Puffins & Elephant Rock – Easy ATV Ride From Heimaey in Westman Islands
Explore the stunning island of Vestmannaeyjar on this exciting ATV tour, where nature and history come alive. Witness the world’s largest puffin colony up close at Stórhöfði, enjoy spectacular coastal views, and marvel at the iconic Elephant Rock. Along the way, hear thrilling stories of the 1627 Barbary pirate raid and visit historic sites where locals bravely defended their home. This tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history, all guided for an unforgettable adventure.
Kick off your ride on Vestmannaeyjar’s west coast at Elephant Rock—an awe-inspiring natural sculpture that looks just like a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. From there, cruise south to Stórhöfði, where you’ll find the world’s largest puffin colony. Take in stunning island views and, if the skies are clear, catch a glimpse of Surtsey, a volcanic island born from fire and sea.
At Stórhöfði, the wind might spin you around, but it’s worth it to watch puffins dart and dive right before your eyes. Your guide will share cool facts about these charming birds and their home.
Next, hop back on your ATV and follow the trail of Vestmannaeyjar’s pirate past. Hear gripping stories of the 1627 Barbary raid—how pirates attacked, locals fought back, and clever tricks saved the day. The journey ends at Herjólfstown, a recreated Viking village where you’ll step into the lives of island settlers, learning what life was really like centuries ago.
This easy, no off-road tour is perfect for everyone, from families to first-time riders. Scenic views, fascinating wildlife, and legendary history—all rolled into one unforgettable ATV adventure.
Puffins, pirates, and pure Icelandic magic await!
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Helmet, waterproof overalls and gloves.
- Tour guide
- Admission to Herjolfstown
- Food or drink.
- Good shoes and good mood, we will take care of the rest.
- Cancellation policy: We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before event.
- Driving licence.
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before event.
- Public transportation nearby.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not stroller accessible.
- Not suitable for pets.
- Infants must not sit on laps.
- Infant seats unavailable.
- Bookings from passengers on cruise ships – If cruise ship cannot enter Vestmannaeyjar due to weather or other circumstances – 70% Refund of booking.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Puffins and Pirates TourBegin your journey with a scenic ATV ride around Vestmannaeyjar, guided by a local expert who shares captivating stories of the island’s pirate history. Along the way, enjoy close-up views of puffins in their natural habitat, offering a unique blend of nature and storytelling throughout the route.
1 Elephant RockThis guided tour begins on the western coast of Vestmannaeyjar, where the first stop is Elephant Rock—one of the island’s most iconic natural formations. Shaped by wind and sea over centuries, the rock closely resembles an elephant with its trunk dipping into the ocean.
2 StórhöfðiFrom there, the tour continues south toward Stórhöfði, the southernmost point of the island and home to the largest puffin colony in the world. The drive offers sweeping views of the surrounding Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. On clear days, visitors may be able to see Surtsey, a volcanic island formed during an underwater eruption in 1963. Upon reaching Stórhöfði, guests will walk to a designated viewing area to observe puffins in their natural habitat. The guide will share detailed information about the birds’ behavior, nesting patterns, and significance to the region.
3 The path of the Barbary corsairsAfter time spent observing the puffins, the group will return to their ATVs and follow a route tied to one of the island’s most dramatic historical events—the pirate raids of 1627. The tour traces the path of the Barbary corsairs who attacked Vestmannaeyjar, telling the story of how the locals resisted, hid, and survived the invasion. The route includes key locations involved in the raid and offers insight into the hardships faced by the islanders during that time.
Herjólfstown - The Viking TownThe final stop is Herjólfstown, a reconstruction of a historical settlement, where visitors learn about life in Vestmannaeyjar during earlier centuries. The site includes depictions of how people lived, worked, and protected themselves during the age of pirate incursions.
The entire tour is conducted on well-maintained paths with no off-road driving, making it suitable for families and participants of all experience levels. The focus is on enjoying the landscape, wildlife, and cultural history of Vestmannaeyjar in a safe and accessible way.
Begin your journey with a scenic ATV ride around Vestmannaeyjar, guided by a local expert who shares captivating stories of the island’s pirate history. Along the way, enjoy close-up views of puffins in their natural habitat, offering a unique blend of nature and storytelling throughout the route.
This guided tour begins on the western coast of Vestmannaeyjar, where the first stop is Elephant Rock—one of the island’s most iconic natural formations. Shaped by wind and sea over centuries, the rock closely resembles an elephant with its trunk dipping into the ocean.
From there, the tour continues south toward Stórhöfði, the southernmost point of the island and home to the largest puffin colony in the world. The drive offers sweeping views of the surrounding Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. On clear days, visitors may be able to see Surtsey, a volcanic island formed during an underwater eruption in 1963. Upon reaching Stórhöfði, guests will walk to a designated viewing area to observe puffins in their natural habitat. The guide will share detailed information about the birds’ behavior, nesting patterns, and significance to the region.
After time spent observing the puffins, the group will return to their ATVs and follow a route tied to one of the island’s most dramatic historical events—the pirate raids of 1627. The tour traces the path of the Barbary corsairs who attacked Vestmannaeyjar, telling the story of how the locals resisted, hid, and survived the invasion. The route includes key locations involved in the raid and offers insight into the hardships faced by the islanders during that time.
The final stop is Herjólfstown, a reconstruction of a historical settlement, where visitors learn about life in Vestmannaeyjar during earlier centuries. The site includes depictions of how people lived, worked, and protected themselves during the age of pirate incursions.
The entire tour is conducted on well-maintained paths with no off-road driving, making it suitable for families and participants of all experience levels. The focus is on enjoying the landscape, wildlife, and cultural history of Vestmannaeyjar in a safe and accessible way.