Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

Reykjavik’s stunning coastal scenery and its abundant puffin population make for an unforgettable shore excursion. The Puffin Sightseeing Cruise, operated by Special Tours Iceland, offers a captivating one-hour journey from the port to Akurey Island. With expert guides and high-quality optics, passengers can witness these charismatic seabirds up close in their natural habitat. The cruise’s intimate group size ensures a personalized experience, while the Special Tours App enhances the adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique Icelandic encounter, this excursion promises breathtaking views and memories that will last long after the boat docks.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Shore Excursions In Reykjavik.

Good To Know

• This 1-hour cruise from Reykjavik Port to Akurey Island offers close-up views of puffins in their natural habitat, with expert guide commentary.
• Binoculars are provided for onboard use to enhance wildlife viewing, and the app serves as an additional resource for passengers.
• The tour features a worry-free shore excursion guarantee, with round-trip transfers available from Skarfabakki Harbour or the Special Tours Ticket Office.
• Early morning departures and weekdays are recommended to avoid crowds and maximize the chances of seeing active puffins.
• The tour can be booked via the Special Tours Iceland website, with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure.

Overview of the Excursion

The Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offers a one-hour excursion from Reykjavik Port to Akurey Island, a haven for puffins and other native seabirds.

Operated by Special Tours Iceland, this shore excursion has received 26 reviews with an overall rating of 4.0.

The cruise features an expert guide, binoculars for onboard use, and the Special Tours App available in multiple languages.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the experience promises worry-free transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour.

The boat allows close cruising to the rocky shorelines, providing opportunities to observe puffins and Arctic terns in their natural habitat.

What’s Included

Binoculars are provided for onboard use, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the puffins and other seabirds.

The tour also includes a worry-free shore excursion guarantee, with round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour. An expert guide accompanies every tour, providing commentary on the local flora and fauna.

The Special Tours App, available in several languages, offers an additional resource for passengers.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour does provide coffee service onboard. Gratuities are also not included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Passengers can be picked up from either the Skarfabakki Harbour or the Special Tours Ticket Office at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik.

It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Complimentary transfers are only applicable for passengers originating from the Skarfabakki Harbour.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and located near public transportation.

Passengers should plan to meet at the designated pickup point to ensure a smooth and timely departure for the puffin sightseeing cruise.

Tour Experience

Passengers can choose from various start times to embark on the puffin sightseeing cruise departing from Reykjavik Port.

The 15-minute journey to Akurey Island is accompanied by an expert guide’s commentary on the island’s flora and fauna.

Once at the island, travelers will have the opportunity to observe puffins and Arctic terns in their natural habitat.

The boat’s design allows for close cruising along the rocky shorelines, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Moments of silence are incorporated into the tour, enabling guests to capture the serene beauty of the puffins.

Coffee is served onboard, enhancing the overall experience.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly, positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the abundance of puffins on the sightseeing cruise. Travelers noted seeing puffins and other seabirds up close, with the boat allowing for cruising along the rocky shorelines. However, some visitors mentioned seeing the puffins from a distance. The quality of the binoculars and the level of guide engagement received mixed feedback. To avoid crowds, travelers suggested booking earlier tour times. The free cancellation policy and the intimate group size of 33 travelers or fewer were well-received.

Pros	Cons
Knowledgeable guides	Binocular quality
Abundant puffins	Guide engagement
Close shoreline cruising	Puffins seen from distance
Free cancellation	–
Intimate group size	–

Puffin Sightings

The puffin sightings on the excursion proved to be a highlight for many travelers.

The boat’s close cruising along the rocky shorelines of Akurey Island provided ample opportunities to spot these charming seabirds. Passengers were delighted to see the puffins in their natural habitat, with some noting the birds’ colorful beaks and comical movements.

However, a few travelers mentioned that the puffins were seen from a distance, suggesting that earlier tour times may offer better chances of seeing the birds up close.

Recommended Start Times

Timing choices appear key to maximizing puffin sightings on the cruise. According to customer reviews, the following start times are recommended:

1. Earlier morning departures: Travelers suggest booking the earliest cruise times, as puffins are more active and crowds are smaller during the mornings.

2. Weekdays over weekends: Several reviewers note that weekend tours tend to be more crowded, leaving less opportunity for close-up puffin views.

3. Shoulder seasons: Spring and fall months may offer better sightings, as puffins are less disrupted by peak summer tourist volumes.

4. Timed with puffin breeding cycles: The peak puffin breeding season runs from May to August, so timing the cruise accordingly increases the chances of witnessing the birds in their natural habitat.

Booking and Cancellation

For the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise, travelers can book their tours through the Special Tours Iceland website.

Passengers have the flexibility to select their preferred start time, with cruise departures available throughout the day. The tour offers a free cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This gives customers the confidence to book without worry.

The cruise has a maximum capacity of 33 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.

With convenient pickup from Skarfabakki Harbour or the Special Tours Ticket Office, the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise is a seamless and hassle-free way to experience the natural wonders of Akurey Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Binoculars on the Cruise?

Yes, passengers can bring their own binoculars on the cruise. The cruise provides binoculars for onboard use, but bringing personal binoculars allows travelers to have a more personalized viewing experience of the puffins and other seabirds.

Is There an Option to Extend the Cruise Duration?

The cruise duration is fixed at 1 hour and can’t be extended. Passengers can, however, choose from multiple departure times to find a less crowded option. The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the cruise.

Are There Any Special Photo Opportunities During the Tour?

The tour provides opportunities for wildlife photography, with moments of silence allowing travelers to capture puffins and Arctic terns in their natural habitat. The boat’s close cruising to rocky shorelines enhances these photographic chances.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, coffee is served onboard. The tour operator doesn’t allow outside refreshments to maintain a clean and safe environment for the puffin sightseeing experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

There is no minimum age requirement for the puffin sightseeing cruise. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, but parents should ensure their children are well-behaved and supervised throughout the cruise.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offers a captivating one-hour journey to observe puffins in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides, binoculars, and a personalized experience, it’s an ideal choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The cruise’s close proximity to the charming seabirds and stunning views promise a memorable encounter. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot on this popular Reykjavik excursion.