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A puffin at Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland

Birdwatching (Puffins and More!)

Reynisfjara Beach is a top birdwatching spot on the South Iceland Coast. So if you enjoy birdwatching, be sure to pack your scope or zoom lens for your visit to this popular black sand beach!

The cliffs and rock formations at Reynisfjara Beach not only offer the opportunity for stunning photography, they also provide habitat and nesting locations for many species of birds.

Planning a trip to see the famous black sand beach in Iceland? Bookmark our Reynisfjara Beach website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Iceland, check out the some of the top things to do in Iceland, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland
Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland

Puffin Spotting at Reynisfjara Beach

Are you traveling to Iceland in the summer partly in hopes of seeing some cute puffins?

North Atlantic puffins arrive in Iceland around April or May to start nesting and breeding and stay until August or September.

A puffin on the black sand of Reynisfjara Beach in South Iceland
A puffin poses for a photo on the black sand of Reynisfjara Beach

Peak puffin-spotting season is June through August, and you will likely see some puffins at the cliffs on the eastern end of Reynisfjara Beach during this time. The Cliffs of Dyrholaey, on the western side of Renisfjara Beach, are also a prime puffin nesting location.

🧊 Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Check price and availability now!

Other Birds at Reynisfjara Beach

Other than the puffins that visitors clamor to see (and with good reason, because they make for amazing photos!), some other bird species you may see at Reynisfjara Beach include Arctic terns, golden plovers, guillemots, fulmars, seagulls, and kittiwakes.

Look for birds on the cliffs along the eastern side of the beach, as well as at the Reynidranagar sea stacks.

You will also find excellent birdwatching at the Cliffs of Dyrholaey, on the opposite end of Reynisfjara Beach.

🛶 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat & South Coast Tour from Reykjavik Witness the breathtaking beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on a boat tour, combined with visits to stunning south coast attractions like Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull National Park. Check price and availability now!

Top-Rated South Coast Tours with Reynisfjara Beach