Lundey, Faxaflói

Island Small Reykjavík island, important puffin colony

A small island in Faxaflói Bay off Reykjavík, Lundey hosts large puffin colonies; day trips and boat tours bring birdwatchers and photographers during the breeding season.

Lundey in Faxaflói is a small, grassy islet in the bay near Reykjavík known for its seabird colonies, especially Atlantic puffins. The name Lundey literally means “Puffin Island.”

During the breeding season the island hosts dense puffin populations and is a common objective for short coastal boat tours from Reykjavík that pass close to the islet for wildlife viewing. There are no visitor facilities and the island is uninhabited.

The islet is used seasonally by nesting seabirds and has no permanent infrastructure, so visits are typically limited to boat-based observation. It lies in Faxaflói Bay, within easy boating distance of Reykjavík’s harbours.

Wildlife: Known for large summer colonies of Atlantic puffins; best observed by boat between late spring and early autumn.
Access: Uninhabited and small; landing is often restricted to protect breeding birds so most visits are by viewing from boats.

How to Get to Lundey, Faxaflói #

Boat tours to Lundey depart Reykjavík’s Old Harbour (Skarfabakki) during the summer months; many operators include puffin-viewing as part of shorter whale- and bird-watching trips. Trips take roughly 30-60 minutes depending on conditions.

Tips for Visiting Lundey, Faxaflói #

Boat trips from Reykjavík's old harbour (Skarfabakki) run in summer; choose a small boat operator that advertises responsible wildlife viewing.
Bring binoculars and a windproof jacket - puffins are best seen from a little distance and the sea can be cold and gusty.
Avoid landing on the islet; most operators watch from the boat to avoid disturbing nesting puffins.