One-Hour Puffin Boat

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★ 4.6 1,434 reviews

1 hour, free cancellation.

from $67 per person

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Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This is a one-hour puffin-watching trip run by Special Tours Iceland, departing from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik aboard a wooden boat nicknamed Old Skuli. The boat holds 33 passengers, which the operator describes as roomy but still small enough to keep the outing personal. An English-speaking guide comes along to talk about the birds and the bay.

The route crosses Faxaflói Bay to two islands, Lundey and Akurey, which are covered in small hills and slopes and host a colorful bird population. When the boat arrives, the engine is switched off so passengers can watch quietly. Atlantic puffins are the main draw from roughly May to mid-August, when they nest on Lundey and Akurey, and the operator offers a 100% sightings guarantee on departures within that season, but the islands also draw northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns and black guillemots. Binoculars are provided on board.

The tour suits travellers who want a short, low-effort wildlife outing straight from the city, and reviewers repeatedly mention how close the birds feel from the water. It does not include transfers, so you make your own way to Geirsgata 11 in the Old Harbour. Reviewers also mention occasional whale sightings on the run back to harbour, though that is luck rather than a promise.

What's Included

Included

Boat tour
100% guaranteed puffin sightings
Guide
Binoculars on board

Not Included

Transfers
Food and drink

Itinerary

Meet at the Old HarbourMake your own way to Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. Transfers are not included.
Board Old SkuliClimb aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, known as Old Skuli, which carries up to 33 passengers.
Cruise Faxaflói BayHead out from the harbour across the bay toward the islands of Lundey and Akurey while the guide gives commentary.
Watch birds at the islandsThe engine is turned off near Lundey and Akurey so you can observe puffins, fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns and black guillemots. Binoculars are available on board.
Return to the Old HarbourThe boat heads back to the departure point, with the whole outing lasting about one hour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this trip.

Rain gear. The tour runs on open water in Faxaflói Bay, and one reviewer noted that sitting outside meant getting a little wet, so a rain jacket is a sensible thing to bring. That reviewer still recommended the outside seats.
Bring layers. The tour depends on the weather and runs on open water in Faxaflói Bay, so dress warmly for sea conditions. Warm clothing makes the trip more comfortable.
Binoculars. Binoculars are supplied on board at no charge, and reviewers mention using them to pick out the birds on the islands. You do not need to bring your own.
Short and easy. The whole outing lasts one hour. It suits travellers who want wildlife watching without a big time commitment.
Guides and group feel. Reviewers often praise the guides as knowledgeable, informative and funny. Commentary is in English.
Getting there. There is no pickup. You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11 in the Old Harbour, and food and drink are not included, so eat beforehand if you want.

Common issues. The tour is weather dependent and can be cancelled, in which case the operator gives a full refund. One reviewer reported a larger boat substituted at short notice, which kept the boat further from the island than usual, and some travellers find commentary harder to follow when viewing outside the cabin. Travellers with mobility issues or medical problems are asked to inform the operator in advance so assistance can be arranged.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Pickup Included?

The tour starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, in the Old Harbour. Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way there. It is a one-hour outing.

What Is Included In The Price?

The boat tour, a guide, binoculars on board and a full puffin sighting guarantee are all included. Food, drink and transfers are not included.

Are Puffin Sightings Guaranteed?

Yes, the operator offers a 100 percent guarantee of seeing Atlantic puffins. Beyond puffins, you can also expect northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns and black guillemots around the islands.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of weather or sea conditions, you also receive a full refund.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Mobility Issues?

The listing asks travellers with mobility issues or medical problems to inform the operator in advance so they can be assisted. It does not state specific accessibility facilities, so raise your needs before booking.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing and a rain jacket, since one reviewer reported getting a little wet sitting outside. Binoculars are provided on board, and food and drink are not included in the tour.