Iceland · PUFFIN WATCHING TOURS
Puffins are ashore roughly May to August and gone by the middle of the month after. The 13 below are the boats and cliff walks that reach the colonies, priced, with the ones that combine a sailing with whales.
See Reykjavik’s puffins from a classic wooden boat, with expert guides, binoculars, nearby islands, and a weather-dependent one-hour cruise.
“Great information from the guide and captain. So close to the puffins”
Race across Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík to see whales, dolphins, and summer puffins aboard a warm-suited 12-seat RIB boat.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) We went on the Big Whales Island Speedboat Tour in Húsavík and had a wonderful experience! The guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the whales and the local nature. I really loved his explanations and the great vibes he created throughout the trip; it felt both educational and fun. What I liked the most was how close we could get to the whales while still respecting their space — it was truly unforgettable! The scenery around the island was breathtaking, and the speedboat made the whole experience exciting and dynamic. I highly recommended if you visit Húsavík!”
See puffins, humpback whales, dolphins, and possibly blue whales on a fast, warm, small-group RIB tour from Húsavík.
“The activity was great despite bad weather, our trip was not canceled even though the weather was dodgy, our guide was very informative and kind and well as our captain. We got to see humpback whale up close. If you want to enjoy your experience just take sea sickness pills and you are good to go.”
See Heimaey’s puffins, Elephant Rock, Viking Town, and Eldfell crater with local guide Ebbi on a lively two-hour island tour.
“Ebbi is an islander and knows the island so well. You get on and off the bus and right up on all the sights. We learned tons about the island, history and points of interest. I highly recommend you do this first so you know where to go and what to do while you are there.”
See Reykjavik’s puffins on a one-hour cruise to Akurey Island, with expert commentary, binoculars, flexible departures, and free cancellation.
“You do see puffins but not close enough for any decent iPhone pictures. Would love a more in depth and longer trip.”
Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with practical advice on wildlife, cold weather, price, transport, and who should book.
“Amazing experience…saw numerous whales, including the elusive Northern Bottlenose whale. Our guide and captain were very informative and knowledgeable”
Sail from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, with warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun.
“It was great. We were lucky to have good weather and we saw not one, but two blue whales. And one did belly spins! We also saw a humpback whale and several smaller ones. Of course, don't expect to see whales jumping, you will see just what the whale wants to show you (belly, tail, finns...), but it is impressive to be in the presence of this great animal. The guide was terrific, very enthusiastic and giving us plenty of information. On a side note, the puffin colony can be seen only from afar, so not really worth it...better go to a colony like Borgarfjörður Eystri”
See puffins near Reykjavík and search Faxaflói Bay for whales on two guided cruises with warm overalls, binoculars, and a free whale return ticket.
“Great time on the sea, saw puffins and few whales. Really nice guides, awesome experience- can only recommend.”
Race across Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík by RIB to spot humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins with expert guides in a small group.
“Great tour! Our guide Nicoletta was fun and informative. We got to see both puffins and whales. A smart choice.”
Sail from Reykjavik to puffin islands with binoculars, warm gear, and a naturalist guide. A short, worthwhile wildlife trip for $66.
“Guide was knowledgeable. Perfect amount of time to circle the island.”
Ride a fast RIB from Reykjavik to see puffins, seabirds, and possible whales around Faxaflói Bay on this short summer cruise.
“So cool getting up close to the Puffins and having them fly all around the boat. Super neat experience.”
Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to nearby puffin islands, with binoculars, live guidance, raincoats, and a strong chance of close bird views.
“Very enjoyable boat ride out to see the Puffins. The island was full of puffins as well as other birds.”
Ride an electric scooter across Heimaey, seek puffins, enjoy volcano views, and visit the Sea Life Trust Museum on this small-group Iceland tour.
“What a great experience! We felt safe the entire time after a thorough lesson on how to operate our scooters, followed by a fantastic tour and puffin viewing. We could not have asked for a better time!”
Pick a season, a glacier or a hot pool.
