Reykjavik Puffin Express Tour
Embark on an unforgettable puffin adventure from Reykjavik! Witness thousands of these charming birds nesting on cliffs and potentially spot whales.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak puffin season
Reykjavik Puffin Express Tour
Best Time
Peak puffin season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Embark on an unforgettable puffin adventure from Reykjavik! Witness thousands of these charming birds nesting on cliffs and potentially spot whales.
"Absolutely incredible tour! We saw thousands of puffins and got so close!"
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide warm outer coats and trousers. Dress in layers underneath for maximum comfort on the water. :cloud:
Binoculars Enhance Viewing
While some tours offer binoculars, bringing your own can improve your chances of spotting distant puffins and whales. :binoculars:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thousands of Nesting Puffins
Puffin Islands near Reykjavik
Witness vast colonies of puffins nesting on cliffs. Get up close to these charming birds in their natural habitat.
Knowledgeable Local Guides
Onboard tour boats
Learn fascinating facts about puffins and other marine life from expert guides who share their passion.
Potential for Whale Sightings
Off the coast of Reykjavik
Many tours combine puffin watching with whale watching, offering a chance to see humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Puffins
Book Your Puffin Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide warm outer coats and trousers. Dress in layers underneath for maximum comfort on the water. :cloud:
Binoculars Enhance Viewing
While some tours offer binoculars, bringing your own can improve your chances of spotting distant puffins and whales. :binoculars:
Book Direct for Best Value
Booking directly with tour operators like Mr Puffin can offer a seamless experience and good value. :ticket:
Guides Capture Great Photos
Don't stress about your phone camera! Guides often take professional photos you can get a link to later. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide warm outer coats and trousers. Dress in layers underneath for maximum comfort on the water. :cloud:
Binoculars Enhance Viewing
While some tours offer binoculars, bringing your own can improve your chances of spotting distant puffins and whales. :binoculars:
Book Direct for Best Value
Booking directly with tour operators like Mr Puffin can offer a seamless experience and good value. :ticket:
Guides Capture Great Photos
Don't stress about your phone camera! Guides often take professional photos you can get a link to later. :camerawithflash:
Puffins Can Be Shy
These birds are fast and can fly away when boats get too close. Patience is key for great sightings. :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible experience of seeing thousands of puffins up close, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly guides. Many found the tours well-organized and worth the cost, with some even spotting whales. However, a few felt certain premium tours were overpriced and that binoculars provided were not useful.
"This was an absolutely fantastic experience. Well worth the money. We seen thousands of puffin’s nesting on the cliffs of a small island. We were able to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds. Our guide was awesome! He was incredibly knowledgeable, not just about puffin, but many other sea birds. Both the guide and the captain of the boat, were friendly, helpful and entertaining!"
Sheila R
"We booked this trip direct with Mr Puffin following a bit on online research. So glad we did. They are a well organised crew that made the whole experience from booking in to getting changed nice and simple. The Rib we went out on was in good shape, our guide was excellent, and we saw everything we had hoped for and more. Nice touches included binoculars for those that didn’t have their own, and a link to pics the guide took with his Digital SLR camera sent the day after the trip. We only had a couple of days in Reykjavik on a cruise, and this was a great way to spend some of that time. We’d definitely recommend, and would look to book one of their other trips if we are back there again. Well worth 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟"
Darren Ward
"Absolutely incredible tour! We saw thousands of puffins and got so close! Our guide was lovely and very informative. We will definitely be back! Thanks from
Australia!!"
Michelle Esparon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most puffin tours depart from Reykjavik Harbour. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center or via local buses. Some tours may offer hotel pick-up, so check when booking. :bus:
Tour operators usually have clear signage at the harbor. It's best to confirm the exact meeting point and time with your booking confirmation. :map:
Yes, the Reykjavik Harbour is within walking distance of most downtown hotels and attractions, making it very convenient. :walking:
Limited parking is available near the harbor, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transport or walking is often a better option. :car:
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main gateway. From there, you can take a Flybus or taxi to Reykjavik city center. :airplane:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary by operator and tour type, but expect to pay around $70-$150 USD. Some tours offer discounts with codes. :moneybag:
It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak puffin season (April-August), as tours can sell out. :calendar:
Yes, you can find standard boat tours, RIB boat tours for a faster experience, and combined puffin and whale watching tours. :boat:
Cancellation policies differ between operators. Always check the terms and conditions when booking, especially regarding weather-related cancellations. :umbrella:
Most operators accept digital tickets on your phone, but it's always a good idea to check your booking confirmation for specific instructions. :iphone:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dress in warm layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Many tours provide these, but check beforehand. Warm hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are also recommended. :coat:
Seasickness can occur, especially in rougher waters. Consider taking motion sickness medication before the tour if you are prone to it. :pill:
Tours aim to get you close enough for great views and photos, but respect the birds' space. Some boats may chase puffins in the water, which can be less ideal. :camerawithflash:
Many tours also offer whale watching, so you might see humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and various other seabirds. :whale:
Most larger tour boats will have restroom facilities available. Smaller RIB boats may not. Confirm with your operator. :toilet:
📸 📸 Photography
Use a fast shutter speed to capture their quick movements. A telephoto lens is helpful for getting close-up shots without disturbing the birds. :camera:
Yes, but be mindful of the spray and movement. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable. :water_wave:
Modern smartphones can take decent photos, especially in good light. Many guides also take excellent photos that they share with passengers. :iphone:
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, which is ideal for photography. However, puffins are active throughout the day during season. :sunrise:
Generally, no. However, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the wildlife. :no_flash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you book a tour that provides warm, waterproof gear for everyone, as kids can get cold quickly. Some tours may have age restrictions for RIB boats, so check this when booking. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, though some tours might offer refreshments. The chance to see thousands of puffins can be a highlight of any family trip to Iceland.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your longest telephoto lens if you have one, as it will help you capture close-ups without disturbing the birds. A fast shutter speed is crucial to freeze their quick movements in flight. Many guides are also skilled photographers and may share their shots, which can be a great bonus if your equipment isn't up to par.
🐋 Wildlife Lovers
Be patient, as wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. However, Iceland's waters are rich with marine life, and tours from Reykjavik have a good track record. The experience of seeing whales breach or dolphins play alongside your boat is unforgettable, complementing the charm of the puffins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Puffin Season in Iceland
While August marks the end of the breeding season, some puffins may still be visible in early September. However, sightings become less predictable as they return to the open sea. If you're planning a trip in late August or early September, it's wise to check with tour operators about current puffin activity. Remember, these are wild animals, and their presence can vary year to year.
Seeing puffins in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience. Their comical waddle on land and their incredible agility in the water make them a delight to observe. Many visitors find them to be incredibly photogenic, so be sure to have your camera ready!
Choosing Your Puffin Tour
For a more adventurous experience, consider a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour. These smaller, faster boats can get you closer to the wildlife and cover more ground. However, they can be bumpier and more exposed to the elements, so they might not be suitable for everyone.
Many tours also offer combined puffin and whale watching excursions. This is a great option if you want to maximize your chances of seeing Iceland's diverse marine life. You might spot humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and various other seabirds alongside the puffins.
What to Expect on the Water
While puffins are the main attraction, keep an eye out for other marine life. Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are frequently spotted in Icelandic waters. The guides are usually very knowledgeable and will point out any wildlife you encounter, sharing interesting facts about their behavior and habitat.
Be prepared for the possibility of rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to take preventative medication before the tour. The experience is generally well worth braving the elements for the chance to see these incredible creatures up close.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit