Puffin Watching & Gufufoss Waterfall Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Gufufoss Waterfall
- Observe puffins in their natural habitat
- Enjoy picturesque coastal landscapes
- Learn about local wildlife from expert guides
- Experience the charm of Seydisfjordur village
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour to Gufufoss Waterfall
- Puffin watching excursion
- Round-trip transportation from Seydisfjordur
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Hafnarhólmi is a small islet by the harbour of the small fishing village, Borgarfjordur-Eystri. This rocky outcrop is home to one of the world´d biggest Altantic Puffin colonies. Every summer, nesting couple return here to raise their pufflings. Hafnarhólmi, is very accessible, allowing everyone to get an up close glimpse of this wondeful species.
While visiting the quaint village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjordur-Eystri, you can find this pristine example of the classic Icelandic turf house. The thick turf walls, and grass lined roof provided essential insulation against the elements in times past. Many Icelanders continued to live in house like this into the early 20th century.
For those that wish to do an easy hike while in the village of Bakkagerði could hike Alfaborg, or elf rock, which is a monument on a hill overlooking Borgarfjordur-Eystri. This stop was held to be the home of the elf-queen of Iceland. Learn more about Icelandic folklore and beliefs. Even if you don´t hold much stock with folkloric tales, one can´t help but admire the dramatic views oen can enjoy from this hillside viewing point.
Gufufoss is a small waterfall which cascades gently down a rugged cliffside. Due to it´s appearance, it is sometimes compared to its larger cousin in the south, Skógafoss. The falls throws off a gentle mist, which accounts for its name - Gufu means steams in Icelandic.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry near the waterfall.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- The tour duration of 5 hours includes driving time
Traveler reviews
Great tour and the Puffins are adorable
Overall, this was a very enjoyable tour with some beautiful scenery and a great opportunity to experience a quieter side of East Iceland. The only downside was at the start. We were initially directed via WhatsApp to a bus parking area, which turned out to be the wrong location. A second message was then sent saying the buses were actually waiting much closer to the port. We weren’t the only passengers who had taken an early tender and spent time wandering around Seyðisfjörður before trying to find the correct coach, so it was a rather confusing start. Fortunately, our guide, Totily, was fantastic. Although she initially said we weren’t on her passenger list, she had five spare seats and kindly accommodated the five of us who were waiting. We really appreciated her helpful and welcoming attitude. Once underway, everything ran smoothly. The puffin colony was wonderful - truly a bucket list moment! Borgarfjörður Eystri was full of charm, and the stop at Gufufoss Waterfall was a lovely way to end the tour. The scenery throughout was stunning, and Totily shared interesting information about the area during the journey. Despite the confusion at the beginning, we had a thoroughly enjoyable day. I would definitely recommend the tour, but BusTravel Iceland could improve the embarkation instructions to make the meeting point much clearer for future cruise passengers
Perfect family day
Tour was an amazing experience, perfect for families and all that love nature. Our tour guide Saga was really helpful and full of local stories, sharing details from local life. She is a great storyteller and we were not bored even for a second. Everything was perfectly organized with enough time during stops to experience puffins, waterfall, pictures villagges. We were extra surprised by the welcoming of locals from Bakkargerdi - they prepared a complimentary sweets and coffee/tea/water for everyone, coupled with local songs performed by their local duo.
Great Puffibs seeing
Saga is very professional, we really enjoy her tour.
Puffin tour
There was no air on the bus. It was hot and I was miserable. I had to take off my long sleeve shirt. I had a tank top underneath. When we git off at one stop the drive, black hat and black framed glasses, purposely blew on my back and laughed about it.. That is creepy and weird. And yes, it was on purpose not him sighing or breathing heavy.
Magical tour!
This tour was awesome! Our tour guide Mirra shared so much information about Iceland and I learned so much. The bus ride was beautiful the whole time and every stop was worth seeing. The puffin stop was great, I did not expect to be able to get so close to them but we were with 10 feet of them and sometimes less. They were flying all around us. I would recommend to anyone who will be in the area.