Reykjavik: 1.5-Hour Puffin Watching Tour
ID: GYG34793-42772
Category:
Country: Iceland
Duration:
01:30 hours
Description
Encounter charismatic puffins and other sea birds close-up on a 1.5-hour tour from Reykjavik and experience the wildlife in their natural environment, where they breed on small islands. Enjoy great views via complimentary on board binoculars.
The charismatic puffin has attracted local and tourist attention around Iceland for many years. It is their prismatic appearance and curious behavior that gives rise to this intrigue. Their most obvious characteristic during the breeding season is their brightly colored bill which, added to their striking piebald plumage, has given rise to nicknames such as “clown of the ocean” or “sea parrot.”
Depending on tides and weather conditions, you will head to Akurey, Engey or Lundey on a 1.5-hour cruise. These islands are well known for their plentiful birdlife, and in addition to puffins you will have the opportunity to view other birds, such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, geese and oystercatchers.
The islands' shores are rocky, but the captains know the best spots to get close to the puffins in their natural habitat. If the weather is right he might even turn off the engines so that you can listen to the birds' calls. Luckily the puffins usually stay put for a while, so they are easy to photograph.
Although you get close to the islands, the puffins are comparatively small birds and the free use of binoculars on board comes in handy. You can also borrow a rain jacket to keep your dry, and sip authentic seaman's coffee to keep warm.
Highlights
- Encounter charismatic puffins and other sea birds close-up
- Sail to Akurey, Engey or Lundey to see the puffin breeding grounds
- Get up-close views via the free on board binoculars
- Encounter puffins in an environmentally friendly manner
- Learn interesting facts and hear tales about the puffins and their surroundings
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Once in the harbor you can look around the Whale Watching Centre and watch videos, or just look at the various skeletons, information boards and gifts for sale
• By buying a ticket for this tour you are contributing to the summer research projects, environmentally friendly and responsible tourism and non-governmental organizations for the protection of wildlife
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Masks are optional but are strongly recommended while indoors
Meet at the Elding ticket office right in the heart of Reykjavík, no more than 300 meters (5 minutes) walk from the downtown Tourist Information Centre. Exchange your ticket before heading to the boats.
Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
