Iceland is a land of fire, ice, and adorable seabirds! If your bucket list includes spotting thousands of puffins in Iceland on rugged cliffs or gliding across the Atlantic, you’re in for a treat. Every summer, these birds with their signature orange beaks flock to Iceland’s shores, creating breathtaking scenes that feel straight out of a wildlife documentary.
But where exactly can you find them? When is the best time to go? How can you experience these creatures without disturbing them?
Well, no need to worry, this guide has everything you need from top locations to expert tips on making the most of your trip. So, get ready to plan the ultimate puffin adventure in Iceland.
Let’s dive in! ✨😊
When Is the Best Time to See Puffins in Iceland?
If spotting puffins is high on your Iceland itinerary, timing is everything. The best time to see puffins in Iceland is from late April to early September. Additionally, it is the peak viewing months are from May to mid-August. During this time, they nest in burrows along Iceland’s coastal cliffs, creating spectacular colonies that are a delight to observe.
Furthermore, Puffins follow a daily routine: they spend much of the day out at sea fishing and return to their burrows in the morning and evening. The best times to see them are:
- Early morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
While puffins may seem approachable, it’s important to respect their habitat. Avoid sudden movements, keep a safe distance, and never disturb their nests.
Where to See Puffins in Iceland?
Iceland is a paradise for puffin lovers, home to 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population. These charming seabirds, with their distinctive black-and-white plumage and bright orange beaks, flock to Iceland’s coastlines during the summer months to breed.
If you’re planning a trip to see them, here are the best locations to see puffins in Iceland in their natural habitat.
1. Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Vestmannaeyjar, a cluster of islands off Iceland’s southern coast, hosts over 1.1 million puffins during the breeding season. This makes it the largest puffin colony in the world! The birds arrive in summer to nest, and boat tours around the islands offer spectacular views of puffins. If you’re lucky, you might even spot pufflings—young puffins—making their first flights.
2. Látrabjarg Cliffs
Located in the remote Westfjords, Látrabjarg is one of Iceland’s most dramatic birdwatching spots. The towering cliffs provide a safe nesting ground for puffins. Plus, visitors can get remarkably close to them. Unlike many other birds, puffins here are not afraid of humans, making it an excellent location for photography and observation.
3. Lundey & Akurey
If you’re staying in Reykjavík and want a quick puffin-watching experience, Lundey (Puffin Island) and Akurey are just a short boat ride away. These islands are uninhabited, allowing puffins to nest undisturbed. While visitors cannot step onto the islands, boat tours provide fantastic views of puffins in their natural habitat.
4. Borgarfjörður Eystri – A Hidden Gem
For those venturing to East Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a must-visit. Yes, you heard it right, this lesser-known puffin colony offers one of the most accessible viewing platforms. Allowing you to observe puffins up close without disturbing them. The area is also rich in stunning landscapes, making it a great stop for nature lovers.
If you’re planning a trip, consider booking a guided puffin tour with operators like Eyjatours, Mr. Puffin, or Puffin Adventures, which offer expert-led excursions to prime puffin-watching locations.
Fun Facts About Atlantic Puffins, Iceland’s
When people think of puffins, they often imagine cute little birds with bright orange beaks and an awkward waddle. Right? But there’s much more to these fascinating seabirds than just their adorable looks!
Here are a few fun facts about puffins in Iceland, which you may like.
- Did you know that over 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population nests in Iceland? Yes, you heard it right, which means Iceland is the ultimate puffin paradise.
- One of the most mind-blowing facts about puffins is their beak transformation. During the breeding season, their beaks are strikingly bright orange. But, when winter comes, the outer layer sheds away, revealing a duller shade until they return in spring. While they may look like clumsy birds, puffins are incredible flyers, flapping their wings up to 400 times per minute to reach speeds of 88 km/h (55 mph). In the air, they’re skilled navigators.
- Puffins are also devoted partners. They mate for life, returning to the same burrow every year with the same companion, a rare trait among birds. Together, they dig cozy underground nests where they raise their chick, lovingly called a “puffling” (yes, that’s the actual term!). Unlike other birds that lay multiple eggs, puffins produce only one egg per season, making each puffling incredibly precious.
- Another spectacular ability puffins possess is their ability to carry multiple fish. Thanks to special grooves in their beaks, puffins can hold up to 10 fish at a time. This skill enables them to return to their chicks with ample food after long sea hunting trips.
If you ever find yourself in Iceland during the summer, make sure to visit one of the puffin hotspots. Bring a camera, and experience the magic of these delightful birds in their natural habitat!
Tips for Sightseeing Puffins in Iceland!
Few sights are as delightful as watching puffins waddle around the cliffs of Iceland. Their bright orange beaks stand out against the rugged landscapes. But just like the Northern Lights, puffin sightings are never guaranteed. These fascinating seabirds spend most of their lives at sea. That’s why planning your trip wisely is important if you want to witness their charming behaviors up close.
But don’t worry, to help you maximize your chances of seeing puffins, here’s a detailed guide filled with tips and insights. It will help you make the most of your adventure, while ensuring both your safety and theirs!
1. Timing Is Everything
Well, as of now, you have a clear image that puffins return to Iceland around late April. So, if you want to witness peak puffin activity, we advise you to visit between May and mid-August. This is because during this time, they are busy nesting, feeding their young, and socializing in large colonies. By early September, most puffins start their migration out to the open ocean. So, plan your trip accordingly if they’re a must-see on your itinerary.
2. Best Times of the Day to Spot Puffins
One of the interesting facts is that puffins follow a predictable daily routine, which means that timing your visit strategically can make all the difference. If you manage to wake up early in the morning or reach the spot in the evening, then you will witness them. During this time, they rest in their burrows and spend time near the nesting grounds.
Note: If you visit midday, you may find the cliffs unexpectedly empty—many puffins will have headed out to sea to hunt for fish, their primary source of food.
3. Cliffside Safety – Watch Your Step!
While it’s exciting to catch sight of puffins, safety comes first—for both you and the birds. Many of Iceland’s puffin colonies are located on steep, rocky cliffs, which can be dangerous if you’re not cautious. When exploring puffin nesting sites, it’s important to prioritize safety by sticking to marked paths and following posted warnings to prevent accidents.
Additionally, avoiding cliff edges is crucial, as they may be unstable and prone to sudden erosion. So, instead of rushing in excitement, take your time moving around carefully, as running toward puffins can lead to dangerous slips. By staying mindful of your surroundings, you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable puffin-watching experience.
4. Trick to Get the Best Puffin View Without Disturbing Them
Puffins may seem social and curious, but sudden movements can startle them and disrupt their behavior. Instead of rushing toward them, use this tried-and-true technique:
- Lay on your stomach and slowly crawl toward a puffin colony. Yes, it may feel silly, but it’s one of the safest ways to prevent slips while observing them closely!
- Stay still and quiet—letting the puffins approach you naturally is far better than chasing them.
5. No Touching or Feeding Puffins
Puffins are wild animals, and while they might seem friendly, interacting with them too closely can harm their health. One common mistake visitors make is touching their feathers, which may remove the protective oils that keep them waterproof while swimming. Feeding them human food is also strictly discouraged, as they have specialized diets and rely on fish for nutrition.
6. Photography Tips
Seeing puffins in their natural habitat is a special experience, and you’ll want to document it! However, responsible photography is essential:
- Use a zoom lens instead of getting too close, ensuring you don’t disturb them.
- Avoid flash photography, which can startle puffins and cause stress.
- Take advantage of Iceland’s natural light—overcast days often produce the best shots without harsh glare.
By following these tips, not only will you increase your chances of spotting puffins, but you’ll also contribute to ethical wildlife tourism.
FAQs
Yes, some Icelanders still eat puffins, but it is not a very common practice. Puffin meat is usually smoked or boiled and is mostly found in restaurants catering to tourists. However, hunting practices have declined due to concerns about conservation.
During winter, puffins from Iceland migrate to the open waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Generally, they spend most of their time at sea, rarely coming ashore until the breeding season returns in spring.
Puffins are commonly found in coastal areas such as Puffin Island (Lundey), Borgarfjarðarhreppur, Dyrhólaey, and the Westman Islands. These sites have large colonies where visitors can observe puffins nesting on cliffs.
Well, by September, most puffins have already left Iceland for their winter migration. However, a few late stragglers may still be seen in early September. If you are lucky enough, you can witness them in the Westman Islands or coastal cliff areas.