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.
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. This article will explore the Grímsey Island Puffins & provide tips on capturing the best photos of this, Iceland’s puffin 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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. 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.
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.
Photographing the puffins of Grimsey Island should be a rewarding experience, & following these tips will ensure you come away with beautiful shots.
What other wildlife is found on Grimsey Island?
During our Grimsey Island photography tour, wildlife photographers can photograph various other wildlife, including Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, Razorbill, Black Guillemot & Murre, both Common Murre or Common Guillemot & Thick-billed Murre or Brünnich’s Guillemot.
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; 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 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.
- 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.
