Puffin Watching Cruise

Puffins are one of Iceland's most beloved visitors, and from late spring to August they nest on the small islands just outside Reykjavik's harbor. Puffin cruises leave from the Old Harbour and sail about twenty minutes to Akurey or Lundey, where the birds stand along the grassy cliffs, fly in low formations over the water and carry sand eels in their beaks. A cruise lasts around an hour, which makes it the simplest wildlife trip in the capital and a good fit for families, short layovers or an evening in the long summer light. Boats keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing nests, and guides explain how puffins live: they spend most of the year at sea, return to burrows in spring and raise a single chick, called a puffling, that fledges in August. Other seabirds are common, and harbor porpoises or even a minke whale can appear on lucky days. The tour is mostly seasonal, so check dates, and dress warmly because the bay is breezy even on sunny days. Departures are frequent in peak season and many cruises provide warm overalls or blankets on board.

The puffin season in Iceland runs roughly from late April to mid August, with the peak in June and July. The Atlantic puffin is a small seabird with a bright, striped beak and an upright waddle, and Iceland hosts a large share of the world's population. In Faxafloi bay, Akurey and Lundey are protected nesting islands within sight of the city. Their grassy slopes are honeycombed with burrows, and the birds gather on the edge in the evening, giving the best photographs.

A typical cruise begins at the Old Harbour with a short briefing. The boat heads out past the Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager, giving a view of the city skyline that is itself worth the trip, then slows near the islands so that passengers can see the birds on the rocks and in the air. Guides share facts on breeding habits, diet and the fledging season, when children in coastal towns rescue pufflings that get lost in street lights. Photography is easiest from the open deck, and binoculars are handy though not essential.

Planning is simple. Choose a morning or evening slot depending on light, and combine the cruise with a whale watching tour if you want a longer outing; some operators sell a combined ticket that includes both. Wear warm layers and a windproof outer shell, bring a hat and sunglasses, and expect a gentle swell. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the middle of the boat. Outside the breeding season the puffins are at sea and the trip is not offered, so verify dates when booking.

The cruise is an easy way to add wildlife to a city stay, and pairs naturally with Old Harbour food stops and the nearby Whales of Iceland museum. For photographers, the best results come from a long lens and patience, as the birds move quickly. Even without special equipment, the combination of puffins, sea cliffs and the Reykjavik skyline makes for postcard shots. If the weather is rough the crew may adjust the route, so check conditions with the operator on the day of your trip and allow a little flexibility in your plans.