Those puffin clifftops are something else. This Westman Islands trip strings together world-class puffins and volcanic history with a proper hike up Eldfell. You’ll also hit Skansinn’s Viking-era church site and the Eldheimar Museum, so the day isn’t only about spotting birds.

I especially like the pacing around the best natural moments: time at Elephant Rock and Stórhöfði Cape for puffins, plus a focused hike where you can see the island’s lava story from near the top. The ferry ride to Vestmannaeyjar also gives you that rare Iceland feeling of watching dramatic coastline slide past while you’re still heading to the good part.

One heads-up: it’s a long day (14 hours), and the Eldfell climb can feel steep and narrow near the top. If you’re not comfortable hiking, or if you’re traveling with young kids, this might be more work than you expect.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Puffin time is real time: you’ll wait and watch from clifftop areas, not just pass by.
• Elephant Rock is basalt, not a gimmick: you’re looking at a volcanic formation that really does resemble an elephant head.
• Eldheimar Museum matters: it frames what you’re seeing on the islands around the 1973 eruption.
• Eldfell is the physical pay-off: good views come from earning them with a hike.
• Dress for ferry weather: you’ll want to sit outside for views, which means wind and chill.

Reykjavik Pickup To Landeyjahöfn Ferry: Why the Day Starts Early

You start with pickup in Reykjavik and a drive to the Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal. Then it’s the Herjólfur ferry crossing to Vestmannaeyjar, about a 30-minute ride that many people remember as the calm “breathing space” between mainland and island.

Because Iceland weather loves to change, plan for wind. Bring warm layers and be ready for a slightly choppy crossing—some people mention sea discomfort, so if you’re prone to it, prepare.

The tour runs as a small group with a certified English-speaking guide, and you get free Wi-Fi on board for the moments you really need to send a message before your data goes into hiding.

Elephant Rock and Stórhöfði Cape Puffins: How to Get the Best Bird Views

The puffins are the headline for a reason, and you’ll spend time in two of the island’s strongest puffin zones. Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora) comes first: a striking basalt formation sculpted by volcanic forces that looks like an elephant head if you take a second to study it.

Then you head toward Stórhöfði Cape for puffin watching. Expect black-and-white birds with the orange beaks that make it look like they’re wearing a tiny costume. This is one of those moments where patience pays off: you’re waiting for birds to pop up, shuffle along, and fly out.

Practical tip: if you care about close-up photos, bring the right camera setup. One review specifically regrets not having the ability to zoom. Also, if fog rolls in, puffin spotting can get tougher, so come ready to watch from whatever angle the day gives you.

And yes, you’ll likely get cold while looking up at cliffs—so don’t dress like you’re strolling a museum. Warm clothing and gloves aren’t optional here.

Eldheimar Museum and the 1973 Eruption Story

After the puffin time, the day shifts from “wow, birds” to “wow, geology.” Eldheimar Museum—often described as the Pompeii of the North—is included with your admission.

This stop is valuable because it gives meaning to what you’ll later see around Eldfell. You learn about the dramatic 1973 eruption and how it affected the island. When you stand on lava-shaped ground after seeing that history explained, it stops being abstract.

It’s also a smart break in a long day. Even if the weather is fine, a museum stop keeps the itinerary from turning into nonstop walking and cliff viewing. If rain moves in, you’ll already have a comfortable indoor option built into the plan.

Lunch in Town: Keeping Your Day Moving Without Overpaying

Lunch is a break in town, but it’s not included. You’ll pay for your own meal, so plan to bring snacks if you want to avoid the “hungry shuffle” between stops.

Some guides have been known to help with finding a restaurant that’s more reasonably priced and tastes good. The key is to treat lunch as a recharge, not a sit-and-stay festival. In a 14-hour tour, minutes add up.

If you’re the type who likes to get the best view after eating, eat relatively early in the break and keep moving. You’ll have more energy for the harbor area and the later volcano hike.

Skansinn The Fort: Viking Wood Church, Lighthouse, and Cliff Views

Skansinn, often called The Fort, is one of those stops that feels like stepping into layers of Icelandic time. Near the harbor, you’ll see the Viking Wood Church site along with a lighthouse and big cliffside viewpoints.

This is a good “slow down” moment. You’re not climbing yet, and you’re close enough to the water to enjoy the harbor energy and the textures of the coastline. If you like history that isn’t just written down, this area gives you a sense of what people built and how they lived on these rugged islands.

For photos, this stop has a lot going for it: dark rock, sea light, and the kind of dramatic edges that make Iceland look like it was sketched with a heavy pencil.

Eldfell Volcano Hike: Mountain on Fire and What to Expect

Then comes the hike up Eldfell Volcano, the famous mountain that erupted in 1973. The name translates to Mountain on Fire, which feels accurate the moment you’re standing near volcanic ground and looking back at the town and island.

This is the part of the day you should mentally prepare for. Reviews describe the climb as moderately strenuous, and one key warning is about the top section being narrow and steep. Bring a hiking pole if you have one; it can make the difference between steady and stressful on the steep bits.

You’ll want solid hiking shoes, water, and hiking pants. Gloves can help if it’s windy, and sunscreen matters because it can still be bright even when clouds are around.

If your group includes kids, check expectations carefully. One review notes the volcano hike isn’t a great match for very young children, and another points out it can get physically demanding for beginners. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t hike regularly, this is where you decide whether the hike is worth the effort.

But if you do go, the payoff is real: lava fields, volcano views, and a sense of how small the island looks from the height you earn.

Timing, Group Size, and Value for the $272 Price

Price-wise, this isn’t a bargain tour. At $272 per person and a full 14 hours, you’re paying for ferry transport, a guide, small-group time, and an itinerary that includes both museums and a summit hike.

Here’s why it can still be worth it:

• You’re not driving your own logistics to get to the islands.
• You’re getting admission to Eldheimar Museum included.
• You’re paying for ferry tickets as part of the package.
• You’re doing a full island day, not just a quick stop.

The “small group guaranteed” detail can matter more here than on a quick city tour. When you’re trying to watch puffins from specific viewpoints and manage a steep hike, group size affects comfort and timing.

Two practical considerations from real days:

• The day is long. Even with good pacing, you’ll be tired at the end.
• One review mentions heat and AC issues on vehicles. It sounds like a comfort factor more than a deal-breaker, but it’s worth packing like you’ll be in both warm sun and cool wind.

If you’re choosing between Iceland tours, my rule is simple: pick the one with the strongest fixed experiences. Here, puffins, Elephant Rock, and Eldfell are the anchors. Everything else supports those.

Who This Westman Islands Tour Is Best For

This tour is a strong fit if you’re here for a specific Iceland obsession: puffins and volcanic landscapes. It’s also ideal if you want both wildlife and a human story—puffins plus the 1973 eruption and a Viking-era church site.

You’ll also likely enjoy it more if you can handle a hike. The Eldfell climb is where your legs earn the views, and reviews consistently treat that as a highlight—even when people didn’t expect to love it.

It’s not the best fit if you’re traveling with very young kids. The tour is not suitable for children under 6, and the climb can be too physical for some families with younger or less-hiking kids.

If you’re sensitive to sea conditions, you should think about that ferry crossing. It’s short, but some people mention choppiness, so bring what you need to stay comfortable.

Should You Book the Puffin and Volcano Tour?

If puffins are your reason for being in Iceland, I’d book this. The structure of the day gives you real time for watching birds, and you’re not stuck doing only sightseeing from a bus window.

I’d also lean toward booking if you like understanding what you’re seeing. The Eldheimar Museum stop helps the eruption story connect to the ground you walk on during the Eldfell hike.

Skip it only if the hike is a deal-breaker or if your group won’t tolerate a long day. At 14 hours, you’re trading comfort for value, and it’s most satisfying when you’re ready for a full, varied island day.

FAQ

How long is the Puffin and Volcano Tour?

The tour duration is 14 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

Do I need to pay for the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar?

No. Ferry tickets to Vestmannaeyjar are included.

What’s included with the museum stop?

Eldheimar Museum admission is included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drink are not included, but lunch is a stop during the day where you can buy your own meal.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide is in English.

What should I bring for the volcano hike?

Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes, hiking pants, gloves, water, sunscreen, and a camera (plus any snacks you like). Warm layers help throughout the day.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

Is small group size guaranteed?

Yes. Small group guaranteed is included.

What’s the best way to handle puffin viewing in changing weather?

Wear warm layers and be ready for wind and fog. Puffin spotting can be affected by conditions, so having the right clothing and patience helps.