Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Towering sea cliffs teeming with birdlife, offering dramatic landscapes and thrilling boat tours into sea caves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for puffins
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Best Time
Best chance for puffins
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Towering sea cliffs teeming with birdlife, offering dramatic landscapes and thrilling boat tours into sea caves.
"Absolutely awesome! Reminded me of Na Pali Coast, but with its own unique beauty."
🎯 Right Side is Best
Sit on the right side of the boat going out for closer cliff views; the left side is better on the return trip.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Waterproof and windproof gear is essential, even on sunny days. It gets cold and wet out there! :cloudwithrain:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Sea Cliffs
Vestmanna, Faroe Islands
Dramatic, sheer cliffs rising from the Atlantic, teeming with birdlife and carved by the sea.
Puffin Encounters
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Witness adorable puffins nesting and flying around their natural habitat during the summer months.
Sea Caves and Grottos
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Navigate through narrow sea caves and grottos, experiencing the raw power of the ocean up close.
Elephant Rock
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
A unique rock formation resembling an elephant's head, a favorite photo spot for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour in Advance
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Right Side is Best
Sit on the right side of the boat going out for closer cliff views; the left side is better on the return trip.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Waterproof and windproof gear is essential, even on sunny days. It gets cold and wet out there! :cloudwithrain:
🤢 Seasickness Prep
If prone to seasickness, take precautions. The sea can be choppy, and some passengers get sick. :pill:
📸 Capture the Caves
The boat captain navigates into tight spaces, perfect for dramatic photos of caves and cliffs. :camerawithflash:
Boat tour to Drangarnir or Vestmanna Bird Cliffs?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Right Side is Best
Sit on the right side of the boat going out for closer cliff views; the left side is better on the return trip.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Waterproof and windproof gear is essential, even on sunny days. It gets cold and wet out there! :cloudwithrain:
🤢 Seasickness Prep
If prone to seasickness, take precautions. The sea can be choppy, and some passengers get sick. :pill:
📸 Capture the Caves
The boat captain navigates into tight spaces, perfect for dramatic photos of caves and cliffs. :camerawithflash:
💰 Good Value Tour
Considered a good deal for a 2-hour trip with incredible scenery and skilled piloting. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs boat tour for its stunning scenery, incredible wildlife encounters, and the skipper's skillful navigation. The dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and the chance to see puffins are major highlights. However, some find the boats to be overcrowded, leading to a less comfortable experience and potential seasickness concerns for some passengers.
"Recommendable tour to take while in Faroe Islands as you get to see quite a log of different things. In our case we got puffins, seals, waterfalls, went well into a cave, quite close to some treacherous cliffs, etc. The sea was noticeably jumpy but the captain managed to keep everything safe."
Hugo Krajnc
"The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs tour was absolutely awesome! It reminded me a bit of a boat tour I once did on the Na Pali Coast, the same dramatic sea swells and towering cliffs, but with its own unique beauty. The rugged rock faces, deep caves, and vivid green slopes were stunning from every angle. We spotted puffins flying overhead, and the captain skillfully navigated into some incredibly tight spaces so we could capture truly epic photos. A perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and wildlife. The Highly recommend!"
Chris Keller
"Visited in May 2025. This was probably the most touristy thing we did on our trip. The boat was packed like sardines. We were sitting knee to knee with the people across from us. You will get to know some strangers really well. Some of the people were getting seasick which made me nervous as I was wondering where they were going to blow with all the people around. The cliffs were very beautiful to see. I feel like the best seats were on the right side of the boat. Going out, the right side were closer to the cliffs versus when we came back, we were further away from the cliffs on the left side. The elephant rock was my favorite. We didn't see too many birds on our trip. This was my third favorite boat tour that I took while visiting."
Josh H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vestmanna Bird Cliffs are accessed via boat tours departing from Vestmanna harbor. You can drive to Vestmanna, and parking is usually available near the harbor. Some tours might offer pick-up from nearby towns.
Public bus services connect Vestmanna to other towns in the Faroe Islands, though schedules can be infrequent. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching the departure point. :bus:
Driving from Tórshavn to Vestmanna takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The route is scenic and well-maintained. Alternatively, check for bus routes connecting the two locations. :car:
While there isn't a direct ferry to Vestmanna for the bird cliffs tour itself, ferries operate between islands in the Faroe Islands. The Vestmanna tour departs from the mainland harbor.
There is typically parking available near the Vestmanna harbor where the boat tours depart. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The boat tour typically costs around $65 USD for a 2-hour trip, which is considered a good value for the experience. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to check with the tour operator.
Tickets can usually be purchased online in advance through the official tour operator's website or directly at the harbor ticket office. Booking ahead is highly recommended. :ticket:
The boat tours generally last for about 2 hours, providing ample time to explore the cliffs, caves, and observe the wildlife.
There are usually no strict age restrictions, but it's a boat trip with potential for rough seas. Parents should use their discretion for very young children. :baby:
Most tour operators offer full refunds or the option to reschedule if the tour is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Always check the cancellation policy when booking. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of seabirds, including puffins (in summer), guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. Seals are also often spotted in the waters around the cliffs.
The best time to see puffins is during the summer months, typically from May to August, when they come ashore to nest.
Wear warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing in layers. A waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, and gloves are highly recommended, even in summer. :cold_face:
Boarding the boat might be challenging for individuals with severe mobility issues. It's best to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss accessibility. :wheelchair:
Elephant Rock is a distinctive rock formation near the Vestmanna cliffs that resembles the head of an elephant. It's a popular landmark and photo opportunity.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic cliffs, sea caves, birdlife (especially puffins), and the 'Elephant Rock' offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The captain's skillful navigation into tight spaces provides unique angles.
A camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the grand cliff landscapes. Ensure your gear is protected from sea spray. :camerawithflash:
While you can see birds up close, especially puffins, the boat maintains a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. The sheer scale of the cliffs is also a major photographic draw.
The right side of the boat is generally better for photos when heading out towards the cliffs, and the left side on the return journey. However, the entire boat offers good views.
Drone usage is often restricted in sensitive wildlife areas and national parks. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the boat can be crowded, the sheer spectacle of the cliffs and wildlife often captivates younger audiences. The 2-hour duration is usually manageable for most children. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce them to the wonders of nature and marine life in a dramatic setting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for changing light conditions and sea spray. Waterproofing your gear is essential. The boat's ability to get close to the cliffs and into caves offers unique perspectives that are hard to capture from land. The 'Elephant Rock' is a classic shot, but don't miss the chance to photograph the puffins in action.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Lovers
The raw, untamed beauty of the cliffs, sculpted by the elements, is a powerful draw. The boat tour allows for an intimate connection with this wild environment, offering a chance to witness the resilience of life in a harsh yet beautiful setting. The presence of seals adds another layer to the wildlife viewing experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dramatic Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Boat tours are the primary way to experience the cliffs up close. These tours navigate through narrow sea passages and into impressive grottos, offering a unique perspective of the cliffs' grandeur. The skilled skippers are adept at maneuvering the boats safely through tight spaces, allowing for incredible photo opportunities and a thrilling sense of adventure. The experience is often compared to the dramatic coastlines of places like the Na Pali Coast, but with its own distinct Faroese charm.
Beyond the geological wonders, the cliffs are a vital breeding ground for a vast array of seabirds. During the summer months, the air is alive with the calls and flights of thousands of birds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The sight of puffins, with their distinctive colorful beaks, is a particular highlight for many visitors. The tours provide an intimate encounter with this thriving bird colony, offering a glimpse into their natural behavior and nesting habits.
Wildlife Encounters: Puffins and More
Beyond puffins, the cliffs are home to a multitude of other seabirds. You'll likely see guillemots and razorbills, which are adept swimmers and divers, often seen perched on ledges or diving into the water. Fulmars, with their gliding flight, are also common. Keep an eye out for kittiwakes and shags as well. The sheer density of birdlife creates a dynamic and noisy environment, a true symphony of nature.
In addition to the avian inhabitants, the waters around the cliffs are often frequented by seals. These marine mammals can sometimes be spotted basking on rocks or swimming playfully in the waves. The boat tours provide excellent opportunities to observe both the birds and seals in their natural habitat, offering a memorable wildlife experience that is both educational and awe-inspiring.
Navigating the Waters: Boat Tour Experience
During the tour, guides provide informative commentary about the geology, history, and wildlife of the area. They point out significant landmarks, such as the famous 'Elephant Rock,' and share insights into the bird species present. The boats often get remarkably close to the cliff faces, allowing for breathtaking views and fantastic photographic opportunities. Be prepared for the spray and the motion of the sea; waterproof clothing is a must, and those prone to seasickness should take precautions.
While the tours are generally safe, the weather in the Faroe Islands can change rapidly. Rough seas can sometimes lead to cancellations or shortened trips, but operators prioritize safety. The experience of being dwarfed by the immense cliffs, surrounded by the sounds of seabirds, and feeling the power of the ocean is truly unforgettable. It's a journey that combines adventure, natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for the wild Faroese landscape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit