Jed Bradley, a video producer, embarked on a journey to Iceland to explore the world of birdwatching, a hobby that has seen a surge in popularity with 55% of UK travellers eager to try it, and even pop star Ariana Grande calling it her latest obsession. His destination: the island of Vestmannaeyjar, home to puffins, the unofficial icon of Iceland.
Iceland's Tourism Boom
Iceland's tourism industry has transformed since the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Prior to the eruption, Reykjavík International Airport saw around 500,000 passengers annually; today, that number exceeds 2 million. The country now boasts hotels, smooth transport links, a new airport, and a welcoming attitude towards visitors. Interest in cooler destinations like Iceland is rising as the UK and Europe face record heatwaves. British Airways reported a 74% increase in searches to Reykjavík on 25 June compared to the previous week.
The Puffin and Volcano Tour
Bradley joined a 14-hour puffin and volcano tour with GetYourGuide. The journey began with a pickup by a guide named Thor, followed by a drive along the highway traversing the island, passing active geothermal areas. An electric ferry took the group to Vestmannaeyjar, passing 'the loneliest house in the world'. At the Stórhöfði lookout, up to a million pairs of puffins call the southern tip home. Bradley admits initial skepticism but found watching the birds 'oddly absorbing'. Bjørn Penk, a writer for the Reykjavík Grapevine, notes that post-pandemic, people want to spend time slowly, outdoors, paying attention to something real.
Beyond Birdwatching
For those with ornithophobia, Iceland offers other attractions. The quad bike ATV tour takes visitors to the wreck of a US Navy plane on black sand beaches, where all crew survived. The tour also includes a spin around south coast waterfalls, where one can walk behind for an unparalleled view. After a day of exploration, the Sky Lagoon offers a seven-step geothermal spa ritual: Laug (Lagoon), Kuldi (Cold plunge), Ylur (Sauna), Súld (Cold mist), Mýkt (Body scrub), Gufa (Steam room), and Saft (Crowberry juice).
Accommodation and Costs
Rooms at Grandi by Center Hotels start at £134 per night. The Puffin and Volcano Tour is priced from £200, the South Coast ATV tour from £219, and Sky Lagoon entrance from £87. Flights from London start at £106 on EasyJet or £221 on Icelandair. Dining out can be expensive, with two full meals often exceeding £100.
