Iceland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic beauty, but one of its most charming attractions is the Atlantic puffin. These charismatic seabirds have become a favorite for birdwatchers and travelers alike.
With their colorful beaks, waddling gait, and remarkable lifestyle, puffins add an extra touch of magic to any Icelandic adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about them and how to make sure you do not miss this bird in your summer trip to Iceland.
When to See Puffins in Iceland
Puffins spend the majority of the year at sea, but from May to August, they return to the Icelandic coasts to nest and breed. The best time to see puffins in Iceland is between June and August, as this is when the birds are most active. By the end of August, most puffins begin migrating back to the open ocean, so catching a glimpse after this time becomes challenging.
Iceland is home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in the world, hosting about 60% of the global population.
Puffins spend a lot of their time at sea hunting. You have the best chance of spotting them in the morning or evening, when they’re likely to be in their nests. The great thing is that puffin season coincides with the longer days of summer, so there will be plenty of daylight.
Where to See Puffins in Iceland
To observe puffins, we have to follow their nests. Puffins typically nest in colonies on rugged cliffs, utilizing natural crevices and burrows. Those areas are relatively inaccessible to land predators, which helps keep their nests safe. Therefore puffin watching spots will always be by the coast on dramatic landscapes, often windy and moist.
Iceland has numerous birdwatching spots spreaded all over the island. In this guide, we will highlight the most popular locations, providing opportunities for memorable experiences. We have compiled a map with our favorite spots for puffin watching, and below you’ll find a brief description of each location.
IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that the best place to see puffins depend on each trip's aspects - the part of the island you visit, the length of your trip, and your specific preferences, such as mobility needs. In our itineraries, we aim to include various sights to enhance your chances of spotting them.
In a nutshell, here's an intro of each puffin spot we indicate:
Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) - our favorite spot in the South: the largest colony of puffins in the world, over a million of birds from 30 different species nest here every year. The islands are accessible by ferry or plane from the mainland and offer some of the best puffin viewing experiences.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula - best location in the south: conveniently located on the south coast near Vík, this area provides stunning views and is a common puffin nesting spot. It is a popular puffin-spotting locations, therefore we recommend arriving early morning or late evening if you want to beat the crowds.
Látrabjarg Cliffs - the most remote in the West: In the Westfjords, these cliffs are among the best locations to see puffins up close. Famous for how close one can get to watch the birds. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range.
Borgarfjörður Eystri - the most remote in the East: A lesser-known but fantastic spot in East Iceland. Here, visitors can observe puffins from a designated viewing area, with birds sometimes just a few meters away.
Tjörnes Peninsula - the best spot in the North: The cliffs here are home to a variety of seabird species, including puffins. The region also offers stunning coastal views and rich biodiversity.
Lundey (Puffin Island) - if you have a short stay in Iceland: Just a short boat ride from Reykjavik, Lundey is a small island famous for its puffin colonies. Visitors can enjoy boat tours that offer close-up views of these charming birds. It is a quite popular location due to its proximity with the capital, so we only recommend it only if time is against you and this is your unique option to watch them.
Other aspects that are Good to know
Their beak changes color. During the breeding season, puffins' beaks are vividly colored with bright oranges, blues, and yellows. However, when the breeding season ends and winter approaches, the colorful outer layer of the puffin’s beak molts, leaving the beak a duller gray color. So you're not surprised if you see them a bit different when you encounter those little ones.
While enjoying puffin watching, it’s crucial to approach them with care. Maintain a respectful distance, do not touch or feed the birds to protect their natural habitat.
Furthermore, it is important to stick to marked paths and never get too close around the edges of cliffs. The grassy turf slopes hide a network of tunnels where the birds have dug burrows for their eggs, that can collapse when we step on them.
Bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture stunning nature and unique moments during your puffin adventure. Photographing wild animals is different from snapping a plate in a restaurant or doing a selfie, and your phone may not be sufficient for capturing wildlife effectively.
Ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Iceland?
Sapiens Travel DMC can help you create a customized itinerary that showcases this unique destination. Whether you need the best viewing spots, accommodations, or additional activities, our team is here to assist you.
Don’t miss the chance to see these fascinating seabirds in their natural habitat. Send your requests to Sapiens Travel DMC and let us help you design a journey your clients will remember: operations@sapiens-travel.com
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