Meet Iceland’s Most Beloved Seabird

Iceland is home to more Atlantic puffins than anywhere else on earth, and Reykjavík is one of the easiest places to see them. Our guided puffin tours give you an up-close encounter with these charming seabirds — a highlight of any Iceland summer trip.

All you need to know about puffins in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see Atlantic puffins in the wild. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply curious about these charming seabirds, here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of puffins live in Iceland? Iceland is home to the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), the most common puffin species in the world. With their distinctive black and white plumage and brightly coloured orange beaks, they are one of Iceland’s most recognisable and beloved wildlife species.

How many puffins are there in Iceland? Iceland hosts around 60% of the world’s entire Atlantic puffin population — roughly 8 to 10 million birds. This makes Iceland the single most important country in the world for puffin conservation.

When is the best time to see puffins in Iceland? Puffins arrive in Iceland between late April and early May and depart again in August or September. The peak season for puffin watching is June and July, when the colonies are at their most active and the long summer days give you plenty of daylight to spot them.

Where is the best place to see puffins in Iceland? Puffins can be spotted at several locations around Iceland, including the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, and right here in Reykjavík — particularly around the old harbour area and the nearby island of Lundey, whose name literally means “Puffin Island” in Icelandic.

Can you see puffins from Reykjavík? Yes! Reykjavík is one of the easiest places to see puffins in Iceland. Puffin tours departing from the Old Harbour offer close-up views of these birds in their natural habitat, without needing to travel far from the city.

What do puffins eat? Puffins are expert divers and feed almost entirely on small fish, particularly sand eels, herring, and capelin. They are remarkable hunters, capable of diving up to 60 metres below the surface and carrying several fish in their beaks at once.

Can puffins fly? Yes — though it might not look graceful! Puffins flap their wings up to 400 times per minute to stay airborne and can reach speeds of up to 88 km/h. They are far more agile underwater than in the air.

Are puffins endangered? The Atlantic puffin is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with declining populations linked to climate change, overfishing, and changes in fish availability. Iceland plays a critical role in global puffin conservation efforts.

Is it possible to hold or touch puffins in Iceland? No — and it’s important not to disturb them. Puffins are wild animals and should be observed respectfully from a distance. Responsible tour operators, including Aurora Reykjavík, follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure the birds are not stressed or disturbed.

What is a baby puffin called? A baby puffin is called a puffling. Every autumn, young pufflings leaving their clifftop burrows for the first time are sometimes disoriented by the lights of Reykjavík and land in the city by mistake. Locals — especially children — traditionally help rescue and return them to the sea in a beloved annual tradition.

How long do puffins live? Puffins are surprisingly long-lived for seabirds. In the wild, they can live for 20 years or more, returning to the same burrow and the same mate year after year.

What is the best way to see puffins in Iceland? The best way to see puffins up close is on a dedicated puffin tour from Reykjavík. A guided boat tour takes you directly to puffin colonies, giving you an unforgettable close-up experience with these iconic birds in their natural Icelandic habitat.

Ready to meet the puffins? Book your Puffin Tour from Reykjavík with Aurora Reykjavík and get closer to Iceland’s most beloved seabird.

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