Meaning
Puffin Island
The name comes from 'lundi' (puffin) and 'ey' (island) — a straightforward description of its most famous residents.
Lundey (Puffin Island) Near Reykjavík: Puffin Tours & Visitor Guide
A small island in Faxaflói bay near Reykjavík, aptly named "Puffin Island" for the thousands of Atlantic puffins that nest here each summer — the closest puffin colony to Iceland's capital.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Faxaflói Bay, Near Reykjavík
The closest puffin viewing spot to Iceland's capital.
Lundey — literally "Puffin Island" in Icelandic — is a small, low-lying island in Faxaflói bay, just a short boat ride from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Each summer, thousands of Atlantic puffins return to nest in burrows on the island's grassy slopes, creating one of the most accessible puffin viewing experiences in Iceland. Whale watching tours from the capital routinely pass by Lundey and its neighbour Akurey, combining puffin sightings with the chance to spot minke whales, humpback whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.
Sources to check
Distance
Near Reykjavík
A short boat ride from Reykjavík's Old Harbour puts you within viewing distance of the puffin colony.
Season
Summer
Puffins nest from mid-April to mid-August, with peak activity in June and July.
What to Expect
Puffin Viewing from the Boat
Tour boats cruise slowly past Lundey's shoreline, allowing close-up views of puffins sitting on rocks, flying overhead, and diving for fish.
Whale Watching Combo
Most operators combine puffin viewing at Lundey with whale watching in Faxaflói bay, where minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins are regularly spotted.
Akurey Island
Tours often pass both Lundey and neighbouring Akurey, another puffin island, doubling your chances for excellent puffin sightings.
Photography Opportunities
The boat-level perspective and close approach to the island make for excellent puffin photography. Bring a zoom lens for the best results.
Accessible from Downtown
Tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, within walking distance of the city centre. No car or long transfer needed.
Family Friendly
Puffin boat tours are suitable for all ages and typically last 1 to 1.5 hours, making them a great activity for families with children.
Getting There
Puffin and whale watching tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour (Ægisgarður), an easy walk from the city centre. Several tour companies offer dedicated puffin tours or combined puffin and whale watching excursions. Tours typically run from mid-May through mid-August, with departures multiple times daily in peak season. The boat ride to Lundey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes each way.
Best Time to Visit
June and July offer the best puffin viewing, as the birds are most active feeding chicks and returning to their burrows. Tours begin in mid-May when puffins first arrive and continue through mid-August when they depart for the open ocean. Morning tours can be less crowded, but puffins are active throughout the day. Calm seas make for a more comfortable boat ride, though operators sail in most summer conditions.
Planning help
Lundey FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.