PUFFINS & BIRDING IN THE ARCTIC

PUFFINS & BIRDING IN THE ARCTIC

Price

295€ per person

Minimum 2 guests

Duration

All day trip leaving from Utsjoki (Aurora Holidays) and covering two countries (Arctic Finland and Northern Norway)

Day

Tuesday (or by request)

Availability

From end of March to August

Activity Description

LOVE Puffins? Eager to see Eagles? Wanna watch some waders? Then this is the day trip that’ll blow your bird patterned socks off!

This is a guided full-day trip to the best locations for Arctic birding. We will board the minibus in Utsjoki and head towards the Puffin and other seabird nesting island on the Arctic Ocean; Hornoya. 

Our journey to the Puffins takes us through the magnificent views of northernmost Arctic Finland to the shores of the Arctic Ocean. We often spot White Tailed Eagles sitting by the fjord and will make stops for birding and sightseeing on our way.

We will board a small boat to reach the nesting island of Hornoya. On the island you will have plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph Puffins and other seabirds at a very close distance. We will stay on the narrow path to respect the wildlife, but even then you are surrounded by hundreds of birds. 

You will have approximately 2hrs to hang out with Puffins on the island before the boat will take us back to mainland. On the way back we take our time sightseeing by the Arctic Ocean and spotting eagles.

For PUFFINS ON SNOW: book your trip for end of March and during April. This is a unique time when the Puffins begin returning to their nesting island after a winter at sea and due to our Arctic location, there is often still snow on the ground or it is still snowing. Leading to a unique opportunity to observe and photograph Puffins in snowy conditions.

This trip includes:

- Transportation

- Guiding

- Tickets and boat transportation to Hornoya

- Sightseeing in Vadso, Vardo and Nesseby for birds and other sights.

- Packed lunch

- Small group

Bring with you:

- Layered warm waterproof (or birdpoop proof) clothing.

- Shoes that’ll keep your feet dry

- Camera and/or binoculars

- Snacks and water

- Excited bird spotting spirit

The first Puffins and seabirds begin arriving to the area in early April. This is a special time to observe Puffins and other birds in still snowy conditions. 

Spring and summer are active lekking and nesting time in the area. And closer to fall the birds begin preparing for their migration. From April to end of August there is always plenty to see and experience here. Though naturally, as always with wild animals, there are never any guarantees; on the nesting island of Hornoya you have 99,9% chance of hanging out with Puffins during their nesting season.

Disclaimer: All activities are dependent on weather condition and availability. Aurora Holidays reserves the right to make modifications to this trip for health and safety reasons.