Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Reykjavik, Iceland

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

1 hour (approx.)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Reykjavik/Keflavik: Blue Lagoon Private Transfer

Reykjavik, Iceland

4.8

(42)

Reykjavik/Keflavik: Blue Lagoon Private Transfer

from $107

Price varies by group size

Reykjavik, Iceland

5.0

(6)

Lava, Craters and Hot Springs Private Tour

from $447

Price varies by group size

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Coach Tour with Local Hunters

Reykjavik, Iceland

4.6

(70)

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Coach Tour with Local Hunters

from $95

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Make the most of your time on land and see some of Iceland's native wildlife while in port. This shore excursion takes you to Akurey Island, home to puffins and other native seabirds including Arctic terns and black guillemots. Choose a starting time to suit your schedule and relax as you cruise by Iceland's stunning scenery.

Enjoy hassle-free pickup from Skarfabakki Harbour
Get close-up views of birdlife with loaner binoculars
Choose from multiple departure times to suit your schedule
Learn about the flora and fauna of Akurey Island from your guide

What's Included

Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 30 minutes before departure and dropoff after
Expert guide on every tour
Binoculars to use on board

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Skarfabakki Harbour
544P+F35, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland

Pickup details

Please be ready at the bus area in the port and be on the lookout for a Special Tours minibus.

Itinerary

Select your preferred start time, and then cruise away from the Port of Reykjavik. The 15-minute journey to Akurey Island allows you to relax and listen to your guide’s commentary about the area’s flora and fauna.

Circle around the island outcrop and watch for the puffins and other native seabirds like Arctic terns. Your state-of-the-art sightseeing boat is designed to reach tricky areas, allowing you to cruise close to Akurey’s rocky shoreline.

When your circle of the island is complete, enjoy a few moments of peace and calm with the boat’s engine silenced. Use the time to take photos of the scenery and wildlife, and then cruise back to the Port of Reykjavik. Coffee is served on board as you go

Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Port of Reykjavik for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Please note that complimentary transfers are only applicable for passengers from Skarfabakki Harbour. Miðbakki (the alternative dock) is a very short walk to the departure point for this tour.
Wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.2

based on 73 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Great customer experience

Christopher_P, Aug 2026

They always answered my questions before the excursion. Was able to see Puffins just before they will migrate back to Greenland. Very interesting presentation by own guide.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to answer your questions before the excursion and that you enjoyed the onboard presentation. We're especially glad you had the chance to see the puffins before their migration. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!

Pissed Off!

Amy_S, Aug 2026

We were told to go to one area for pickup, no one was there! We tried calling, but our US phones were of no use. A taxi driver called for us, tried to get us to the appropriate meeting place, but botched it up. I have requested a refund due to lack of services rendered AND the worst directions ever given!!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

We are sorry that you missed your tour. However, we would like to clarify that the pickup location was clearly stated on the Viator voucher and booking confirmation. Our driver was present at the designated pickup point at Skarfabakki, which is the standard meeting location for prepaid tours. While the review mentions difficulties calling us from U.S. phones, international phone connectivity is unfortunately outside our control. We were contacted regarding the guests' location and made every reasonable effort to assist. The tour operated as scheduled and was available to all guests who arrived at the designated meeting point. As stated in the booking conditions, missed tours and no-shows are not eligible for refunds. We always encourage guests to carefully review their voucher instructions and contact us before departure if they have any questions regarding the meeting location.

If I had to rate the boat...

Terry_K, Aug 2026

If I had to rate the boat captain and crew hand along with viewing experience it would be 5 star. One member of desk staff very rude to 3 other customers while we were waiting. One asked a question to male employee and he responded you can read the sign on the door. Another asked about remaining inside during rain and response from same individual rude and disrespectful. I would spend my money here again due to their desk staff.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour itself, the wildlife viewing, and the work of our captain and crew. We're very sorry to hear about your experience with a member of our desk staff. Providing friendly and respectful service is something we take seriously, and your comments do not reflect the standard we aim to deliver. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we will be looking into this matter internally. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. 💙

Absolutely wonderful!...

Lexie_L, Jun 2026

Absolutely wonderful! Captain Patrick and Alessio were great tour guides. Definitely recommend this tour. Also, easy pickup from the cruise terminal.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for taking the time to review us! We are very happy to hear that you had a great time on our Puffin Express tour with Patrick and Alessio. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and are especially grateful for your comments regarding our pick up service. Thank you again for choosing to join us, and we hope to welcome you back on board in the future!

Obtain detailed instructions where and what time to pick up

Janine_K, Jun 2026

All of the paperwork stated the tour started at 8 am, and to arrive 15 minutes early. We arrived 30 minutes early and we did not see anyone. It was not clear where we were to meet for the pick up as it was an industrial park. The two individuals we saw and asked had no idea what we were talking about regarding an excursion pick-up. At 0810, we finally called the tour operator who stated pick up started at 0700 and the driver left at 0734. The driver provided a photo, showing no one present. In viewing the photo, we were there at that time. It is unclear how he missed us. When I requested a refund, the tour representative was less than nice and rather condescending. I don't recommend this tour operator at all.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are sorry to hear about the confusion and disappointment regarding your transfer. For this tour, pickup begins approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and this information is included in the booking details provided prior to the tour. At Skarfabakki, our vehicles are instructed to wait in the designated "Prebooked Tours" parking area, which is the standard pickup location used by tour operators at the harbor. According to our records, the driver arrived at the designated pickup area and remained there until departure. The driver also provided a timestamped photo from the pickup location. We understand that you were present in the area, which suggests there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the exact meeting point. We sincerely regret that you felt our team's communication was unsatisfactory when discussing the matter afterward. That is never the experience we want our guests to have. We appreciate your feedback and will review both the communication and pickup instructions to see whether they can be made clearer for future travelers. If you would like us to investigate further, please contact us directly with your booking reference, and we will be happy to review the details once again.

The tour that never was

Sandi_E, Jun 2026

Our tickets for our group of 6 all said the tour started at 0945. We were all out at the meeting point by the cruise ship at 0915, The van to pick us up did not show up. When we contacted them they said our meeting time was 0900 at the pier. This time was not communicated to us ever. All of us had 0945 on our confirmation. The tour did not happen as they could not accommodate us prior to our ship leaving

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are very sorry that this situation prevented you from joining the tour. After reviewing the booking details, we discovered that the voucher issued through Viator did not clearly display the pickup time. While the pickup information was included in the booking description on the website, it was not shown on the voucher itself, which understandably led to confusion. Following this incident, we have updated our booking information so that the voucher now clearly states that pickup begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for this experience. Given the circumstances, we fully understood your situation and approved a full refund. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this caused, and we appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention so we could improve our communication.

Wonderful Puffin Boat Cruise! Only takes an Hour!

Howard_S, May 2026

This was a delightful excursion to take a boat cruise out to Puffin Island to see all of the Puffins. This cruise or excursion only takes an hour, and they'll shuttle you to the port. Recommended!

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you for your thoughtful review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the boat cruise and had a pleasant time out at Puffin Island. It is great to know the short excursion worked well for you and that the shuttle service added to the convenience of the experience. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future.

Beautiful day out...

Maureen_S, Aug 2025

Beautiful day out cruising and looking for Puffins. Very educational. Late in the season so some of the birds had left for the season but still enough around to experience. When in Iceland it is one of the things to do.

Disappointing

stewart_m, Aug 2025

A little disappointing. The boat was small and unless you sat on the starboard (right hand side) of the boat you had to take photos over people's heads when possible. The only time the boat turned around so the port side faced the island was for a minute as it turned to head back to the harbor. The commentary was Ok but seemed to get softer as the tour progressed. The 1 hour cruise time started when you left the office and by the time you left the office got on the boat travelled to and from the island and got back to the harbor it felt like we probably spent about 20 minutes at the puffins .at the most and not that close that you were able to differentiate between the birds.

Thanks for the outstanding service

VICTOR_P, Jul 2025

Outstanding customer service. I failed to make the connection with the shuttle from cruise port and had to take a taxi. They held the boat for the extra few minutes it took to get to the tour dock .

Puffins!

Lucille_Z, Jul 2025

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Our Captain knew the spots where we could get the best puffin views. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and had a pleasant demeanor. A fine outing. We had some contact with the company regarding our pick-up point at the cruise terminal. They responded promptly to our concerns.

A very enjoyable experience.

Alfredo_R, Jul 2025

An excellent excursion. Rebekah was a great narrator. Her English was perfect and she was a font of knowledge. We saw so many puffins and other birds. The captain got us as near as possible to the island as he could. A very enjoyable morning.

Puffin Island trip

Linda_C, Jul 2025

A really good boat trip with friendly staff. Loads of puffins on the island, mainly visible through binoculars as the boat cannot get too close to the island. Lots of puffins flying to and from the island many with fish to feed their offspring. Very useful commentary and information from the guide even though the sound system was not particularly good.

Puffins Everywhere!

Anne_H, Jul 2025

We were amazed to see so many puffins up close. It was a great tour with plenty of time to take pictures. Enjoyed the commentary from Oscar.

Left at the dock

Hal_M, Jul 2025

We were left by the bus, the communication was really bad! We were on the list at the office but not on the list for the pickup bus!

The weather was a little...

Catena_B, Jul 2025

The weather was a little wet. I was disappointed that the boat was unable to get close enough to the birds to take a photo. Having only mobile phone camera was useless for taking photos.

No show, so no puffins= sad family

Melanie_F, Jun 2025

The company never showed up to our pick up spot. When we called to see if they were running late they informed us they were not coming. They said there was no pick up location on the tickets- strange because mine gave the address and said to be there at 5pm looking for a white mini bus. So sad because they could not / would not try and accommodate us or arrange another tour for the day and we only have today available. They gave a refund but ruined our day. If they didn’t know where to pick us up why didn’t they call and ask us? Why did my tickets say it?

Nice boat tour

Emily_L, Jun 2025

We took the little boat to the area near a small island where the puffins were. You need binoculars to really appreciate them because the boat cannot get close enough due to environmental restrictions. The puffins look tiny

It was cancelled and...

Tomoko_I, May 2025

It was cancelled and rescheduled due to weather but it was worth going. We saw many puffins and the guides were funny and informative. A very kid friendly short tour.

Great fun

Jennifer_W, Aug 2024

Loved seeing the Puffins floating on the sea near the island in the harbor where the covered boat had taken us. Our guide, Joel, was super nice and very knowledgeable regarding the Puffins. He also pointed out other unusual birds for that area.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you Jennifer for the lovely review! Joel is an exceptionally nice person for true!

Puffins Galore!

Karen_K, Jul 2024

We saw puffins galore! They were flying everywhere ! Great tour- wonderful tour guide Patricia ! We learned all about Puffins

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Puffins Galore! That's a great way to put it! Thanks Karen :)

Great experience

Tanya_R, Jun 2024

The guide was amazing! And their were thousands of puffins! We really enjoyed but its important to know that you see them from a distance

PUFFINS!!

Carol_U, Sep 2023

This was the last Puffin Watch of the season - and we saw groups of them in the water and on the cliffs. Lots of really good information - need to do it again in the spring!

Enjoyable

Judy_T, Aug 2023

So glad we booked the minivan trip from the port to Special Tours offices as the walk would have been too much. Despite it being the end of the season we did get to see some Puffins. Our guide onboard the boat as well as the minivan driver were very informative

Awesome tour

Lori_P, Aug 2023

The tour guide was awesome. Very informative. We saw a lot of puffins I only wish we could have gotten a closer look.

Bucket list item checked off! Amazing!

Emma_P, Jul 2023

Amazing, amazing, amazing! The crew gets you really close to the puffins, there are soo many of them flying by and over your head as well as bobbing along on the water and wandering about on the island itself. I was nervous as I'd seen reviews saying the birds are soo small you can't even see them. I've come to the conclusion these reviewers should have gone to specsavers.

Fun time viewing Puffins

CaroleTyrcha, Jul 2023

The guide was very informative! The boat was small so fewer persons than on other boats. The boat had a shallower draft so we could get a little closer to the island where the Puffins were nesting