Puffins are smaller than most people expect, busier than anyone expects, and very bad at landing. Watching them crash-land at their burrows from a few metres offshore is one of the best hours you can spend in Reykjavík in summer.

Elding's Classic Puffin Watching runs from late April to mid-August on a small boat, heading to one of three islands just off the city: Engey, Akurey or Lundey, depending on the tides and conditions. The islands are protected, so nobody lands, but the captain gets as close to the shore as possible without disturbing the nesting birds.

Puffin watching in Reykjavík: what you'll see

The trip out takes up to 15 minutes. Alongside the puffins, look for eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants, and keep an eye on the rocks for seals resting or hunting. The crew share facts and stories about the birds as you go. If the weather allows, the engine may be switched off so you can just listen to the colony. The whole tour takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from boarding until you are back on the pier.

What's included

• 1-hour puffin tour
• Live commentary in English
• Raincoats to borrow
• Binoculars to borrow
• Puffin guarantee: if you see no puffins, you get a free ticket for another day

Hotel pickup costs extra, and refreshments are not included.

Good to know before you go

Check in at Elding's ticket office at the Old Harbour at least 15 minutes before departure to get your boarding card. The boat usually leaves from the floating pier in front of Elding's visitor centre. The deck can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes, and bear in mind the tour depends on the weather.

Pro tip: Bring the longest zoom lens you own. Puffins are small, the boat keeps a respectful distance, and phone photos tend to turn them into black-and-white dots.