Where to see puffins in Iceland

Unlike some birds which closely resemble other species, you’ll have no trouble at all identifying a puffin. This distinctive bird is easy to spot, with a rounded body, black and white feathers, a stubby multi-coloured beak and bright orange feet. They’re not resident in Iceland year-round, but when they are around, their numbers are such that it’s easy to find them. Let’s take a look at where to see puffins in Iceland. 

About 60% of the Atlantic puffins on the planet arrive at the Icelandic mainland or its islands each year. They typically get here in late April and after they’ve nested, bred and raised their chicks, they head off back to the open ocean in mid to late August. If your visit is likely to be at the beginning or end of that period, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the many webcams that point at popular puffin spots so you can check the birds are there.

The best places to see puffins

Puffins are found all around Iceland, so whichever part of the coastline you focus on, you won’t have to travel far to find a spot that is a favourite of these cute and comical birds. Sometimes you can walk to viewing areas and hides on foot; in other places a boat trip should reward passengers with close-up sightings. 

In some cases, to reach the most isolated spots, you might need to arrange a private transfer or join a dedicated organised tour. Puffin watching can also be combined with other activities, which is the case in the Westman Islands with our ATV tours. These family-friendly tours are a great way to cover more ground while enjoying yourself and making lasting memories. 

However you choose to facilitate a puffin encounter, if you are in the country at the right time of year we’d strongly recommend that you incorporate watching these entertaining seabirds into your itinerary. Here’s where you might do so:

  • The Westman Islands 

Vestmannaeyjar is the number one location in Iceland for puffin sightings. That’s because it has the biggest colony. It’s thought to number around 830,000 breeding pairs during the season which is far in excess of anything you’ll experience elsewhere. To put it into perspective, that impressive figure represents something in the region of 20% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population.

Heimaey is the only permanently inhabited island in this southerly archipelago, but it’s easy to reach by ferry from the mainland and the crossing takes only about half an hour. Once there, you can take a boat tour, visit the Stórhöfði bird hide on foot or join one of our fun ATV rides that focus on these comical birds alongside other aspects of Westman Island life such as its volcanic activity or pirate past.

  • Ingólfshöfði

Ingólfshöfði is a cape off the south coast of Iceland, located further east than the Westman Islands. In the summer, you can visit this private nature reserve as part of a group tour. One of the reasons why it’s not possible to go there independently will become obvious as soon as you set off: you ride on a cart towed by a tractor across a causeway of wet sand. There’s a steep sand cliff to navigate on foot once you reach Ingólfshöfði but at the top, you’re treated to some close up puffin sightings.

  • Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a little easier to access. Located just west of the tourist town of Vik, this promontory pokes out into the Atlantic. Battered by waves, it features a large arch and faulted sides. In nooks and grassy hollows, puffins and other seabirds like terns and fulmars make their nests during the summer months. During daylight hours, follow marked paths that get you close enough to watch the birds come and go.

  • Borgarfjörður Eystri

The place which styles itself as the “Puffin Capital of Iceland” is probably the main competitor to the Westman Islands when it comes to puffin watching. It takes a lot more time to reach Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland, but it’s an easy place from which to watch the antics of these comical birds once you are there. Position yourself above the marina where you’ll find shelters and wooden platforms that makes this place very accessible. An estimated 10,000 breeding pairs visit during the summer season and you can be as little as two metres away from them.

  • Papey Island

Once the focus of tours from Djúpivogur in the East Fjords, Papey Island is now much more difficult to get to, though no one has told the puffins that. Humans haven’t lived on the island for more than 70 years and to reach this isolated place now you’ll need to charter yourself a boat which is likely to be costly. 

  • Látrabjarg

The Westfjords is Iceland’s most enigmatic region and its remoteness means it receives fewer visitors compared to other parts of the country. Many of those that do make it this far do so to visit Látrabjarg, which is the biggest seabird cliff in Europe. Puffins are just one of the species that choose to nest here; the best time to encounter them is in May, June or July. It’s a wild and natural spot; the steep cliffs are unfenced, so be careful where you step while you’re watching the puffins.   

  • Vigur Island

Each year, about 100,000 puffins migrate to Vigur Island close to Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. Summer trips can be arranged by the family which owns the island. As well as puffin spotting, you can learn about the eider harvest. You’re also welcome to look around its historic buildings, including Viktoríuhús – built in 1860.

  • Tjörnes Peninsula

Puffins are also found in the north of Iceland, so if you are planning to loop the country on a road trip, then consider stopping off at the Tjörnes Peninsula. Though it feels remote, its bird cliffs are actually not far from Húsavík. Set your sights on the viewing platform at Hringsbjarg or the orange-painted lighthouse at Voladalstorfa. 

  • Grímsey Island

One of the most northerly locations in Iceland, you can also find puffins within the Arctic Circle at Grimsey. Most visitors will overlook this place because of the extra effort required to reach it, but if you do make it this far, you’ll find puffins aplenty as well as razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. If you are going to spot puffins in the evening – and experience the Midnight Sun – plan to spend at least one night here before you hop on a ferry back to the mainland.

  • Islands close to Reykjavik

Akurey is a small island close to Reykjavik and boat trips through Faxaflói Bay can be arranged from the capital’s old harbour. Uninhabited Lundy is another popular spot for migratory seabirds. The number of puffins and other species is smaller here than around Heimaey, but you have the convenience of being able to stay in Reykjavik if your time is really short.

As you can see, though it’s possible to see puffins in many places in Iceland, there’s a lot to recommend coming to the Westman Islands if you are serious about seeing them during your summer holiday. With a plethora of ways to spend your time, from ATV tours to boat trips, you’re sure to have a lot of fun as you meet Iceland’s most recognisable visitor.