burrows for their chicks — she mimics their waddle and everyone laughs, even the couple next to me who barely speak English. At one point she cuts the engine and it goes quiet except for birds calling and some distant city noise. Didn’t realize how much I missed that kind of silence until then.

I try to snap a photo but my hands are cold (should’ve worn gloves), so I just watch instead. Someone spots a seal poking its head up — blink and you’d miss it. The crew passes around raincoats when a bit of drizzle starts, all casual like they do this every day (which they probably do). On the way back we pass Harpa Concert Hall shimmering against gray clouds; Sigrún points out Hallgrímskirkja too but honestly my mind’s still with those awkward little birds. There’s something about seeing Reykjavík from this angle — makes it feel both smaller and bigger at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffin watching cruise from Reykjavík

• Meet at Old Harbour in Reykjavík
• Board smaller boat to puffin islands
• View puffins at Engey, Akurey, or Lundey
• See other birds and possibly seals
• Enjoy Reykjavík views including Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja

Top questions

Where does the puffin watching cruise depart from in Reykjavík?

The tour departs from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just minutes from downtown.

Which islands do you visit on this Reykjavík puffin tour?

The boat visits either Engey, Akurey or Lundey depending on tides and conditions.

Can I get off the boat onto the islands during the tour?

No, visitors cannot step onto the islands as they are nature reserves; viewing is done from the boat.

Are binoculars provided on this puffin watching cruise?

Yes, binoculars are available to borrow onboard for better birdwatching.

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?

The boats have steep stairs and high thresholds; accessibility is limited for low mobility travelers.

What other wildlife might I see besides puffins?

You may also see eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, and sometimes seals.

What should I bring for photography on this tour?

A good zoom lens or tripod is recommended for close-up shots; binoculars are also helpful.

Is live guidance included during the cruise?

Yes, excellent live guidance in English is provided by local crew members throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes live English guidance by local crew who share stories about puffins and island wildlife; use of binoculars to spot birds up close; raincoats if weather turns wet; plus photos taken by crew if available before returning to port in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.