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Why Iceland is simply the best place – in the world – to photograph Atlantic Puffins

By David Miles on July 19, 2023

A Pair Of The Atlantic Puffins, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland

Written by David Miles with images contributed by Robin Lowry

We honestly believe Iceland is simply the best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins & for good reason. With its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, & abundant wildlife, offers photographers a unique opportunity to capture these charismatic birds in their natural habitat. The country is home to the largest puffin colonies in the world, providing ample opportunities to observe & photograph these colourful creatures up close. Whether it’s the iconic bird cliffs of Dyrhólaey, the remote island of Grímsey, or the picturesque Westman Islands, ‘s diverse locations offer breathtaking backdrops for capturing unforgettable images of these adorable seabirds.



An Atlantic Puffin, With The Mountains Of Iceland Behind, Photographed On Grímsey Island, Iceland


Capturing Atlantic Puffins in their Natural Habitat on Grímsey Island, Iceland



As one of the most iconic & recognizable birds in the entire world, the Atlantic Puffin has been a source of admiration from novice to experienced bird photographers alike. With their black & white plumage & flashy beaks, this charismatic seabird has become a fixture of the northern Atlantic coast – & nowhere more so than on the remote & isolated Grímsey Island, Iceland. Grímsey Island is, quite literally, a bird photographer’s paradise. It’s the country’s northernmost point, between Iceland & the Arctic Circle, & home to an impressive array of avian biodiversity.



An Atlantic Puffin Flies Past Black Basalt Cliffs In Iceland



From rare species of seabirds like Black Guillemots to the common & beloved , the island is teeming with life. This article is about best observing & photographing these incredible birds in their native environment.



One Of The Atlantic Puffins, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat Against The Black Cliffs Of Grímsey Island, Iceland



We’ll cover the best times to visit the island, the necessary equipment, & the unique behaviours to help you get the perfect shot. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer looking for new & exciting subjects, this article will ensure that you capture stunning images of the & make any trip to Grímsey Island a success.


Why Iceland is simply the best place – in the world – to photograph Atlantic Puffins




Without a doubt, Iceland is the best destination in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins. With its breathtaking coastline, rolling mountain landscapes & diverse wildlife, Iceland boasts some of Earth’s most stunning photography opportunities.

A Silhouetted Atlantic Puffin, Stretching It'S Wings, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland

During the summer months, innumerable Atlantic Puffins flock to the region, bringing abundant opportunities to capture these enchanting birds in spectacular natural settings, including capturing images of the Puffins & the midnight sun.



A Duo Of Silhouetted Atlantic Puffins, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



With their bright orange beaks & black & white feathers, Atlantic Puffins make for incredibly charismatic subjects & can be found in many areas easily accessible from Reykjavík & other nearby communities. What’s more, Iceland has some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, allowing photographers to capture these iconic birds in breathtaking, golden light.



A Lone Silhouetted Atlantic Puffin, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer or just an enthusiastic beginner intending to capture some fantastic images, Iceland is undoubtedly the best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins & other birds!


Why visit Grímsey Island to photograph the Atlantic puffins of Iceland




Grímsey Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the northern coast of Iceland. It lies south of the Arctic Circle & is home to various seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins. The island is just 3.2 square kilometres, & the terrain is primarily flat & barren. No trees or shrubs are found on the island, but a thick layer of grass, lichens, & other low-lying vegetation.



A Formation Of Atlantic Puffins Take Flight From One Of The Cliffs, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



The island was declared a nature reserve in 2007, & the Icelandic government now protects it. There are only around 80 permanent residents, though the island attracts quite a few groups of tourists annually.



A Group Of Atlantic Puffins, Bathed In Soft Light, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



Grímsey Island is the perfect place for bird photographers to observe & photograph the island’s unique array of seabirds.


Other Wildlife Found on Grímsey Island



  An Oystercatcher Comes In To Land, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



Grímsey Island is home to various bird species, including many rare & endangered types. The most common birds on the island are Atlantic Puffins, which can be seen in large flocks during the summer months.



A Sanderling Amongst The Grass, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



An Arctic Tern Shaking Off Water, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



An Arctic Tern Twisting To Shake Off Water, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



An Arctic Tern Twits To Shake Off Water, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



The island is also home to various other seabirds, including Brunnich’s Guillemot, Common Guillemot, & Black Guillemot. The surrounding waters are filled with sea creatures, including sharks, whales, & dolphins.



A Common Ringed Plover, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



A Female Common Eider Stretches It'S Wings, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland


Photographing the Atlantic Puffins of Grímsey Island




Photographing should be an enjoyable & rewarding experience. The only time to observe & photograph the birds is during the summer when the puffins are visible on land; during this time, it should be possible to add images of the puffins next to their burrows, in flight, at sea & much more to your portfolio. During this time, the birds can be seen in large flocks along the shoreline or in the air.



An Atlantic Puffin, Bathed In Soft Light, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



To photograph the puffins, you’ll need several recommended pieces of camera equipment. A camera body with an excellent auto-focus system & a fast frames-per-second capability married to a long telephoto lens & a tripod is essential for capturing birds from a distance.



An Atlantic Puffin, Bathed In Soft Light, Perched On A Cliff, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



A waterproof camera cover can protect your camera & lens from the elements – you will undoubtedly encounter different weather conditions on Grímsey Island! Setting your camera body to shoot in burst mode is also recommended, as the puffins are very active & fast-moving.



A Trio Of Silhouetted Atlantic Puffins, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



When photographing the puffins, make sure to be respectful of their environment. Be mindful of the birds’ behaviours, & observe from a safe distance. Also, avoid using flash photography, which can startle the birds & disrupt their natural behaviours.



A Solitary Silhouetted Atlantic Puffin, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



With some patience, you’ll soon have beautiful photographs of the puffins in their natural habitat.


Where do the Icelandic puffins go in the winter?




During the winter months, Icelandic puffins migrate to the warmer waters surrounding the coasts of , , & Ireland. Although puffins can adapt to the colder winter temperatures & snow cover, they prefer the more temperate climates of the coastal zones of the North Atlantic.



A Solo Atlantic Puffin Flying With A Beak Full Of Sand Eels Against The Pink Sky, Photographed In Their Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



A Lone Atlantic Puffin In Flight, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



There, they can feed on plentiful shrimp & other small fish, & also take shelter from the winter storms that can leave much of Iceland covered in snow. In the Spring, puffins return to their breeding grounds along the coast of Iceland, where they can begin nesting & raising their young.


Which Photography Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing Iceland’s Atlantic Puffins?




NaturesLens annually runs an Atlantic Puffins photography holiday within Iceland, designed to allow photographers of all levels to add images of Grímsey’s magnificent Atlantic Puffins to their portfolio. This trip is conducted in June or July when the wildlife of Grímsey Island is most active.



An Atlantic Puffin In Flight Against The Black Cliffs, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland



Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture stunning images of the Atlantic Puffins & many other Icelandic species.



At NaturesLens, we aim to provide photographers with an unforgettable 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 Silhouetted Atlantic Puffin, On The Cliffs, Photographed In It'S Natural Habitat On Grímsey Island, Iceland