Puffin Watching in Iceland: Where and When to See Them

Iceland hosts approximately 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population during the breeding season. An estimated 8–10 million puffins use Iceland as a nesting site, making it by far the most important country on earth for the species. Most nest in burrows in clifftop turf — which means they’re often visible at very close range, sitting in the grass above the cliff edge.

Puffin Season

Puffins arrive in Iceland from late April, with peak numbers from May through early August. They nest in clifftop burrows, spending their days at sea and returning to their burrows in the evening. By mid to late August most have returned to their winter range in the open Atlantic. If you’re visiting in September or later, puffin watching will not be possible.

Best Locations

Látrabjarg (Westfjords)

The most dramatic puffin location in Iceland — 14km of cliffs up to 440m high at the far western tip of the Westfjords. Millions of seabirds nest here including razorbills, guillemots, gannets, and puffins. The puffins burrow in the clifftop turf immediately behind the walking path and are famously tolerant of close approach. The remoteness (3–4 hours from Ísafjörður) means few visitors compared to South Iceland sites.

Borgarfjörður Eystri (East Iceland)

One of Iceland’s most accessible puffin colonies. The birds nest on the hillside directly above the harbour in Bakkagerði village (approximately 70km north of Egilsstaðir on a mostly paved road). A boardwalk path leads to the cliff-top nesting area. May–August. Free. Puffins often sit within 1–2 metres of the path.

Dyrhólaey (Near Vík)

A volcanic arch promontory 5km west of Vík with puffins nesting on the cliffs above the arch. Good viewing June–early August. The upper viewpoint road closes for nesting season (approximately June 20–July 25). Walk to the cliff edge for close views.

Reynisfjall (Reynisfjara)

The basalt cliffs above Reynisfjara beach. A walking trail from the beach car park climbs the cliff. Puffins nest in the upper sections. Good views May–August.

Reykjavík Harbour

Boat tours visit Lundey (‘Puffin Island’) and Akurey in Faxaflói bay from Reykjavík Old Harbour. The islands are 10–15 minutes by boat.

Elding Adventures at Sea (elding.is): Puffin watching boat tours approximately ISK 5,900–7,900 adult. Often combined with the beginning of whale watching tours. May–August.

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Iceland’s largest puffin colony is on the Westman Islands archipelago south of the South Coast. Puffins are abundant and the Vestmannaeyjar puffin rescue tradition — children collect disoriented puffin chicks that fly toward town lights and release them back to sea — is an annual event. Reachable by ferry from Landeyjahöfn (45 minutes) or plane from Reykjavík.

Puffin Watching Tips

• Best time of day: Puffins are most active in the morning and late evening. Midday they tend to be at sea fishing. Early morning at the nesting sites gives the best close-up views.
• Approach slowly: Move slowly and steadily rather than rushing toward the birds. Puffins at ground-level colonies (Látrabjarg, Borgarfjörður Eystri) are remarkably tolerant — patient approach can get you within 1 metre.
• Camera: A 200mm+ lens gives better results than wide-angle. Fast shutter speed (1/1000s+) for flying puffins.
• Do not block burrows: The birds are going in and out of their burrows continuously to feed chicks. Give them a clear route.

Book Húsavík whale watching tours — traditional oak boat and high-speed RIB options from the harbour.

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Get travel insurance for Iceland — policies covering glacier hikes, F-road driving, and volcanic disruption.

Related Guides

• Birdwatching in Iceland — Eagles, skuas, Arctic terns, and the full seabird guide for Iceland
• Whale watching in Iceland — Combine a Húsavík puffin tour with whale watching in the same bay
• Westfjords guide — Getting to Látrabjarg: the most dramatic puffin cliffs in Iceland
• Vík travel guide — Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjall puffin sites on the South Coast
• Westman Islands guide — Iceland’s largest puffin colony and the annual puffin rescue tradition