Guided Tours

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

Cruise out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard the specially designed Old Skúli, with a knowledgeable guide and binoculars for up-close puffin encounters.

See Atlantic puffins nesting on nearby islands just 15 minutes from the city. The sightings are guaranteed on every tour.

Glide past Akurey and surrounding bird-rich islands while learning fascinating facts about the wildlife and local geography.

You can access the Special Tours Iceland app which is available in 5 languages, offering text and audio commentary about puffins, islands, and Reykjavík’s coastline.

Traditional wooden boat tour

100% guaranteed puffin sightings

Knowledgeable guide

Small-group experience

Binoculars on board

App available in 5 languages

Transfers

Food and drink

TOTAL DURATION1 hour
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Start point
Special Tours Ticket Office
Get direction
Passes By
Akurey
End point
Special Tours Ticket Office
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

62 reviews
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What our guests say
Aug 2025
Went with my girlfriend and we had a BLAST! The guide told us so much about puffin life (did you know they mate for life?? wild). Boat wasn’t too crowded and the views were EPIC! Puffins everywhere, flying and swimming. Would totally do this again.
Aug 2025
Super fun trip. Booked last minute. Kids loved it (my son wouldn’t put down the binoculars). Crew gave out fun puffin facts and made everyone feel welcome. Puffins showed up in big numbers, lucky us! Dress warm though, wind on the boat is NO JOKE.
Aug 2025
Pretty solid tour. Boat ride was smooth and we got lots of info from the guide (shoutout to Anna!). Puffins were mostly far, but saw some swoop over the water right next to us. Would recommend for bird nerds. Wish the tour was a bit longer.
Aug 2025
I went solo and LOVED it. Early morning tour, barely anyone else. Got lucky with clear skies and calm sea. Puffins everywhere! Crew was super chill and let us take our time with photos. Bring gloves if ur hands get cold easy.
Aug 2025
Whole group (6 of us) enjoyed this trip—grandparents, teens, all! Crew was knowledgeable, and the captain slowed down whenever someone spotted a puffin close by. Didn’t feel rushed at all. Puffins are soooo adorable in person.

Spot puffins up close on a 1-hour small-group boat tour from Reykjavik, guided by local experts with 100% guaranteed sightings.

Getting started

Begin at the Special Tours office on Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, where your guide welcomes you and provides a quick overview. After a brief introduction, board the traditional wooden boat and receive binoculars for the journey.

What to expect

Set sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and glide across the Faxaflói Bay to visit the tiny islands of Akurey and Lundey, home to thousands of puffins and a variety of seabirds. As the boat nears the islands, the engine is switched off, letting you observe the birds quietly and up close, with minimal disturbance to their natural habitat.

About the vessel

The Old Skuli (Skúlaskeið) is a traditional wooden boat with a shallow draft, designed for puffin watching tours from Reykjavík. Its unique design lets passengers get close to Lundey and Akurey islands, offering up-close views of puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

What to bring

Dress in warm layers, as it can feel colder on the water than in Reykjavík.

Bring a windproof or waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes suitable for the boat deck.

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication, as the ride can be choppy.

A valid photo ID is required for check-in at the Special Tours Ticket Office.

What’s not allowed

Do not bring outside food or drinks on board.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, or boarding under the influence are strictly forbidden.

Accessibility

Accessibility depends on the vessel. Old Skúli has limited space, so wheelchair users may not be able to board comfortably.

Additional information

Tours operate weather permitting; trips may be cancelled for safety in rough conditions, with a full refund provided.

Binoculars are provided on board to get a closer view of the puffins and surrounding wildlife.

Meet at the Special Tours Ticket Office, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pick-up is available 30 minutes before if selected.

A knowledgeable guide accompanies you, and the Special Tours Iceland app offers audio and text commentary in five languages.

There is no direct parking at the harbour, but paid parking and a nearby garage are available within walking distance.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.