Exploring Faxaflói Bay’s puffin nesting grounds is a must-do for birdwatchers visiting Reykjavik. This premium small-group tour takes guests on a personalized 1-hour boat ride to witness over 30,000 puffins up close. Led by a local guide, the tour provides all necessary equipment and ensures customer comfort throughout the adventure. However, the best part may be the opportunity to spot other seabirds, including the elusive great auk and graceful gannets. With daily departures from mid-May to mid-August, this tour offers a unique chance to take in Iceland’s captivating avian world.
Key Points
- A 1-hour small-group (maximum 12 travelers) boat tour from Reykjavik to witness over 30,000 puffins and other seabirds in Faxaflói Bay.
- Guided by a local expert with binoculars and necessary cold-weather gear provided to ensure customer comfort and safety.
- Operates from mid-May to mid-August, with multiple daily departures from the central Reykjavik location.
- Opportunity to spot the flightless great auk and graceful gannets, in addition to the iconic puffins.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility challenges, young children, or those with back problems.
Tour Overview
This 1-hour bird watching boat tour from Reykjavik allows visitors to see puffins and other seabirds in the expansive Faxaflói Bay.
The small group size ensures personalized service and an up-close experience with the native wildlife.
Guests can choose from multiple departures throughout the day, led by a local guide.
During the tour, travelers will sail in a custom RIB boat as they watch for the 30,000 puffins that nest off the Reykjavik coast.
They’ll also have the chance to spot the flightless great auk and gannets.
With binoculars provided, guests can take in the sights and sounds of this unique avian habitat.
What’s Included
In the Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching Tour From Reykjavík, the tour package includes local taxes, binoculars for each passenger, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment. Gratuities are also provided.
This ensures customers stay comfortable and safe throughout the 1-hour boat tour in Faxaflói Bay. The small group size guarantees personalized service as guests get up-close views of puffins and other seabirds.
The tour departs multiple times daily from the meeting point at Ægisgaður 5 in Reykjavík, with the end point being the Old Harbour. Operated from mid-May to mid-August, this immersive experience allows visitors to witness the 30,000 puffins that nest off the Icelandic coast.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour begins at the meeting point located at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavík, with the end point being the Old Harbour.
From this central starting location, guests will embark on their birdwatching adventure.
The meeting and pickup process is straightforward:
- Arrive at the designated meeting point at Ægisgarður 5 prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Check-in with the local guide, who’ll provide the necessary safety equipment and binoculars.
- Board the custom RIB boat and get ready to set sail into Faxaflói Bay to spot puffins and other seabirds.
With the meeting point and pickup process clearly outlined, guests can look forward to a seamless start to their unforgettable puffin and birdwatching tour.
Tour Details
The tour operates from May 15th to August 20th, with up to four departures scheduled each day.
Travelers will embark on a custom RIB boat to explore Faxaflói Bay and witness the nesting grounds of over 30,000 puffins along the coast of Reykjavík.
Plus, birdwatchers may catch glimpses of the flightless great auk and graceful gannets during the excursion.
The tour provides guests with all the necessary equipment, including warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience regardless of weather conditions.
With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and intimate encounter with Iceland’s diverse avian population.
Additional Information
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or young children, as it may not be accessible for all.
Plus, there’s a minimum age requirement of 10 years and a minimum height requirement of 145 cm, and the group size is capped at 12 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.
Regardless of weather conditions, the tour operates in all environments, providing participants with the necessary safety equipment such as warm overalls, gloves, and goggles.
The key additional information for this tour includes:
- Confirmation at time of booking
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or young children
Boat and Wildlife Sightings
Participants board a custom RIB boat to embark on their wildlife-watching adventure, setting out into the vast expanse of Faxaflói Bay. The small, nimble vessel allows for close encounters with the area’s abundant marine life. As the tour progresses, passengers scan the horizon for puffins, the charismatic seabirds that nest along the coastline. With the guidance of a local expert, the group also keeps an eye out for other species, including the flightless great auk and the impressive gannets. The custom-built boat and small group size ensure an intimate and personalized experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural wonders of this stunning Icelandic setting.
| Species | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Puffins | 30,000 |
| Great Auks | Extinct |
| Gannets | Abundant |
| Kittiwakes | Thousands |
| Fulmars | Numerous |
Accessibility and Restrictions
Despite the adventure-filled nature of the tour, it’s important to note certain accessibility considerations and restrictions.
Specifically, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or young children, as the small RIB boat can pose challenges for those with specific needs or limitations. Plus, the minimum age requirement is set at 10 years, and participants must meet a minimum height of 145 cm to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all.
The tour also operates in all weather conditions, so participants should be prepared for potential changes in the weather. On top of that, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so individuals with mobility challenges may need to make alternative arrangements.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking the puffin and bird watching tour from Reykjavik is confirmed at the time of purchase, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.
This flexible booking policy allows visitors to plan their Icelandic adventure with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.
With several daily departures offered from May to August, guests can choose a time that best fits their schedule.
The tour operator ensures a personalized experience by limiting group sizes to a maximum of 12 travelers, providing each person with binoculars and the necessary cold-weather gear.
This attention to detail enhances the overall enjoyment of this unique wildlife-watching opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Binoculars?
Yes, you can bring your own binoculars. However, the tour provides binoculars for each passenger, so there’s no need to bring your own unless you prefer using your own equipment.
Is the Boat Suitable for Individuals With Motion Sickness?
The boat is a custom RIB boat, which can handle various weather conditions. However, individuals prone to motion sickness may want to consult with the operator beforehand, as the boat’s small size may not be suitable for those sensitive to sea conditions.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour overview states the tour is a 1-hour boat tour, and the additional information indicates the tour operates on a fixed schedule with up to four departures each day.
Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?
Yes, you can request a private tour for your group. The tour operator offers private tours upon request, allowing you to enjoy a personalized bird watching experience with just your group.
Are Any Refreshments or Snacks Provided During the Tour?
No, the tour does not include any refreshments or snacks. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks. The focus of the tour is on wildlife viewing, not catered meals.
Recap
This premium small-group tour from Reykjavik offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness over 30,000 puffins in Faxaflói Bay.
Led by a local guide, the 1-hour boat ride provides personalized service and up-close views of puffins and other seabirds.
With all necessary equipment provided, the tour ensures customer comfort and safety throughout the birdwatching adventure, operating daily from mid-May to mid-August.
