Iceland is home to some of the world’s largest puffin colonies, with millions of these charismatic seabirds nesting along the coast during the summer months. If you're hoping to see puffins up close, timing and location are key!
When to See Puffins in Iceland?
Puffins are migratory birds that spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land only during the breeding season. The best time to see them in Iceland is from May to mid-August, with peak activity occurring in June and July. They arrive in late April and typically start heading back out to sea by early September.
The Most Convenient Place to See Puffins - Reykjavík
For visitors staying in Reykjavík, the capital city offers the easiest and most accessible way to see puffins without having to travel far. Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour take you by boat to nearby islands, such as Akurey and Lundey, where puffins nest in large numbers. These tours provide an up-close view of puffins in their natural habitat, and knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about their behavior and conservation. Taking a puffin tour from Reykjavík is ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience, as the tours are short (around 1 hour), easily bookable, and require no long-distance travel.
Other Great Puffin Watching Locations in Iceland
If you have time to explore beyond Reykjavík, Iceland offers several excellent puffin-watching spots across the country:
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands): Home to Iceland’s largest puffin colony, with millions of birds nesting on the cliffs. A ferry ride from the south coast is required, making it a great destination for those with extra time.
Látrabjarg Cliffs (Westfjords): One of Europe’s biggest bird cliffs, offering fantastic puffin encounters. It’s a remote location but well worth the visit for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Dyrhólaey (South Coast): A stunning coastal viewpoint near Vík where puffins nest on cliffs overlooking the black sand beaches.
Grímsey (North Iceland): Located on the Arctic Circle, this island is home to one of Iceland’s most remote puffin colonies. This island offers breathtaking views and an abundance of seabirds, making it a perfect destination for dedicated birdwatchers. A ferry or domestic flight from Akureyri is required to reach this secluded puffin paradise.
Borgarfjörður Eystri (East Iceland): One of Iceland’s best puffin-watching spots, featuring a well-maintained viewing platform that allows visitors to get incredibly close to the birds without disturbing them.
Planning Your Puffin Watching Experience
For those with limited time, Reykjavík’s puffin tours are the most convenient and efficient way to see puffins in Iceland. If your itinerary allows for more exploration, visiting other puffin colonies around the island offers a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes while enjoying these beloved seabirds.
Join us for a Puffin Watching Tour from Reykjavík and experience these incredible birds up close!