Whale Watching & Lava Show Reykjavik: Nature's Breathtaking Spectacle

5 Hours Round trip from Special Tours Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Combine whale watching and the Lava Show in one experience
  • 02 Cruise into Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík Old Harbour
  • 03 Look out for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises
  • 04 Enjoy views of Reykjavík’s mountains, islands, and birdlife
  • 05 Stay comfortable with warm overalls, heated indoor cabins, and onboard WiFi
  • 06 Experience the world’s only live lava show
  • 07 See and feel real molten lava up close in a safe setting
  • 08 Receive a complimentary second whale watching tour if no sightings occur

Combine two of Iceland’s most memorable experiences in one day: a whale watching cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and the remarkable Lava Show Reykjavík. Head out into Faxaflói Bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, on rare occasions, killer whales, while enjoying views of the mountains, islands, and birdlife around the capital.

Back on land, continue with the world’s only live lava show, where you can watch real molten lava flow in a safe indoor setting. This unique combo blends wildlife, scenery, and geology for an unforgettable introduction to Iceland’s nature and volcanic power.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Yes
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Whale Watching tour from Reykjavik

Check Tour Status:

Prior to arrival, check the tour status on our homepage in the Daily Diary.

Stay informed about any updates or changes via email.

Meeting Point:

Arrive at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik Old Harbour pier.

If you opted for pickup service, be ready at your designated pickup point 60 minutes before departure.

Boarding:

For those meeting directly, gather at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, 30 minutes before departure.

If using pickup service, our team will collect you from the designated point.

Embarkation:

Board our vessel equipped with warm overalls and find a comfortable spot in the heated indoor cabins.

Sail into Faxaflói Bay:

Depart from Reykjavik Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay.

Keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and the rare Killer whales.

Scenic Views:

Enjoy the spectacular views of Reykjavik's mountains, islands, and vibrant bird life.

Onboard Amenities:

Take advantage of complimentary seasickness tablets and stay connected with free WiFi.

Tour Duration:

The Whale Watching tour lasts approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.

Return to Harbour:

Conclude the tour by returning to Reykjavik Old Harbour.

Optional:

Consider joining us again for free if no sightings occurred.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions and whale sightings for the best possible experience.

Lava Show Reykjavík

LAVA SHOW is the world’s only live lava experience, recognized with multiple awards for its innovation as well as its educational and cultural impact. With exceptional visitor reviews, it has become one of Iceland’s top-rated attractions, offering a one-of-a-kind immersive experience unlike any other.

Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to witness real molten lava up close — watch it flow, listen to its crackling sounds, and feel the intense heat it radiates. A perfect combination of learning and entertainment, delivering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Special Tours 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Whale Watching:

  • 2.5-3.5 hours Whale Watching tour
  • Expert and professional guides
  • Complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur
  • Warm flotation overalls
  • Enjoy free WiFi on board
  • Relax in heated indoor cabins featuring convenient toilet facilities
  • Complimentary seasickness tablets available

Lava Show:

  • Safety first! Everybody gets goggles. It gets hot!
  • ~50 minutes Lava Show
  • Experience being close to REAL molten lava
  • See, smell, hear and feel the intense heat
  • Learn about Icelandic Volcanism
  • Watch as the Lava Master plays with flowing lava
  • Experience the only live Lava Show in the world

What's Not Included

Whale Watching 

  • Snacks and beverages, available for purchase on board and pickup service, offered at an extra charge.

Lava Show

  • Backstage Tour: 990 ISK(additional ~10 minutes after the show)
  • Snack and drinks in the cafe

Know before you go

Whale Watching:

  • Some of our boats are wheelchair accessible, but please contact our team in advance for more information and assistance.
  • Before your arrival, kindly check the tour status on our homepage in the Daily Diary.
  • Please meet us directly at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik Old Harbour pier, 30 minutes before departure.

Lava Show:

  • We always start our shows on time. Therefore, we strongly suggest that people to get there at least 15 minutes before the show starts, get their bearings, take in the beautiful lava-related interior, check out our gift shop, and perhaps buy a drink before the show.
  • It gets HOT in the showroom when the lava pours in so people are advised to remove some layers of clothing before the show starts. The show is a safe experience and the heat should not be an issue but pregnant women, people with infants, and people with cardiovascular diseases are recommended to sit in the back and/or close to the exits just to be on the safe side.
  • Everyone is advised to to keep their safety goggles on at all times during the show when there is lava in the showroom - also and especially when it is cooling down and solidifying.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík
Tour start
Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Special Tours.

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