Puffin Watching and Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

The big draw here is close-up puffin watching. At Hafnarhólmi, a wooden stairway leads toward the nesting cliffs, giving you a much better view than a boat tour that keeps you offshore. You may see puffins only a few feet away, though wild birds follow their own timetable.

I like the dramatic drive into Borgarfjordur-Eystri, and I like that the tour adds a turf house, elf folklore, and Gufufoss rather than making the whole day one bird stop. The main drawback is the long bus ride, often about 90 minutes each way, with limited time at the puffin site.

I also like the practical setup: an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, English service, and a return to the Seydisfjordur meeting point. But timing matters. Late-season visits, crowded stairs, weather, and large groups can turn a promising puffin outing into a rushed one.

Key points to know before you book

• Hafnarhólmi is the star: Wooden stairs bring you unusually close to a major Atlantic puffin colony.
• The drive is part of the day: Expect roughly 5 hours overall, with long stretches through remote East Iceland.
• Puffin numbers vary: May through the end of July offers the strongest chance, while August can be late in the season.
• Bakkagerði adds local character: You can see Lindarbakki turf house and walk toward Alfaborg, known as Elf Rock.
• Gufufoss is a short scenic stop: Pretty and easy to view from a distance, but the closer path is uneven.
• Bring food and patience: Lunch is not included, and restroom stops can be limited or crowded.

Why the puffin stop is worth the long ride

Hafnarhólmi, a small islet by the harbor at Borgarfjordur-Eystri, is the reason to choose this outing. Each summer, Atlantic puffins return to nest and raise their young. The site is unusually accessible, so you can watch the birds from land instead of trying to spot them from a moving boat.

The wooden staircase is the key feature. Walk up carefully and look along the cliff edges, grassy ledges, and water below. If you claim a good place on the right side of the stairs while going uphill, you may get very close views. One detailed account described puffins within about 10 feet, which is far better than the distant specks often seen from a boat.

Still, this is not a guaranteed puffin performance. Birds may sit out at sea feeding, and by August many have started leaving the colony. Some departures see large numbers. Others see only a handful flying past. The difference can come down to date, weather, time of day, and simple bird behavior.

Crowding is the other issue. The viewing stairs can become tight when several buses arrive together. On busy days, you may wait behind other people or struggle to reach the rail. The site also has a restroom, and there may be snacks available, but lines can form when buses arrive at once.

Give yourself permission to be patient. Puffins are small, quick, and often less active than you hope. A telephoto lens helps, but you can still get memorable photographs with a phone if the birds come close.

The drive from Seydisfjordur takes time

This is a scenic excursion, not a quick shuttle to the coast. The tour lasts about five hours, and the puffin site can take around 90 minutes each way depending on the route and traffic. The remote East Fjords are a large part of the experience, with winding roads, open countryside, steep slopes, and broad views.

I think the drive is worthwhile if you enjoy seeing rural Iceland beyond the usual stops. You will spend a lot of time looking out the window, so choose this tour because you want a look at the region, not only because you want an hour with birds.

The trade-off is clear. Every minute spent driving is a minute not spent at Hafnarhólmi, Bakkagerði, or Gufufoss. Several people found the ride tiring, especially with few restroom breaks. Motion sickness may also be a concern because the route includes inclines and curves.

The group limit is listed as 59 people, so this can feel like a full coach excursion rather than a small guided outing. That helps explain the price and transport arrangement, but it also affects the pace. A late return to the bus or a crowded attraction can reduce time at the next stop.

Bakkagerði brings turf houses and elf folklore

The village of Bakkagerði gives you a break from the bus and a look at a more traditional side of Iceland. The listed stop lasts about 20 minutes for Lindarbakki, the classic turf house.

Lindarbakki has thick turf walls and a grass-covered roof, features once used to protect homes from Iceland’s cold and rough weather. Houses of this type remained in use into the early 20th century. You should not expect a large museum visit here. Think of it as a compact photo stop and a glimpse of older Icelandic building methods.

The village stop can also include time for food. One useful tip is to look for soup with bread and butter if it is available. Lunch is not part of the tour price, and food arrangements can be uncertain for a large group, so do not assume that a formal meal will be waiting.

That matters if you have medical dietary needs or simply dislike going five hours without eating. Pack a snack. It is a small step that makes the day easier.

Alfaborg, or Elf Rock, is a hill above the fjord linked to Icelandic folklore. It is traditionally described as the home of the elf queen. You do not need to take the story literally to enjoy the stop. The hill gives you a good viewpoint over Borgarfjordur-Eystri and adds a little local imagination to the day.

The walk is described as easy, but your time may be limited. Some people choose not to climb it, using the village stop for photos and a short rest instead. If the group is being moved along, do not count on a long hike.

Gufufoss is pretty, but keep expectations modest

Gufufoss is a smaller waterfall that drops down a rugged cliff. Its name comes from gufa, meaning steam, referring to the mist that rises around the falling water. It is sometimes compared with Skógafoss, though Gufufoss is much smaller and quieter.

You can see the falls without walking far, which helps if you prefer to stay on firm ground. The closer path is uneven, with rocks and dirt. A short walk can bring you nearer, but the area is not fully smooth or step-free.

I would treat Gufufoss as a pleasant bonus rather than the reason to book. Some people find the waterfall underwhelming after the long ride, especially when it is crowded. Others appreciate the short stop and the chance to stretch their legs in a dramatic setting.

If you have limited mobility, you may still enjoy the view from farther back, but the tour should not be assumed to be fully accessible. The puffin viewing area includes a substantial staircase, and the waterfall path can be rough.

Guides can shape the whole experience

The quality of the guiding matters on a long bus ride. Some guides have been warm, entertaining, and well informed. Eva received especially strong praise for explaining the region and sharing plenty of useful detail. Nicki was noted for clear information and a good sense of humor, while Annalise was described as friendly and informative. Brin Treva was praised for being personable and helping the group feel safe.

Guiding styles vary. Some guides add music or singing, which one group enjoyed and another found distracting. You may also find that a guide gives a short introduction and then lets you explore the stops independently. That flexibility works well for confident walkers, but it can leave you wanting more explanation about puffin behavior, nesting, and the local area.

The best version of this tour includes clear instructions before you leave the bus, practical help at the stairs, and useful commentary during the drive. Because the group can be large, you should not expect a guide to stay beside you at every stop.

English is the offered language. Most people can take part, but the tour is not ideal for anyone who needs frequent assistance, very short walking distances, or a quiet small-group setting.

Price, timing, and what you receive

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap half-day ride. You are paying for transport from Seydisfjordur into a remote part of East Iceland, an English-speaking guide, the puffin site, the village stops, and Gufufoss. There are no separate admission charges listed for the stops.

The value is strongest when you see many puffins close up and have a good guide. In that case, the wooden stairway and easy access to the colony can justify the cost. The value is weaker if you visit late in the season, see only a few distant birds, or spend much of the day waiting for a crowded site.

This is also a practical choice for cruise passengers who want transport arranged from the port. The activity begins at Ferjuleira in Seydisfjordur and returns to the same meeting point. Build in a sensible buffer before your ship departure, since some outings have run longer than the advertised five hours, even though they still returned on time.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and includes WiFi. Food is not included. Bring water and a snack, and wear shoes suited to stairs and uneven ground. Layers are sensible because Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the tour may be canceled if conditions are poor.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If weather or low participation cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should choose this East Iceland outing?

I would choose this tour if seeing puffins from land is your main goal and you accept that the birds are wild. It suits you if you enjoy a scenic coach ride, short walks, local folklore, and a taste of remote East Iceland in one organized outing.

It is also a good fit if you are visiting by cruise ship and do not want to arrange several separate transfers. The route covers a lot of ground in limited port time.

I would think twice if you dislike long bus rides, need regular restroom access, or want a slow village visit. It may also disappoint you if your whole trip depends on seeing hundreds of puffins in August. The tour cannot control migration, feeding patterns, weather, or crowds.

If bird photography is your main purpose, check the date carefully and favor the earlier part of the puffin season. If the birds are less important, the drive, village, turf house, folklore, and waterfall create a more balanced day.

Should you book Puffin Watching and Gufufoss?

Book it if close puffin viewing matters most and you are comfortable with a long ride and some uncertainty. Hafnarhólmi offers one of the better land-based chances to see puffins at short range, and the surrounding fjord scenery adds real value.

Skip it if you want a relaxed, highly personal tour with generous time at each stop. Also skip it if you are visiting late in the season and would be unhappy seeing only a few birds. For the best odds, choose a date from May through the end of July, pack food, arrive ready for stairs, and expect the scenery to be part of the tour rather than empty time.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts about five hours, including driving time. Some departures have taken closer to six hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Ferjuleira, 710 Seydisfjordur, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How close can I get to the puffins?

Hafnarhólmi has a wooden staircase leading toward the nesting area. You may get within about 10 feet of the birds, though exact viewing depends on crowds and puffin behavior.

When is the best time of year to see puffins?

The strongest period mentioned for this tour is May through the end of July. By August, many puffins may have left or begun migration.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a snack and water. Food may be available at the village stop or puffin site, but it should not be assumed.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English is the offered language.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Most travelers can participate, but the puffin area includes stairs and the waterfall path can be uneven. You may view Gufufoss from farther away without walking close to the water.

How large can the group be?

The tour can have a maximum of 59 people. Several buses may visit the same sites, which can create lines and crowded viewing areas.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.