Akurey Island (Puffin Island)

The Basics

Many puffin-watching tours also cruise by Lundey (literally “Puffin Island” in Icelandic). While you cannot land on either island, boat tours get close enough to see the puffins. Naturalist guides are on hand to share interesting facts about the birds’ behavior. Akurey is uninhabited, which is why it has become such a thriving haven for nesting seabirds. Although puffins are the main draw, you can also see cormorants, black guillemots, kittiwakes, and Arctic terns.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Akurey is a must-visit destination for bird-watchers, nature lovers, and photographers.

• Akurey’s proximity to Reykjavik makes it an easy half-day trip from the capital.

• Dress warmly; it gets cold out on the water, even in summer.

• Binoculars make for a more rewarding puffin-watching experience: Many boat tours supply their own.

How to Get There

Akurey is only accessible by boat. Organized tours generally depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour (a short walk from downtown) and take visitors out into the bay aboard yachts, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), or replicas of traditional Icelandic sailboats.

When to Get There

Atlantic puffins spend most of their lives far out at sea, only coming onto land to breed and nest during the summer. From early April through September (the only period of time you will see them in Northern Europe), multiple tours depart throughout the day.

Puffin Spotting and Whale Watching

You can combine puffin spotting with whale watching on a tour that combines both around Akurey. During roughly the same season (April through October), you can spot minke and humpback whales in Faxafloi Bay.

Ways to explore

Akurey Island is a protected nature reserve, so landing is generally not permitted. However, several boat tours depart from Reykjavik and take visitors out onto the bay and close to the island for good views of the puffins, as well as other seabirds, including cormorants, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and kittiwakes. On puffin-watching tours, guides are typically on hand to share interesting insights into the birds’ behavior. Some tour operators offer packages that include a puffin-watching boat tour with a whale-watching cruise.

Accessibility

Not all tour boats are wheelchair accessible; confirm before booking.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera with zoom lens, sunscreen, binoculars (although some tour operators provide them)

What to wear

Insulating layers (it gets cold out on the water), waterproof jacket

Not allowed

Drones, animals (except service animals)

Amenities

Some boats have on-board Wi-Fi, and most have a basic restroom.

Address

Akurey Island is only accessible by boat. Most puffin-watching tours depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area, just a short walk from downtown.

Driving

It’s about a 50-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport to the Old Harbour. Take Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) east toward Reykjavik, then merge onto Route 49 (Sæbraut) and follow signs to the city center. Paid street parking is available around the Old Harbour area.

Public transportation

Reykjavik’s public bus system, Strætó, runs a few routes to the Old Harbour. Lines 1, 3, 6, 11, and 14 all stop at Mýrargata, just steps from the Old Harbour.

Best times to visit

The best time to see puffins on the island is early morning or late evening. Puffins are typically out fishing on the water during the day.

Best days to visit

Puffin-watching tours are typically busiest on weekends, so book a weekday tour for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Puffins start to return to Akurey Island from late April and leave by early September. The peak viewing period is between May and mid-August, when the birds are busy raising their young.