Classic Puffin Watching Cruise From Down Town Reykjavík

Set out on a captivating journey through the icy waters surrounding Downtown Reykjavík, as you set sail on the Classic Puffin Watching Cruise. Like a curious seabird, this tour takes you on a voyage of discovery, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of puffins nesting on Akurey or Lundey islands.

But this tour is more than just an opportunity to glimpse these charming creatures; it’s a chance to learn about the rich birdlife that inhabits these rugged shores. From eider ducks to arctic terns, guillemots to cormorants, the diverse array of avian species is sure to leave you spellbound.

And with convenient departure times and a central location, this adventure is within easy reach for all. So, prepare to set sail and let the beauty of nature unfold before your eyes.

Good To Know

• Puffins nest on rocky cliffs close to water and can be viewed on a boat tour to Akurey or Lundey islands.
• The islands are known for plentiful birdlife, including eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.
• The tour departs from and ends at the ELDING ticket office in Reykjavik, which is near public transportation.
• It is recommended to bring tripod, zoom lens, or binoculars for close-up photography and wear sturdy footwear due to the slippery deck on the boat.

Tour Details

When planning your puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the tour details to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The boat tour takes you from Reykjavik to Akurey or Lundey islands, which are known for their plentiful birdlife. On the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to view eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants, in addition to the puffins.

The meeting point is at the ELDING ticket office in Reykjavik, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The tour to Lundey island lasts for about an hour and the admission ticket is free. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

To enhance your experience, it’s recommended to bring a tripod, zoom lens, or binoculars for close-up photography. Plus, the deck on the boat can be slippery, so it’s advised to wear sturdy footwear. The optimal viewing and enjoyable cruise are weather dependent, so it’s recommended to choose a day with good weather for the best experience.

Service animals are allowed on the tour and public transportation is nearby. The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, and a full refund is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. However, no refund is given if canceled less than 24 hours before the start time, and changes aren’t accepted within 24 hours of the start time.

In the event of poor weather, the tour may be canceled and a different date or full refund will be offered.

Positive Reviews

The knowledgeable and approachable staff on the puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík receive high praise from travelers for their exceptional service and valuable information. Visitors appreciate the biology trained guide who provides informative commentary throughout the tour, enhancing their understanding of the puffins and their habitat. The staff’s friendliness and helpfulness contribute to a positive experience, making guests feel welcomed and at ease. To ensure close-up encounters with the puffins, the staff provides extra blankets and binoculars, allowing guests to observe the birds in detail. Plus, they offer assistance with taking and sharing pictures of the puffins, ensuring that everyone has lasting memories of their close encounters. Travelers find the staff members accessible for questions and interactions, further enhancing the overall experience. With their exceptional service and commitment to providing value for money, the staff on the puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík contribute to the positive reviews received by the tour.

Negative Reviews

Despite the overall positive feedback, there are negative reviews regarding the puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík. Some visitors expressed their disappointment with the lack of proximity to the puffins, stating that they were unable to get close enough to fully appreciate these fascinating birds. This led to a sense of dissatisfaction and limited interaction with the puffins due to the distance.

Binoculars were deemed necessary, but even with them, the experience fell short of expectations. Some individuals felt that the tour wasn’t worth the time and money, suggesting that it would be better to look at pictures of puffins online instead.

These negative reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations when it comes to puffin viewing and the need for the tour operators to find a way to provide a closer encounter with these adorable creatures.

Convenient Timing and Location

As visitors consider their experience on the puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík, one aspect that stands out is the convenient timing and location of the tour. Here are the reasons why:

1. Multiple departure times: The tour offers a variety of departure times throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to choose a time that suits their schedule. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those arriving in Reykjavík on their first day.

2. Short excursion: With a duration of just one hour, the puffin watching cruise is the perfect activity for arrival day options. It allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands without taking up too much time.

3. Proximity to hotels: The meeting point for the tour is at the ELDING ticket office in Reykjavík, which is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from many hotels. This close proximity eliminates the need for long commutes and ensures that visitors can easily access the tour without hassle.

Knowledgeable and Approachable Staff

With their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, the staff on the puffin watching cruise in Reykjavík are an invaluable asset to the overall experience. The knowledgeable and approachable staff members enhance the trip by providing expert guidance and ensuring customer satisfaction. They are well-trained naturalists who offer valuable information about puffins and their habitat, allowing passengers to gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating birds. The staff goes above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, providing extra blankets and binoculars for comfort and assisting passengers in taking and sharing pictures of the puffins. They are readily available to answer questions and engage in interactions, creating a welcoming atmosphere on board. The staff’s expertise and friendly attitude contribute to a highly recommended trip for puffin enthusiasts of all ages, leaving a lasting impression on the visitors.

Common Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Puffin Watching Cruise?

Age restrictions for the puffin watching cruise vary depending on the tour provider. It is recommended to check with the specific tour operator to determine if there are any age restrictions in place.

Is There a Bathroom on the Boat?

Yes, there is a bathroom available on the boat, ensuring comfort onboard during the Classic Puffin Watching Cruise. Passengers can easily access restroom facilities throughout the duration of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there may be certain restrictions in place for safety reasons. It is recommended to check with the tour operator for specific guidelines.

Are There Any Specific Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware of During the Tour?

During the puffin watching cruise, passengers can expect safety measures such as a non-slip deck, sturdy footwear recommended. The knowledgeable staff provides valuable information and assistance, ensuring an enjoyable and secure experience.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Binoculars or Are They Provided on the Boat?

Binoculars are provided on the boat for the Classic Puffin Watching Cruise. There is no need to bring your own. The tour ensures that visitors have the necessary equipment to enjoy a close-up view of the puffins.

The Sum Up

To sum it up, the Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík offers an enjoyable and educational experience for puffin enthusiasts of all ages.

With its convenient location and timing, knowledgeable and approachable staff, and the chance to see a variety of birdlife, including puffins, eider ducks, and arctic terns, this tour comes highly recommended.

Despite the possibility of weather affecting the viewing experience, the tour offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to witness Iceland’s amazing wildlife up close.