Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Reykjavik’s puffin watching boat tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating seabirds up close. Departing from the Old Harbour, this eco-friendly excursion aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið promises a memorable 1-hour journey. With a capacity of 33 passengers, the tour provides guaranteed puffin sightings and stunning scenery, all led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. While the engine is turned off near the islands, visitors can revel in close encounters with these charming creatures and their natural habitat. For nature enthusiasts, this tour presents an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical Reykjavik sightseeing.

Key Points

• A 1-hour puffin watching excursion from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, with prices starting at €50 per person.
• Explore Faxaflói Bay and nearby islands, with guaranteed puffin sightings and opportunities to observe other seabirds.
• Operated by Special Tours on the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, which accommodates up to 33 passengers.
• Booking is recommended due to high demand, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guides provide commentary on puffin behavior and the tour’s eco-friendly approach.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Puffin Watching Boat Tour in Reykjavik offers a 1-hour excursion departing from the Old Harbour, with prices starting from €50.00 per person.

Tourists can explore the Faxaflói Bay and nearby islands, Lundey and Akurey, where they’re guaranteed to spot puffins.

The tour takes place on the wooden boat, Skúlaskeið, which accommodates 33 passengers.

During the tour, the engine is turned off near the islands, allowing for better observation of the puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

With a live English-speaking guide, this tour provides an immersive wildlife experience in Reykjavik’s stunning natural surroundings.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers are likely to find the Puffin Watching Boat Tour sells out quickly, so it’s advisable to check availability and reserve a spot as soon as possible. Fortunately, bookings can be made with no upfront payment, allowing customers to secure their place and pay later.

On top of that, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund in case plans change or weather conditions force a cancellation.

The booking and cancellation process is straightforward:

1. Check availability and reserve your spot.
2. Pay later, with no upfront payment required.
3. Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.

This flexibility ensures travelers can plan their Reykjavik experience with confidence.

Puffin Sighting Experience

On the Puffin Watching Boat Tour, passengers can expect an up-close encounter with the charming seabirds as the boat navigates Faxaflóí Bay and approaches the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey. The knowledgeable, English-speaking guide provides commentary about the puffins’ behavior and habitat, while the boat’s engine is turned off near the islands for better observation. Passengers can spot not just puffins, but also northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

What You’ll See	What You’ll Learn	What You’ll Experience
Puffins	Puffin behavior	Relaxing boat ride
Northern fulmars	Puffin habitat	Close-up views
Gulls	Seabird ecology	Knowledgeable guide
Arctic terns		Eco-friendly approach
Black guillemots

Boat and Guide Details

Operated by Special Tours, the wooden boat Skúlaskeið accommodates up to 33 passengers on the Puffin Watching Boat Tour, providing an eco-friendly experience as the engine is turned off near the islands for better wildlife observation.

The tour features a live English-speaking guide who shares their expertise on the local seabirds, including puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

The key highlights of the tour include:

1. Guaranteed puffin sightings in Faxaflói Bay and the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey.

2. An up-close look at a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat.

3. A commitment to sustainability and respectful wildlife observation.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meeting Point and Assistance

Located near bus stop #4 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, the Special Tours office serves as the meeting point for the Puffin Watching Boat Tour, with a large puffin statue outside to help guests identify the location.

Passengers should inform the local partner of any mobility issues or medical problems they have, so appropriate assistance can be provided. This ensures a comfortable and smooth experience for everyone, as the tour company is dedicated to accommodating all guests.

The meeting point’s convenient location and the staff’s attentiveness to individual needs contribute to the overall enjoyment of the puffin watching excursion.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have rated the Puffin Watching Boat Tour highly, with an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 based on 661 reviews.

The tour’s guides, transportation, service, and organization have all been praised, earning scores between 4.6 and 4.8 out of 5.

Key highlights from customer feedback include:

• Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide insightful commentary

• An enjoyable ocean experience with close-up views of puffins and other seabirds

• Respect and care shown towards the wildlife, ensuring a responsible and sustainable tour

What to Expect

Passengers typically embark on the 1-hour puffin watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, where they board the wooden boat, Skúlaskeið, which accommodates up to 33 people.

During the tour, an English-speaking guide provides commentary as the boat explores Faxaflói Bay and the nearby islands of Lundey and Akurey.

The engine’s turned off when approaching the islands, allowing for better observation of puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

Guests are guaranteed to spot puffins, as the tour has a 100% sighting rate.

Despite the weather’s role in tour operations, customers receive full refunds for any cancellations.

Important Information

The meeting point for the puffin watching tour is at the Special Tours office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, located near bus stop #4 and marked by a large puffin statue outside. Passengers should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the boat departs promptly. If you have any mobility issues or medical problems, be sure to inform the local partner in advance so they can provide assistance.

Here are three important pieces of information to keep in mind:

1. The boat, Skúlaskeið, can accommodate 33 passengers.

2. The engine is turned off near the islands to provide better observation opportunities.

3. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos of the Puffins?

Yes, visitors can take photos of the puffins during the boat tour. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to capture these unique seabirds in their natural habitat. However, guests should be mindful not to disturb the wildlife.

What Should I Bring on the Boat Tour?

Guests should bring warm, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the puffins and other seabirds. It’s also recommended to bring a small snack or drink, as the tour lasts about an hour.

Is There Food and Drink Available on Board?

There’s no food or drink available on board. Passengers should bring their own snacks and beverages if needed. The focus of the tour is on wildlife observation, so food service isn’t provided.

How Close Can I Get to the Puffins?

The tour boat gets quite close to the puffin colonies, allowing passengers to observe the birds up close. However, they’re instructed to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the puffins’ natural behaviors.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the puffin watching boat tour, though parents should supervise young kids. The tour boat can accommodate passengers of all ages and mobility levels.

Recap

The Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour offers a captivating 1-hour excursion from Old Harbour.

Priced at €50.00 per person, the eco-friendly wooden boat Skúlaskeið accommodates up to 33 passengers.

With guaranteed puffin sightings and stunning scenery, this tour provides an unforgettable nature experience led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Customers consistently rate the tour highly, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Reykjavik.

You can check if your dates are available here: