Puffin & Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur Port

The real prize here is Hafnarhólmi, a small rocky islet where thousands of puffins gather to nest in summer. You can get unusually close views of these comical seabirds without needing a boat, while the drive through East Iceland brings fjords, steep hills, and quiet fishing country into view.

I like the mix of wildlife and local culture. The Lindarbakki turf house gives the day a human story, and Gufufoss adds a peaceful waterfall stop at the end. Guides including Anna, Berglind, Petra, and Denis have been praised for warm storytelling and good local facts. The catch is the long bus ride, with roughly an hour each way and some difficult, steep roads.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffins at Hafnarhólmi: Spend about an hour near a large summer nesting colony, with close views for photos and birdwatching.
• A scenic but lengthy drive: The route from Seydisfjordur takes much of the day, but the views help break up the travel time.
• Two very different cultural stops: See the traditional Lindarbakki turf house and the small fishing village of Borgarfjordur Eystri.
• Gufufoss closes the loop: Walk to a serene waterfall where fine spray hangs in the air.
• Strong guide service: Anna, Berglind, Petra, Denis, Ritchie, and others have been singled out for clear information, humor, and kindness.
• Pack for Icelandic weather: Comfortable shoes and rain gear matter. Food and drinks are not included.

Why the puffins make this East Iceland tour special

Many shore excursions from Seydisfjordur stay close to the port. This one asks you to spend more time on the road to reach Borgarfjordur Eystri, but it rewards that effort with one of East Iceland’s best puffin-watching sites.

At Hafnarhólmi, the birds nest on a rocky islet near the harbor. You are not simply looking at tiny shapes far offshore. The viewing area brings you close to puffins as they come and go around their burrows. Their bright bills, quick wingbeats, and slightly awkward landings make them easy to watch for a long time.

The visit lasts about an hour, which is enough for photographs and a good look around without turning the stop into a full birding expedition. Kittiwakes and gulls may also be visible, adding to the busy feel of the colony. The puffins are the main event, though, and you should plan your expectations around the fact that they are seasonal wildlife. The tour description places the nesting activity in summer, so this experience makes the most sense during the puffin season.

You will want a camera, but do not forget to simply watch. The birds move quickly, and the setting matters as much as the close views. You get the sea, the rock, the village, and the wide East Iceland surroundings in one stop.

The long road from Seydisfjordur to Borgarfjordur Eystri

Pickup is at the cruise ship terminal area at Ferjuleira 5. Once aboard, the first major road section lasts about an hour. That is a serious chunk of a five-hour tour, and it is the main drawback for anyone who dislikes bus rides.

I would not choose this excursion expecting a quick wildlife outing. You spend roughly two hours on the road in total, along with several stops. The route is part of the experience, though. You pass through the northeastern part of Iceland, with time for sightseeing and changing views of fjords and open country.

The roads can be steep and challenging in places. Several passengers specifically praised drivers such as Kuba, Cuba, and Torve for handling difficult terrain and misty conditions with care. That is important here. A confident driver makes the winding route easier to enjoy, especially when weather reduces visibility.

The bus has free WiFi, and the vehicle has been described as comfortable and new by one passenger. Guides have also used the ride well, filling it with Icelandic facts, folklore, jokes, music, and stories about places along the way. Ritchie, for example, shared information through a WhatsApp group, while guides such as Berglind and Anna were praised for keeping the ride lively.

Still, not every part of the drive is equally engaging. One person wanted more interesting stops on the outward journey, and another was surprised by how long it took to reach the puffins. I would bring water, dress for changing conditions, and settle in for a scenic transfer rather than treating the bus as dead time.

Borgarfjordur Eystri, a village at the end of the road

Borgarfjordur Eystri is a small Icelandic fishing village set beside a broad fjord. The colorful houses and quiet streets give you a close look at a community far removed from Iceland’s busiest routes.

This is not a large town with a long menu of attractions. Its appeal is the setting and the sense of place. You see a working village surrounded by raw coastal scenery, rather than a polished sightseeing stop designed only for visitors.

The village visit also helps explain why the drive is worthwhile. The tour is not just a puffin transfer. You get a look at a remote part of Iceland where fishing, local stories, old houses, and the sea remain closely linked.

The schedule is fairly tight. The itinerary allows about 40 minutes at Lindarbakki for photos, free time, and sightseeing, after the short five-minute ride from Hafnarhólmi. That is enough to look around and hear the main stories, but not enough for a slow, unplanned village wander.

Lindarbakki turf house and Iceland’s older way of living

Lindarbakki is one of the most memorable stops because it turns Icelandic history into something you can see. The turf house is a fine example of a traditional Icelandic home from earlier times, built with the practical materials available in a harsh climate.

Turf houses are easy to understand in photographs, but seeing one beside modern village buildings makes the contrast clear. The thick turf-covered walls look unusual to modern eyes, yet they reflect an older need for insulation and protection from cold weather.

Your time here is short, so treat it as a focused visit. Listen to the guide, take photographs, and notice how the house fits into the village around it. The best guides add small details about daily life and local customs, which gives the building more meaning than a quick photo stop would provide.

The area also connects with Icelandic folklore through Álfaborg, known as Elf Rock. Local legend says this rocky site is home to the elf queen. You get more than a supernatural tale here: the location offers broad views over the fjord and surrounding country.

You do not need to believe in elves to enjoy Álfaborg. Icelandic folklore is part of how people describe and relate to the land. A good guide can make the story entertaining while also showing you the physical setting that inspired it.

Gufufoss, a quiet waterfall near Seydisfjordur

The final major stop is Gufufoss, reached after a roughly 70-minute return drive from Lindarbakki. The waterfall visit lasts about 20 minutes and includes a walk.

Gufufoss is not presented as Iceland’s biggest waterfall. Its appeal is calmer. Water drops over rock while a fine mist rises around it, creating a softer, more peaceful scene than the grandest falls on the island.

The stop works well at the end of the day. After the long road back, you can stretch your legs, walk toward the falls, and enjoy the sound of rushing water before returning to the port. The waterfall also gives you a final chance to take photographs without the pressure of a crowded major attraction.

Wear shoes with a good grip. The tour specifically asks you to bring comfortable footwear and rain gear, and both are useful here. Spray, mist, and ordinary Icelandic weather can make a short walk feel damp even when rain is not falling.

What the guide and driver add to the day

The strongest human element of this excursion is the guide service. Anna was praised for being personable and making the day special. Berglind was described as warm, funny, and excellent at explaining the region. Petra, Denis, Ritchie, and other guides were also noted for clear information and friendly service.

That matters because the road time is long. A guide who explains the scenery, shares local folklore, and points out small details can turn a transfer into part of the tour. You may hear stories about Icelandic culture, the elf traditions around Álfaborg, and the places you pass on the way.

The driver matters just as much. East Iceland roads can be steep, narrow, or affected by mist, according to the firsthand details provided about the route. Several drivers received strong praise for smooth, careful handling of the terrain.

The service is not perfectly polished in every departure. One person found the start confusing because several buses were leaving for different places and there were no clear signs. That led to a 25-minute wait on the bus. Another person reported being left outside in the rain when a driver did not open the door promptly. These incidents do not define the whole excursion, but they are useful warnings: arrive early, confirm the correct bus, and keep your booking details handy.

Is $213 a fair price?

At $213 per person, this is an expensive half-day shore excursion. You are paying for a five-hour guided outing, cruise terminal pickup and return, transport over a long route, and access to a remote puffin site that is not easy to reach independently during a port call.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want a quick look at Seydisfjordur, the price will feel high. If seeing puffins up close is a major Iceland goal, the cost becomes easier to justify because the tour combines the birds with Borgarfjordur Eystri, Lindarbakki, Álfaborg, and Gufufoss.

Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies. You should also remember that this is a shore excursion with a fixed return to port. The five-hour schedule leaves little room for delay, which is why the organized transport and local driver are useful.

I would call it good value for a first-time visitor who wants wildlife and remote scenery in one outing, but poor value for someone who wants lots of free time or dislikes long drives. The puffin stop is what makes the cost worthwhile. The other stops add depth, but they are supporting players.

Who should choose this excursion?

This tour suits you if:

• You want close puffin views during the summer nesting season.
• You enjoy scenic bus rides and do not mind spending about two hours in transit.
• You like local folklore, old homes, fishing villages, and waterfalls.
• You are comfortable walking briefly outdoors in uncertain weather.
• You value an English-speaking guide who can explain what you are seeing.
• You are visiting Iceland by cruise and want to reach a remote area without arranging transport yourself.

It may not suit you if you need a short, low-motion outing or want a lot of independent time. The route is long, and the schedule moves from stop to stop. Children under two are not accepted, and the tour is not designed around food stops, since meals and drinks are excluded.

The best way to prepare is simple: wear comfortable shoes, bring rain gear, carry water and snacks, and keep your camera ready. Give yourself extra time at the port to find the right bus, especially if several departures are operating.

Should you book the puffin and Gufufoss tour?

I would book this tour if puffins are high on your Iceland wish list and you are willing to trade a long bus ride for a remote East Iceland setting. Hafnarhólmi offers the clearest reason to go, while Lindarbakki, Álfaborg, Borgarfjordur Eystri, and Gufufoss make the day feel more rounded than a simple wildlife run.

I would skip it if you want a relaxed port day with minimal driving. The price is not small, and the road time is real. But for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise stop, careful drivers, strong guides, close puffin views, and a quiet waterfall can add up to a memorable use of five hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup and drop-off take place at Ferjuleira 5, by the cruise ship terminal in Seydisfjordur.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the bus rides and stops.

Will I see puffins up close?

The tour visits Hafnarhólmi, a small islet with a large nesting colony of puffins during summer. The wildlife stop lasts about one hour.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own refreshments.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and rain gear. These are useful for the walk at Gufufoss and for changing Icelandic weather.