Puffins Of Melrakkaey Island

OVERVIEW

Cruise to rocky Melrakkaey Island to for up-close views of a colony of puffins doing all the things that puffins naturally do. This includes nesting on the steep cliffs, swimming in the sea and perhaps even flying – much faster than you might expect. After a short walk from the pier, you’ll reach and board a small tour boat that is ideal for sightseeing in hard-to-reach places. Craggy little Melrakkaey Island is one of those enviable spots, a protected bird refuge since 1972 where the only crowds ever seen have wings. While you’ll likely spot other seabirds here – like guillemots, shags and kittiwakes – puffins are the star attractions. They’re easy to identify with their bright orange beaks and penguin-like coloring; some people even call them “sea parrots” because of the shape of their beaks. Iceland is the breeding ground for most the world’s Atlantic puffins, and Melrakkaey is one of their favorite spots. You’ll see their nests on the precipitous rocky cliffs and surely spot puffins resting on the water between dives for the tasty small herring they love to eat. Your guide will share fascinating facts about the lifestyle of these charming birds during the excursion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk to a tour boat near the cruise pier, ideally sized for reaching areas off limits to larger vessels.
• Cruise out to Melrakkaey, an island offshore from Grundarfjörður that’s now a protected seabird refuge.
• Watch the resident colony of colorful puffins at their nests, diving for fish, and even flying around.
• Learn about the lifestyle and mating habits of these charming half-parrot, half-penguin creatures.
• Look for plenty of other sea birds here as well, including guillemots, shags and kittiwakes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, layered clothing; consider a windbreaker.
• Flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended for the boat.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.