Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík

356 Reviews 4.77 out of 5 stars Based on 356 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

60 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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!

What's Included

  • Excellent Live Guidance in English
  • Photos taken by crew (if any)
  • Use of binoculars
  • Pickup / Dropoff (available for a fee)
  • Food & Drinks (bring your own or purchase on board)
See 1 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Ægisgarður 5c
101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Old Harbour (pass by)

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

Puffins of Reykjavik

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.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre (pass by)

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!
Read more
Show 2 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-7090P17

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.77
356 reviews

Average 4.77 out of 5 stars based on 356 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
298
4 stars
43
3 stars
8
2 stars
5
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Guided Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach Day Trip from Reykjavik

A journey through Iceland’s glacial heart. Discover the stunning beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where ancient icebergs drift silently through Iceland’s deepest lake before washing …More

A journey through Iceland’s glacial heart. Discover the stunning beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where ancient icebergs drift silently through Iceland’s deepest lake before washing...

14 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (662)
from
$234

Full-Day South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike - with Photo Package

Throughout this tour, your guide will also be your photographer. Meaning that they will take photos of you during all of these experiences. After the …More

Throughout this tour, your guide will also be your photographer. Meaning that they will take photos of you during all of these experiences. After the...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$2,194

6-Day Minibus Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik

Discover the best of Iceland on this unforgettable 6-day guided adventure through the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, and North Iceland. Witness natural wonders like …More

Discover the best of Iceland on this unforgettable 6-day guided adventure through the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, and North Iceland. Witness natural wonders like...

6 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (514)
from
$2,230

Private Winter Wonder Golden Circle Tour with Northern Lights

With departure times around noon, this tour is ideal if you had a long day the day before. If you want to learn more about …More

With departure times around noon, this tour is ideal if you had a long day the day before. If you want to learn more about...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
from
$1,420

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Perlan Admission - Volcano & Ice Cave, Northern Lights Experience

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland is a unique experience where you learn all about Icelandic nature in interactive and fun ways. Explore a real indoor …More

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland is a unique experience where you learn all about Icelandic nature in interactive and fun ways. Explore a real indoor...

2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,203)
from
$59

Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

Local food, city & history tour of Reykjavik. In the tastiest sight seeing tour in Iceland, we explore down town Reykjavik through delicious local cuisines …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Local food, city & history tour of Reykjavik. In the tastiest sight seeing tour in Iceland, we explore down town Reykjavik through delicious local cuisines...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (21,517)
from
$146

The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Located just 30-40 minutes from Reykjavík, the tunnel is …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Located just 30-40 minutes from Reykjavík, the tunnel is...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,386)
from
$70

Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

See puffins up close on the puffin express tour from Reykjavik. The specially designed boat takes you close to the rocky shore of Akurey island …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

See puffins up close on the puffin express tour from Reykjavik. The specially designed boat takes you close to the rocky shore of Akurey island...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.6 (805)
from
$63

What's Included

Activity name

  • Excellent Live Guidance in English
  • Photos taken by crew (if any)
  • Use of binoculars
  • Use of raincoats
  • Pickup / Dropoff (available for a fee)
  • Food & Drinks (bring your own or purchase on board)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name