Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/ # Capturing the Wonders of Grimsey Island – Iceland’s Puffin Paradise Published on March 31, 2023 [![One Of Grimsey Island Iconic Atlantic Puffins Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-iconic-atlantic-puffins-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-iconic-atlantic-puffins-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by Dan Trim. From its striking waterfalls to imposing glaciers, Iceland is full of compelling sights & experiences. But few locations in this notable country offer a more unique experience than the distinctive Grimsey Island, home of one of the world’s largest puffin populations. ![One Of Grimsey Iceland Iconic Atlantic Puffins In Flight Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-iceland-iconic-atlantic-puffins-in-flight-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) This small island, situated just north of the Arctic Circle, is a productive for photographers hoping to capture the vibrant colours of these delightful [seabirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/seabird/). This article will explore the Grímsey Island Puffins & provide tips on capturing the best photos of this, Iceland’s [puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/) haven. ## An introduction to Grimsey Island Grimsey Island is a small island located off the northern coast of Iceland, within the Arctic Circle. It is approximately 2.5 square kilometres, making it the only inhabited Icelandic island outside the country’s main island. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Cheeky Arctic Tern Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-cheeky-arctic-tern-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) Despite its remote location, the Grímsey Island population numbers around 100 people & several small businesses. The island’s economy is based mainly on fishing, farming & tourism. Grimsey Island is a popular tourist destination due to its strong natural beauty, which includes many lagoons & bird cliffs. ![One Of Grimsey Island Atlantic Puffins Photographed Against The Midnight Sun Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-atlantic-puffins-photographed-against-the-midnight-sun-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) Those who have the chance to explore the island will find a unique & fascinating mix of culture, wildlife, & nature. Grimsey Island is an distinctive place; it is the only part of [Iceland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/) where you can experience the midnight sun. ## The Best Time of Year to Visit Grimsey Island for Photographing Puffins Grimsey Island, **the only Icelandic island in the Arctic Circle**, is a strong destination for animal & nature photographing enthusiasts. During the summer, **the island has an abundance of seabirds** & other wildlife, with the world’s largest & most accessible colony of [Atlantic puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/atlantic-puffin/) being the main attraction. The island is full of energy & colour from **late May until early August**, thanks to the 20,000 pairs of puffins & other sea birds coming to breed. During this season, the puffins’ bright orange & black plumage contrasts the blue sky & ocean waters, making it the perfect time of year for photographers to take advantage of the notable photographic opportunities. ![One Of Grimsey Island Iconic Atlantic Puffins Photographed Against The Midnight Sun Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-iconic-atlantic-puffins-photographed-against-the-midnight-sun-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) The distinctive sound & behaviour of the birds **make Grimsey Island an rewarding experience** for all. ## Where can I see puffins on Grímsey Island? From April to August, you can find puffins nesting & flying all over the island, but most notably around the cliffs, making these areas an ideal spot for bird photographers. During the summer, there are also organized boat tours that take you out to observe & admire the puffins from a different vantage point. Whether you’re a serious bird-photographers or just a curious traveller, visiting [Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/) to see puffins is a memorable experience that you won’t forget. ## Tips For Photographing the Puffins & other birdlife of Grimsey Island Grimsey Island, located in the North Atlantic, is home to the iconic [Atlantic Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/atlantic-puffin/). Photographers of all levels are eager to capture this beautiful bird in its natural habitat. While photographing the puffins of Grimsey Island can be a distinctive experience, it also requires patience & knowledge of the bird’s behaviour. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case An Oystercatcher Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-an-oystercatcher-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) Ensure you know the puffins’ habits & look for the best spot to photograph them. Lastly, plan your trip to the island according to when the puffins are active. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Common Snipe Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-common-snipe-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) **Photographing the puffins of Grimsey Island should be a rewarding experience**, & following these tips will ensure you come away with beautiful shots. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Redwing Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-redwing-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ## What other wildlife is found on Grimsey Island? During our [Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/grimsey-island/) photography tour, wildlife photographers can photograph various other wildlife, including **Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, Razorbill, Black Guillemot** & Murre, both [Common Murre](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-murre/) or **Common Guillemot** & [Thick-billed Murre](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/thick-billed-murre/) or **Brünnich’s Guillemot**. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast This Time A Golden Plover Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-this-time-a-golden-plover-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Snow Bunting Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-snow-bunting-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast A Snow Bunting Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-a-snow-bunting-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Which Photography Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Puffins of Grimsey Island? NaturesLens schedules an annual photography tour to capture images of the [Puffins of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/); the itinerary for this trip is designed to allow photographers of all levels to add pictures of the wildlife to their portfolio, most notably under the golden glow of the midnight sun. These trips generally are conducted in June or July when the puffins are on Grimsey Island as part of their breeding cycle & therefore, the wildlife is most active. Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of the Atlantic [Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/) as they interact with each other, & speed through that air around the cliffs of the island; additionally, there are many opportunities for photographers to capture images of many other Icelandic bird species present on the island during the same trip. At NaturesLens, we aim to provide photographers with an rewarding experience that will leave them with beautiful, memorable images. Our trips are led by experienced wildlife photographers who are passionate about wildlife photography & are dedicated to helping photographers capture the best images possible. ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Red Necked Phalarope Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-red-necked-phalarope-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Beautifully Lit Redwing Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-beautifully-lit-redwing-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) ![One Of Grimsey Island Supporting Cast In This Case A Golden Plover Photographed During The Natureslens Puffins Of The Arctic Circle Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-grimsey-island-supporting-cast-in-this-case-a-golden-plover-photographed-during-the-natureslens-puffins-of-the-arctic-circle-photography-holiday.jpg) - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![A Walking Red Eyed Tree Frog Photographed In Costa Rica In November 2025](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-walking-Red-eyed-Tree-Frog-photographed-in-Costa-Rica-in-November-2025-300x225.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/20/costa-rica-photography-tours/) ### [Costa Rica Photography Tours – Small Group Wildlife Focused Travel](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/20/costa-rica-photography-tours/) January 20, 2026 Why our Costa Rica photography tours deliver consistent wildlife opportunities across rainforest, wetlands, cloud forest, & coast. Small groups, flexible… In this article 1. [An introduction to Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#an-introduction-to-grimsey-island) 1. [The Best Time of Year to Visit Grimsey Island for Photographing Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#the-best-time-of-year-to-visit-grimsey-island for-photographing-puffins) 1. [Where can I see puffins on Grímsey Island?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#where-can-i-see-puffins-on-grmsey-island) 1. [Tips For Photographing the Puffins & other birdlife of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#tips-for-photographing-the-puffins-other-birdlife-of grimsey-island) 1. [What other wildlife is found on Grimsey Island?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#what-other-wildlife-is-found-on-grimsey-island) 1. [Which Photography Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Puffins of Grimsey Island?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/31/grimsey-island/#which-photography-tours-does-natureslens-schedule-for-photographing-the-puffins-of-grimsey-island) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![Macro Photography In Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Apollo-Butterfly-On-Purple-Thistle-Flower-1-one-of-the-subjects-on-our-Bulgarian-Butterfly-Macro-Photography-Tour-150x150.jpg) **Macro Photography in Bulgaria**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/02/20/macro-photography-in-bulgaria/) [![Dalmatian Pelican Photography – Winter Small Group Photography In Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-trio-of-the-dalmatian-pelicans-of-greece-drifting-on-the-waters-of-lake-kerkini-150x150.jpg) **Dalmatian Pelican Photography – Winter Small Group Photography in Greece**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/27/dalmatian-pelican-photography-in-winter/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter/)