When your cruise ship docks at Reykjavik Port, take a 1-hour shore excursion to Akurey Island to see where one of Iceland’s largest colony of puffins live! Choose from four different start times, and after a 15-minute cruise, glide around the island, seeing its puffins and other native bird life like Black Guillemots and Arctic Terns. Learn about the captivating wildlife from an onboard guide and then return to Reykjavik.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7 times a day, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Adult (ages 16+)
$63
Child (ages 7–15)
$31
Infant (ages 0–6)
Free
Out at sunset: the 5:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:55 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 210 of the next 210 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Tour Options
Puffin Express Departures
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 30 minutes before departure and dropoff after
Binoculars to use on board
Expert guide on every tour
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at the bus area in the port and be on the lookout for a Special Tours minibus.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.2
73 reviews
5
43
4
13
3
8
2
3
1
6
How it compares in Reykjavik
Starting price $63 is 55% below the typical $139 for tours of similar length in Reykjavik
Excurgo comparison of 1,568 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that complimentary transfers are only applicable for passengers from Skarfabakki Harbour. Miðbakki (the alternative dock) is a very short walk to the departure point for this tour.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise take?
Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise lasts about 1 hour.
How much does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise cost?
Prices start at $63 per person for this Reykjavik experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 7 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
How much does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise cost for children?
Children aged 7–15 pay from $31, adults from $63. Infants go free.
Does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise sell out?
It can: 210 of the next 210 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please be ready at the bus area in the port and be on the lookout for a Special Tours minibus.
What languages is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 33 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(73)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Christopher_P
August 17, 2026 · via Viator
Great customer experience
They always answered my questions before the excursion. Was able to see Puffins just before they will migrate back to Greenland. Very interesting presentation by own guide.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to answer your questions before the excursion and that you enjoyed the onboard presentation. We're especially glad you had the chance to see the puffins before their migration. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
A
Amy_S
August 16, 2026 · via Viator
Pissed Off!
We were told to go to one area for pickup, no one was there! We tried calling, but our US phones were of no use. A taxi driver called for us, tried to get us to the appropriate meeting place, but botched it up. I have requested a refund due to lack of services rendered AND the worst directions ever given!!
Operator response
We are sorry that you missed your tour. However, we would like to clarify that the pickup location was clearly stated on the Viator voucher and booking confirmation. Our driver was present at the designated pickup point at Skarfabakki, which is the standard meeting location for prepaid tours.
While the review mentions difficulties calling us from U.S. phones, international phone connectivity is unfortunately outside our control. We were contacted regarding the guests' location and made every reasonable effort to assist.
The tour operated as scheduled and was available to all guests who arrived at the designated meeting point. As stated in the booking conditions, missed tours and no-shows are not eligible for refunds.
We always encourage guests to carefully review their voucher instructions and contact us before departure if they have any questions regarding the meeting location.
T
Terry_K
August 7, 2026 · via Viator
If I had to rate the boat...
If I had to rate the boat captain and crew hand along with viewing experience it would be 5 star. One member of desk staff very rude to 3 other customers while we were waiting. One asked a question to male employee and he responded you can read the sign on the door. Another asked about remaining inside during rain and response from same individual rude and disrespectful. I would spend my money here again due to their desk staff.
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour itself, the wildlife viewing, and the work of our captain and crew.
We're very sorry to hear about your experience with a member of our desk staff. Providing friendly and respectful service is something we take seriously, and your comments do not reflect the standard we aim to deliver. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we will be looking into this matter internally. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. 💙
D
Debbi A
June 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience - 100s of Puffins
We saw hundreds of puffins! Alessio was great. He was very entertaining and also educational. Patrick was also terrific. They make a good team. The 1 hour trip was the perfect length of time - not too short or too long. Great experience. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you for reviewing us!
We are glad you enjoyed the tour overall, from its duration to the guide and captain! Thank you for finding Alessio and Patrick to be a great team together.
We are glad you saw hundreds of puffins during your tour, that's amazing!
L
Lexie_L
June 10, 2026 · via Viator
Absolutely wonderful!...
Absolutely wonderful! Captain Patrick and Alessio were great tour guides. Definitely recommend this tour. Also, easy pickup from the cruise terminal.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to review us!
We are very happy to hear that you had a great time on our Puffin Express tour with Patrick and Alessio. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and are especially grateful for your comments regarding our pick up service.
Thank you again for choosing to join us, and we hope to welcome you back on board in the future!
J
Janine_K
June 9, 2026 · via Viator
Obtain detailed instructions where and what time to pick up
All of the paperwork stated the tour started at 8 am, and to arrive 15 minutes early. We arrived 30 minutes early and we did not see anyone. It was not clear where we were to meet for the pick up as it was an industrial park. The two individuals we saw and asked had no idea what we were talking about regarding an excursion pick-up. At 0810, we finally called the tour operator who stated pick up started at 0700 and the driver left at 0734. The driver provided a photo, showing no one present. In viewing the photo, we were there at that time. It is unclear how he missed us. When I requested a refund, the tour representative was less than nice and rather condescending. I don't recommend this tour operator at all.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are sorry to hear about the confusion and disappointment regarding your transfer.
For this tour, pickup begins approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and this information is included in the booking details provided prior to the tour. At Skarfabakki, our vehicles are instructed to wait in the designated "Prebooked Tours" parking area, which is the standard pickup location used by tour operators at the harbor.
According to our records, the driver arrived at the designated pickup area and remained there until departure. The driver also provided a timestamped photo from the pickup location. We understand that you were present in the area, which suggests there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the exact meeting point.
We sincerely regret that you felt our team's communication was unsatisfactory when discussing the matter afterward. That is never the experience we want our guests to have. We appreciate your feedback and will review both the communication and pickup instructions to see whether they can be made clearer for future travelers.
If you would like us to investigate further, please contact us directly with your booking reference, and we will be happy to review the details once again.
S
Sandi_E
June 8, 2026 · via Viator
The tour that never was
Our tickets for our group of 6 all said the tour started at 0945. We were all out at the meeting point by the cruise ship at 0915, The van to pick us up did not show up. When we contacted them they said our meeting time was 0900 at the pier. This time was not communicated to us ever. All of us had 0945 on our confirmation. The tour did not happen as they could not accommodate us prior to our ship leaving
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are very sorry that this situation prevented you from joining the tour.
After reviewing the booking details, we discovered that the voucher issued through Viator did not clearly display the pickup time. While the pickup information was included in the booking description on the website, it was not shown on the voucher itself, which understandably led to confusion.
Following this incident, we have updated our booking information so that the voucher now clearly states that pickup begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for this experience.
Given the circumstances, we fully understood your situation and approved a full refund. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this caused, and we appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention so we could improve our communication.
C
C3929BAvickyd
June 7, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Good tour
I enjoyed the cruise. It was about the right length and we saw plenty of puffins. I would have liked the guide to share more scientific or factual information. For me it was a little waffly.
Operator response
Thank you for your review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed seeing plenty of puffins during your tour.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the onboard commentary. We understand your preference for a more scientific and factual presentation, and we will take this into consideration as we continue to improve the experience for our guests.
E
Explore22551938336
June 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Puffins at a distance…
Pleasant experience- not close enough to puffins
Operator response
Thank you for your rating!
Sometimes, due to tides and sea conditions, the boat cannot approach the island as closely as we would like. We hope, despite this, that you still enjoyed the tour and had a great experience with us.
P
P1810RUsamm
June 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Lots of puffins, and some laughs too!
Joe and Patrick were excellent. Good information in an entertaining and lighthearted manner.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review! We are very happy that Joe and Patrick were a great entertaining and informative team!
