Puffin Watching and Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

What makes this East Iceland tour interesting is the shot at up-close puffins right from the viewing cliffs, then swapping back to a calmer scene at the Gufufoss waterfall. I like that it’s built around the wildlife moment, not just a bus ride with quick stops. The one real drawback to plan for is that puffins are wild animals, so crowding and timing can affect how many you see.

This is also a good “East Fjords taste” day. You’ll get a quick look at a classic turf house in Bakkagerði and a folklore stop at Elf Rock, which adds local flavor without turning the day into a long hike. The consideration: the puffin area involves stairs, and the day moves on a schedule that can feel tight if you want maximum time at every stop.

Key Moments That Make This Half-Day Special

• Hafnarhólmi cliff steps for very close puffin viewing
• Gufufoss waterfall with gentle mist (Gufu means steam)
• A turf house stop in Bakkagerði, where insulation used to matter
• Elf Rock (Alfaborg) for views and Icelandic folklore lore
• Small-group scale for a cruise-port excursion, up to 59 people

From Seyðisfjörður Port, You Go Straight to Puffins

This tour starts and ends at Ferjuleira in Seyðisfjörður, so it’s designed for people on a cruise schedule or anyone based in town. The total time is about 5 hours including driving, so yes, there is time on the road, but the goal is clear: get you to the puffin colony with enough daylight for real viewing.

You also travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board, and the tour is in English. That matters more than it sounds when you’re trying to understand what you’re seeing, especially with birds that do not always behave on cue.

One more practical note: some days can run a bit long in real life. Several people reported a tour time closer to 6 hours, and in at least one case the group was held a little to keep everyone connected to the same departure window.

Hafnarhólmi Puffin Colony, Where You Stand Near the Action

The puffin highlight is Hafnarhólmi, a small rocky islet near the harbor of Borgarfjörður-Eystri. During nesting season, the puffins return to raise their pufflings, and Hafnarhólmi is known for being accessible, meaning you do not need a boat ride to see them well.

Here’s why this stop gets such strong reactions: the viewing is from a cliffside area with stairs that put you very close. One person described a wooden staircase along the cliff where you can stand right near the birds, even within about 10 feet when you find a good spot on the way up. That kind of proximity is a big deal because boat tours often keep you at a more distant viewing angle.

Now the reality check. Puffins spend time out at sea while feeding, and on busy days they can be noisy and scattered. More than one account said the viewing area felt crowded, and a few people noted the birds stayed out in the ocean rather than coming right to shore. That’s not a failure of the tour, it’s just the nature of wild seabirds.

My practical advice: wear shoes you trust on uneven ground and watch your footing on stairs. If you want photos, get your phone or camera ready before the crowd surge, because once you’re in position, you’ll have a hard time moving through people.

The Bakkagerði Stops: Turf House and Elf Rock in Short Bursts

After puffins, the itinerary shifts from wildlife to culture in the village of Bakkagerði, which is where Borgarfjörður-Eystri comes to life. This is not an all-day museum moment. It’s more like, here are a couple of local landmarks, and you can choose how much you want to linger.

Lindarbakki turf house, a working reminder of winter design

You’ll see a classic Icelandic turf house example, the kind where thick turf walls and a grass-lined roof were practical insulation. Many Icelanders lived in homes like this into the early 20th century, so it’s not just decorative. It’s a small lesson in how people shaped buildings around weather.

Alfaborg (Elf Rock), for views and folklore

If you feel like a short uphill walk, Alfaborg is the monument on a hill overlooking Borgarfjörður-Eystri. It’s tied to Icelandic beliefs about an elf queen. Even if you roll your eyes at folklore, the views from a hillside viewpoint can be the payoff, because you get a sense of how fjords and settlements fit together in this part of the country.

Two things to keep in mind here:

• Time is limited, so this works best if you like quick, flexible stops.
• Some sites can involve uneven ground, so bring a light layer for wind and plan your pace.

Gufufoss Waterfall: Steam-Mist, Not Skógafoss Scale

Gufufoss is a small waterfall that cascades down a rugged cliffside, and the name comes from the mist: Gufu means steam. It’s often compared to Skógafoss in style, but obviously not in size, so if you expect a huge, wide waterfall spectacle, adjust your expectations.

In practice, this is a “walk a little, look, take photos, then move on” stop. People who liked it described it as pretty and worth the quick visit, while others called it so-so or very crowded. You should treat it as a satisfying palate cleanser after the puffin viewing intensity, not the main event.

Also, a few people mentioned that walking to get close can involve navigating rocky or uneven terrain. If you have mobility limitations, it can be smart to plan on viewing from a distance rather than trying to force a closer approach.

Bus Ride Realities: Timing, Restrooms, and Motion

You’re starting from Seyðisfjörður and driving into East Fjords territory, so plan on real ride time. Several people estimated about an hour each way, and one account mentioned about 90 minutes each way. If you get motion sick, that matters, since roads can be winding and the vehicle route includes curves and inclines.

Restroom breaks were a recurring topic. Some people said there were seldom bathroom stops, while others complained there was not enough time to use facilities comfortably, especially during peak season crowding. One helpful tip that came up: there may be a temptation to do a restroom break before the puffin colony, but if you can, prioritize using facilities at the colony area itself. There is a restroom there according to reviews, which can save you stress and lines when you finally arrive.

There’s also a logistics angle unique to cruise-port days. One person said bus locations and loading felt unclear at first, and multiple buses leaving around the same time caused long lines at the puffin viewing steps. So here’s the simple strategy: arrive early at Ferjuleira, confirm your bus details on site, and be ready to follow instructions fast once boarding starts.

Price and Value: Is $214 Worth It?

At $214 per person for about 5 hours, you’re paying for transport, a guided day, and access to a very specific wildlife hotspot. Lunch is not included, which is normal for remote areas, but it’s still worth planning a snack budget because the day can run long enough that hunger shows up.

So is it value? It tends to be when you want close puffin viewing on land. Several people specifically said this kind of stop beats boat tours because you see the birds much nearer and more clearly. Add in Gufufoss and the short cultural stops, and you get a full East Iceland snapshot without needing to drive yourself.

Where the price can feel steep is when your timing overlaps with fewer puffins. Multiple accounts pointed to mid-August conditions with reduced numbers, plus the birds sometimes being out at sea. Even on the best days, you are not guaranteed a full wall of puffins in front of you for the whole session. You are buying a chance at a high-quality viewing setup, not a guaranteed count of birds.

My value checklist before you book:

• If you care about seeing puffins up close, this fits your goal well.
• If you want a long, slow nature hike or lots of waterfall time, this format may feel rushed.
• If you’re traveling late in the season, accept that sightings can drop.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink)

This tour is best for people who:

• Want a structured half-day from Seyðisfjörður with a clear wildlife focus
• Like short cultural stops that you can skip or skim depending on your energy
• Are okay with stairs, crowds at peak viewing times, and moving on schedule

It may be less ideal if:

• You need a very quiet experience. The puffin viewing steps can get crowded and noisy.
• You are extremely sensitive to walking on uneven ground. There are stairs and potentially rocky paths depending on where you try to go.
• You are booking mainly for a specific number of puffins. You can see plenty, but not every day delivers the same intensity of activity.

One more guide-related detail from experiences: many guides were praised for friendly, clear storytelling and good English. A few people also reported that their guide talked less than expected or that commentary focused less on puffin behavior. That variation can happen on any group tour, so if puffin behavior is your top interest, ask questions on the spot and pay attention to what the guide says once you’re at Hafnarhólmi.

Should You Book Puffin Watching and Gufufoss From Seyðisfjörður?

If your priority is puffins up close rather than a long set of stops, I’d say this tour is a strong pick. The Hafnarhólmi setup, especially the cliffside stairs and the chance to get near the birds, is the core reason it earns repeat business. Then Gufufoss and the Bakkagerði turf-and-folklore stops round out the day without demanding a full-day commitment.

I’d be a little more cautious if you’re going late in the season, because puffin numbers can be lower and birds can be out feeding at sea. And I’d plan for crowds and limited time at the viewing steps. You can still have an excellent day, just go in with flexible expectations.

Bottom line: book it if you want the best odds for close puffin viewing from a cruise-style departure, and you’re comfortable with a scheduled 5-hour day built around nature that can change minute to minute.

FAQ

What is the tour duration from Seyðisfjörður?

It’s listed at about 5 hours total, and that includes driving time.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ferjuleira, 710 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, and all fees and taxes.

How close can you get to the puffins?

You view the colony from a cliffside area with stairs, which can put you very near the birds depending on where you stand.

Are there restrooms on the tour?

A restroom is mentioned at the puffin stop area in feedback, and some people also noted a small bathroom on the bus.

What places does the tour cover?

The main stops are the Hafnarhólmi puffin colony, a turf house stop in Bakkagerði (Lindarbakki), an optional elf rock viewpoint (Alfaborg), and Gufufoss waterfall.

How many people are on the tour?

The group size is capped at a maximum of 59 travelers.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.