Papey Island Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Remote expedition tender port

Best For

Puffin viewing, hiking, wilderness walks, photography, nature lovers, expedition cruises

Avoid If

You need shops, restaurants, nightlife, or easy accessibility; mobility issues or time constraints

Walkability

Not applicable—island exploration is on foot via trails; terrain is uneven and weather-dependent

Budget Fit

Low cost if you hike independently; activities are mostly free nature exploration

Good For Short Calls?

Yes, 4–6 hours is standard for a tender visit

Port Overview

Papey Island is a small, uninhabited island off the east coast of Iceland, reachable only by tender. It is primarily known for seabird colonies, especially puffins during breeding season (May–August). Ships do not dock; passengers board tenders from the main vessel anchored offshore. The island has no permanent infrastructure, commercial services, or facilities—it is pure nature. Seabourn and other expedition cruises include Papey as a wilderness exploration stop rather than a traditional port day. Go ashore if you love wildlife, hiking, photography, and solitude; skip it if weather is poor or if you need shops and cafés.

Is It Safe?

Papey is remote and weather-exposed; wind and rain are frequent even in summer. There are no emergency services on the island beyond your ship's radio contact. Stay on or near visible trails and do not venture to cliff edges without caution. Surf and waves can be unpredictable; avoid the rocky shoreline during heavy swells. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable. Dress warmly and waterproof—conditions can deteriorate quickly. The island is a protected nature reserve; do not disturb wildlife or remove anything. Puffins and other seabirds are sensitive to noise and sudden movement.

Accessibility & Walkability

Papey is not accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility. The tender landing involves stepping onto rocks and uneven beach; terrain is wet, muddy, and grassy. Trails are steep in places and have no railings. Sturdy hiking boots and reasonable fitness are essential. If you have mobility challenges, observe wildlife from the landing zone or remain aboard ship.

Outside the Terminal

You land on a rocky beach on Papey's west side. The immediate area is raw grassland with a simple shelter (sometimes present). There are no buildings, shops, or people. The sound is wind, seabirds, and waves. Trails lead east toward puffin colonies and north toward higher ground. Visibility and path clarity depend on weather and season. The first impression is isolation and wild Icelandic landscape—prepare accordingly.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

There are no restaurants, cafés, or shops on Papey. Bring water and snacks aboard the tender before you go ashore. Pack energy bars, sandwiches, or fruit if you plan a longer hike. Weather and tender schedules are unpredictable; do not rely on shore provisions. Your ship is your only dining option.

Shopping

There is no shopping on Papey. The island is uninhabited and protected. Bring any supplies—sunscreen, rain gear, camera batteries, snacks—before you leave the ship. The souvenir shops and small stores are in Seydisfjordur on the mainland, not accessible from Papey in a typical port day.

Money & Currency

Currency

Icelandic króna (ISK)

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

Not applicable—no shops or services

ATMs

None on Papey; use ATMs in Seydisfjordur or onboard the ship

Tipping

Not applicable

Notes

Bring cash or cards only if visiting the mainland; Papey itself is cashless and serviceless.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

May–August (puffin breeding season, mild weather, longer daylight)

Avoid

September–April (short daylight, heavy wind, rough seas, puffins absent)

Temperature

May–August: 10–14°C (50–57°F); September–April: 0–8°C (32–46°F)

Notes

Wind is constant and can be extreme. Rain is frequent even in summer. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof outer shell. Tender service depends entirely on sea state; heavy swells often cancel visits.

Airport Information

Airport

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS)

Distance

~35 km (driving) to Seydisfjordur, then tender to Papey; Papey has no air access

Getting there

Rent a car from Egilsstaðir to Seydisfjordur (45 min drive); arrange in advance if pre-cruising. Seydisfjordur is the mainland embarkation point for Papey tenders.

Notes

Most Seabourn passengers embark in Seydisfjordur or join the ship in Reykjavik. Papey is a port day, not an arrival port. Plan any pre-cruise stays in Seydisfjordur or nearby towns.