Puffin Watching Boat Tour to Lundey & Akurey Islands Reykjavik
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Overview
This one-hour puffin watching boat tour leaves from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik and takes you out across Faxaflói bay to the small islands where Atlantic puffins nest in summer. An English-speaking guide explains the birds and the bay, and binoculars are provided on board. It is a short, easy wildlife trip that suits families, couples and anyone with a few spare hours in the capital who wants to see puffins up close without a long drive.
Highlights
- One-hour boat trip from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik
- Puffin watching around the nearby bird islands in Faxaflói bay
- English-speaking guide with commentary on the birds and the coast
- Binoculars on board for close-up views
- Views of Reykjavik, Mount Esja and the coastline from the water
- Short and easy, so it fits a busy sightseeing day
Full Description
The Puffin Islands of Lundey and Akurey
Akurey lies just off the harbour and Lundey a little further out, and both are low, grassy islands where Atlantic puffins dig burrows and raise their chicks each summer. Iceland is home to a very large share of the world's Atlantic puffins, and these islands are among the easiest places to see them without leaving the capital. The boat keeps a respectful distance from the nesting areas, so you watch the birds without disturbing them.
If you are wondering whether a puffin tour from Reykjavik is worth it, the answer is yes in the right season: the birds are small, colourful and endlessly entertaining as they fly in with beaks full of sand eels. Bring your camera with a zoom lens, or simply use the binoculars provided on board.
Reykjavik Old Harbour and Faxaflói Bay
The Old Harbour is the working waterfront of Reykjavik, with fishing boats, whale-watching vessels and small cafés alongside the quay. Your tour begins here and heads out into Faxaflói bay, where the city skyline, the mountain Esja across the water and, on clear days, the far-off Snæfellsjökull glacier form the backdrop.
Puffin watching from the Old Harbour is popular because the trip is short. You get open-water views, sea air and a feel for the coast without spending half a day on a boat. The guide points out other seabirds such as arctic terns, eiders and gulls, and explains how the birds depend on the fish in the bay.
The Best Time for Puffin Watching in Reykjavik
Puffins arrive from the open Atlantic in spring and leave again in late summer, so the best time to see puffins in Reykjavik is roughly from May to mid-August, with the birds most active in the morning and around midday. Outside these months the islands are usually empty, so check your date carefully before booking.
The sea can be choppy, and the wind is stronger than in town. Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a calm day and stay in the middle of the deck, where movement is least noticeable.
Itinerary
- Boarding at the Old HarbourMeet at the boarding point in Reykjavik and board the boat for your chosen departure.
- Sail across Faxaflói bayA short crossing with views of the city, Mount Esja and the coastline, with commentary from your guide.
- Puffin islands of Lundey and AkureyWatch puffins and other seabirds near the islands, using the binoculars provided.
- Return to the harbourThe boat returns to the Old Harbour after about one hour in total.
What's included
- Boat tour to the puffin islands
- English-speaking guide
- Binoculars on board
Not included
- Transfers
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 7–15
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- A short visit — about 1 hour
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Visitors travelling outside the puffin season, roughly May to mid-August
- Travellers who suffer badly from seasickness
- People who need a transfer from their hotel, as transfers are not included
Meeting point
Meet at the boarding point in Reykjavik Old Harbour shortly before your departure time. The exact boarding location and check-in details are sent with your booking confirmation. Hotel transfers are not included.
Important information
- Puffins are present mainly from May to mid-August; sightings depend on the season and the weather
- Dress warmly and bring a waterproof jacket, hat and gloves, as it is colder on the water
- Binoculars are provided on board, but bring your own camera
- Sailings may be changed or cancelled in rough weather, so check your confirmation
- Transfers and food and drinks are not included
- Arrive at the harbour about 15 minutes before departure
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the puffin watching tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the ages of your group. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children, once you choose a date.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour starts from the boarding point at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, and transfers are not included.
How long is the puffin tour?
About one hour on the water, so allow a little extra time for boarding and arriving.
Is the puffin tour suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love it. Dress them warmly and keep a close eye on them on deck. The booking panel shows the child price and the age ranges.
What should I wear or bring?
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, and non-slip shoes. Binoculars are provided, and a camera with a zoom is helpful.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date on the booking panel to see which departures are available, including same-day or next-day options if they exist.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one option, the standard puffin watching boat tour with a guide and binoculars. The booking panel shows the current departure times.
When is the best time to see puffins in Reykjavik?
Roughly May to mid-August, when the birds are nesting on the islands. Morning and midday sailings are often the most active.
Are puffin sightings guaranteed?
Puffins are wild animals, so we cannot promise a specific number, but the islands are a reliable nesting site during the season. The guide will do their best to find them.
Can I get seasick?
The bay can be choppy on windy days. If you are sensitive, choose a calm day, look at the horizon and stay near the middle of the boat.
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