Puffin watching along with whale watching has become a popular activity with tourists while travelling in Iceland. So many hearts were conquered by these cute birds, so many adorable photos were taken! So, we decided to share information on when is it better to watch puffins, where are the most popular places to do it, and how responsibly enjoy puffins’ company.

When is the best time to see puffins?
Puffins season in Iceland lasts from May to August. However, to be on the safe side early May is not 100% the perfect choice as birds are wild creatures and do not have a strict schedule.
Also consider coming for a visit in the second half of the day, as birds are most active at this time. And of course, you could see puffins any time in souvenir stores.
Where to watch them?
Puffins nestle all around Iceland, so any direction you choose to travel, you have a chance to see them. And here is a list of some spots popular for birdwatching.

LÁTRABJARG CLIFFS
The most popular cliffs to watch puffins are in the Westfjords. Millions of birds nestle here, so you will be able to see not only cute puffins, but also gannets, guillemots, razorbills, white-tailed eagles, red-throated loons, arctic terns and more. These cliffs are vital for the survival of some bird species.
REYKJAVIK
Another place in the Westfjords where puffins nest. This beautiful spot is known for being one of the most unique nature reserves on the planet. There are no roads leading there, it is inaccessible and closed to any kind of motor vehicle. It can only be accessed by boat and then explored on foot. This is an ideal place to combine hiking and bird watching.
VESTMANNAEYJAR – WESTMANN ISLANDS
This is the home of the biggest puffin’s colony. One-fifth of the world’s total puffin population nests here every year. However, you have to take a ferry to travel to the island.
DYRHÓLAEY STONE ARCH
Since the South Cost is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland, even if you have a few days to see the essentials, you might see puffins there. The nesting area is fenced off for birds’ peace and for the visitors’ safety. Even so, the birds are easy to observe from a distance of a few meters.
BORGARFJÖRÐUR EYSTRI
It takes a long drive to get here, but it is the easiest and safest place to enjoy puffins company. You can get really close to the birds in this location as there are wooden platforms designated for birdwatching. So there is no or minimum risk of falling into a burrow or down a cliff.
GRÍMSEY ISLAND
Grímsey is the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory. There are one hundred people living on the island and one million birds every summer. Interesting contrast. You could either take a ferry or a plane to get here.
HORNSTRANDIR NATURE RESERVE
Another place in the Westfjords where puffins nest. This beautiful spot is known for being one of the most unique nature reserves on the planet. There are no roads leading there, it is inaccessible and closed to any kind of motor vehicle. It can only be accessed by boat and then explored on foot. This is an ideal place to combine hiking and bird watching.

How to behave while puffing watching?
Since there are few predators in Iceland, puffins are not as fearful towards humans. However, it is particularly important to watch these birds responsibly and not harm them or yourself. So, remember these rules to be a responsible tourist and bird-lover.
1) No touching! Puffins feathers have special properties that deflect water, thus, touching them could destroy it.
2) No feeding! Well, we have swans and ducks for this. But puffins enjoy hunting fish and they do have a strict diet 😊
3) Do not come too close. This can be dangerous for you. When coming close to the cliff’s edge you might not see hollow tunnels underneath the grass. Puffins dig their burrows for the eggs and holes can collapse leading to a fall.
P.S. Fun facts about puffins you probably didn’t know:
- One for life! Puffins usually mate for life and a couple can stay together for over 20 years.
- While others call these cuties “Sea Parrots” or “Clowns of the Sea”, Icelanders gave them a nickname “prófastur” which means preacher. Why do you think?
- Puffins are very social birds. To encourage them to come back to the Mane island, there were fake puffins installed on the shore cliffs. And it worked!
- Equality to all birds! The male and female puffin share parental responsibilities, they take it in turns to incubate the egg.
- About 60% of the world’s puffin population live on or near Iceland. But scientists are not yet sure how birds navigate back to their home burrows every year after long months at sea.