Discover puffins, spectacular island scenery and the extraordinary history of the 1627 Turkish Raid, finishing your experience at Viking Town.
What do puffins and pirates have in common? In Vestmannaeyjar, they're both part of an extraordinary island story!
Our Puffins & Pirates Tour combines some of the island's most beautiful coastal landscapes with fascinating wildlife and a remarkable chapter of Icelandic history. From the famous Elephant Rock and the puffin colonies of Stórhöfði to the dramatic events of the 1627 Turkish Raid, this adventure offers a unique way to discover Vestmannaeyjar.
Our journey begins with a scenic ATV ride along the western side of Heimaey, where the rugged coastline and surrounding islands create spectacular views.
One of our first highlights is the famous Elephant Rock, an extraordinary natural rock formation that looks remarkably like a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Atlantic Ocean.
From here, we continue towards Stórhöfði, the southernmost part of Heimaey and one of the island's most spectacular viewpoints. On clear days, you may even see Surtsey, the volcanic island that emerged from the ocean during an eruption in 1963.
Vestmannaeyjar is home to one of the world's largest Atlantic puffin colonies, and seeing these colourful seabirds in their natural habitat is a highlight of the tour.
At Stórhöfði, we'll stop near the puffin nesting grounds, where you may see puffins resting on grassy slopes, flying along the cliffs or returning from the sea.
Our experienced and friendly guides will share fascinating facts about these remarkable birds, their migration, nesting habits and the special connection between puffins and the people of Vestmannaeyjar.
Puffins are wild animals, so sightings and numbers vary depending on the season, weather and natural conditions.
But this adventure isn't only about wildlife and scenery.
In July 1627, pirates from North Africa attacked Vestmannaeyjar in one of the most dramatic events in Icelandic history. The raid, known in Iceland as Tyrkjaránið, changed the lives of the islanders forever.
As we travel through locations connected to these events, your guide will tell the extraordinary stories of the attack, the islanders who attempted to escape or hide, and those who were captured and taken across the sea to North Africa.
In 2027, Vestmannaeyjar marks 400 years since the Turkish Raid, making this an especially meaningful time to discover this chapter of the island's history.
Our journey concludes at Viking Town in Herjólfsdalur, where you'll have the opportunity to discover another fascinating period in the island's past.
Explore the reconstructed Viking-age setting and learn about the early settlers who made Vestmannaeyjar their home more than a thousand years ago.
Admission to Viking Town is included in your tour price, adding another memorable experience to your adventure.
Puffins & Pirates is our easiest ATV tour, designed for guests who want to discover the beauty and fascinating history of Vestmannaeyjar without off-road driving. This tour follows paved roads only — no off-road driving involved.
Our automatic ATVs are easy to operate, and no previous ATV experience is required. Before departure, our friendly guides provide the equipment, safety briefing and driving instructions you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Perfect for families, couples and anyone who loves wildlife, history and beautiful scenery, this tour brings together some of the most fascinating sides of Vestmannaeyjar in one memorable experience.
Wild puffins. Pirate legends. Viking history. One unforgettable island adventure.
Meet your guide and prepare for the ride.
Explore selected island viewpoints and puffin habitat.
Hear the extraordinary story of the Turkish Raid and its impact on Vestmannaeyjar.
Finish the experience at Viking Town. Admission is included in the tour price.
All timings are approximate and may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and participants' driving ability.
Select every person in your group, then choose an available date to continue booking Puffins & Pirates.
Select a participant type for each person before choosing your date.
“Sharing” refers to each person sharing an ATV — not the number of ATVs.
Please make two separate bookings if your group includes both Sharing and Single Riders. If both are selected in the same booking, the calendar may show no availability even when spaces are available.
Puffins are wild animals and sightings vary through the season. A valid driving licence is required for drivers. Good shoes are recommended. Tour times and route may vary with weather and participants' driving ability.
Good shoes are recommended.
