Cross Ísafjarðardjúp bay to tiny Vigur Island — Iceland's most celebrated bird sanctuary — where Atlantic puffins, eider ducks, and dive-bombing Arctic terns nest within metres of your feet. One of the rarest wildlife encounters in the entire North Atlantic.
What to expect
A scenic 30-minute boat crossing through the glassy fjord delivers you to a car-free island barely 2 km long. Atlantic puffins bob offshore and nest in burrows you can approach within arm's reach. The resident eider-down farm — one of the last in Iceland — lets you witness the age-old harvest of the world's most prized natural insulation. Arctic terns patrol overhead with mock-heroic aggression (bring a hat!). Coffee and Icelandic cake are served in the farmhouse before the return crossing.
Good to know
Season: late May to mid-August for peak puffin presence. Boats depart from Ísafjörður harbour — a 5-minute walk from the cruise pier. Typically a half-day; leaves ample time for town exploration after. Book direct with West Tours to secure a spot — this fills quickly on cruise days.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Isafjord — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Isafjord
- Dynjandi Waterfall: Private Westfjords Full-Day Journey
- Whale Watching on Ísafjarðardjúp: Expert-Led Small-Group Expedition
- Private Walking Tour: Ísafjörður's Maritime Soul with a Local Expert
- Dynjandi Waterfall & Working Farm: Half-Day Guided Shore Excursion
- Dokkan Brugghús: Westfjords Craft Beer Tasting & Town Exploration