Puffin Boat trip, Black Watch, 2016
[ Reykjavik port information   Arctic, 2016 ]

Click for a detailed map of the excursion.   We were coached down to the main harbour where all the boat trips were and boarded our small boat.   There was room for about 15-20 outside and about the same number inside.   Naturally all the photographers, at least those who got on board first chose outside seats.   Our boat was called the Skulaskeid and after our safety briefing we set off.

As we sailed out there were several grey painted ships; three were coastguard and one was navy. There was a small ship made to resemble a viking ship that came out with us but the were cheating as the had an engine.   This could be inferred since no one was rowing and the sail was only partly unfurled, yet still they were making reasonable headway.   We also had a good view of their manificent concert hall, a very clever design.

The island that we were heading for was called Akurey and was uninhabited apart from the birds.   We thought that the puffins would have gone by now but as we approached the island they were all over the place, dashing to and fro with their characteristic flight.   There were also several arctic scuas chasing them trying to pinch their fish.   There were also kittiwakes, fulmars and eider ducks.   Black guillemots should have been there but I didn't see any.

The whole excursion lasted about an hour and a half once we got started.   The coach trip was about 15 minutes each way and the boat trip about 20 minutes each way with 20 minutes at the island.   There had been complaints from the previous excursion today, that there was only 20 minutes looking at the birds, but in reality you could see all there was to see in that twenty minutes.

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