Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Puffins make a short cruise worthwhile. I like the loaner binoculars and the chance to hear an expert guide explain Akurey Island’s birds and plant life while you circle its rocky shore. I also like the choice of departure times, which helps you fit this one-hour outing around a cruise schedule. The main drawback is distance: depending on conditions, puffins may look small, and some passengers have struggled to hear the commentary or get a clear photo.

This is a simple, focused excursion from Reykjavik’s port rather than a full-day Iceland tour. You travel a short distance across the bay, watch for puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds, then return to the harbor. The experience works best for bird lovers, families, and anyone who wants a quick taste of Icelandic nature without committing to a long bus ride.

Key points to know before you book

• Akurey Island is only about 15 minutes from the port, so most of your time is spent near the birding area rather than on a long open-water crossing.
• Binoculars are supplied, though bringing your own pair can help if you want sharper views or plan to take birdwatching seriously.
• The boat circles the island, and the captain tries to get close while respecting the rocky shoreline and environmental limits.
• The quiet engine-off pause is a highlight, giving you a calmer moment for photographs and wildlife watching.
• Pickup is included from Skarfabakki Harbour, but the arrangement is important if your ship docks elsewhere.
• The best experience depends on season and weather, with fewer puffins possible late in the season and tours sometimes rescheduled in poor conditions.

Leaving Skarfabakki Harbour for Akurey Island

The trip begins at Skarfabakki Harbour, the main cruise terminal listed for this excursion. If you use the included transfer, wait at the port bus area and look for a Special Tours minibus. This detail matters because the pickup has caused confusion for some passengers, and missing the minibus can turn an easy outing into a stressful taxi ride.

Passengers arriving at Miðbakki Harbour do not receive the same complimentary transfer. The alternative dock is described as a short walk from the departure point, but you still need to allow time to find the office and boat. If you are not sure where your ship will dock, confirm it before the morning of the cruise.

The experience is offered in English, with an expert guide on every departure. A Special Tours app is also available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The boat holds a maximum of 33 people, so this is not a private wildlife trip, but it is much smaller than a large sightseeing vessel.

Once aboard, the boat leaves Reykjavik’s port and heads toward Akurey Island. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. That gives the guide time to introduce the bay, explain what birds to watch for, and point out details about the area’s flora and fauna.

The short ride to Akurey Island

The crossing is part of the experience, but it is not the main event. You are going out for one specific purpose: to see puffins and other seabirds around Akurey Island. If you prefer tours packed with history, city sights, or several stops, this outing may feel too narrow.

For bird lovers, the short ride has a useful advantage. You do not spend most of the hour simply getting to the wildlife area. After roughly 15 minutes, the boat reaches the island and begins working around the outcrop.

The boat is designed with a relatively shallow draft, according to one account, allowing it to reach areas that larger boats may not. That does not mean it can pull right up to the nesting birds. Environmental limits and the island’s rocky shoreline keep the boat at a respectful distance.

The supplied binoculars make a real difference. Puffins may be visible on the island, floating in the water, or flying around the boat, but their size and distance vary. Several passengers found them easy to spot, while others felt they were too far away for satisfying photographs. Your expectations should be closer to wildlife watching than to a guaranteed close-up portrait session.

Circling the island in search of puffins

The boat circles Akurey Island so you can look for birds from different angles. Puffins may appear on the rocky island, bobbing in the water, or carrying fish back to their young. Arctic terns and other native seabirds can add variety to the sighting.

Some of the strongest experiences came when the captain found active birds around the island and brought the boat as close as conditions allowed. The shallow boat design can help here. One passenger also appreciated the small size of the vessel, since fewer people made the outing feel less crowded.

Still, the viewing position is not equal for everyone. One passenger found the starboard, or right-hand, side best for seeing the island, while people on the other side had trouble taking photographs over other passengers. The boat turns, but the opposite side may face the island for only a short time.

My practical advice is to pay attention during boarding and choose a place with a clear sightline if you can. Do not assume every seat will offer the same view. If photography matters, bring a camera with a useful zoom. Several passengers found ordinary mobile phone cameras poor at this distance.

The supplied binoculars are helpful, but their quality may vary. If you already own compact binoculars, bring them. You will have a better chance of distinguishing a puffin from another dark shape on the island.

The guide can make or break the hour

A good guide turns a quick boat ride into a proper nature outing. The best commentary has covered puffin behavior, other birds in the area, and what you are seeing at each point around the island. Guides named Rebekah, Oscar, Joel, and Patricia received especially warm praise for clear, friendly, or entertaining narration.

Rebekah was singled out for her polished English and broad knowledge of the birds. Oscar was praised for his commentary, while Joel was described as especially friendly and well informed. Patricia helped make the birding feel lively and accessible.

The guide’s role matters because puffins are not always easy to identify at a distance. A good explanation helps you understand why birds are sitting on the water, flying low, or returning to the island with fish. It also keeps the trip interesting during quieter stretches.

The sound system has been a weak point on some departures. One passenger sitting toward the back could not hear the guide because the speakers were not working well. Another said the commentary became softer as the tour continued. If you cannot hear clearly, move closer to the guide or ask the crew to repeat important points.

The quality of the narration also depends on the individual guide. Some outings have included detailed, funny commentary. Others have felt brief and perfunctory. That inconsistency is worth keeping in mind when you decide how much to pay for the experience.

The quiet pause with the engine off

After the boat completes its circuit, the crew may silence the engine for a few peaceful minutes. This is a small but thoughtful part of the trip. Without the engine noise, you can focus on the birds, the water, and the rocky island without trying to hear over the boat.

It is also the best time to prepare for photographs. Keep your binoculars ready and watch the water as well as the island. Puffins are not confined to the rocks. They may float nearby or pass overhead, sometimes with fish in their beaks.

The pause will not guarantee close views. The boat still remains at a responsible distance, and weather affects how well you can see. Calm conditions can make the water easier to watch, while wet or windy weather can make even a good sighting less comfortable.

Coffee is served on board during the outing. Food and other drinks are not included, so do not treat this as a meal stop. The harbor office has also been noted as having a toilet, which is useful before a short boat trip.

Returning to Reykjavik and fitting the tour into a cruise day

The return cruise to Reykjavik is brief, and the full activity lasts about one hour. That compact schedule is a major selling point for cruise passengers. You can enjoy a distinct Icelandic wildlife experience without giving up most of your day in port.

The excursion includes a worry-free shore excursion guarantee for round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour. The operator states that it will help arrange transportation to the next port if the ship leaves in the rare event of a delayed return. If your ship is delayed and you cannot attend, a refund is offered under the stated terms.

That promise does not remove the need for good planning. Be at the correct pickup point, allow time to find the minibus, and do not assume that Miðbakki and Skarfabakki use the same transfer arrangement. One passenger had to take a taxi after missing the connection, although the boat was held for a few extra minutes. Others reported poor communication when the pickup did not appear at the expected location.

The departure schedule offers several start times. An earlier outing may be a smart choice if you want a quieter boat or prefer to see birds during morning activity. One passenger found an early tour especially rewarding while the puffins were out looking for food.

Season and weather matter more than the brochure suggests

Puffin sightings are the heart of this outing, but wildlife does not follow a timetable. Late-season departures may have fewer birds, and one of the final tours of the season still produced puffins on the cliffs and in the water, but not the same abundance you might hope for at peak times.

You may see many puffins flying, swimming, or sitting on the island. You may also see only a modest number. The experience is better approached as a chance to observe wild birds in their setting, not as a guaranteed photo opportunity.

Weather is equally important. The trip requires good conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is poor. One outing was rescheduled because of weather and turned out well on the replacement date. Rain can make the boat ride less pleasant, and rough or unfavorable conditions may affect how close the captain can get.

Dress for a changeable day and protect your camera from spray. That advice is especially important because the trip is short. There is little time to wait for the weather to improve once you are on the water.

Is $63.51 a fair price?

At $63.51 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavik. You are paying for the boat, an English-speaking guide, supplied binoculars, coffee, and the convenience of port transfers. For a cruise passenger with limited time, that convenience adds real value.

The price makes more sense if seeing puffins is high on your list. You avoid arranging transport outside the port, and the tour is short enough to leave room for other Reykjavik plans. The small boat and guided commentary also give the trip more purpose than simply taking a harbor cruise.

The value is weaker if you expect close bird photographs, guaranteed large numbers, or an in-depth nature lecture. The puffins may appear small, the speakers may not carry well to every seat, and the quality of the commentary can vary. Late-season or poor-weather departures may also produce a less satisfying outing.

The overall rating is 4.2 from 56 ratings, which fits the experience as a good but weather-sensitive wildlife trip. The strongest praise centers on the guides, the number of puffins seen on favorable days, and the ease of the short boat ride. The main complaints concern pickup problems, viewing distance, sound quality, and expectations about what a one-hour cruise can deliver.

Who should book this puffin cruise?

I would choose this tour if you are a birder, a nature lover, or a family looking for a manageable activity from the port. Children may enjoy the short ride and the excitement of spotting puffins flying, swimming, and returning to the island with fish.

It also suits cruise passengers who want a single, focused outing rather than a long Iceland road trip. The one-hour length leaves time for Reykjavik, and the multiple departure times make scheduling easier.

I would think twice if your main goal is close-up photography. You need binoculars, and even then the birds can look small. A mobile phone alone is unlikely to give you the images you want.

FAQ

How long does the puffin cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately one hour, including the trip from Reykjavik’s port to Akurey Island, the island circuit, and the return journey.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting point is Skarfabakki Harbour at 544P+F35, 104 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Is pickup included?

Round-trip transfers are included for passengers departing from Skarfabakki Harbour. You should wait at the port bus area and look for a Special Tours minibus.

What if my ship docks at Miðbakki?

Complimentary transfers apply only to Skarfabakki Harbour. Miðbakki is described as a short walk from the departure point.

Are binoculars provided?

Yes. Binoculars are available for use on board.

What birds might I see?

The main target is the puffin. You may also see Arctic terns and other native seabirds around Akurey Island.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and an expert guide is included on every departure.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Akurey Island puffin cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, short wildlife outing and you understand that wild puffins are not arranged for perfect photographs. The best version of this trip includes calm weather, an enthusiastic guide such as Rebekah, Oscar, Joel, or Patricia, and a lively group of birds around the island.

Choose an earlier departure if the schedule allows, bring your own binoculars and a camera with zoom, and pay attention to your seat and pickup point. If puffins are a must-see for you, this is a sensible way to fit them into a cruise stop. If you need guaranteed close views, perfect sound, or a longer nature program, spend your money elsewhere.