Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

The most unusual part of this Reykjavik outing is the pairing: a three-hour search for whales in Faxaflói Bay followed by the world’s only live lava show. One experience puts you on cold, open water watching for movement; the other brings red-hot molten rock into a showroom under controlled conditions.

I like the heated indoor cabins, warm flotation overalls, and free WiFi on the boat. I also like that the whale tour includes a free return ticket if no whales are seen. The main catch is easy to miss: you must get between two separate locations in Reykjavik yourself, and the lava ticket remains valid only on the original date if the boat trip is canceled.

Key points

• Two very different Iceland experiences: Search Faxaflói Bay for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and possibly killer whales, then watch real molten lava flow indoors.
• The whale boat leaves from Geirsgata 11: Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the Special Tours departure.
• The lava show is at Fiskislóð 73: The two venues are not the same, so leave enough time for your own transportation and a break.
• Weather protection is built in: Warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets are available onboard.
• The schedule comes in two combinations: Whale watching at 9:00 with lava at 14:00, or whale watching at 13:00 with lava at 18:00.
• No wildlife sighting is guaranteed: If the boat finds no whales, you receive a free ticket to join again, but a canceled whale trip does not make the lava ticket refundable.

Why this unusual Reykjavik pairing works

I like this combination because the two parts show Iceland from opposite angles. The whale trip is patient and weather-dependent. You scan the water, watch seabirds, and take in the mountains and islands around Reykjavik while the crew searches for wildlife.

The lava show is controlled, warm, and precise. A host first explains Icelandic volcanism, then a stream of red-hot lava enters the showroom. The host uses it to demonstrate how molten rock behaves, turning geology into something you can see at close range.

That contrast gives the half-day a good rhythm. You are not spending four and a half hours on one boat or in one exhibit. Still, this is not a single continuous tour with one guide and one vehicle. Think of it as two booked activities connected by your own time in Reykjavik.

The advertised price is $154 per person. That is a fair consideration if you want both a marine wildlife trip and a volcanic experience without booking them separately. It is less attractive if you are mainly hoping for guaranteed whale sightings, since wildlife can stay underwater and the show is the only part with a fixed result.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 29 reviews, with especially strong praise for both activities together and for individual guides. Joe was singled out as a great guide, and another review described both parts as excellent. One useful warning came from a customer who did not realize the activities were in different parts of town. Treat that as a planning issue, not a small footnote.

Starting at Geirsgata 11 for the whale trip

Your whale-watching portion begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to check in, get oriented, and board without a last-minute rush.

The boat heads out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay. The stated search area includes minke whales and humpback whales, along with dolphins, harbour porpoises, and the rare possibility of killer whales. No one can promise which species you will see, or even promise a sighting on a particular departure.

That uncertainty is part of the nature of this outing. You are going to sea to look for wild animals, not visiting an aquarium with a scheduled feeding. The crew’s job is to search likely areas and help you understand what appears. Keep your expectations open and enjoy the bay itself, since the views of nearby mountains and islands are part of the trip even when the animals keep their distance.

The excursion lasts about three hours. That is enough time to search a broad stretch of water, but it also means you should prepare for changing conditions. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, even though warm flotation overalls are provided. The supplied clothing helps, but it does not replace layers, gloves, or a hat in Icelandic weather.

What the boat provides during three hours at sea

The boat has heated indoor cabins with toilets, a bar where you can buy food and drinks, and free WiFi. You can move between the indoor space and the outside viewing areas, using the cabin as a useful break when the wind or cold becomes too much.

Warm flotation overalls are included. These are practical equipment, not a reason to arrive in light clothing. Iceland’s weather can shift, and the best approach is to wear layers that you can adjust.

Complimentary seasickness tablets are available. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about them before the boat gets underway rather than waiting until you feel unwell. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them onboard.

The whale tour also includes information about different whale species. That educational side matters because a distant back or brief blow can be hard to identify without help. You will also learn about Iceland’s wider range of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, rather than focusing only on the largest animals.

During some periods of the year, the operator may use a shared boat with another activity partner for environmental reasons. The stated aim is to keep fewer boats on the water and reduce pressure on the marine setting. You may prefer a single-company departure, but the shared-boat arrangement is part of the operator’s effort to limit the number of vessels.

The one-hour break between the two activities

The schedule gives you a break between the boat trip and the lava show. With the early option, whale watching departs at 9:00 and the lava show begins at 14:00. With the later option, the boat leaves at 13:00 and the show begins at 18:00.

The supplied itinerary describes the full experience as 4.5 hours, while the whale trip lasts three hours, the break is about one hour, and the lava show lasts 50 minutes. In practical terms, allow time for the scheduled activities plus your transfer across Reykjavik and any waiting time.

This is where you need to pay attention. The whale departure point is Geirsgata 11, while Lava Show Reykjavik is at Fiskislóð 73. You do not get a transport bus with guidance between them, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Use the break to eat, warm up, and get to the second venue. Food and drink can be purchased on the boat, but you should not assume that your onboard purchase will cover the entire gap. The time is generous enough to make the change of location manageable, but only if you plan it in advance.

The separate locations are the biggest practical weakness of the booking. If you are comfortable navigating Reykjavik on your own, it is simple enough. If you prefer a fully escorted day where one guide handles every transfer, this arrangement may feel less convenient.

Entering Lava Show Reykjavik at Fiskislóð 73

The lava show takes place at Fiskislóð 73 in Reykjavik 101. It lasts about 50 minutes, so this is a compact activity rather than a long museum visit.

The presentation begins with a welcome from the host and a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism. It covers major eruptions in Icelandic history and the volcanic risks around the capital area. That introduction gives the live portion a useful setting, especially if you are not familiar with Iceland’s active geology.

Then molten lava flows into the showroom. The host works with the lava as part of the demonstration, showing its heat and movement while explaining what you are seeing. This is not simply a film or a model. The appeal is the direct sight of red-hot material in a safe indoor setting.

The show also includes man-made whale models and information about whale species as part of the wider booking experience, but the lava venue’s main focus is volcanic activity. If your interests lean toward geology, this part may be the stronger half of the day. It gives you a clear visual reference for the forces that shape Iceland.

One review called the show very short but very good. That is a useful way to set your expectations. At 50 minutes, it will not fill an afternoon by itself, but its short format makes it easy to combine with the boat trip. You get the main demonstration without committing to a long indoor program.

What makes the lava show worth adding

I like the show because it makes Iceland’s volcanic identity physical. You can read about eruptions, see photographs, and visit volcanic areas, but watching actual lava enter the room creates a different kind of understanding.

The presentation also links the spectacle to real hazards near Reykjavik. The host discusses the volcanic dangers surrounding the capital area, so the show is not only about spectacle. It explains why volcanic activity matters to people living in Iceland.

The setting is controlled and safe, which makes this a useful choice for families and for anyone who wants to see lava without hiking to a volcanic site. The supplied information does not promise audience participation or a specific viewing position, so book it for the demonstration and explanation rather than expecting a hands-on workshop.

The show is also a good answer to a common Iceland trip problem: you cannot control volcanic activity in the wild. A live lava demonstration gives you a reliable volcanic experience on a day when nature may not cooperate elsewhere.

Wildlife hopes and the free return option

Whale watching is always a search. The listed species include minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and killer whales, though killer whales are described as rare. That wording is important. You should not book this as a guaranteed killer whale trip.

A free ticket to join again is included if no sightings occur. This adds value, especially if you have several days in Reykjavik and can fit in another departure. It does not remove every risk: you need another available time, and you still need suitable weather and wildlife conditions.

The return policy also does not solve the combo-booking problem if the boat is canceled. In that case, the lava ticket remains valid only on the date originally booked and is non-refundable. If the marine part is the main reason you are booking, understand this before paying.

I would treat the free return ticket as a useful backup, not a guarantee. The strongest reason to choose this package is that the lava show gives you a definite experience even though the whale portion depends on nature.

Who should book this Reykjavik experience

This combo suits you if you want a half-day with two distinct themes, enjoy guided interpretation, and are willing to manage your own transfer between venues. It is also a sensible choice if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want both a boat trip and a volcanic activity on one booking.

Families may appreciate the mix of outdoor excitement and a short indoor show, though children and adults should bring suitable clothing for the boat. The heated cabins, toilets, flotation overalls, and seasickness tablets make the sea portion easier to handle.

It is a good match for first-time visitors who want an introduction to Iceland’s marine life and geology. The guides explain whale species, while the lava host connects volcanic activity to Iceland’s past and the area around Reykjavik.

You may want to skip it if you dislike uncertain wildlife trips or want a tour with hotel pickup and door-to-door transportation. You should also think twice if your schedule cannot absorb a canceled boat trip, since the lava ticket is tied to the original date.

The live guide language is English. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Is $154 a fair price for the combo?

At $154 per person, the value depends on how much use you will make of both parts. A three-hour whale trip includes equipment, indoor facilities, WiFi, a professional guide, and a free return option if no animals are seen. The lava ticket adds a rare, fixed volcanic demonstration that would otherwise require a separate booking.

I see the price as reasonable for someone who would book both activities anyway. The package saves you from arranging two separate reservations, but it does not include transport between them. Factor in your own local transportation and any food or drinks you buy during the break.

The price is less compelling if you only want to see lava or only want to search for whales. The package earns its value through variety. You are paying for two different types of access, not for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

My advice before you reserve

Choose the 9:00 whale departure and 14:00 lava show if you prefer to finish earlier. Choose the 13:00 boat and 18:00 lava show if you want a slower morning or need to fit other plans first.

Arrive 30 minutes early at Geirsgata 11. Wear layers, bring weather-appropriate clothing, and keep your schedule flexible around the sea portion. Before booking, confirm that you understand the two addresses: Geirsgata 11 for the boat and Fiskislóð 73 for the lava show.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Iceland schedule is still changing, but they do not alter the rule that a canceled whale trip leaves the lava ticket valid only on the original date and non-refundable.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want an efficient introduction to Iceland’s whales and volcanoes, and you are comfortable making your own way between the two Reykjavik venues. The heated boat, free return option after no sightings, and unusual live lava demonstration give the $154 price solid value for a full half-day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, hotel transfers, or one continuous guided program. For most independent visitors with suitable weather clothing and a little planning, this is a memorable pairing, especially if the chance to watch red-hot lava up close appeals as much as the whale search.

FAQ

Where does the experience begin?

The whale-watching portion begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled whale-watching departure.

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The whale-watching portion lasts about three hours.

What animals might I see?

The search includes minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, rarely, killer whales.

Is a whale sighting guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but you receive a free ticket to join again if no sightings occur.

Where is the lava show?

The lava show takes place at Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavik 101, Iceland.

How long does the lava show last?

The lava show lasts about 50 minutes.

Do the two activities take place in the same location?

No. The whale trip starts at Geirsgata 11, and the lava show is at Fiskislóð 73. You must arrange your own transportation between them.

Is transportation between the activities included?

No. Hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, and guidance on a transport bus are not included.

What is provided on the whale boat?

The boat has warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, free WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What are the scheduled departure combinations?

The available combinations are whale watching at 9:00 with the lava show at 14:00, or whale watching at 13:00 with the lava show at 18:00.

What happens if the whale tour is canceled?

The lava ticket remains valid only on the originally booked date and is non-refundable.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide language is English.