Westman Islands Puffins, Volcano & Elephant Rock Tour
Explore the stunning island of Heimaey in Iceland´s Westman Islands, on this 2.5 hour shore excursion tour. We explore the natural highlights, meet its most famous seasonal vistors, and enjoy the wonderous landscape and views.
Heimaey is renowned as the world´s largest Atlantic puffin colony – more than 1.1 million puffins nest here during summer, accounting for 20% of the entire global population. We explore the southern tip of the island at Stórhöfði where most of these good natured creatures lay their eggs.
The island also made headlines worldwide in 1973 due to the destructive volcanic eruption of Eldfell volcano, where human spirit and ingenuity managed to repeal the furious advance of the magma, saving the harbour and town. Nevertheless much of the easthern part of the town was destroyed, and covered in millions of tonnes of lava. Learn about the eruption and see the volcano which overlooks the village and harbour.
We also stop at Elephant rock, a basalt cliff which has remarkably been naturally eroded in the shape of a giant elephant´s head, with it´s trunk descending into the thrasing sea below. It may look AI but it´s real and you can see it on this tour!
We also visit a recreation of a viking era church, the black Stafkirkjan church situated by the harbour.
We squeeze a great experience into these 2.5 hours. Our tours are scheduled according to cruise ships docking times, so you can be assured you will be back on board in plenty of time for your onward journey.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Professional guide
- Pick up & drop off at your cruise ship
- Food or drink
- Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland.
- All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out
- Tour duration is around 2.5 hours. Our tour schedule is tailored to your cruise ship´s port times
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellation fee of 100% if cancelled 1 day or less before departure
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Port pickupThe meeting point for this tour is the main dock in Heimaey harbour. Once everyone is aboard, we travel the short distance to our first stop.
1 Elephant Rock Cliff formationKnown locally as Fíllinn, this astounding basalt sea cliff is called Elephant Rock in English – and no wonder why. Sea erosion of the porous baslat rock has carved the cliff face into the shape of a giant elephant head, complete with ear and trunk. Estimated to be 12-15 metres in height, the rockface has become an iconic symbol of Iceland and this island in particular.
We get as close as possible so you can admire the view and practise your photography skills.
2 Stórhöfði Puffin ColonyHeimaey is perhaps the best place to see puffins in the world. Stórhöfði is a hill on the southernmost tip of the island. On the cliffs around the lighthouse over a million Atlantic puffins breed and nest every summer. This remarkable colony is the world´s largest. Take a walk along the coastal cliffs and admire the many puffins we spot.
At the end of each summer, locals patrol the town for young pufflings who have lost their way as they attempt to migrate for first time.
3 Eldfell VolcanoThe 1973 eruption of Eldfell changed life and the landscape here forever. This eruption in the middle of a dark January night was a total surprise. The town was completely evacuted with ships from the mainland sent on rescue missions. But brave locals remained and an ingenouse system was devised to pump seawater on the magma and save the harbour. All told around 400 houses were destroyed and lie now forever under the new lava fields. But crucially the harbour was saved, meaning the town´s economic life blood was maintained.
We visit some viewpoints which offer panoramic perspectives, as your guide tells you all about the eruption, and the town´s remarkable recovery.
4 Stafkirkjan ChurchThis pretty black church was gifted to the island in 2000 by Norway to commemorate Iceland´s conversion to Christinanity. This authentic recreation sits in the harbour area with the harbour cliffs sheltering the church and now serves as a heritage center.
Nearby see fortifications and a cannon used for defence.
- Port drop off
After this last stop, we drop you back to the harbour to your ship. If you have time to spare, why not take a stroll through the cute little town center.
The meeting point for this tour is the main dock in Heimaey harbour. Once everyone is aboard, we travel the short distance to our first stop.
Known locally as Fíllinn, this astounding basalt sea cliff is called Elephant Rock in English – and no wonder why. Sea erosion of the porous baslat rock has carved the cliff face into the shape of a giant elephant head, complete with ear and trunk. Estimated to be 12-15 metres in height, the rockface has become an iconic symbol of Iceland and this island in particular.
We get as close as possible so you can admire the view and practise your photography skills.
Heimaey is perhaps the best place to see puffins in the world. Stórhöfði is a hill on the southernmost tip of the island. On the cliffs around the lighthouse over a million Atlantic puffins breed and nest every summer. This remarkable colony is the world´s largest. Take a walk along the coastal cliffs and admire the many puffins we spot.
At the end of each summer, locals patrol the town for young pufflings who have lost their way as they attempt to migrate for first time.
The 1973 eruption of Eldfell changed life and the landscape here forever. This eruption in the middle of a dark January night was a total surprise. The town was completely evacuted with ships from the mainland sent on rescue missions. But brave locals remained and an ingenouse system was devised to pump seawater on the magma and save the harbour. All told around 400 houses were destroyed and lie now forever under the new lava fields. But crucially the harbour was saved, meaning the town´s economic life blood was maintained.
We visit some viewpoints which offer panoramic perspectives, as your guide tells you all about the eruption, and the town´s remarkable recovery.
This pretty black church was gifted to the island in 2000 by Norway to commemorate Iceland´s conversion to Christinanity. This authentic recreation sits in the harbour area with the harbour cliffs sheltering the church and now serves as a heritage center.
Nearby see fortifications and a cannon used for defence.
After this last stop, we drop you back to the harbour to your ship. If you have time to spare, why not take a stroll through the cute little town center.
