Puffin Express Tour: See Puffins Up Close in Reykjavik

Enjoy a close-up view of puffins on the puffin express trip from Reykjavik. Our specially outfitted vessel brings you near the rugged beach of Akurey Island to observe these beautiful ocean birds in their wild surroundings. Gain insights about puffins and other marine birds inhabiting the region from our expert onboard tour guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Following pickup at your hotel in Reykjavík
(if option selected), board the comfortable puffin express boat for a 15-minute cruise to Akurey, an island known for its puffin population, just off the coast of Reykjavik.
Puffins nest between May and August on this island, which is covered with small hills and slopes and known for its colorful bird life….

What's Included
  • Use of binoculars included
  • Guidance from an expert guide
  • Access to the Special Tours App in multiple languages
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional cost - please contact supplier directly).
Additional Information
  • Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply)
Location
Geirsgata 11
Geirsgata
Please make your way to the Special Tours ticket office. There you will check in and meet your guide, who will take everyone to the boat just before the departure time. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(635 Ratings)
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Marina_u
Aug 26, 2025
Lovely boat ride - We went on the last day of Puffin tours so there were not many puffins left. They offered us a refund but it was a beautiful day so we decided to go anyway and enjoyed the boat ride. Our tour guide was lovely and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_o
Aug 23, 2025
We had the opportunity to... - We had the opportunity to see some puffins on this trip. It was a good time, the only issue was we could not understand the gentleman who was talking about the puffins.
Review provided by Viator
Thebigc050
Aug 23, 2025
Did I see Puffins? Yes and No! - A little disappointing but through no fault with this tour company. It was a windy day and most tours were being cancelled. I am still glad our tour went out because it was the only day we were in this area. However even though we saw lots of puffins we were not able to get a close up view. The boat was clean and comfortable and the guide on board was very good. The company is in an easy location on the Harbor and the reps were helpful. It was easy to book on line.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4990ylcristinam
Aug 22, 2025
Great tour - definitely recommend - The company is well organized. They took us to see the puffins on a smaller boat, which could come closer to shore. They provided binoculars. The guide shared many interesting facts about puffins and other local birds - very captivating for my child. We saw many birds. Awesome experience. We bought the tickets for the same day, in person (sunny day) - they gave 15% discount because we took the whale tour a few days before. Very happy with this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mallorywalters
Aug 19, 2025
Not a lot of puffins, but still a great experience - It was fun! Patrick was a great guide. We only say about 100 puffins since puffin season is coming to an end, but they were great at warning us about that before getting on the boat.
Review provided by Viator
Jo_a
Aug 18, 2025
Great tour. We did see... - Great tour. We did see the puffins. Wish we could have seen them closer but we did see them. Glad we got to see them before they leave the area.
Review provided by Viator
Alodie_s
Aug 17, 2025
We were warned at... - We were warned at check-in that we were at the end of the season and we wouldn’t see a lot of puffins. We saw a fair number of puffins plus a few seals. Our captain was great as well as our guide! Definitely recommend but just be aware that mid August is low number of puffins.
Review provided by Viator
Rosalind_m
Aug 19, 2025
Tour guide, older... - Tour guide, older gentleman, was knowledgeable and engaging. Boat was very crowded, difficult to see Puffins and sights because of crowding. Volume of speaker was erratic.
Review provided by Viator
Connector59943489548
Aug 18, 2025
These birds have flown - Disappointing. They shouldn't have continued so late in the season (Aug 17). Wasn't worth it. So few puffins, so far away.😕
Review provided by Tripadvisor
226betsyw
Aug 16, 2025
It was a waste of my time and money. Very disappointing :( - I was very disappointed in the puffin excursion. Even with the help of binoculars it was impossible to see the Puffins. If I knew the visibility was so poor and that we couldn't get closer to the island, I never would have gone on this excursion, It was a waste of my money and time,
Review provided by Tripadvisor