Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland

Every summer, Iceland transforms into a haven for Atlantic Puffins, as millions of these charismatic seabirds return from the open ocean to nest along the country’s rugged coastal cliffs and remote offshore islands. With so many spectacular puffin viewing spots spread across Iceland - from the Westfjords to the Eastfjords and the Westman Islands - it can be difficult to know where to go.

Fortunately, if you’re staying in Reykjavík, you’re already in one of the very best places to see puffins. Just minutes from the city centre, small uninhabited islands like Akurey, Engey and Lundey become bustling colonies, offering a rare chance to observe puffins up close without needing to venture far from the capital.

If you’re staying in Reykjavík, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy an authentic puffin encounter. Our Puffin Tours depart from the Old Harbour and head to nearby islands like Akurey, Engey and Lundey, all known for their thriving puffin colonies. The close proximity of these islands means that tours are short - just about an hour round trip - but incredibly rewarding.

From the boat, you’ll see puffins nesting, diving, and flying to and from the sea, all against the backdrop of the city skyline. Our guides provide expert commentary, and our captains will get you close to nature without disturbing it.

• Perfect for families, photographers, and travellers on a tight schedule
• Tours available multiple times per day during the season
• No long drives or overnight stays - just step aboard and go

While Reykjavík offers unbeatable convenience for puffin watching, those willing to venture beyond the capital will find that Iceland rewards curiosity with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path encounters.

Travelling further opens the door to quieter surroundings, dramatic coastal vistas, and unique local experiences that often go unnoticed. Whether you're road-tripping or hiking, these journeys offer a deeper connection to Iceland’s natural beauty and birdlife. Puffin watching becomes more than a sightseeing stop - it turns into part of a larger adventure through the wild and varied landscapes that make Iceland so special.

1. Vestmannaeyjar / the Westman Islands (South Iceland)

Home to Iceland’s largest puffin colony, the Westman Islands are a must for bird lovers. Millions of puffins nest here each year, particularly on Heimaey, the only inhabited island. Combine your visit with a volcano museum, hiking trails, and stunning coastal views.

Best for: A full-day or overnight trip filled with puffins, history, and volcanic landscapes. 

2. Látrabjarg Cliffs (Westfjords)

These towering bird cliffs are among the best places in Europe to see puffins up close. The puffins here are famously fearless, often posing for photos just a few feet away. Reaching Látrabjarg takes time, but the journey is worth it for dedicated birdwatchers and road trippers.

Best for: Close-up photography and scenic coastal drives.

3. Dyrhólaey (South Iceland)

Easily accessible from the Ring Road, Dyrhólaey is a dramatic headland offering cliffside views of nesting puffins, especially in June and July. Combine your puffin spotting with visits to black sand beaches, basalt columns, and waterfalls.

Best for: Combining nature, birds, and iconic South Coast sights.

4. Borgarfjörður eystri (East Iceland)

This peaceful and scenic location offers one of the best designed viewing areas in the country. A well built platform allows visitors to see puffins just metres away without intruding on their space. The surrounding landscapes are equally stunning.

Best for: Ethical birdwatching and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

5. Grímsey Island (North Iceland)

This remote island located on the Arctic Circle is a puffin paradise for those willing to take the ferry or a short flight from Akureyri. Puffins nest here in large numbers during summer, and the island's remote charm adds to the experience.

Best for: Arctic explorers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude.

Puffins arrive in Iceland in late April and remain through mid-August, with the busiest and most active nesting period taking place in June and July. During these peak months, adult puffins can be seen flying back and forth between the sea and their burrows, bringing small fish to feed their growing chicks, known as pufflings.

Tours operate throughout the entire puffin season, offering excellent viewing opportunities from the moment the birds settle in to nest, until they head back out to sea. While June and July are the most lively times to observe puffin activity, the earlier and later weeks - particularly May and early August - often provide a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, calm seas, and quieter moments in nature. These shoulder periods also tend to offer excellent light conditions for photography and an intimate atmosphere for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Whether you’re exploring Iceland’s Ring Road or enjoying a short city break in Reykjavík, the country offers incredible opportunities to see puffins in their natural habitat. However, for the most effortless and time-efficient experience, our Puffin Watching Tour from Reykjavík is the perfect choice.

Departing directly from the Old Harbour - just a short walk from the city centre - this tour brings you face to face with one of Iceland’s most iconic seabirds within minutes. No need for long drives or full day excursions; you’ll be out on the water quickly, enjoying views of nearby nesting islands and observing puffins up close, all in an hour. It’s the ideal option for travellers looking to make the most of their time while still connecting with Iceland’s incredible wildlife.