Embark on the puffin express tour from Reykjavik and witness puffins up close.
Our specially designed boat will take you near the rocky shores of Akurey island, offering a fantastic opportunity to see these charming seabirds in their natural habitat.
Your knowledgeable onboard guide will share fascinating insights about the puffins and other bird species found in the area.
✓ Binoculars available on board✓ Guidance from an expert✕ Gratuities for the guide or crew✕ Food and beverages, unless specifically mentioned✕ Hotel transfers are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost by contacting the supplier directly.Tour Itinerary
After being picked up from your Reykjavik hotel (if this option was selected), you'll board the comfortable puffin express boat. Enjoy a 15-minute journey to Akurey, an island renowned for its puffin population, situated just off the coast of Reykjavik.
From May to August, puffins nest on this island, which is characterized by its rolling hills, slopes, and vibrant birdlife. Because the island's coastline is rocky, our puffin-watching boat is specifically engineered to navigate as close to the shoreline as possible, ensuring you get an intimate view of these delightful creatures!
Onboard, your expert guide will provide engaging information about the puffins, as well as other fascinating seabirds you might encounter during the tour, such as northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. Delight in observing these charming seabirds as they nest and dive into the sea for food.
Upon reaching the shore of Akurey, we will circle the island, allowing for extended observation time. The captain will then turn off the engines, enabling you to savor the tranquility amidst Iceland's natural wonders.
You have the flexibility to choose from five departure times throughout the day (with up to seven departures available from June to August) to perfectly fit your Iceland itinerary.
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please proceed to the Special Tours ticket office. Here, you will check in and meet your guide, who will escort everyone to the boat shortly before the scheduled departure time. Kindly ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your departure.
Please proceed to the Special Tours ticket office. Here, you will check in and meet your guide, who will escort everyone to the boat shortly before the scheduled departure time. Kindly ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your departure.
Please check in at the Special Tours ticket office to exchange your voucher for your boarding pass.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. Infants must be seated on an adult's lap during the tour. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Hotel pick-up is available to book directly with the supplier, though additional fees apply. Book in advance, especially during peak season (May-August). Dress in warm layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Bring binoculars for even closer views of the wildlife. Arrive at the ticket office at least 10 minutes before your departure time. Consider adding the hotel pick-up option for convenience. To receive a full refund, please ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5477PUFFIN
Activity offered by Special Tours Iceland via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Bird watchers Families Tourists visiting Reykjavik Observe puffins in their natural habitat Specially designed boat for close-up views Expert guide providing insights on local wildlife Stunning coastal scenery near Reykjavik Multiple daily departure times available
Population 138,772 (2025)
Elevation 8 m
Currency Icelandic króna
Official language Icelandic
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 230 V
Emergency number 112 Average temperatures 0° Jan 0° Feb 1° Mar 3° Apr 6° May 9° Jun 11° Jul 10° Aug 8° Sept 4° Oct 2° Nov 0° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
When is the best time to see puffins on Akurey island? + Puffins nest on Akurey island between May and August.
What kind of boat is used for the tour? + A specially designed boat is used, engineered to get as close to the rocky shoreline as possible for optimal viewing.
What other seabirds might I see on this tour? + You may also spot northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.
Do I need to bring food and drinks? + Food and drinks are not included unless specified. It is recommended to bring your own if desired.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour may be canceled if the weather conditions are unfavorable.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great way to spend a...
Simon_M, September 2026
Great way to spend a couple of hours. The guys doing the tour were very knowledgeable about the wildlife in particular the puffins they also made it so much fun - even when we were a bit jet lagged!
Response from the operator · specialtoursiceland Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time with us. It's especially rewarding to know that our team helped make the experience both informative and fun, even while you were battling a bit of jet lag!
Puffins are always a highlight, and we're glad you enjoyed learning more about them and the local wildlife. Thank you for your kind words about the crew, we'll be sure to share your feedback with them.
We hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Iceland!
★★★★★ Viator review
Great tour for Puffin watching
Connor_B, August 2026
Best tour I have been on! Super fun time, even though it was the end of the Puffin season, we saw plenty and as a bonus we got to be right next to a baby calf whale feeding. The team went above and beyond!
Response from the operator · specialtoursiceland Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fun time with us. Seeing plenty of puffins at the end of the season is always a treat, and having a whale calf feeding nearby is the kind of unforgettable wildlife encounter that makes every tour unique.
We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure in the future!
★★★★★ Viator review
A must to activity to add to your icelandic itinerary
Victoria_H, August 2026
The team on the boat were extremely friendly and informative. The short boat ride to the small island is a must to learn all about these beautiful endangered birds.
Response from the operator · specialtoursiceland Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found our team both friendly and informative. The puffin islands offer a unique opportunity to learn about these remarkable seabirds in their natural habitat, and we're glad the experience was both enjoyable and educational for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Iceland!
★★★★★ Viator review
Stellar crew. Christina,...
Kathleen_S, August 2026
Stellar crew. Christina, Sammy, and Hjalmar got us to the island, gave a great narrative of life there. Saw puffins and a surprise guest of a young humpback whale in the harbor. Can't say enough about the passion and knowledge of the crew.
Response from the operator · specialtoursiceland Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Christina, Sammy, and Hjálmar helped make it such a memorable experience. It's fantastic that you got to see the puffins and were treated to the unexpected bonus of a young humpback whale in the harbor. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the crew. Their passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for Iceland's wildlife and history are what make these tours so special. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
★★★★★ Viator review
Don't count on the communication they send you
Mary_N, August 2026
The afternoon cruise was canceled. They wanted me to book earlier, but I arrived that day and didn't want to chance it. I emailed the address shown on the cancelation notice, and the mail didn't go through. I tried several more times to no avail.
Response from the operator · specialtoursiceland We are sorry to hear about your disappointment.
Regarding your attempt to contact us, our cancellation notifications are sent from a no-reply address. However, each message includes clear instructions on how to reach our team, including the correct email address and contact link for customer inquiries. We have not experienced any issues receiving emails through these channels and respond to guest inquiries regularly.
As for the tour cancellation, whale watching operations are subject to weather and sea conditions, and safety must always remain our top priority. While we understand that cancellations can be frustrating, they are occasionally necessary to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and crew.
We appreciate your feedback and regret that your experience did not meet your expectations.
Show more reviews