For wildlife lovers and birdwatchers, Iceland serves as a premiere destination to observe the enchanting Atlantic Puffins. These birds, known for their colorful beaks and whimsical expressions, draw nature enthusiasts from around the world. This detailed guide highlights the prime times and locations for puffin sightings across Iceland’s diverse landscapes, ensuring you make the most of your visit during puffin season.
Best Times and Spots for Puffin Sightings
Atlantic Puffins are typically spotted in Iceland from mid-April to mid-August, during their breeding period. Evening hours are especially promising for puffin activities, offering optimal viewing opportunities.
Recommended Puffin Locations
Here's a rundown of the top locations and experiences based on my personal adventures and additional well-regarded spots:
Unique Tours: Ingólfshöfði Puffin Tour
This exceptional tour near Glacier Lagoon takes you across a stunning black sand beach via a hay trailer pulled by a tractor. The journey culminates in a scenic hike leading to a prime viewing spot where puffins, along with skuas and occasionally whales, can be observed. Einar, your guide and a skilled photographer, provides insights into puffin behavior while helping you capture memorable photographs.
Premier Spot in the West: Látrabjarg Cliffs
The Látrabjarg cliffs host the largest puffin colony in Iceland, making it a top destination for birdwatchers. The cliffs' challenging terrain doesn't deter from the sheer volume of puffins that can be seen nesting and interacting in their natural habitat. While visiting, you might also spot auks and seagulls, adding to the rich avian diversity of the area.
Southern Encounters without a Tour: Westman Islands
Home to several key puffin watching spots, the Westman Islands offer a unique chance to see these birds up close. The islands harbor the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, where injured puffins are rehabilitated, allowing for sightings throughout the year, not just in summer.
Borgafjörður Eystri: The Puffin Capital
Borgafjörður Eystri is renowned for its extensive puffin population. The harbor hill here is virtually a large 'apartment complex' for puffins, where you can observe hundreds of these birds going about their daily lives. The area features booths and designated platforms for visitors to watch puffins without disturbing them.
Additional Puffin Locations to Explore
- Dyrhólaey: This location offers occasional sightings of puffins. It's not biggest colonies but still notable location in the south. Note that it is closed overnight (7pm to 9am) during the nesting season (usually May to August) to protect the nesting birds.
- Island Hopping for Puffins: Papey and Skrúður Islands were once popular destinations for puffin tours before the pause in operations. Stay tuned for updates as these tours may resume. Drangey Island in the north not only promises puffin sightings but also features a scenic hike.
- Grimsey Island: Known as the northernmost inhabited part of Iceland, Grimsey is a birdwatching paradise with around a million birds each summer, including numerous puffins. The island can be reached by plane from Akureyri or ferry from Dalvík, offering a dramatic setting for your puffin watching adventure.
- Lundey and Akurey Islands: Located just off the coast of Reykjavik in Faxafloi Bay, these small islands are home to about 30,000 pairs of nesting puffins. To see them, you must book a tour through authorized tour operators who provide specialized excursions to these islands. This is an ideal option for those eager to witness large colonies of puffins in their natural habitat.
- Raudanes: This location is perfect for those who love hiking as well as birdwatching. The trail at Raudanes leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a small island close to the shore where numerous puffins can be observed. The hike itself is rewarding, and it's advisable to bring binoculars with at least a 200mm lens for the best viewing experience. Remember, there are no water sources along the trail, so it's crucial to carry sufficient water.
Detailed Tips for Puffin Watchers
- Timing: Visiting during late afternoons or early evenings can significantly increase your chances of seeing puffins.
- Equipment: Bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to capture detailed images from a respectful distance.
- Respect Wildlife: Always keep a safe distance from the wildlife and follow local guidelines to ensure the puffins are not disturbed during your visit.
Iceland's unique geographical features and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for puffin enthusiasts. With detailed planning and the right locations, your puffin watching experience can be both successful and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re navigating the cliffs of Látrabjarg or exploring the remote Grimsey Island, each location offers a unique glimpse into the world of these fascinating seabirds.
Ready to plan your trip or need more specifics on any of these locations? Let me know how I can further assist you in preparing for an unforgettable puffin watching adventure in Iceland.
