The puffin season in Iceland runs from late April to early August. Roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffins nest here, and the best places to see them are the Westman Islands, Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, Hafnarhólmi at Borgarfjörður eystri and the cliffs at Dyrhólaey. You can also see them on boat trips from Reykjavík, Húsavík and several other harbours.
When is puffin season in Iceland?
Puffins spend most of the year far out at sea. They come ashore to breed in spring, and tour operators run puffin trips from late April to early August, with most boat departures between May and August. May to July is the safest window for good sightings.
In summer the light is long, so you can visit at almost any hour. Weather can cancel sea trips, so keep a spare day if the puffins are the main reason for your trip.
Westman Islands: the biggest colony
The Westman Islands hold roughly half of Iceland's breeding puffins, and the bird is the emblem of the islands. The ferry from Landeyjahöfn takes about 40 minutes, and there are also flights in some seasons. Boat tours of the cliffs run in summer, and on land you can walk to the edge of the colonies on Heimaey.
Late in the season the locals look after the young pufflings. When the fledglings leave their burrows, some get confused by the town lights and land in the streets. Children collect them and release them at the shore. Ask locally about this tradition if you visit late in summer.
If you would rather not drive, our Westman Islands Day Tour from Reykjavik includes the ferry and a stop for puffins at Stórhöfði in the breeding season. See our Westman Islands tours for other day trips from the mainland.
Látrabjarg, Westfjords
Látrabjarg is the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe's largest bird cliff. It is 14 km long and up to 440 metres high. Puffins nest along the top, and the cliffs also hold gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and up to 40% of the world's razorbills.
Puffins here are often close enough to see without binoculars. Keep back from the cliff edge, which is unfenced and can crumble. The Westfjords roads are long and slow, so plan a night or two nearby, for example in Patreksfjörður.
Borgarfjörður eystri and East Iceland
The small harbour islet of Hafnarhólmi at Borgarfjörður eystri is known locally for giving some of the best access to puffins in the country. Visitors walk close to the birds on a short path, and a live webcam runs from the harbour area. Other seabirds share the islet.
Boat trips to see puffins also leave from Seyðisfjörður and Djúpivogur. The East Fjords are far from Reykjavík, so this suits a Ring Road or East Iceland trip. From Seyðisfjörður, you can join our Puffins & Borgarfjörður Eystri day tour instead of driving yourself.
South Coast: Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is the easiest place to combine puffins with a South Coast day trip. In summer many puffins nest on the cliff faces. The road up the peninsula was rebuilt and paved in 2022. Pair it with Reynisfjara, but stay well back from the waves there.
Access to parts of the headland can be limited in the nesting season, so follow the signs on site.
Puffin boat tours
A boat gives you the best view of puffins on the water and around the sea cliffs. Puffin trips depart from Reykjavík, Húsavík, Dalvík, Ísafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður eystri, Djúpivogur and the Westman Islands. Reykjavík trips can be as short as one hour, and many trips combine puffin and whale watching.
Small groups, RIB speedboats and private trips are all available. Our Puffin Tour from Reykjavik goes out by RIB from the Old Harbour, and in the north Puffins & Whale Watching from Husavik combines both. Book ahead for July and early August. See our puffin tours and whale watching tours.
Puffins and conservation
Puffins are not as common as they were. The species was moved to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2015, and numbers have fallen sharply in Iceland since around 2000. Please give them room.
Do not touch or pick up puffins, keep off burrows and stay behind barriers. Choose tour operators that keep a respectful distance. For more birds, read our bird watching guide.
Combine puffins with the rest of your trip
Summer is also the time for highland roads, long daylight and whales. Our Iceland in July guide shows how to fit puffins into a summer itinerary, and our islands guide covers the other islands you can visit. If you want a guide for the long drive to the East Fjords, browse our summer Ring Road tours.
Tours to book
These trips put you in the right place in the puffin season, from late April to early August.
- Westman Islands Day Tour from Reykjavik: the largest colony, with the ferry and a guide included.
- Puffin Tour from Reykjavik: a short RIB trip from the Old Harbour if you are based in the city.
- Horse Riding, Puffins & Elves Tour in South Iceland: a morning in the saddle and an afternoon puffin boat trip, May to August.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see puffins in Iceland?
Puffin tours run from late April to early August. May, June and July are the safest months for good sightings.
Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland?
The Westman Islands have the largest colony, Látrabjarg offers close views from the cliff top, Hafnarhólmi at Borgarfjörður eystri has easy access, and Dyrhólaey is the simplest South Coast stop.
Can you see puffins in Reykjavík?
Yes. Boat tours leave from Reykjavík harbour in season. Some last around one hour, and some combine puffins with whale watching.
Can you see puffins in Iceland in winter?
No. Puffins spend the winter at sea and return to land in spring, so trips run only from late April to early August.
