
Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 73 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise worth booking?
Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise is a 1-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $63 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 73 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (73)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $63 per person
When your cruise ship docks at Reykjavik Port, take a 1-hour shore excursion to Akurey Island to see where one of Iceland’s largest colony of puffins live! Choose from four different start times, and after a 15-minute cruise, glide around the island, seeing its puffins and other native bird life like Black Guillemots and Arctic Terns. Learn about the captivating wildlife from an onboard guide and then return to Reykjavik.
What you get
About this experience
When your cruise ship docks at Reykjavik Port, take a 1-hour shore excursion to Akurey Island to see where one of Iceland’s largest colony of puffins live! Choose from four different start times, and after a 15-minute cruise, glide around the island, seeing its puffins and other native bird life like Black Guillemots and Arctic Terns. Learn about the captivating wildlife from an onboard guide and then return to Reykjavik.
What's included
Included
- Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 30 minutes before departure and dropoff after
- Binoculars to use on board
- Expert guide on every tour
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that complimentary transfers are only applicable for passengers from Skarfabakki Harbour. Miðbakki (the alternative dock) is a very short walk to the departure point for this tour.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 73 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
73 verified traveler reviews for Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great customer experience
They always answered my questions before the excursion. Was able to see Puffins just before they will migrate back to Greenland. Very interesting presentation by own guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to answer your questions before the excursion and that you enjoyed the onboard presentation. We're especially glad you had the chance to see the puffins before their migration. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
via Viator
Pissed Off!
We were told to go to one area for pickup, no one was there! We tried calling, but our US phones were of no use. A taxi driver called for us, tried to get us to the appropriate meeting place, but botched it up. I have requested a refund due to lack of services rendered AND the worst directions ever given!!
Response from the operator: We are sorry that you missed your tour. However, we would like to clarify that the pickup location was clearly stated on the Viator voucher and booking confirmation. Our driver was present at the designated pickup point at Skarfabakki, which is the standard meeting location for prepaid tours. While the review mentions difficulties calling us from U.S. phones, international phone connectivity is unfortunately outside our control. We were contacted regarding the guests' location and made every reasonable effort to assist. The tour operated as scheduled and was available to all guests who arrived at the designated meeting point. As stated in the booking conditions, missed tours and no-shows are not eligible for refunds. We always encourage guests to carefully review their voucher instructions and contact us before departure if they have any questions regarding the meeting location.
via Viator
If I had to rate the boat...
If I had to rate the boat captain and crew hand along with viewing experience it would be 5 star. One member of desk staff very rude to 3 other customers while we were waiting. One asked a question to male employee and he responded you can read the sign on the door. Another asked about remaining inside during rain and response from same individual rude and disrespectful. I would spend my money here again due to their desk staff.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour itself, the wildlife viewing, and the work of our captain and crew. We're very sorry to hear about your experience with a member of our desk staff. Providing friendly and respectful service is something we take seriously, and your comments do not reflect the standard we aim to deliver. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we will be looking into this matter internally. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. 💙
via Viator
Great Experience - 100s of Puffins
We saw hundreds of puffins! Alessio was great. He was very entertaining and also educational. Patrick was also terrific. They make a good team. The 1 hour trip was the perfect length of time - not too short or too long. Great experience. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for reviewing us! We are glad you enjoyed the tour overall, from its duration to the guide and captain! Thank you for finding Alessio and Patrick to be a great team together. We are glad you saw hundreds of puffins during your tour, that's amazing!
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely wonderful!...
Absolutely wonderful! Captain Patrick and Alessio were great tour guides. Definitely recommend this tour. Also, easy pickup from the cruise terminal.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to review us! We are very happy to hear that you had a great time on our Puffin Express tour with Patrick and Alessio. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and are especially grateful for your comments regarding our pick up service. Thank you again for choosing to join us, and we hope to welcome you back on board in the future!
via Viator
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
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Special Tours Iceland, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Special Tours Iceland runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $63 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise take?
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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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 73 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?
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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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?
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Around 26 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?
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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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?
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Included: Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 30 minutes before departure and dropof; Binoculars to use on board; and Expert guide on every tour. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?
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Across 73 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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