What lens do I need for puffin photography?
A 300–500mm telephoto is ideal. Puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri can be photographed close enough for a 70–200mm to work in some compositions, but a 400mm prime or 100–400mm zoom gives the most flexibility.
Discussion
Iceland Bird Photography Discussion
Iceland is one of the best bird photography destinations in the world for Atlantic Puffins, plus Arctic terns, kittiwakes, gannets, and gyrfalcons. The puffin window is roughly late April to late August, peaking in June–July. Top colonies are Látrabjarg, Borgarfjörður Eystri, Dyrhólaey, and the island of Grímsey.
Iceland is one of the world's premier destinations for bird photography. The country hosts up to 10 million Atlantic Puffins each summer — roughly 60% of the world's population — making it one of the best places on earth to photograph them. Beyond puffins, Iceland is home to Arctic terns, gyrfalcons, white-tailed eagles, harlequin ducks, and hundreds of other species.
- Puffins arrive in Iceland in late April and depart by late August — peak photography season is June and July.
- Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords and Borgarfjörður Eystri are two of the best puffin photography locations.
- Get low to the ground to photograph puffins at eye level — they are remarkably tolerant of patient, quiet photographers.
- Use a telephoto lens (300–500mm) for larger seabirds like gannets and great skuas in flight.
- Our bird GPS map includes the locations of known puffin colonies, tern nesting grounds, and eagle territories.
Frequently asked questions
Are tripods or hides allowed at colonies?
Tripods are fine. Permanent hides aren't allowed at most colonies — stay on marked paths and don't approach burrows. Stay behind the rope at Látrabjarg; the cliffs are vertical and the edge crumbles.
When do puffins return to Iceland?
Birds arrive at colonies in late April, peak in June–July when chicks are being fed, and depart by late August. Outside that window, the colonies are essentially empty — plan your trip inside the window if puffins are the priority.