Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/ # Exploring the Unique Icelandic Atlantic Puffin Colony of Grímsey Island Published on July 16, 2023 [![A Group Of Puffins From The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island Set Against The Pink Sky With Icelands Mountains In The Background](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-group-of-puffins-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island-set-against-the-pink-sky-with-icelands-mountains-in-the-background-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-group-of-puffins-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island-set-against-the-pink-sky-with-icelands-mountains-in-the-background.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Robin Lowry](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/robin/). Iceland is an iconic destination renowned for its strong landscapes & unique cultural heritage. From the ice-cold iceberg lagoons in the south to the rolling hills & volcanic valleys in the centre, these fine landscapes are rarely rivalled anywhere else in the world. Yet, there is another side of Iceland that is far less known & rarely explored; the wildlife. Nestled in the remote islands of the north lies a unique & notable Icelandic Atlantic Puffin colony that attracts bird photographers from around the globe. On the tiny [island of Grímsey](https://www.akureyri.is/grimsey-en), located just 70km off the north coast of Iceland, these imposing birds create a notable spectacle that has to be seen to be believed; Grímsey Island is one of the best locations to see puffins in Iceland. Just a short flight from [mainland Iceland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/), [Grímsey](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/) offers much to explore for both experienced bird photographers & novices alike. ![A Pair Of Puffins Drifting On The Waters In Front Of The Basalt Cliffs Found All Over Iceland Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-pair-of-puffins-drifting-on-the-waters-in-front-of-the-basalt-cliffs-found-all-over-iceland-grimsey-island.jpg) The island’s unique landscape is the perfect habitat for its famous [Atlantic Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffin/) colony & many other birds, such as kittiwakes, [razorbills](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/razorbill/) & guillemots. The ever-changing weather also adds to the atmosphere of the island, with strong winds, strong tides & grey clouds looming overhead. During the summer months, Grímsey is also known to experience the midnight sun, making it the perfect place to witness the beauty of the natural world in its full glory. Join us on a journey to explore this unique Icelandic Atlantic Puffin Colony on [Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/) & discover the wonders of this notable place! From the notable sights & sounds of the puffins nesting to the unique inhabitants & their fascinating stories, nothing compares to experiencing the magic of this particular corner of the world. ![A Water Drenched Puffin Taking Flight From The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-water-drenched-puffin-taking-flight-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ## About the Island of Grímsey Grímsey has been inhabited since the Viking settlement of Iceland. Ancient records indicate that King Olafur offered the island to Icelanders in exchange for his friendship, but the people refused because it was a valuable food source, such as birds, eggs & fish. ![A Long Landscape View Of The Orange Lighthouse On The Clifftops Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-long-landscape-view-of-the-orange-lighthouse-on-the-clifftops-of-grimsey-island.jpg) After the introduction of Christianity, Grímsey was owned by monasteries on the mainland & its tenants were obligated to pay the annual rent in dried cod. Today, ownership of the island is divided between the residents, the town of [Akureyri](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/akureyri/), & the Icelandic state. ![A Lone Atlantic Puffin Flies Against The Black Basalt Cliffs Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-lone-atlantic-puffin-flies-against-the-black-basalt-cliffs-of-grimsey-island.jpg) The population of Grímsey numbers about 80 residents & the land is a prosperous & fertile community with many children. The island’s coastal rocks are particularly interesting due to scurvy grass, a vitamin-rich plant with purported medicinal properties. High cliffs provide homes for hundreds of thousands of Atlantic Puffins & [Arctic Terns](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-tern/), the only predators being other birds. Fishing, fish processing, & tourism all form integral roles in life on the island, & the unique vegetation, sculpted by the arctic climate, is a defining feature. Furthermore, due to the island’s location near the Arctic Circle, summertime offers an impressive 24-hour day of daylight, allowing for photography & other activities. ![A Group Of Puffins On The Waters Off Grimsey Island With Icelands Mountains In The Background](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-group-of-puffins-on-the-waters-off-grimsey-island-with-icelands-mountains-in-the-background.jpg) ![A Mass Of Puffins Taking Flight From The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-mass-of-puffins-taking-flight-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ## How Many Species of Puffin are there? Four Puffins varieties exist, including the Atlantic, Horned, Tufted & Rhinoceros Auklet varieties. The Atlantic Puffin is the smallest of the species & is found exclusively in the North Atlantic Ocean. All other species of Puffins inhabit the Pacific Ocean. ![A Group Of Puffins From The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island Set Against The Pink Sky](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-group-of-puffins-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island-set-against-the-pink-sky.jpg) These birds live on the open sea & usually return to land only to breed; they have a lifespan of around 20 years or more. ![A Lone Puffin From The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island Soars In The Pink Sky](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-lone-puffin-from-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island-soars-in-the-pink-sky.jpg) ## About the Atlantic Puffin The [Atlantic Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/atlantic-puffin/) is a small bird of the Auk family found in the Northern Hemisphere. Puffins are characterized by their colourful, stocky bodies & bright red, triangular beaks. ![A Trio Of Atlantic Puffins On One Of The Headlands Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-trio-of-atlantic-puffins-on-one-of-the-headlands-of-grimsey-island.jpg) During the breeding season, puffins move to the coastal areas of [Norway](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/norway/), [Iceland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/), Greenland & [Scotland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/scotland/). In winter, they migrate to open seas, as far away as the coasts of [North America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/). ![A Puffin Comes In To Land On One Of The Headlands Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-puffin-comes-in-to-land-on-one-of-the-headlands-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ![A Lone Atlantic Puffin In The Rain On The Cliffs Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-lone-atlantic-puffin-in-the-rain-on-the-cliffs-of-grimsey-island.jpg) They are great swimmers, & can dive over 60 feet deep to catch fish like herring, sand eel, & capelin. [Atlantic puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/atlantic-puffin/) have notable courtship behaviour, & spend time together in pairs to form lifelong, solid bonds. They are beautiful & extremely compelling birds, & are sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch them on the coast. ![A Mass Of Puffins In Flight Over The Famous Lighthouse Found On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-mass-of-puffins-in-flight-over-the-famous-lighthouse-found-on-grimsey-island.jpg) ## Grímsey Island’s Atlantic Puffin Colonies Individuals of the Great Skua species also endanger the highly vulnerable newly-fledged puffin chicks. These large birds will steal the fish from adult puffins in mid-flight & can even physically attack the adults when they land. ![The Iconic Image Of A Lone Puffin With A Beak Full Of Sandeels On The Atlantic Puffin Colony Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/the-iconic-image-of-a-lone-puffin-with-a-beak-full-of-sandeels-on-the-atlantic-puffin-colony-of-grimsey-island.jpg) On Grímsey, the diet of Atlantic Puffins consists primarily of “Sand Eels”, though they may also feed on shrimp & cod when available. Puffins have adapted to the sea & are proficient swimmers, taking advantage of their semi-extended wings like paddles to “fly” through the water while their webbed feet provide the rudder to keep them on course. ![A Puffin Flies Against The Basalt Cliffs Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-puffin-flies-against-the-basalt-cliffs-of-grimsey-island.jpg) Despite the dangers brought by avian predators, the [puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/) of Grímsey can thrive due to the lack of terrestrial predators. In an open sky, however, they remain at risk of being attacked by [Great Black-backed Gulls](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-black-backed-gull/) or having their food supply stolen by [Great Skuas](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-skua/). The Atlantic Puffins must be protected from these aerial threats to maintain a stable population on the island. ![The Moody Dark Beaches Cliffs Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/the-moody-dark-beaches-cliffs-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ## Other bird species found on Grímsey Island Being situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle means that [Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/) is home to various bird species other than the Atlantic Puffin. These include the [Northern Fulmar](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/northern-fulmar/), the [Great Skua](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-skua/), the Razorbill, the [Red-throated diver](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/red-throated-diver/), the Turnstone, & the [Arctic Tern](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-tern/). Many species of waterfowl spend time on the island, including the Barnacle Goose & the White-fronted Goose. ![A European Golden Plover In Golden Light Found On Grimsey Island During The Summer Months](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-european-golden-plover-in-golden-light-found-on-grimsey-island-during-the-summer-months.jpg) ![A Fabulous Meadow Pipit Another Of The Residents Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-fabulous-meadow-pipit-another-of-the-residents-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ![A Fabulous Oystercatcher Another Of The Residents Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-fabulous-oystercatcher-another-of-the-residents-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ![A Female Common Eider In One Of The Inland Pools](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-female-common-eider-in-one-of-the-inland-pools.jpg) ![A Plethora Of Birds Of Different Types On One The Seabird Cliffs Of Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-plethora-of-birds-of-different-types-on-one-the-seabird-cliffs-of-grimsey-island.jpg) ## Which Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photography of Grímsey’s Atlantic Puffin Colony? NaturesLens offers a range of [Puffin photography holidays to Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/) designed to allow photographers of all levels to add images of the birds in this fine Icelandic Atlantic [Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/) colony to their portfolio. These trips generally are conducted in June or July when the Icelandic Island’s wildlife is most active. Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of [Atlantic Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffin/) & many other Icelandic species. ![A Lone Atlantic Puffin In The Light Of The Midnight Sun Found On Grimsey Island During The Summer Months](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-lone-atlantic-puffin-in-the-light-of-the-midnight-sun-found-on-grimsey-island-during-the-summer-months.jpg) 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. ![A Group Of Puffins On One Of The Headlands Found On Grimsey Island With Icelands Mountains In The Background](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-group-of-puffins-on-one-of-the-headlands-found-on-grimsey-island-with-icelands-mountains-in-the-background.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. [About the Island of Grímsey](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#about-the-island-of-grmsey) 1. [How Many Species of Puffin are there?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#how-many-species-of-puffin-are-there) 1. [About the Atlantic Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#about-the-atlantic-puffin) 1. [Grímsey Island's Atlantic Puffin Colonies](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#grmsey-islands-atlantic-puffin-colonies) 1. [Other bird species found on Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#other-bird-species-found-on-grmsey-island) 1. [Which Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photography of Grímsey's Atlantic Puffin Colony?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/16/atlantic-puffin-colony/#which-tours-does-natureslens-schedule-for-photography-of-grmseys-atlantic-puffin-colony) ### 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/)