Tours & experiences

Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík

About this experience

This tour offers a memorable way to experience Iceland's wildlife, just minutes from downtown Reykjavík. Depending on the tides and conditions on the islands our captains will take you to either Engey, Akurey or Lundey, which are well known for their plentiful birdlife.

In addition to puffins you have the opportunity to view other birds such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants. You may also see seals, adding to the excitement of the tour.

Our crew will share interesting facts about puffins against the scenic backdrop of rocky shores, and if the weather is good, we might turn off the engines so you can enjoy the natural sounds!

If no puffins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you to try again another day, free of charge!

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 hr–1 hr 30 min

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Summer Season
Duration: 1 hour
Kollafjörður: Tour will travel to islands Engey, Akurey or Lundey, depending the tide and availability.
Boat: For this activity we use one of our smaller boats, capable of carrying up to 38-62 passengers.

Plan your experience

Time on the tour1 hr–1 hr 30 min
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 1 hr–1 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Excellent Live Guidance in English
  • Photos taken by crew (if any)
  • Use of binoculars
  • Use of raincoats

Not included

  • Pickup / Dropoff (available for a fee)
  • Food & Drinks (bring your own or purchase on board)

Itinerary and highlights

Meet us at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík and board one of our smaller boats that will take you to the charming puffins!

We stop by one of three puffin islands (Engey, Akurey or Lundey) outside Reykjavík to watch the thousands of puffins that travel to Iceland each summer to breed. As the islands are nature reserves we cannot step foot on land, but rather try to sail as close as possible. Borrow binoculars or bring your own. We recommend a good zoom camera for good quality pictures.

Along the cruise you will have the chance to see Reykjavík from a unique angle, among it the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall, the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church and perhaps the Sun Voyager sculpture!

Meeting and pickup information

  • Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Elding Whale Watching

Accessibility and practical details

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • As the birds are small in size, we recommend bringing a tripod and a good zoom lens for 'close up' photography and/or binoculars (also available to lend on board)
  • The deck on the boat can be slippery. We recommend wearing good sturdy footwear. For optimal viewing and a more enjoyable cruise this tour is weather dependent.
  • Please note that our fleet is not completely accessible for low mobility as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 1 hr–1 hr 30 min.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 7–15; Adult tickets: age 16+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
Please note that our fleet is not completely accessible for low mobility as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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