Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/ # Iceland Diary – The Magic of Grímsey’s Puffins in the Arctic Circle Published on July 8, 2025 [![An Atlantic Puffin Swimming On Calm Water Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) Words & images contributed by [Robin Lowry](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/robin/). ## **Arrival & First Impressions** We started in Akureyri, spending the first night on the north coast before the short flight to [Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/). With time before take-off, we worked the calm shoreline – flat water & overcast sky gave us clean high-key conditions for **Eider Ducks**, a **Red-throated Diver (locally called the “Rain Goose”)**, & a **Great Northern Diver** – all with strong reflections in the flat water. [![A Common Eider Duck Floating On Calm Water Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-common-eider-duck-floating-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-common-eider-duck-floating-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Common Loon Swimming On Calm Waters Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-common-loon-swimming-on-calm-waters-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-common-loon-swimming-on-calm-waters-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) By early afternoon we were airborne, & within half an hour we touched down on Grímsey’s compact landing strip – a short walk from the guesthouse. The puffins were already everywhere – **Grímsey’s Puffins**, perched on the cliff edges & circling overhead in constant traffic. [![A Colony Of Puffins On A Grassy Cliff With The Fabulous Icelandic Mountains Behind Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-colony-of-puffins-on-a-grassy-cliff-with-the-fabulous-Icelandic-mountains-behind-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-colony-of-puffins-on-a-grassy-cliff-with-the-fabulous-Icelandic-mountains-behind-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) The overcast skies & lack of wind created perfect conditions for mirror-like reflections at the tarn, where **Arctic Terns** & **Red-necked Phalaropes** put on a cracking show. [![An Arctic Tern Flying With Fish Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-arctic-tern-flying-with-fish-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-arctic-tern-flying-with-fish-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) ## **Cliffside Action & Inland Discoveries** After breakfast the next morning (jet lag had caught up with a few of the group), we headed to the basalt cliffs. Puffins were darting in & out of their burrows constantly, giving us repeated chances for **in-flight work** – bright orange feet lowered for landing, beaks full of sand eels, the lot. [![A Trio Of Atlantic Puffins Perched On Rocky Cliff Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-trio-of-atlantic-puffins-perched-on-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-trio-of-atlantic-puffins-perched-on-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Curious Atlantic Puffin Peeking Over Rocky Ledge Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-curious-atlantic-puffin-peeking-over-rocky-ledge-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-curious-atlantic-puffin-peeking-over-rocky-ledge-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over Ocean Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-over-ocean-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-over-ocean-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) Inland, the island held plenty more: **Golden Plovers**, **Redshanks**, **Snow Buntings**, **Black-tailed Godwits**, & **Common Snipe** dotted the meadows. The **Arctic Terns**, fiercely protective of their nests, provided plenty of drama – diving at anyone daft enough to wander too close to their patch! [![A Godwit Standing On Grassy Rock Hill Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-godwit-standing-on-grassy-rock-hill-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-godwit-standing-on-grassy-rock-hill-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Common Snipe In A Yellow Flower Meadow Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-snipe-in-a-yellow-flower-meadow-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-snipe-in-a-yellow-flower-meadow-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) As evening came on, the clouds started breaking up, & soft pastel light spread across the landscape – a hint of what the solstice conditions would bring. [![An In Flight Atlantic Puffin With Glowing Orange Feet Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-in-flight-atlantic-puffin-with-glowing-orange-feet-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-in-flight-atlantic-puffin-with-glowing-orange-feet-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying In Dark Sky Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-in-dark-sky-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-in-dark-sky-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) ## **Solstice Magic – The Magic of the Midnight Sun & Slow Shutter Experiments** The **Summer Solstice** – 20th June – was the absolute highlight of our trip. With the sun never properly setting, we had **24 hours of golden light** to play with. After a hearty dinner, we nipped back out to the cliffs, where Grímsey’s Puffins crossed against the glittering sea. This was the perfect moment to experiment with **slow shutter speeds**, creating artistic motion blur as the birds swooped past. [![An Atlantic Puffin Silhouette Posing At Sunset Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-silhouette-posing-at-sunset-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-silhouette-posing-at-sunset-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Puffin Silhouetted On A Cliff Against The Sunset Sky Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-puffin-silhouetted-on-a-cliff-against-the-sunset-sky-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-puffin-silhouetted-on-a-cliff-against-the-sunset-sky-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Silhouetted Puffin Flying Past During A Glowing Sunset Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-silhouetted-puffin-flying-past-during-a-glowing-sunset-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-silhouetted-puffin-flying-past-during-a-glowing-sunset-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Common Murre At Sunset With Its Wings Spread Open Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-murre-at-sunset-with-its-wings-spread-open-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-murre-at-sunset-with-its-wings-spread-open-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) By 9 PM, the light was utterly sublime – warm & diffused. At the tarn, we captured **backlit Arctic Terns** as they bathed, droplets sparkling like diamonds. Then, just after midnight, a sea mist rolled in, softening every edge on the island. Those who stayed up (& let’s be honest, it wasn’t everyone!) were rewarded with a **1 AM sunrise**, the sky turning deep orange & red as Grímsey’s Puffins & many [Arctic Terns](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-tern/) flew against the colour. [![A Northern Fulmar Skimming Water Against A Dark Background Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Northern-fulmar-skimming-water-against-a-dark-background-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Northern-fulmar-skimming-water-against-a-dark-background-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![An Arctic Tern Twising In The Air With Glowing Water Droplets Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-Arctic-Tern-twising-in-the-air-with-glowing-water-droplets-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-Arctic-Tern-twising-in-the-air-with-glowing-water-droplets-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) ## **New Species & Coastal Drama** The following morning, we explored the **southeastern lighthouse**, where puffins mingled with **Guillemots** & **Razorbills** on the cliffs. On the rocky shore below, we found **Purple Sandpipers**, **Turnstones**, **Dunlins**, & – most excitingly – a **Red Phalarope**, a first for me on Grimsey! [![A Ruddy Turnstone Flying Low Over Calm Water Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-ruddy-turnstone-flying-low-over-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-ruddy-turnstone-flying-low-over-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Golden Plover Standing In A Grassy Meadow Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-golden-plover-standing-in-a-grassy-meadow-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-golden-plover-standing-in-a-grassy-meadow-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Eurasian Oystercatcher On The Rocky Shore Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Eurasian-oystercatcher-on-the-rocky-shore-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Eurasian-oystercatcher-on-the-rocky-shore-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) Back at the tarn, we honed our skills with **Arctic Terns skimming the water** & **Red-necked Phalaropes** spinning in tight circles, their delicate forms reflected perfectly in the calm surface. [![An Arctic Tern Skimming The Calm Reflective Water Surface Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-arctic-tern-skimming-the-calm-reflective-water-surface-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-arctic-tern-skimming-the-calm-reflective-water-surface-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Lone Arctic Tern Skimming The Calm Reflective Water Surface Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-lone-arctic-tern-skimming-the-calm-reflective-water-surface-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-lone-arctic-tern-skimming-the-calm-reflective-water-surface-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) ## **Day 5 –****Windswept Farewell & a Whale of a Time** Our final day brought really blustery conditions – a challenge, but also a brilliant opportunity. The gusts allowed us to capture **puffins hovering motionless** at eye level along the cliffs, their wings beating like mad against the breeze. [![An Atlantic Puffin In Flight With A Mouth Full Of Prey Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-in-flight-with-a-mouth-full-of-prey-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-in-flight-with-a-mouth-full-of-prey-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) With our flight cancelled due to high winds, we might say this was typical British summer weather, except we were in [Iceland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/iceland/), we took the ferry back to Dalvík – & were treated to an impressive send-off: **Humpback Whales** & **dolphins** surfing the waves alongside us! [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over A Sunset Cliff Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-over-a-sunset-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-flying-over-a-sunset-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) That evening in **Akureyri**, we gathered for a final group dinner & chatted about our our favourite images, but more importantly the memories we had created & shared. From the puffin-covered cliffs to the surreal beauty of the solstice light, Grímsey had delivered the goods time & time again. [![A Photographer Capturing An Image During The Midnight Sun Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-photographer-capturing-an-image-during-the-midnight-sun-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-photographer-capturing-an-image-during-the-midnight-sun-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Pair Of Northern Fulmar Arguing In The Grass Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-Northern-fulmar-arguing-in-the-grass-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-Northern-fulmar-arguing-in-the-grass-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) [![A Black Legged Kittiwake Perched On A Rocky Cliff Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grimsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Black-legged-kittiwake-perched-on-a-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Black-legged-kittiwake-perched-on-a-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island.jpg) ## **Species Photographed on Grímsey Island during our 2025 visit** - **Atlantic Puffin** *(Fratercula arctica)* – Nesting, flying, feeding - **Arctic Tern** *(Sterna paradisaea)* – Diving, bathing, mid-flight drinking - **Red-necked Phalarope** *(Phalaropus lobatus)* – Spinning in tarns - **Red Phalarope** *(Phalaropus fulicarius)* – Rare as hen’s teeth - **Eider Duck** *(Somateria mollissima)* – Coastal reflections - **Red-throated Diver** *(Gavia stellata)* – Calm water portraits - **Great Northern Diver** *(Gavia immer)* – Early morning sighting - **Golden Plover** *(Pluvialis apricaria)* – Inland meadows - **Common Redshank** *(Tringa totanus)* – Wetland foraging - **Snow Bunting** *(Plectrophenax nivalis)* – Ground-level shots - **Black-tailed Godwit** *(Limosa limosa)* – Marshy habitats - **Common Snipe** *(Gallinago gallinago)* – Camouflaged in grass - **Guillemot** *(Uria aalge)* – Cliffside colonies - **Razorbill** *(Alca torda)* – Mixed with puffins - **Purple Sandpiper** *(Calidris maritima)* – Rocky shoreline - **Turnstone** *(Arenaria interpres)* – Beach foraging - **Dunlin** *(Calidris alpina)* – Flitting between rocks - **Humpback Whale** *(Megaptera novaeangliae)* – Ferry crossing surprise - **Dolphins** *(Delphinidae spp.)* – Showing off in the waves ## **Why Grímsey Island for Puffins?** With its **heaving birdlife**, dramatic **basalt cliffs**, & **endless summer daylight**, Grímsey is the real thing for wildlife photographers. **NaturesLens** has been running trips here for **five years** – longer than any other UK operator – & our guests always come away with a portfolio full of fantastic images of Grímsey’s [Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/). If you’re after puffins, terns, & a proper Arctic adventure, [Grímsey should be at the top of your list](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/). ## Share this post - - - - [![One Of The Bonellis Eagles Found On The Estate Photographed On The Estate Used For The Natureslens Birds Of Extremadura Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/One-of-the-Bonellis-Eagles-found-on-the-estate-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-300x225.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/10/wildlife-photography-holiday-in-extremadura/) ### [Wildlife Photography Holiday in Extremadura](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/10/wildlife-photography-holiday-in-extremadura/) June 10, 2025 See what awaits you during our wildlife photography holiday in Extremadura ... imagine mornings with griffon vultures circling crimson skies,… - [![An Inquisitive Stallion Walks Up The Beach As Photographed During The Natureslens White Horses Of The Camargue Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/an-inquisitive-stallion-walks-up-the-beach-as-photographed-during-the-natureslens-white-horses-of-the-camargue-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) ### [10 inspiring images of the White Horses of the Camargue](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) April 18, 2019 I wanted to share more images from our White Horses of the Camargue photography trip in September 2018 to give… - [![A Lesser Kestrel Rests On The Tiles Of A Derelict Barn Photographed During One Of The Natureslens Photography Holidays To Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-lesser-kestrel-rests-on-the-tiles-of-a-derelict-barn-photographed-during-one-of-the-natureslens-photography-holidays-to-spain.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/07/18/birdlife-of-spains-plains-of-calera/) ### [15 images of the diverse birdlife of Spain’s plains of Calera](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/07/18/birdlife-of-spains-plains-of-calera/) July 18, 2019 In this second trip report on the birdlife of Spain, I look back at our week in Calera. We arrived… In this article 1. [Arrival & First Impressions](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#arrival-first-impressions) 1. [Cliffside Action & Inland Discoveries](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#cliffside-action-inland-discoveries) 1. [Solstice Magic - The Magic of the Midnight Sun & Slow Shutter Experiments](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#solstice-magic-the-magic-of-the-midnight-sun-slow-shutter-experiments) 1. [New Species & Coastal Drama](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#new-species-coastal-drama) 1. [Day 5 - Windswept Farewell & a Whale of a Time](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#day-5-windswept-farewell-a-whale-of-a-time) 1. [Species Photographed on Grímsey Island during our 2025 visit](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#species-photographed-on-grmsey-island-during-our-2025-visit) 1. [Why Grímsey Island for Puffins?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/grimseys-puffins/#why-grmsey-island-for-puffins) ### Author RL [Robin Lowry](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/robin/) 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 [![What Can You Hope To Photograph In One Week At Shompole Wilderness?](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/One-of-the-Resident-Lions-Sitting-Near-the-Waterhole-at-Night-photographed-in-one-week-at-Shompole-Wilderness-150x150.jpg) **What Can You Hope to Photograph in One Week at Shompole Wilderness?**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/10/31/one-week-at-shompole-wilderness/) [![Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-by-the-sunset-photographed-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-150x150.jpg) **Four Days with the Puffins of Skomer Island**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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