Puffins are the reason, but the boat trip has charm. I love that this cruise makes birdwatching easy with loaner binoculars, and it centers you on Akurey Island in just about an hour. It’s an Iceland shore outing that feels focused, not rushed.

My favorite part is the way the guide’s natural-history talk blends into what you’re seeing—plus the crew shuts off the engine for a few calm moments so you can watch quietly and take photos without extra noise. With guides like Rebekah, Joel, Patricia, and Oscar (all mentioned in on-board experiences), the vibe often turns from sightseeing into real understanding.

One consideration: you may end up spotting puffins from a distance while the boat circles, and the overall time out on the water can feel like a bit of a sprint if your expectations are for super-close viewing or long island time. If you’re coming for head-down phone photos, plan around that.

Key things to know before you go

• Loaner binoculars help you actually see what you paid for, especially when birds are small at sea level
• Akurey Island circling is designed for the rocky shoreline, so you’re searching smarter, not just drifting
• Engine silenced briefly gives you quieter viewing and easier photo moments
• Max 33 travelers keeps it smaller than many big-boat tours, though seating still affects camera angles
• Season matters: late in the season you might see fewer puffins, but often still plenty of other seabirds
• Pickup from Skarfabakki Harbour is part of the worry-free transfers (Miðbakki is a short walk)

A short Reykjavik puffin cruise from Skarfabakki Harbour

This is a Reykjavik shore excursion built for an easy win: you get a real puffin target without committing half a day. The activity runs about 1 hour, and the timing is simple—choose a departure time, head to the port, and cruise out.

The main departure point is Skarfabakki Harbour (Skarfabakki, 544P+F35). If your ship docks at Miðbakki, the walk is described as short, but the complimentary transfers are tied specifically to passengers starting from Skarfabakki Harbour. That detail matters if you’re tight on time during a port stop.

The company also leans into a classic cruise-port promise: they’ll work to get you back to the port on time, and in rare cases they arrange a path to the next port-of-call if your ship leaves early. That’s the kind of safety net that can make a short tour feel less stressful.

The 15-minute ride out: where the bird talk starts

Right after you get aboard, the cruise heads out to Akurey Island, and the trip takes about 15 minutes. On the way, your guide provides commentary about the area’s flora and fauna, so the narration starts before you’re even close to the birds.

This matters because puffins can be hard to spot if you don’t know what to look for. You’re basically being taught how to read the scene: seabirds riding the water, birds moving toward the island, and the typical behaviors that signal where attention should go next.

You’ll also hear enough background to make the experience feel more meaningful than just spotting a few dots in the distance. Even if the birds aren’t everywhere, you’ll know why they’re where they are and what you’re seeing when they fly by overhead.

Akurey Island: circling for puffins along the rocky shoreline

Once you reach the island area, the boat circles the outcrop and searches for puffins plus other native seabirds such as Arctic terns. The goal is not to land on land—it’s to get the best viewing angles from the water while respecting the environment.

The boat is designed to get into the tricky coastal zones, so you’re usually cruising close to the rocky shoreline rather than staying far out in open water. Still, “close” in birding terms isn’t the same as “microscope close.” Puffins are small, and you’ll get the best payoff when you use the provided binoculars and look for movement patterns: flying paths in and out, birds bobbing on the water, and groups gathering around nesting areas.

One standout detail: there are moments when the engine is silenced. That’s not just a nice touch—it helps you focus on sight lines and makes it easier to hear the guide’s final points. It’s also a good window for photos when things feel calmer.

If you’re visiting late in the season, you might see fewer puffins than springtime, but the coast can still be active with seabirds. Several people noted the same thing: the puffins aren’t always at peak numbers, yet the outing can still be worth it because there’s usually plenty happening around the island.

Photo tips that actually match how the boat behaves

This tour is built around circling, and that has real implications for photos. Some people found that camera angles depend heavily on where you sit—especially since the boat doesn’t keep the same side facing the island the whole time.

If you care about photos, I’d plan for two things:

• Use the binoculars first, then shoot what you’ve located
• Expect distances where a phone camera can struggle without zoom

A few reviews flagged that on some sides of the boat, you may end up photographing over people’s heads, and that the “good view side” can shift as the boat turns. If you want the island in your frame for the longest stretch, pick a seat that gives you the clearest view of the side facing the island during the circling. If you’re with a group, try not to block neighbors’ camera angles.

Also, don’t assume the onboard sound will always be loud from every seat. In at least one experience, the sound system faded for people in the back. The fix is easy: if narration matters to you, sit where you’ll hear it clearly, and rely on the guide’s repeated prompts for what to watch next.

Guides and narration: what makes it feel educational

This is one of those Iceland tours where the guide turns “puffin spotting” into a mini nature lesson. The narration covers the flora and fauna of the area and helps connect what you see to real behavior—like why puffins move the way they do, how they use the water and cliffs, and what seabirds do around the nesting sites.

Names that came up in on-board experiences include Rebekah, Joel, Oscar, and Patricia—and the consistent theme is clear: people remember the guide’s pacing and how the commentary matched the hunt.

To get the most out of the narration, you’ll want to stay engaged during the circling. Puffins don’t always pose for long, so listening closely helps you catch the moment birds are approaching the water or launching from the island area. If you treat this like a passive boat ride, you’ll still see birds—but you’ll likely feel like something is missing.

Coffee onboard and what to bring for comfort

Food and most drinks aren’t listed as included, but coffee is served onboard as you go. That’s a nice touch because it warms you up without making the tour longer or heavier.

What should you bring?

• A warm layer (wind off the water can bite, even on bright days)
• Water-resistant outerwear if rain is possible
• Your own camera/phone if you plan to shoot, but also bring patience—this is an observational cruise, not a landing

One person mentioned a wet day, and that’s common enough in Iceland that you’ll feel better if you’re ready for it. If you arrive underdressed, the tour can still be great—but your comfort will take the edge off the birdwatching.

Group size: small enough for attention, big enough for energy

With a maximum of 33 travelers, this isn’t a giant cattle-boat situation. That matters for two reasons: you can often find a decent viewing spot, and the guide’s attention tends to stay connected to what the group is seeing.

That said, you still need to think about where you stand or sit. On small boats, body positions affect everyone’s sight lines. If you’re tall, you’ll want to avoid blocking the view; if you’re trying to photograph, you’ll want a clean line to the side of the boat facing the island.

Several people also liked the sense of “not too crowded.” Others compared it to the feel of smaller boats that can sometimes get a little closer due to draft and design. Whatever the exact mechanics on your departure, you’ll feel it: this tour tries to be a compact, focused outing.

Price and value: is $63.51 fair for this kind of bird cruise?

At $63.51 per person for about one hour, the value comes from what’s included rather than the length.

Here’s what you actually get:

• Expert guide on every tour
• Loaner binoculars
• Round-trip transfers from Skarfabakki Harbour under the worry-free guarantee
• Coffee onboard
• A Special Tours app available in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese)

For a short Reykjavik stop, that’s a reasonable bundle. You’re paying for guided interpretation and for the “right kind” of boat time—time spent circling where puffins and terns are most likely to appear.

The tradeoff is that you’re not buying a landing or an all-day safari. If your idea of puffins is super-close photography, you’ll want to treat this as a viewing cruise from the water. When expectations match the format, the price feels much more fair.

Also, the cruise is noted as being booked on average about 70 days in advance. That popularity is a good sign, but it also hints that you should pick your departure time thoughtfully—especially if you’re visiting in a shorter port window.

When to pick this tour: season and your birding expectations

Puffins are seasonal, and timing changes what you’ll see. One of the clearer lessons from experiences shared is that late season can mean fewer puffins. The good news: even if puffin numbers are down, seabird activity doesn’t vanish, and the guide’s ability to locate the action can still make the cruise fun.

If you want the best shot at lots of puffins, I’d aim for an earlier time in the day when possible (one experience suggested going earlier helped with fewer people and better chances). If you’re traveling late in the season, keep expectations realistic: you may see fewer birds, but you can still enjoy the nature lesson and the motion of seabirds around the island.

Finally, this tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll likely be offered another date or a full refund. Iceland shore days can change fast, so don’t plan this tour as your only puffin plan.

Should you book the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise with Special Tours?

Book it if:

• You want a short, focused Reykjavik shore excursion
• You’re a bird lover or just want to see puffins with help from a real guide
• You like the idea of getting binoculars and real viewing guidance rather than guessing from a distance
• You’re traveling with kids or anyone who needs a “small time commitment, high payoff” outing

Skip it or adjust expectations if:

• You’re counting on ultra-close photos from the boat
• You know you’ll be upset if you can’t sit on the ideal side for island views
• You expect a long island stay rather than a circling cruise

If you want puffins without stress, this is one of the better kinds of short tours: it’s designed for viewing, it’s guided, and it gives you the tools to actually see what’s there. For many people, it’s a bucket-list hit—especially when the weather cooperates and you treat it like a birdwatching cruise, not a beach excursion.

FAQ

How long is the Puffin Sightseeing Cruise?

The cruise is about 1 hour, approximately.

Where does the tour start in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is Skarfabakki Harbour at 544P+F35, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is pickup available from the port?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you should meet your group at the bus area in the port and look for a Special Tours minibus.

Are binoculars included?

Yes. Binoculars are provided for use on board.

Is coffee included?

Coffee is served on board during the cruise. Food and drinks beyond that are not listed as included.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 33 travelers.

Is the cruise dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if my cruise ship is delayed or leaves early?

The shore excursion includes a worry-free guarantee. If your ship has departed, the company will arrange transportation to the next port-of-call. If you cannot attend because your ship is delayed, you will be refunded.