Want to see puffins in Iceland? You’re in the right place! Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to spot Atlantic puffins, thanks to its large breeding colonies along the coast.
Every summer, puffins return to Iceland to nest on coastal cliffs and islands. With their colorful beaks, black-and-white feathers, and funny little walks, it’s easy to see why these birds are so popular with visitors.
But where are the best places to see puffins in Iceland? And when should you visit?
In this guide, we’ll cover the best puffin-watching locations, the Iceland puffin season, how to get there by car, and useful tips for planning your trip.
When is Puffins Season in Iceland?
The best time to see puffins in Iceland is generally from May to early August, with June and July offering some of the most reliable viewing opportunities.
Atlantic puffins spend most of their lives at sea. They return to land during spring and summer to breed, usually arriving at Iceland’s nesting colonies in April or May.
Here’s what to expect throughout the season:
- April: Puffins begin returning to their nesting grounds, although sightings can be unpredictable.
- May: More puffins arrive, and the breeding season gets underway. June: One of the best months for puffin watching, with plenty of activity around nesting sites.
- July: Another excellent month to see puffins, including adults carrying fish back to their chicks.
- August: Puffins gradually leave their colonies and return to the ocean.
- September to March: Puffins spend most of their time at sea, making sightings from land unlikely.
If seeing puffins is one of your main reasons for visiting Iceland, we recommend planning your trip for June or July.
What is the Best Time of Day to See Puffins in Iceland?
Early morning and evening can be good times to watch puffins returning to their nesting colonies.
During the day, many puffins leave their burrows to search for fish at sea. However, their activity depends on the colony, weather, and feeding conditions.
For the best experience, allow enough time at the viewing area rather than expecting to see large numbers of puffins immediately.
Why is Iceland One of the Best Places to See Puffins?
Iceland supports a major share of the world’s breeding Atlantic puffins, making it an important destination for puffin watching.
These seabirds nest in burrows along grassy cliffs and coastal islands, where they can safely raise their chicks during the summer.
One of the biggest advantages of puffin watching in Iceland is the variety of locations available.
You can:
- Visit coastal cliffs with dedicated puffin-viewing platforms.
- Take a boat tour from Reykjavík.
- Travel to islands with large puffin colonies.
- Combine puffin watching with an Iceland road trip.
Some puffin colonies are relatively easy to visit, while others require a longer drive, ferry journey, or guided tour.
Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland
There are several excellent places to see puffins in Iceland, from the South Coast to East Iceland and the northern islands.
Here are six locations worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Borgarfjörður Eystri – One of the Best Puffin-Watching Spots in Iceland
- Location: East Iceland
- Best time to visit: May to early August
- Access: By rental car, followed by a short walk
Borgarfjörður Eystri is one of the most popular places to see puffins in Iceland.
The small harbour area of Hafnarhólmi is particularly famous for its puffin colony. Visitors can use designated walkways and viewing platforms to observe the birds without disturbing their nesting areas.
During the breeding season, puffins can often be seen standing near their burrows, flying between the cliffs and the ocean, or returning with fish.
It’s also a great location for wildlife photography.
How to Get to Borgarfjörður Eystri by Car
From Reykjavík, follow the Ring Road (Route 1) towards East Iceland and continue to Egilsstaðir. From there, take Route 94 towards Borgarfjörður Eystri.
The journey from Reykjavík is long, so it’s best to include this destination as part of a multi-day Ring Road trip.
If you’re already staying in Egilsstaðir, Borgarfjörður Eystri makes a good day trip.
Best rental car: A standard rental car may be suitable during favorable summer conditions, while an affordable 4×4 rental such as a Dacia Duster can be a practical option for travelers who prefer a higher-clearance vehicle.
2. Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) – Puffins on Iceland’s South Coast
- Location: South Iceland
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Access: Rental car and ferry
The Westman Islands are another excellent destination for puffin watching in Iceland.
Located off Iceland’s South Coast, the islands support a large Atlantic puffin breeding population.
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the archipelago and the main destination for visitors.
During summer, you can visit coastal viewing areas, take a guided puffin tour, or explore the island’s natural attractions.
The Stórhöfði area is particularly well known for puffin watching, although strong winds are common.
How to Get to the Westman Islands by Car
From Reykjavík, drive east along Route 1 and turn onto Route 254 towards Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal.
From Landeyjahöfn, take the Herjólfur ferry to Heimaey. The crossing usually takes around 35–40 minutes.
You can leave your rental car at the ferry terminal or check whether your rental agreement permits taking it onto the ferry.
Best rental car: A small, affordable rental car is suitable for the drive to Landeyjahöfn during normal summer conditions.
Travel tip: Check ferry schedules and departure locations before travelling, as services can be affected by weather.
3. Akurey and Lundey – Puffin Watching Near Reykjavík
- Location: Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavík
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Access: Boat tour
Don’t have time for a long Iceland road trip? You can still see puffins near Reykjavík.
Akurey and Lundey are small islands in Faxaflói Bay that serve as nesting sites for Atlantic puffins during summer.
Because these islands are not open for ordinary visitor access, the best way to see their puffins is by joining a boat tour from Reykjavík’s harbour.
Puffin-watching boat tours are a convenient choice for travellers staying in the capital or visiting Iceland for only a few days.
Some operators also offer combination tours featuring whale watching.
How to Get to Reykjavík Puffin Tours
Most Reykjavík puffin tours depart from the Old Harbour.
If you’re staying in central Reykjavík, you may be able to walk to the departure point.
Travellers staying outside the city can drive to Reykjavík and use designated parking areas near the harbour.
Best rental car: A compact rental car is a practical choice for exploring Reykjavík and nearby attractions.
4. Ingólfshöfði Nature Reserve – Puffins on the South Coast
- Location: Southeast Iceland
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Access: Rental car and guided tour
Ingólfshöfði is an isolated coastal headland in Southeast Iceland, between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The area is known for its seabird colonies, including Atlantic puffins.
Unlike some other puffin-watching locations, Ingólfshöfði is normally visited through an organised guided tour.
Tours typically include transport across the surrounding black sand landscape in a specially adapted vehicle, followed by a guided walk to the birdwatching areas.
It’s a good choice for travellers who want to combine puffin watching with a South Coast road trip.
How to Get to Ingólfshöfði by Car
Drive east from Reykjavík along Route 1 towards Skaftafell and the Öræfi region.
Follow the tour operator’s instructions to reach the designated meeting point.
Important: Do not attempt to drive your rental car across the black sand to the headland. Rental cars must remain on permitted roads, and off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
Best rental car: A standard car is generally suitable for the main Ring Road journey in summer. An affordable 4×4 may be useful for a wider Iceland road trip, but it does not permit off-road driving.
5. Grímsey Island – Puffins in North Iceland
- Location: North Iceland
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Access: Ferry or domestic flight
Grímsey is a small island north of mainland Iceland, famous for its seabird colonies and its location on the Arctic Circle.
During summer, Atlantic puffins nest along the island’s coastal cliffs.
Grímsey is an interesting destination for birdwatchers looking for a quieter experience away from Iceland’s busiest attractions.
The island is also home to other seabirds, making it a rewarding place for wildlife enthusiasts.
How to Get to Grímsey Island
Drive from Reykjavík towards Akureyri using the Ring Road.
From Akureyri, continue north to Dalvík, where ferry services operate to Grímsey.
The ferry journey takes approximately three hours, and departures are limited, so it’s important to check schedules and book ahead.
Tjörnes Peninsula – Puffin Watching Near Húsavík
- Location: North Iceland
- Best time to visit: May to August
- Access: Rental car
The Tjörnes Peninsula is located north of Húsavík and is known for its coastal scenery, geological formations, and seabird colonies.
During the summer breeding season, puffins may be spotted around suitable cliffside nesting areas.
It’s a worthwhile addition to a North Iceland itinerary, especially if you’re already planning to visit Húsavík for whale watching.
Unlike more established puffin-viewing destinations, sightings here can depend heavily on the specific location and season.
How to Get to Tjörnes Peninsula by Car
From Reykjavík, follow the Ring Road north towards Akureyri and continue towards Húsavík. From Húsavík, take Route 85 north along the Tjörnes Peninsula.
Use designated parking areas and established paths when exploring the coastline.
Best rental car: A standard rental car can be suitable for the main route in summer, while a 4×4 offers another option for travellers exploring more of North Iceland.
Which Puffin-Watching Location in Iceland Should You Choose?
The best place to see puffins depends on your travel plans.
| Your travel plans | Recommended location |
| Staying in Reykjavík | Akurey or Lundey boat tour |
| South Coast road trip | Westman Islands or Ingólfshöfði |
| Ring Road trip | Borgarfjörður Eystri |
| North Iceland road trip | Grímsey or Tjörnes Peninsula |
| Wildlife photpgraphy | Borgarfjörður Eystri |
| Short visit to Iceland | Reykjavík puffin boat tour |
If you’re travelling around Iceland by rental car, Borgarfjörður Eystri and the Westman Islands are particularly good options to consider.
Do You Need a 4×4 Rental Car to See Puffins in Iceland?
No, you don’t always need a 4×4 to see puffins in Iceland. Many popular puffin-watching destinations can be reached using ordinary roads during summer.
The best rental car depends on where you’re travelling and what else you plan to see.
Small Rental Cars for Reykjavík and South Iceland
If you’re planning to visit Reykjavík’s harbor or drive to the Westman Islands ferry terminal, a small rental car is often enough.
A compact vehicle can be a budget-friendly choice for travellers planning a short summer trip.
Affordable 4×4 Rentals for Longer Iceland Road Trips
If you’re planning to travel around the Ring Road, visit East Iceland, or explore more remote parts of the country, an affordable 4×4 rental may be worth considering.
Firefly Iceland offers budget-friendly car rental options, including 4×4 vehicles such as the Dacia Duster.
A 4×4 can be useful for certain gravel routes, but it doesn’t remove the need to drive carefully or follow road restrictions.
Remember that F-roads require a suitable 4×4 vehicle, are generally open only during summer, and are not part of the normal routes to most puffin-watching locations.
Puffin-Watching Tours vs. Self-Drive Puffin Watching
There are two main ways to see puffins in Iceland: joining a guided tour or visiting an accessible viewing location independently.
Guided Puffin Tours
Guided tours are useful for locations that require boats or specialist transport.
Popular examples include:
- Puffin boat tours from Reykjavík.
- Guided tours to Ingólfshöfði
- Boat-based wildlife tours around coastal islands.
Guided can also provide information about puffin behavior, nesting habitats, conservation.
Self-Drive Puffin Watching
If you’re renting a car in Iceland, you can visit several puffin-watching destinations independently.
Locations such as Borgarfjörður Eystri and accessible areas of the Westman Islands are particularly suitable for this type of trip.
A rental car also allows you to combine puffin watching with other Iceland attractions, including waterfalls, coastal towns, and scenic viewpoints.
For budget travellers, this can be a practical way to make the most of a summer holiday in Iceland.
How to Watch Puffins Responsibly in Iceland
Puffins are wild seabirds, and their nesting habitats are sensitive to disturbance.
When visiting puffin colonies, it’s important to respect the birds and their surroundings.
- Keep your distance: Observe puffins from designated viewing areas and avoid approaching nesting birds.
- Stay on marked paths: Puffins nest in underground burrows that can be damaged if people walk across nesting areas.
- Never feed puffins: Human food is not suitable for wild seabirds.
- Avoid loud noises: Keep noise to a minimum around nesting colonies.
- Use binoculars or a zoom lens: You can get a great view without approaching the birds.
- Follow local signs: Some areas may have seasonal restrictions to protect nesting birds.
Responsible puffin watching helps protect Iceland’s seabird colonies for future generations.
What to Pack for Puffin Watching in Iceland
Even during summer, coastal areas in Iceland can be cold and windy.
Before heading out on a puffins watching trip, make sure you’re packed:
- A waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Warm layers.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
- Binoculars.
- A camera with a zoom lens.
- A fully charged phone.
- Water and snacks.
- Motion sickness medication if you’re taking a boat tour.
If you’re planning to visit remote areas, check the weather forecast and travel information before leaving.
You can find current travel updates at road.is and en.vedur.is
FAQ: Puffins in Iceland
- When is the best time to see puffins in Iceland?
June and July are generally the best month to see puffins in Iceland. Most puffins return to their nesting colonies in spring and leave again during August.
- Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland?
Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland is one of the best-known locations for puffin watching, thanks to its accessible viewing platforms at Hafnarhólmi. the Westman Islands are another excellent option.
- Can you see puffins near Reykjavík?
Yes. During summer, you can join a puffin-watching boat tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor to see puffins around island such as Akurey and Lundey.
- Can you see puffins in September?
Puffins generally leave Iceland’s nesting colonies by late August. Sightings in September are possible but uncommon, so September is not a reliable month for puffins watching.
- Can you see puffins in Iceland without a tour?
Yes. Several puffin colonies, including Borgarfjörður Eystri and accessible locations on Heimaey, can be visited independently. Other destinations, such as Ingólfshöfði, require a guided tour.
- Do you need a 4×4 to see puffins in Iceland?
Not necessarily. Many puffin-watching locations can be reached using a standard rental car in summer. An affordable 4×4 rental can be useful if your itinerary includes longer journeys or certain gravel roads.
- Are puffins protected in Iceland?
Puffins are subject to wildlife regulations in Iceland. Visitors should avoid disturbing nesting birds, stay on designated paths, and follow local conservation guidance.
- Can you see puffins in Iceland in winter?
Puffins spend most of winter at sea, away from their nesting colonies. If you want to see puffins on land in Iceland, plan your trip during the summer breeding season.
- How close can you get to puffins in Iceland?
At some established viewing areas, puffins may naturally come close to visitors. However, you should never approach, touch, or chase the birds. Always stay behind barriers and follow the rules at each location.
- Is renting a car a good way to see puffins in Iceland?
Yes. Renting a car gives you access to several of Iceland’s best puffin-watching locations, including Borgarfjörður Eystri and the Westman Islands ferry terminal. Some islands and protected sites still require a boat or guided tour.
Conclusion: Plan Your Puffin-Watching Road Trip in Iceland
Seeing puffins in Iceland is one of the highlights of a summer trip. Whether you’re watching them from the cliffs of Borgarfjörður Eystri, visiting the Westman Islands, or joining a boat tour from Reykjavík, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these colourful seabirds.
For the best chance of spotting puffins, plan your visit between May and early August, with June and July being particularly good months.
If you’re planning a self-drive Iceland adventure, renting a car makes it easier to include puffin-watching stops alongside other attractions.
With Firefly Iceland Car Rental, you can choose from affordable rental cars and cheap 4×4 options to suit your summer travel plans.
