During our latest trip to Iceland, we had the extraordinary luck of meeting some of the most charming inhabitants of this island – puffins. These small birds, also known as ?clowns of the sea?, are one of the biggest symbols of Iceland and undoubtedly a major attraction.
Puffins?
Puffins, are medium-sized seabirds from the auk (Alcidae) family. They are incredibly charming, with rounded large heads and short red legs. Their appearance is unique, especially their short, strong, humped beak with a distinct lateral flattening and transverse folds. The beak has a gray base, with the further part adorned with yellow and orange stripes.
Puffins inhabit islands, coasts, and waters of the northern and central Atlantic and adjacent regions of the Arctic Ocean. They are excellent swimmers – they can dive up to 60 m underwater! Their flight resembles a somewhat chaotic bat flight, but they are incredibly agile both in the air and on the water.
Despite their large population, puffins are considered a vulnerable species. Therefore, observing these birds should always be conducted with respect for them and their habitats. Remember, they are in Iceland only during the breeding season, which lasts from June to September.
Where to Spot Puffins in Iceland?
Puffins can be spotted in many places across Iceland, but we were fortunate enough to see them near the scenic town of Vik, on the hill of Dyrhólaey. Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula in the south of Iceland, famous for its high cliffs, massive rock formations protruding from the ocean, and of course – puffins.
Other popular places to spot puffins in Iceland include:
- Borgarfjardarhofn
- Heimaey (the largest puffin colony in the world)
- Raudanes
- Tjornes
- Latrabjarg (the westernmost point in Europe and also the highest cliff in Iceland)
- Thorisholmur and Steinaklettar islands in Breidafjordur bay
- Ingolfshofdi cape
- Around the Oraefajokull glacier
- Reynisfjall mountain
- Vestmannaeyjar archipelago
Our Experience
During our visit to Dyrhólaey, puffins were flying just above us, allowing us to take some amazing photos. Their flight resembled a somewhat chaotic bat flight, but they were incredibly agile both in the air and on the water.
Remember that puffins are in Iceland only during the breeding season, which lasts from June to September. So if you?re planning a visit to Iceland and want to see these charming birds, it?s best to plan your trip during this period.
I hope this post will be helpful for other travelers planning a visit to Iceland and wanting to see puffins. Remember, wildlife observation should always be conducted with respect for the animals and their habitats.
