About this experience
This tour offers a memorable way to experience Iceland's wildlife, just minutes from downtown Reykjavík. Depending on the tides and conditions on the islands our captains will take you to either Engey, Akurey or Lundey, which are well known for their plentiful birdlife.
In addition to puffins you have the opportunity to view other birds such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants. You may also see seals, adding to the excitement of the tour.
Our crew will share interesting facts about puffins against the scenic backdrop of rocky shores, and if the weather is good, we might turn off the engines so you can enjoy the natural sounds!
If no puffins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you to try again another day, free of charge!
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr–1 hr 30 min
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
If you want a wildlife outing without committing a full day, this short cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is an appealing option. I’d choose it for the chance to see puffins and other seabirds close to the city, while keeping expectations flexible: these are wild birds on protected islands, not a guaranteed close-up photo session.
A good fit for a short Reykjavík stay
The cruise lasts about one to one and a half hours, and the route goes to one of three puffin islands depending on tides and conditions. You may also spot other seabirds, and seals are possible. I think it suits curious first-timers, families, and anyone with limited time who would enjoy a guided look at local wildlife even if the birds are not posing for the camera.
Guidance is in English, binoculars and raincoats are available to borrow, and the crew may share photos if any are taken. If no puffins appear, another attempt on a different day is offered free of charge; that helps soften the uncertainty, though it only helps if your schedule allows a return.
Choose the outing for the wildlife, not a particular island
There is no fixed island choice: tides and availability determine whether the boat visits Engey, Akurey or Lundey. The islands are nature reserves, so you stay aboard and the captain aims to sail close without stepping ashore. My advice is to treat the cruise as a chance to observe nesting and resting birds responsibly, rather than expecting a landing or a precise route.
For photos, bring a camera with a zoom lens or use binoculars; the birds are small, and the crew’s images are a useful extra rather than something I’d rely on as your only record. One practical trade-off in the feedback is that the boat’s size may limit how close it can get compared with other tours, while rough water can affect which boats can go out.
Plan for sea conditions and a brisk deck
Meet at the ticket office by the Old Harbour at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding. Weather can change quickly, and the captain may cancel for safety; the tour is also weather-dependent. I’d leave some flexibility around the cruise if missing it would disrupt a tight onward plan.
Dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes: the deck can be slippery, and being out on the water may feel colder than the city. Food and drinks are not included, though they can be brought along or purchased onboard. The boat is not fully accessible for people with low mobility, with steep stairs and high thresholds, so this is an important limitation to weigh before booking.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated October 29, 2026
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr–1 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Excellent Live Guidance in English
- Photos taken by crew (if any)
- Use of binoculars
- Use of raincoats
Not included
- Pickup / Dropoff (available for a fee)
- Food & Drinks (bring your own or purchase on board)
Itinerary and highlights
Meet us at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík and board one of our smaller boats that will take you to the charming puffins!
We stop by one of three puffin islands (Engey, Akurey or Lundey) outside Reykjavík to watch the thousands of puffins that travel to Iceland each summer to breed. As the islands are nature reserves we cannot step foot on land, but rather try to sail as close as possible. Borrow binoculars or bring your own. We recommend a good zoom camera for good quality pictures.
Along the cruise you will have the chance to see Reykjavík from a unique angle, among it the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall, the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church and perhaps the Sun Voyager sculpture!
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Elding Whale Watching
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- As the birds are small in size, we recommend bringing a tripod and a good zoom lens for 'close up' photography and/or binoculars (also available to lend on board)
- The deck on the boat can be slippery. We recommend wearing good sturdy footwear. For optimal viewing and a more enjoyable cruise this tour is weather dependent.
- Please note that our fleet is not completely accessible for low mobility as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Please note that our fleet is not completely accessible for low mobility as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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