Best Puffin Tour Iceland: Unforgettable Wildlife Experience
Welcome to our post on the best puffin tour in Iceland! If you are a wildlife enthusiast or simply want to witness the beauty of these adorable birds up close, then this is the perfect experience for you. Iceland is home to the largest puffin colonies in the world, and taking a puffin tour is a great way to see them in their natural habitat. In this post, we will discuss the top puffin tours in Iceland, the best time to visit, and what you can expect from these unforgettable wildlife experiences.
What is the best month to see puffins in Iceland?
The best month to see puffins in Iceland is during the summer, between May and August. This is when they arrive in Iceland, usually in late-April or May, and stay until late August. During this time, you have the highest chance of spotting these adorable birds along the coastline.
Puffins spend most of their day out at sea, fishing for food, so it is best to try to see them in the evening when they are most active. They usually return to their nesting colonies on land during the late afternoon and evening, making it the ideal time to observe them. This is when they can be seen flying back and forth, with their distinctive colorful beaks and comical waddling walk.
Is the puffin tour worth it?
Yes, the puffin tour is definitely worth it! I believe this tour is a MUST DO if you’re in Iceland during the summer for a few reasons. First and foremost, no other tour will get you closer to the islands, the beautiful puffins, and the breathtaking views of the North Sea. Getting up close and personal with these adorable birds is an incredible experience that you won’t want to miss. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to observe puffins in their natural habitat, learn about their behavior and conservation efforts, and even capture some stunning photographs.
Another reason why the puffin tour is worth it is the boat ride itself. The tour is conducted on a RIB safari boat, which adds an extra element of excitement and adventure to the experience. The high-speed ride on the RIB boat is thrilling, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and the islands. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the adrenaline rushing through your veins as you cruise through the North Sea.
Lastly, the convenience of the tour is worth mentioning. The tour starts and ends by the old harbor, making it easily accessible for tourists. You won’t have to worry about arranging transportation or navigating unfamiliar areas. The tour operators are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland?
The best place to see puffins in Iceland is Heimaey. Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, located off the south coast of Iceland. This picturesque island is home to a large puffin colony, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Heimaey offers several prime locations to observe and photograph puffins up close. The most popular spot is Stórhöfði, a nature reserve located at the southern tip of the island. Here, visitors can walk along marked trails and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the puffin cliffs. The puffins nest in burrows along the steep cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight as they come and go from their nests.
Another great place to see puffins on Heimaey is Sæheimar, the local bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is dedicated to the protection and preservation of seabirds, including puffins. Visitors can explore the exhibition center to learn more about these fascinating birds and their habitat. The sanctuary also offers guided tours and educational programs, providing a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with puffins.
How difficult is it to see puffins in Iceland?
Seeing puffins in Iceland is not difficult at all. Iceland is home to one of the largest puffin populations in the world, with an estimated 8-10 million puffins inhabiting the country during the breeding season. There are a number of places in Iceland where sightings of the Atlantic Puffin are plentiful.
One of the most popular places to see puffins is the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), located off the south coast of Iceland. This archipelago is a major nesting site for puffins, and visitors can take a short ferry ride to the main island of Heimaey to see them up close. The puffins here are very accustomed to human presence, so it’s possible to get within a few meters of them for great photo opportunities.
In addition to the Westman Islands, there are many other locations around Iceland where puffins can be easily spotted. The Reykjanes Peninsula, which is close to the capital city of Reykjavik, is another popular spot for puffin sightings. The cliffs of Dyrhólaey and Látrabjarg are also known for their large puffin colonies. There are guided puffin watching tours all over the country, but in many cases, it is also possible to drive to their habitual locations to spend an afternoon with them.
