Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Yacht Cruise

Departing directly from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, this small-group yacht cruise takes you into the rich waters just beyond the city shoreline. Within minutes, urban life fades into open sea as the colorful skyline and Mount Esja form a dramatic backdrop. Sailing aboard the elegant Axel Rose or Harpa yacht, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride designed for close wildlife viewing and excellent visibility.

The route leads through Faxaflói Bay toward the islands of Engey, Viðey, and Lundey, home to thriving puffin colonies during the summer months. These islands provide ideal nesting conditions, and you’ll have the chance to observe Atlantic puffins bobbing on the water, flying low over the waves, or gathering near their burrows. Alongside puffins, many other seabird species can be spotted, depending on the season, making each trip slightly different.

What truly sets this experience apart is the small-group format. With fewer passengers on board, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views, a calm atmosphere, and personal interaction with knowledgeable guides who share insights into bird behavior, migration patterns, and Iceland’s marine ecosystem. Whether Mount Esja is snow-dusted, glowing in evening light, or framed by summer lupins, Reykjavík’s coastline seen from the sea is unforgettable—even beyond the wildlife itself.

Approximately 1 hour

• Small-group yacht cruise for a more personal experience
• Close-up viewing of puffin colonies near Reykjavík
• Scenic sailing around Faxaflói Bay and nearby islands
• Professional guides with wildlife expertise
• Stunning coastal views of Mount Esja and Reykjavík skyline

Prices start from 49 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• 1-hour puffin watching yacht cruise
• Professional wildlife guide
• Panoramic viewing areas
• Restroom on board
• Optional hotel pick-up for an extra charge

1. Check-in at Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 30 minutes before departure.

2. Boarding and safety briefing on the yacht.

3. Departure from Reykjavík Harbour into Faxaflói Bay.

4. Sailing past Engey, Viðey, and Lundey islands.

5. Puffin and seabird observation with guided commentary.

6. Return to Reykjavík Harbour after approximately one hour.

• Meeting point: Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
• Difficulty: Easy
• Booking cut-off: 15 minutes before departure
• Dress warmly in layers; bring good footwear and a camera
• Tours may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather or low participation
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed; free rebooking offered if no sightings occur (valid up to three years)
• Cancellation policy: 100% fee if cancelled 1 day or less before the event