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Puffin viewing

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We will be at the following places on the following dates:
Latrabjarg cliffs - July 29
Bogarfjordur Eystri - Aug 8
Westman Islands - Aug 12

Is there a good chance of seeing puffins at any of these places on those dates or are we going to miss them as they depart for the sea?

Also, should I take our car over to the Westman islands on the ferry? We will take the first boat over in the morning on Aug 12 and have the Rib boat tour at Noon and the bus tour Rick Steve’s recommends at 2:30pm. The bus tour may be changed to 9:30am if there are enough participants.

I’m wondering if it’s valuable to have a car to explore a bit before or after the tours ? The sun still doesn’t set until a little later at this time and perhaps a drive to different parts of the island that may be worthwhile. Any suggestions are welcome.

Posted by
364 posts

We were in Iceland last August and saw the puffins on August 20th. We took our car and drove to the end of Westman Island to see them. Take the early ferry as crowds started appearing around 10:30 am, and parking is limited. I think seeing them in the morning was best, as we had the viewing platform almost to ourselves.

We wanted to go to Bogarfjordur Eystri on August 15th, and the puffins had already left. There is a live webcam set up to watch them on YouTube.

We then drove downtown and parked our car for the remainder of the day. Make sure you make ferry reservations in July. Hiking to the museum over the lava field was great, as the street signs have been replaced and several plaques have been set up. You can also see puffins on the cliffs at the Heimaey lighthouse. There are many interesting houses along that street. I would suggest visiting the museum after viewing the puffins, as the aftermath of the 1973 volcanic eruption will provide more insight about the Island.

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