Durations, seasons and prices from the operators' pages, read 7 November 2026. Elding publishes no price on its page; Special Tours prices are those listed.

From Reykjavík: the one-hour boat trip

Both operators offer a short trip. Elding says its tours go to one of three islands just outside the city and lists a Classic and a Premium version, each of 1 hour. Special Tours lists several tours through the day and a RIB speedboat variant. The difference between the two Special Tours versions is ISK 3,690. Departure times for puffin tours were not shown when the sites were read, so the time depends on the booking calendar of the day.

Combining with whales or a flight

If you also want whales, Special Tours sells a combined Whales and Puffins tour of 3 to 5 hours at ISK 19,540, and a Whales and Puffins Midnight Sun tour at ISK 12,490 (2 to 2.5 hours). Elding runs Classic Whale Watching all year and Premium Whale Watching from the Old Harbour between 1 April and 31 October. Compare the harbour options in Reykjavik Old Harbour and whale watching tours in Iceland. If rain is forecast, the Puffin Express and Flyover combo adds an indoor attraction, described in Flyover Iceland.

Outside Reykjavík

The Westman Islands have puffins nesting on the cliffs around Stórhöfði from roughly May through August; they head out to sea by early September. The ferry crossing takes 35 to 40 minutes, see Westman Islands. In the Westfjords, Látrabjarg is linked to puffins; Visit Iceland warns that cliff edges are unstable and full of burrows in nesting season, see Westfjords. North Iceland has its own wildlife tours at Húsavík.

When to go

The Reykjavík boat season is the shortest of the choices: 20 April to 20 August for the Classic tour and to 15 August for the Premium. Westman Islands puffins are there May to August. After early September they are at sea. Match your trip dates to those windows; the general seasons are in the best time to visit Iceland and Iceland in summer.

Which to choose

For a first visit to Reykjavík, the one-hour boat trip is the lowest-effort option. The Premium or RIB versions are the choice if you prefer a smaller boat: Elding calls its Premium a small-group tour and Special Tours sells a RIB speedboat version. The Westman Islands and Látrabjarg need a separate day or more.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Booking after the season: Reykjavík puffin tours end on 20 August (Classic) or 15 August (Premium).
  • Assuming one price: Special Tours lists ISK 7,800 for the Puffin Express and ISK 11,490 for the RIB version.
  • Visiting the Westman Islands in September expecting puffins: they are at sea by early September.
  • Going to the edge at Látrabjarg: the edges are unstable.

FAQ

When can I see puffins in Reykjavík?

From 20 April to 20 August on the Elding Classic tour.

How long is a puffin boat trip?

1 hour for the Classic and Premium tours of Elding and for the Special Tours Puffin Express.

How much does it cost?

Special Tours lists ISK 7,800 for the Puffin Express; Elding's page showed no price.

Where else can I see puffins?

On the Westman Islands from roughly May through August and at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords.

Are there combined tours?

Yes: whales and puffins from ISK 19,540, or the Puffin Express with Flyover Iceland at ISK 13,680.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.