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Activity Heimaey Island, Iceland

Puffins and Pirates ATV Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) one hour Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Puffins and Pirates ATV Tour

About this activity

Discover Vestmannaeyjar, where beauty meets history. Home to the world's largest puffin colony, this tour offers an up-close look at these charming birds, along with fascinating facts about them. Vestmannaeyjar also boasts a rich history of pirate encounters, and you'll visit famous sites where these clashes occurred, hearing thrilling stories along the way.

We'll begin our journey by driving to the west coast, stopping at the iconic Elephant Rock. Then, we'll head to Stórhöfði, were you'll see the puffins up close, observing their playful behavior as your guide shares interesting insights.

Next, we'll follow the path of the pirates, visiting the site of the 1627 invasion and exploring locations where locals defended themselves. Finally, we'll end at Herjólfstown, delving into the lives of Icelandic pirates. This family-friendly tour combines stunning scenery with captivating tales of puffins and pirates.

This is a non-offroad tour driven on pavement only.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours 4WD Tours ATV Tours Small Group Adventure Tours New Product Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration
one hour
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 14 people
People per booking
1–14
Guide
English
Operated by
Volcano ATV

Ages: Children (6–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Gloves
  • Included: Admission to Herjolfstown
  • Included: Helmets
  • Included: Overalls

Not included

  • Not included: This is a non off road tour - driven on pavement only

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    10 min

    We start the tour by going south along the island where we will, among other things, take a look at one of the most special landmarks on the island, the elephant or "elephant rock". a naturally formed sea rock that resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea.

  2. Stop 2

    20 min

    At Stórhöfði the view to all directions is magnificent, despite the fact that the weather can make you spin around as it is one of the windiest place in the country. We will take the walk to a special place and give ourselves plenty of time to observe the crown jewel of Vestmannaeyjar, the puffins, watch them play around on the slope, take off and come in to land while the guide tells us interesting facts about the puffins and their surroundings.

    The drive to Stórhöfði offers breathtaking views of the Vestmannaeyjar cluster, and on clear days, you might even glimpse Surtsey, Iceland’s youngest volcanic island, formed in 1963.

  3. Herjolfsdalur

    30 min Admission included

    Next we hop on our ATVs and enter the path of the thrilling Pirates. The tour delves into the history of the pirates, particularly the Barbary corsairs who stormed Vestmannaeyjar in 1627. The tour guide will tell thrilling stories about the raid, how the pirates arrived, and the dramatic confrontations with the locals. Along the path, you'll learn about the clever ways the islanders tried to defend themselves and hide from the pirates, offering a glimpse into the resourcefulness of the people during these terrifying times.

    Our end of the pirates path lies to Herjólfstown, where you will witness the Icelandic pirates, who, like puffins, were settlers in Vestmannaeyjar. We will see how the pirates looked, how they lived and the thrilling story about them. This part of the tour will provide an intriguing look into what life was like in Vestmannaeyjar centuries ago.

    This is a NO-OFF road driving tour,

    making it accessible for everyone to enjoy the landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar in comfort.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Please be at our location about 20 - 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

    We are just 2-3 min walk from the ferry Herjólfur. Just walk straight up from Herjólfur, we are at the corner at Strandvegur 65.

End point

  • Please be at our location about 20 - 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

    We are just 2-3 min walk from the ferry Herjólfur. Just walk straight up from Herjólfur, we are at the corner at Strandvegur 65.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Bookings from passengers on cruise ships – If cruise ship cannot enter Vestmannaeyjar due to weather or other circumstances – 70% Refund of booking

Options

  • Share rider

    Share rider: Each ATV is shared by 2 persons(2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child)

    Please make sure to select each person who will be sharing ATV

  • Solo rider

    Solo rider

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 4 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Puffins and Pirates ATV Tour

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