Lundey - Puffin Island
About Lundey
Lundey, which translates to “Puffin Island”, is a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Reykjavík, famous for its thriving puffin colony and vibrant birdlife. Every summer, thousands of Atlantic puffins nest on its grassy slopes, making it one of the best places in Iceland to see these beloved seabirds up close.
The island sits in Faxaflói Bay, only a short boat ride from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. Despite being small just 0.07 square kilometers, Lundey plays a huge role in Iceland’s natural heritage. Its grassy cliffs and surrounding waters attract puffins, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, guillemots, and many other seabird species.
Because Lundey is a protected nesting area, visitors are not allowed to step onto the island, but you can get close on a puffin-watching tour that circles its shores. These tours operate daily during the summer months and are one of Reykjavík’s most popular wildlife experiences.
The Puffins of Lundey
The Atlantic puffin is Iceland’s unofficial national bird and one of the most photographed animals in the country. Around 60 percent of the world’s puffin population nests in Iceland during summer, and Lundey is one of the key colonies near the capital.
Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land only between May and mid-August to breed. Each pair digs a small burrow in the soft grassy cliffs where they lay a single egg. Both parents take turns incubating and feeding the chick, diving into the ocean for small fish like sand eels and capelin.
They are skilled divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 60 meters and flapping their wings underwater like penguins to “fly” through the sea.
On the surface, puffins are easily recognizable by their bright orange beaks, black-and-white plumage, and charming, almost cartoon-like faces. During breeding season, their beaks become more colorful, helping them attract mates. In winter, the colors fade, and they return to sea-gray tones as they migrate across the North Atlantic.
Lundey provides an ideal puffin habitat , safe from predators, rich in food, and close to the nutrient-filled waters of Faxaflói Bay. The best time to see puffins around Lundey is from late April to mid-August, when thousands nest along the cliffs and fly constantly between land and sea.
The History of Lundey
There are several islands named “Lundey” in Iceland, but the one near Reykjavík is the most famous for its accessibility and birdlife. Historically, the island was used seasonally by locals for collecting eggs and feathers, though such practices ended long ago to protect bird populations.
The island has remained uninhabited for centuries. Its volcanic rock base and grassy surface provide little shelter or space for buildings, which helped preserve it as a natural haven for seabirds.
In recent decades, Lundey has become a cornerstone of Reykjavík’s eco-tourism, offering a balance between wildlife conservation and responsible travel. Local tour companies work closely with environmental organizations to monitor puffin numbers and ensure tours do not disturb nesting areas.
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Puffin-Watching Tours
Lundey is best experienced from the sea. Several daily puffin-watching tours depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, offering close views of the island and its bird colonies.
Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching Tour
A one-hour boat trip that takes you right next to Lundey and nearby Akurey Island. You’ll see puffins, Arctic terns, and cormorants nesting and flying overhead. The boats are small enough to get close without disturbing the birds, and binoculars are provided on board.
RIB Speedboat Tours
For a faster and more thrilling experience, RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours circle Lundey and the surrounding Faxaflói Bay. These small, agile boats allow you to cover more ground and sometimes include whale watching or coastal sightseeing along with puffin viewing.
Reykjavík Jet Ski Puffin Tours
For an even more unique way to explore, Reykjavík Jet Ski tours offer an adventurous ride along the coast with views of Lundey and Akurey from the water. Riders can often spot puffins flying overhead or nesting on the cliffs while enjoying the excitement of gliding across the bay. These tours combine wildlife watching with adrenaline and are perfect for visitors looking to see Iceland’s wildlife from a new perspective.
Seasonal Visiting Guide
Summer (May to August)
Puffin season. Thousands of puffins nest on Lundey’s cliffs, and daily boat tours operate from Reykjavík. The weather is mild, and sea conditions are generally calm.
Autumn (September to October)
Most puffins have migrated, but other seabirds remain. Some whale-watching tours still include Lundey as part of their route.
Winter (November to March)
The island is quiet, with few birds present. However, Lundey can sometimes be seen from afar on winter whale-watching tours.
Spring (April)
The first puffins begin returning to the island around mid-to-late April, marking the start of the nesting season and tour operations.
Safety and Responsible Viewing Tips
Do not disturb nesting birds. Stay on the boat and keep noise levels low near the colony.
Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom. Puffins often perch on cliff edges and fly low over the water.
Wear warm layers. Even in summer, sea breezes can be cold.
Choose eco-friendly tour operators. Look for companies with sustainability policies or local certifications.
Avoid using drones near the island. They can stress nesting puffins and disrupt other bird species.
Getting There & Practical Information
Location: Faxaflói Bay, just off the coast of Reykjavík.
Access: By boat only; no landing permitted.
Tour Duration: Most tours last 1–1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit: May to mid-August (puffin nesting season).
Facilities: None on the island; all tours depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor.
Safety: Always wear provided life vests and follow crew instructions when on a boat.
The Atmosphere of Lundey
Lundey is a place of quiet energy and natural balance. The rhythmic sound of wings, the smell of the ocean, and the sight of puffins darting above the waves create an unforgettable experience.
Although small and uninhabited, the island represents a larger story, Iceland’s deep respect for its wildlife and the care taken to protect fragile ecosystems. Watching puffins on Lundey reminds visitors that even the smallest places can hold immense beauty.
Whether you visit on a family-friendly boat trip or a dedicated photography tour, Lundey offers a glimpse of Iceland’s wild heart just minutes from the capital, a perfect mix of accessibility and pure nature.
Can I go onto the island?
No, landing on Lundey is not allowed. The island is a protected nesting area for puffins and other seabirds. Visitors can view it safely from the sea during guided puffin-watching tours.
When is the best time to see puffins at Lundey?
The puffin season runs from late April to mid-August. During this period, thousands of puffins nest on Lundey’s grassy cliffs and can be seen flying, resting, and diving for fish around the island.
How close do the boats get to the puffins?
Tour boats maintain a safe and respectful distance of around 8–15 meters from the island’s cliffs. This allows for excellent viewing and photography while keeping the birds undisturbed.
What happens to puffins in winter?
After the nesting season ends in mid-August, puffins leave Iceland and spend the winter months out at sea in the North Atlantic. They return to Lundey and other colonies each spring to breed.