Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

Real lava is the star here. At Reykjavik’s Lava Show, molten rock flows into the room while a host explains Iceland’s volcanoes and plays with the glowing material. Earlier or later, depending on your booking, you head into Faxaflói Bay to look for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and the occasional killer whale.

I like the smart pairing of Icelandic geology and wildlife in one half-day. I also like the practical boat comforts: warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilets, WiFi, and free seasickness tablets. The catch is important: the whale boat and Lava Show are in different parts of Reykjavik, so you must arrange your own transport between them.

Key points to know before you book

• Real lava flows into the showroom: The 50-minute Lava Show uses heated lava for a close, safe look at Iceland’s volcanic force.
• Faxaflói Bay offers varied wildlife: Minke and humpback whales are the main hopes, with dolphins, harbour porpoises, birds, and rare killer whales also possible.
• Two different venues require planning: The boat leaves from Geirsgata 11, while the Lava Show is at Fiskislóð 73.
• You get a second whale-watching ticket if nothing appears: This helps soften the risk of an empty wildlife outing.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive flotation overalls, and the boat has heated indoor seating, a toilet, WiFi, and seasickness tablets.
• The timing creates a useful break: Choose 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.

Two Iceland stories in one Reykjavik outing

Iceland is often presented as a country of fire and ice, but those words can feel like a slogan until you see what they mean. This outing gives you two clear examples: living animals moving through cold North Atlantic water, and molten rock glowing under controlled conditions.

The whale cruise is the larger part of the day, lasting about three hours. The Lava Show takes 50 minutes and is more focused, with a host, a short film, and a close look at lava itself.

That contrast works well. On the boat, you need patience and a little luck. At the show, the main event is planned and visible. I would not treat the whale cruise as a guaranteed wildlife display, but the volcanic presentation gives you a strong second part even if the bay is quiet.

The combined price is $154 per person. That is not a budget activity, yet you are paying for two separate attractions, professional guides, warm boat equipment, and a return option if no whales or dolphins are seen. The value depends on whether you want both subjects. If you only want to see lava, a separate Lava Show ticket would make more sense. If you want a wildlife cruise as well, combining them saves you from arranging two unrelated bookings.

Setting out from Geirsgata 11

The whale-watching portion begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, not at the advertised sailing time.

That early arrival matters because the boat leaves on schedule, and you may need time to check in and receive instructions. Bring weather-appropriate clothing even though warm flotation overalls are provided. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the overalls are useful protection rather than a substitute for a warm base layer.

The listed whale departures are 9:00 and 13:00. Your Lava Show time is then either 14:00 or 18:00. Check your assigned combination carefully before booking, since the order and gap between activities affect how your day feels.

The boat may be operated with a partner during certain parts of the year. This is an environmental choice intended to put fewer vessels on the water. It may mean the boat or crew arrangement differs from what you expected, but the stated aim is to reduce pressure on the bay.

Three hours in Faxaflói Bay

Once you leave Reykjavik, the point is not simply to reach a whale. The cruise also gives you views of the mountains and islands around the city, along with bird life on and around the water.

The crew searches Faxaflói Bay for minke whales and humpback whales. Dolphins and harbour porpoises are also possible, while killer whales are described as a rare sighting. That list gives you a good sense of the outing: you are watching a broad area of open water, not visiting a fixed animal enclosure.

A minke whale can appear briefly, while a humpback may offer a more dramatic sighting. Still, no schedule can control wildlife. Sea conditions, weather, season, and animal movement all affect what you see. The free ticket to join again in case of no sightings is therefore one of the most useful inclusions. It does not make the first trip successful, but it gives you a second chance if your schedule allows.

I like that the boat has heated indoor cabins. You can step inside when the wind turns sharp, warm up, and return outside when the crew spots something. The onboard bar lets you buy food and drinks, though these are not included. Free WiFi is also available, and complimentary seasickness tablets can be requested.

The flotation overalls are another practical touch. They add warmth and safety on a boat, but you should still dress for the weather. Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably between the outside deck and the indoor cabin.

One limitation is that the supplied information does not promise a specific boat size or group size. You should therefore choose this outing for the wildlife and setting, not because you expect an intimate private cruise.

What the Lava Show actually does

The Lava Show is at Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavik 101, not at the whale departure point. It begins with a welcome from the host and a short educational film about Icelandic volcanism.

The presentation covers major eruptions in Icelandic history and volcanic dangers around the capital area. That context makes the lava more than a glowing visual effect. You get a basic explanation of why Iceland has active volcanic systems and why eruptions matter to people living in and around Reykjavik.

Then the show changes pace. Red-hot lava flows into the showroom, and the host handles and moves it as part of the demonstration. You see molten material at close range in a controlled setting, without the difficult conditions of standing near an actual eruption.

This is the activity’s strongest feature. A volcano hike can be weather-dependent and may require a long journey, while the Lava Show gives you a direct look at hot lava in the city. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants geology explained without a long lecture.

The show lasts 50 minutes. One booking described it as short but very good, which is a fair expectation. You are not getting a full afternoon of volcanology. You are getting a tightly timed presentation built around the moment when the lava enters the room.

Allow time to cross Reykjavik

The most important planning detail is also the easiest to miss: these are separate activities at separate locations. The whale boat leaves from Geirsgata 11, while the Lava Show takes place at Fiskislóð 73.

The one-hour break shown in the schedule is your window to get from one activity to the other, depending on the departure combination. You arrange that transport yourself, and no transport guidance is included. I would check the route before the day begins rather than assuming the two venues are next door.

For the morning option, you go whale watching at 9:00 and attend the Lava Show at 14:00. This gives you a longer gap after the cruise. For the afternoon option, the boat leaves at 13:00 and the Lava Show begins at 18:00.

The gap is useful for food, a short rest, and changing out of boat gear. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but you should not count on those being part of the ticket. Since the scheduled day is described as 4.5 hours, keep your plans flexible around the listed activity times.

Guides, teaching, and the tone of the day

The tour runs in English with live guides. On the boat, the guide helps explain the marine life and points out the setting around Reykjavik. At the Lava Show, the host combines instruction with the physical drama of moving hot lava.

A booking specifically praised a guide named Joe. Guide assignments can change, so I would not book solely on the expectation that Joe will lead your trip. Still, the mention suggests that the guide can make a difference, especially on a whale cruise where clear explanations and good spotting help you understand what you are seeing.

The format suits people who prefer learning through a mix of explanation and action. You hear about Icelandic volcanoes, see models and educational material, then watch real lava flow. On the cruise, you learn about whales, dolphins, and porpoises while looking for them in their natural setting.

Who will get the most from this combination

I would recommend this for a first visit to Reykjavik when you want two major Iceland themes without booking separate full-day excursions. Families, couples, and independent visitors can all make good use of the format, especially if they have only a limited amount of time in the city.

It also suits anyone who likes variety. Three hours at sea followed by a concentrated volcanic show feels less repetitive than spending the whole day on one kind of sightseeing.

The outing is less suitable if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, dislike open-water conditions, or want door-to-door transport. The whale trip depends on nature, and the city transfer between activities is your responsibility.

It may also be a poor fit for a schedule packed with fixed dinner reservations or another timed tour. The cruise can be affected by conditions, and the exact transition between venues deserves a little breathing room.

Price, cancellation, and practical details

At $154, this is a moderate-to-high priced half-day outing. I see the price as reasonable if you plan to do both activities anyway, since it includes the cruise, Lava Show, guides, protective boat gear, indoor facilities, WiFi, and a return whale-watching ticket if no sightings occur.

The ticket does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, food, drinks, or transport between the two Reykjavik venues. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. One important condition applies to the combo: if the whale-watching trip is canceled, the Lava Show ticket remains valid only for the originally booked date and is non-refundable.

That rule makes the scheduling detail especially important. If the boat is canceled, you cannot automatically shift the Lava Show to another day under the stated terms.

Should you book this Reykjavik combo?

Book it if you want a practical introduction to Iceland’s wildlife and volcanic power, and you are comfortable arranging your own short transfer between venues. The live lava demonstration is the more dependable highlight, while the whale cruise adds real excitement but cannot promise an animal appearance.

I especially like the combination for a compact Reykjavik stay. You get mountain and island views from Faxaflói Bay, a chance to see several marine species, and a close look at red-hot lava without leaving the capital.

Before paying, confirm your departure times, note both addresses, and leave enough time between activities. If you do that planning, this is a well-balanced half-day with one element based on luck and one built around a guaranteed volcanic presentation.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour begin?

It begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik.

Where is the Lava Show held?

The Lava Show is at Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavik 101, Iceland.

How early should I arrive for whale watching?

You should arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

What whale species might I see?

The cruise searches for minke whales and humpback whales. Dolphins, harbour porpoises, and rare killer whales are also possible.

How long is the whale-watching cruise?

The whale-watching portion lasts about three hours.

How long is the Lava Show?

The Lava Show lasts 50 minutes.

Are the two activities in the same location?

No. The whale boat leaves from Geirsgata 11, while the Lava Show is at Fiskislóð 73. You must arrange your own transport between them.

What is included on the boat?

The boat provides warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, free WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a free ticket to join the whale-watching tour again in case of no sightings.