Puffin Express Cruise from Reykjavik

Highlights

  • A specially designed boat and binoculars let you see the puffins up close

  • Learn about the puffin colony from your guide

  • Enjoy convenient pickup at the Reykjavik Old Harbour or request hotel pickup (additional fee)

Summary

Following pickup, head for the shoreline and hop aboard the express boat to Akurey, an island off the coast of Iceland's capital that boasts a healthy population of puffins. You have the choice of five departure times throughout the day to suit your Iceland itinerary. During your trip, learn from your expert guide about the puffins as well local seabirds, such as northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns and black guillemots. Warm up with a fresh cup of coffee while watching the sweet seabirds nesting and diving into the sea after their next meal. Between May and August every year, the puffins nest on the island. The rocky outcroppings and slopes that form protected areas are perfect for hatching and raising young puffins. Riding on a custom-designed boat means that you can get as close as possible to the funny little birds. Use of binoculars on your tour is also included. When you reach the island, you'll circle it a few times before the captain turns off the engines, allowing you to enjoy the bird life in peace.  Your 1-hour tour ends with drop-off back where you started.

Tour info

Duration
1 hour
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Visit Iceland’s famous puffin colony on a boat that is specifically designed to bring you as close as possible to the rocky island. While many cruises only let you see the birds from a distance, this vantage point enables you to watch the seabirds up close in their natural environment. Plus, this express trip is only an hour-long, making it easy to fit into a busy vacation schedule.

What’s included?

  • Expert guide

  • Binoculars on board

  • NEW - Special Tours App (available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese)

  • Gratuities

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

  • Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional cost - please contact supplier directly).

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 1h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

We are following all health & safety guidelines in accordance with the Icelandic government. The gathering ban is set to 100 people, well above the boat's maximum capacity. Masks must be worn during this tour. Please respect the 2 meter social distancing while checking in and queuing.

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Special Tours

About operator:

Special Tours operates sea adventures from Reykjavik city centre with over 20 years of experience. Whale Watching tours are operated year round, with additional tours consisting of Northern Lights by Boat, Puffin Watching, Sea Angling, RIB Express Whale Watching and a New Years Fireworks Cruise. Special Tours Wildlife Adventures is known among passengers and partners for its ambitious & hard working team, aiming for great adventures for every tour and for every client. Our main focus is comfort and personal service, while making sure we protect and respect the environment. We have a skilled & friendly crew, as well as an experienced guide on every tour.

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