Whale Watching and Lava Show Reykjavik: Nature's Breathtaking Spectacle
Two of Iceland's most iconic natural encounters, combined into one unforgettable day.
This Reykjavik whale watching and lava show combo brings together two extraordinary experiences that capture the raw, elemental character of Iceland. You sail into Faxaflói Bay in search of marine giants, then step into the world's only live lava show to feel molten rock radiate heat just a few feet away. Together, these two activities deliver a genuine sense of Iceland's power above and below the surface.
The whale watching tour departs from Reykjavik's Old Harbour and ventures into the open bay aboard a vessel equipped with warm overalls, heated indoor cabins, a bar, and free WiFi. The crew focuses on locating Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and, on rare occasions, Killer whales. Scenic views of the surrounding mountains and islands accompany the voyage throughout.
The Lava Show takes place at Fiskislóð 73 in central Reykjavik. Real lava from the 1918 Katla eruption is superheated until molten and then poured into a showroom occupied by a seated audience. The experience engages multiple senses simultaneously as the room heats up, the lava crackles and flows, and a host guides visitors through the geological context.
Both experiences are designed to be accessible to a very wide audience. No prior knowledge of geology or marine biology is necessary, and the itinerary is structured so that participants have adequate time between the two activities to travel comfortably from the harbour to the lava show venue.
Tour Highlights
Sail into Faxaflói Bay on a search for Minke and Humpback whales departing from Reykjavik Old Harbour.
Watch real molten lava poured live into a showroom at the world's only live lava show.
Feel the intense heat radiating from flowing lava while seated safely just a few feet from the display.
Observe diverse seabird populations and panoramic coastal scenery throughout the bay crossing.
Enjoy heated onboard cabins, warm overalls, and free WiFi for a comfortable whale watching voyage.
Learn about Icelandic volcanism through an educational video and live host commentary at the Lava Show.
If no whales are spotted during the tour, you are invited to join another whale watching trip at no additional cost.
How the Day Unfolds
Check the tour status via the Daily Diary on the operator's website before heading out. Arrive at Geirsgata 11, the Special Tours ticket office, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you have booked the optional pickup service, be ready at your designated pickup point 60 minutes before departure.
Collect warm overalls provided on board and settle into the heated indoor cabin. The vessel departs from Reykjavik Old Harbour and heads into Faxaflói Bay, where the search for whales and dolphins begins.
The crew actively searches for Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and occasionally Killer whales. The tour also passes through areas offering views of Reykjavik's surrounding mountains, islands, and active seabird colonies. The tour at sea lasts approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
The vessel returns to Reykjavik Old Harbour to conclude the first part of the day. If no sightings occurred during the tour, participants may choose to board a subsequent departure free of charge.
Make your way to Fiskislóð 73 for the Lava Show. The 50-minute session opens with a welcome from the host and a short educational video on Icelandic volcanism, followed by a live pouring of superheated lava sourced from the 1918 Katla eruption into the seated showroom.
What Is Included and What Is Not
Included
- Whale watching boat tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour
- Warm overalls provided on board
- Heated indoor cabin access
- Complimentary seasickness tablets
- Free WiFi on board
- Lava Show entry at Fiskislóð 73
- Free repeat whale watching trip if no sightings occur
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (available as a paid add-on)
- Food and beverages (bar available on board at own cost)
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Whale watching is subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, the whale watching portion of the ticket is refunded or rescheduled. The Lava Show ticket remains valid only on the originally booked date and is non-refundable if the whale watching portion is cancelled.
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your place on this dual nature experience combining open-sea whale watching and a live volcanic eruption demonstration in central Reykjavik.
Book Now
