Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 838 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik worth booking?
Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik is a 1-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $65 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 838 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (838)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $65 per person
See puffins up close on the puffin express tour from Reykjavik. The specially designed boat takes you close to the rocky shore of Akurey island to see the lovely seabirds in their natural environment. Learn about the puf
What you get
About this experience
See puffins up close on the puffin express tour from Reykjavik. The specially designed boat takes you close to the rocky shore of Akurey island to see the lovely seabirds in their natural environment. Learn about the puffins and other seabirds in the area from your knowledgeable onboard guide.
What's included
Included
- Binoculars on board
- Expert guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional cost - please contact supplier directly).
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Special Tours Iceland
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 838 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
838 verified traveler reviews for Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour for Puffin watching
Best tour I have been on! Super fun time, even though it was the end of the Puffin season, we saw plenty and as a bonus we got to be right next to a baby calf whale feeding. The team went above and beyond!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fun time with us. Seeing plenty of puffins at the end of the season is always a treat, and having a whale calf feeding nearby is the kind of unforgettable wildlife encounter that makes every tour unique. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure in the future!
via Viator
A must to activity to add to your icelandic itinerary
The team on the boat were extremely friendly and informative. The short boat ride to the small island is a must to learn all about these beautiful endangered birds.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found our team both friendly and informative. The puffin islands offer a unique opportunity to learn about these remarkable seabirds in their natural habitat, and we're glad the experience was both enjoyable and educational for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Iceland!
via Viator
Stellar crew. Christina,...
Stellar crew. Christina, Sammy, and Hjalmar got us to the island, gave a great narrative of life there. Saw puffins and a surprise guest of a young humpback whale in the harbor. Can't say enough about the passion and knowledge of the crew.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Christina, Sammy, and Hjálmar helped make it such a memorable experience. It's fantastic that you got to see the puffins and were treated to the unexpected bonus of a young humpback whale in the harbor. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the crew. Their passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for Iceland's wildlife and history are what make these tours so special. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
via Viator
Don't count on the communication they send you
The afternoon cruise was canceled. They wanted me to book earlier, but I arrived that day and didn't want to chance it. I emailed the address shown on the cancelation notice, and the mail didn't go through. I tried several more times to no avail.
Response from the operator: We are sorry to hear about your disappointment. Regarding your attempt to contact us, our cancellation notifications are sent from a no-reply address. However, each message includes clear instructions on how to reach our team, including the correct email address and contact link for customer inquiries. We have not experienced any issues receiving emails through these channels and respond to guest inquiries regularly. As for the tour cancellation, whale watching operations are subject to weather and sea conditions, and safety must always remain our top priority. While we understand that cancellations can be frustrating, they are occasionally necessary to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and crew. We appreciate your feedback and regret that your experience did not meet your expectations.
via Viator
Too late for Puffin sightings!
The guides were delightful. It was the last puffin cruise for the year. The puffins are very seasonal and had already left for the year. It was as if they got the memo that ICE was looking for them! They had vanished! Christina did her best and kept us entertained with whale sightings. I’ve already seen whales but never puffins. I didn’t know until I got ready to board the boat it was the last cruise of the year. Buyer beware if booking mid to late August.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're sorry that you didn't get to see as many puffins as you had hoped. Puffins are migratory birds, and while they generally begin leaving Iceland in August, the exact timing varies from year to year and can be influenced by weather conditions. As with all wildlife tours, sightings can never be guaranteed. We're glad to hear that Christina kept the tour enjoyable and entertaining, and that you were able to spot whales during the trip. Thank you for your kind words about her efforts. We understand that it can be disappointing when wildlife doesn't appear as expected, especially when puffins are the main reason for joining the tour. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again on a future visit to Iceland.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 293
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik cost?
+
Prices start at $65 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik take?
+
Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 838 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik?
+
Around 293 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
+
On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik.
Pick your date
