Puffin Tour
Journey to Ingólfshöfði by tractor-drawn hay cart, exploring Iceland’s historic cape and observing thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins, in a rare, private nature reserve steeped in Viking history.
Area
Northern Iceland
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Who
Adults
Teens
Duration
Half Day
Step back in time and into Iceland’s natural splendour on a private excursion to Ingólfshöfði, a remote cape where history, wildlife, and untamed landscapes converge. Named after Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland’s first settler, who spent his first winter here in 874 AD, the cape is a place where human story and natural history intertwine against a backdrop of the North Atlantic’s raw beauty.
To reach this secluded nature reserve, you travel across six kilometres of waters, marshes, and sandy plains aboard a traditional tractor-drawn hay cart, a journey in itself that evokes the rhythm and resilience of Icelandic life. The ride, lasting around 25 minutes each way, heightens the anticipation as the cape gradually emerges from the horizon, promising encounters with some of the island’s most extraordinary wildlife.
Once on Ingólfshöfði, a guided 1½-hour walk reveals the cape’s true magic: thousands of nesting seabirds, including the endearing puffin and formidable great skua. Observing them in their natural habitat offers a rare intimacy, a window into their seasonal rituals that few visitors are privileged to witness. The dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and windswept plains create a sense of isolation and wonder, making every step feel like a journey into another era.
This private experience is designed for those who value solitude, discovery, and story. It is an intimate encounter with Iceland’s natural and cultural heritage, where the legacy of its first settler meets the timeless rhythms of birdlife, and the extraordinary beauty of the landscape lingers long after you leave.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
-
Every Scott Dunn Choice hotel is selected for exceptional service and authentic experiences; where our longstanding relationships open doors others simply cannot.
View TourHighlights of Iceland
An immersive journey through Iceland, combining volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches and private adventures with seamless guiding, exceptional stays and unforgettable experiences throughout.
-
View TourTeens-First Adventures: Iceland - Winter Edition
Eight days of ice, darkness, and dancing skies, Glaciers, ice caves, and the Northern Lights.
-
View TourFOCUS: Iceland Wonders - A private Family Adventure
A private, family-focused journey through Iceland’s iconic sights, from Reykjavík and the Golden Circle to glaciers, lava fields, and puffin-filled fjords, with exclusive access, expert guides, and seamless luxury throughout.
-
View TourLittle Adventurers in Iceland
A thoughtfully paced Iceland adventure for families, combining Reykjavik, glaciers and volcanoes with hands-on experiences, expert guides and space to relax, from whale watching and snowmobiling to lava caves and the Blue Lagoon.
-
View TourFOCUS: Iceland Decoded - Exploring the Elements
Experience Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and hidden landscapes with private guides, family-friendly adventures, and exclusive access, from inside a dormant volcano to secret ice caves and Zodiac glacier tours.
-
View TourWonders of the North: Iceland and Ireland
Discover Iceland’s glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes, then explore Ireland’s castles, coastlines, and cultural highlights. Private guides, exclusive access, and exceptional experiences make this a seamless journey through two of Northern Europe’s most iconic destinations.
-
View TourTeens-First Adventures: Iceland - Summer Edition
Eight days of midnight sun and raw adventure. Glaciers, snorkelling, and a descent into a volcano.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
-
View AccommodationParliament Hotel
A stylish retreat in the heart of Reykjavik, Parliament Hotel Blends contemporary design with Icelandic heritage, offering an intimate base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and dramatic landscapes.
-
View AccommodationSörla Camp
Discover the untouched beauty of Iceland with a stay at Sörla Camp, offering luxury yurts, bespoke adventures, and personalised service in an extraordinary wilderness setting. A once-in-a-lifetime experience tailored to you.
-
View AccommodationHotel Búðir
Hotel Búðir offers an intimate, iconic retreat on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with cosy Scandinavian interiors, refined dining, and bespoke adventures amid rugged coastline, lava fields, and glacier vistas.
-
View AccommodationBlabjorg Resort
A remote Eastfjords retreat in Borgarfjörður Eystri, Blábjörg Resort blends authentic Icelandic charm with dramatic landscapes, geothermal spa experiences and unrivalled access to one of Iceland’s most untouched regions.
-
View AccommodationHighland Base at Kerlingarfjöll
Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll epitomizes adventure escapism amidst Iceland's pristine landscapes. This exclusive retreat, curated for discerning individuals, seamlessly blends bespoke luxury with untamed wilderness.
-
View AccommodationHotel Geysir
Nestled beside Strokkur geyser, Hotel Geysir offers stylish comfort, locally inspired dining, and bespoke Golden Circle excursions, making it the perfect base to experience Iceland’s geothermal wonders and dramatic landscapes.
-
View AccommodationCanopy by Hilton Reykjavik
A chic, artful retreat in Reykjavik’s heart, Canopy by Hilton blends local character, contemporary design, and intimate experiences, the perfect base to explore Iceland in style and comfort.
-
View AccommodationHotel Egilsen
Hotel Egilsen offers historic charm and contemporary comfort in Reykjavík’s Old Town, with individually styled rooms, personalised service, and bespoke excursions for discerning travellers seeking an intimate Icelandic experience.
-
View AccommodationThe Reykjavik EDITION
The Reykjavík EDITION offers sleek, contemporary interiors, refined dining, and tailored excursions, with a central location providing discerning travellers a stylish base to explore Reykjavík and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
-
View ExperienceDiamond Circle Tour
Explore Iceland’s wild northeast on a private journey through glaciers, canyons, and Europe’s most powerful waterfall, ending at the Arctic coast and charming fishing village of Húsavík, a journey of raw power and sublime beauty.
-
View ExperienceSnowmobiling in the Troll Peninsula
Explore the mountains of the stunning Troll Peninsula on the back of a snowmobile, taking in the incredible views as you speed across the snow. During the winter, look out for the Northern Lights dancing through the sky above.