Viator Rating : 5 (636 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.7/10 (Solid Experience)
Reykjavik
Reykjavik Puffin Cruise: See Birds Up Close!
60
Overview
Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik offers a chance to see adorable puffins up close! This boat tour takes people to Akurey island, near Reykjavik, where many puffins live. The boat is made to get close to the rocky shore so everyone can see the birds easily.
The guide on the boat knows a lot about puffins and other birds in the area. People can learn about these birds while watching them fly and nest. Akurey island is full of small hills and slopes where the puffins make their homes between May and August.
The boat will circle the island, giving everyone lots of time to watch the puffins. The captain will even turn off the engine so people can enjoy the quiet and peaceful nature of Iceland. With choices of many departure times during the day, fitting this tour into any Iceland visit is easy. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Mobility (9 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Instagram Factor (6 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
See Puffins Up Close: Get close to puffins in their natural home on Akurey island.
Expert Tour Guide: Learn about puffins and other seabirds from a knowledgeable guide.
Specially Designed Boat: The boat is made to get you as close as possible to the puffins.
Use Binoculars: Binoculars are available on board.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really like getting close to the puffins.
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They find the tour guides very knowledgeable and helpful.
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Many appreciate the boat's design for good viewing.
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They enjoy seeing other types of birds as well.
Some wish for more time with the puffins.
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A few mention the boat can get crowded.
The Journey
Reykjavik
The starting point of the tour, offering hotel pickup (if option selected) and serving as the gateway to the puffin cruise experience.
Akurey Island
A small island just off the coast of Reykjavik, known for its large puffin population during the nesting season (May-August). Its rocky shores and unique landscape provide an ideal habitat for puffins and other seabirds.
Puffin Express Boat
A specially designed boat that enables close-up viewing of puffins along the rocky shores of Akurey Island. It provides a comfortable and stable platform for observing the seabirds in their natural environment.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes binoculars on board, an expert guide to teach about the puffins, and access to a Special Tours App with information in several languages. Gratuities, food, and drinks are not included. Hotel transfers are also not included but can be added for an extra cost by contacting the tour provider directly.
Hot Tip
Real reviews suggest that showing up early can help in securing a better viewing spot on the boat. Bringing an extra layer of clothing is also recommended, as it can get chilly out on the water, even on a sunny day.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this puffin cruise offers excellent close-up views of puffins and seabirds on Akurey Island, praising knowledgeable guides, provided binoculars, and the custom boat's access to rocky shores. Many highlight informative commentary and suitability for short schedules, though some note challenges with photography due to fast-flying birds and occasional splashing from waves. Negative points are rare but include weather dependency and limited accessibility.[3]
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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This is your complete guide to Iceland’s capital and beyond. From must-do Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik and dazzling Northern Lights tours to unique experiences like the Lava Show and top concerts, we’ve gathered 100+ of the best attractions, tours, and events. Are you more of a foodie? Hop into a Reykjavik food tour, while those craving adventure can chase hikes and waterfalls nearby. Take a city tour or take day trips across Iceland - this guide takes you through things to do in Reykjavik that are actually (seriously) worth it. Explore Reykjavik with Dyvarcity.
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