Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

Iceland does big, dramatic nature, but this combo pairs whales and a live lava show in one tight Reykjavik outing. You get the cold side of ice and the hot side of fire, with a boat ride first and a volcanic reenactment after.

I really like how the whale boat setup protects you from Reykjavik weather, with warm overalls and heated indoor cabins. I also like the added science angle, because the tour does more than point at animals, it explains what you are looking at.

The one drawback to plan around is logistics. The whale watching and lava show are at different spots in Reykjavik, so you’ll need your own transport to get between them.

Quick hits before you go

• Faxaflói Bay whale search: A guided sail from downtown Reykjavik aimed at minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins and harbour porpoises.
• Warmth on the water: Heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and warm flotation overalls, plus free WiFi onboard.
• A rare show format: The lava show is billed as the only live lava show in the world, with a host-led experience and an educational video first.
• Up-close models and species info: You get man-made models and learn about whale types, not just wildlife spotting.
• Seasickness help: Complimentary seasickness tablets are available, and you can dress for wind and spray.
• If whales do not show up: You get a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings.

Whale watching in Reykjavik and the live lava show, what you’re really buying

This is a half-day style combo that mixes two kinds of Iceland wonder. First, you go looking for whales in Faxaflói Bay, where the weather can change fast and patience matters. Then you switch gears to geology, where lava gets turned into something you can actually experience up close in a controlled setting.

The value here is not just that you get two activities. It’s that they complement each other. When you learn about volcanic dangers near Iceland’s capital area and the history of big eruptions during the lava show, the on-water portion starts to feel more connected. Iceland stops being “a place with cool photos” and starts feeling like a working system.

The combo price is listed at $154 per person. For that, you are paying for guided whale spotting time, the onboard comfort setup (overalls, heated cabins, toilets), and entry to a live show that is specifically designed to be hands-on and educational. If you are already in Reykjavik and you want both nature and geology without doing two separate days, it’s a strong fit.

Where you start, Geirsgata 11, and why arriving early matters

Your adventure begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. You’ll want to show up at least 30 minutes early.

Why the early arrival? You need time to check in, get oriented, and get your gear sorted before you head toward the departure area for the boat. Iceland weather also has a way of rushing your plans, so early check-in buys you breathing room.

From a practical standpoint, this meeting point also sets you up well for the rest of your day. Your whale watching time is booked first, and your lava show later in Reykjavik requires you to manage the timing and getting between locations.

On the water from Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay, what to expect

The whale watching portion runs about 3 hours and sails from Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay. The goal is to spot minke and humpback whales, along with dolphins and harbour porpoises. A killer whale is listed as a rare sighting, so think of it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

This is not a silent, stare-at-the-sea kind of trip. There is a guide onboard, and you’ll learn about whale species as you go. You also see man-made models up close, which helps you connect the science to what you might later see on the water.

What I find useful for deciding is how the boat experience is designed for comfort. You get warm flotation overalls, and there are heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities. There’s also a bar and free WiFi onboard. In other words, even if the sea is rough or you prefer shelter, you are not stuck outside the whole time.

A quick note on shared boats and the environment

Trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another partner during certain times of the year, due to environmental reasons. The provider says the goal is to keep the area pristine by limiting how many boats are on the water.

That’s worth knowing because it can affect how crowded things feel onboard. Still, the comfort features and indoor cabin setup help you manage it.

Species spotting in Faxaflói Bay, how to read what you see

Whale watching is part skill and part luck. You can’t control the animals, but you can control how prepared you are.

Here’s how this tour frames the chances. You are specifically looking for minke and humpback whales, which are common targets in this region’s wildlife season. You may also see dolphins and harbour porpoises. If conditions are right, that’s when rarer possibilities, like killer whales, can show up.

The guide’s whale education and the model viewing matter because it gives you a reference point. When you suddenly see a spout or a shape near the surface, you’ll have a better chance of making sense of it instead of guessing.

Also, the trip includes views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik, plus bird life. Even on a day when whales are slower than you want, the area still gives you plenty to watch.

Your best move on the day

Bring weather-appropriate layers and expect spray. Then, use the heated cabins strategically. Step outside to scan, then warm up before the cold wins. It’s a simple rhythm that keeps you alert.

The timing gap between whale watching and lava show, and the transport catch

Your booking is a combo, but the two parts do not happen at the same location. You’ll have a break after the boat portion, and then you go to the lava show address.

The times are listed as two options:

• Whale watching at 09:00 with the lava show at 14:00
• Whale watching at 13:00 with the lava show at 18:00

The meeting point for the whale side is Geirsgata 11, while the lava show is at Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavík 101.

So here’s the key planning tip: you provide your own transportation between the whale boat experience and the lava show location. Build extra time for getting there. That one detail can save you stress, especially if you arrive wet from the sea and want to change.

Lava show at Fiskislóð 73, what makes it different and why it works

The lava portion is 50 minutes and is billed as the only live lava show in the world. If you like volcanoes and geology, this is the part of the day that turns facts into a story you can feel.

At Fiskislóð 73, the show starts with a welcome by the host, then a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism. The video focuses on volcanoes near the capital area, with emphasis on the largest eruptions in Icelandic history and the volcanic dangers connected to the region.

After that, the lava begins flowing into the showroom. The host then engages with the lava during the experience. The goal is to show you red-hot lava up close in a safe environment, with an entertaining and educational approach you just don’t get in a typical museum talk.

There’s also a guided component around this time block, so you’re not just watching a performance and leaving. You should come away thinking differently about Iceland’s ice and fire relationship, not just remembering a cool effect.

Who runs the show

One name that comes up in the experience is Joe, who is specifically mentioned for being a great guide. That matters because a good host can make the science click, even if you are not a geology person.

Food, warmth, and seasickness, the stuff that changes your day

This combo is about experiences, not about meals. Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase them onboard for the whale watching portion.

For weather and comfort, you’re in good shape on the boat. Warm flotation overalls are included, and there are heated indoor cabins. Still, the wind off Faxaflói Bay can bite, so bring what you’d wear for a cold Reykjavík day and add layers.

Seasickness is real. The tour provides complimentary seasickness tablets, which is a practical touch. Even if you don’t usually get motion sickness, it’s helpful insurance.

For the lava show, you’ll want to be comfortable and dry enough to focus. If you come off the boat damp, plan a quick change or at least dry off before the show starts.

Price and value, is $154 a good deal for this mix

At $154 per person for the combo, you’re paying for:

• A guided whale watching sail with comfort features onboard
• Warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabin access
• A lava show in Reykjavik at a specific address
• Educational elements in both parts (species info and volcanic context)
• A safety net for whale sightings, with a free ticket to join again if there are none

Here’s how I’d judge value. Whale watching is weather dependent. The “no sightings” policy matters because it reduces one of the biggest risks of booking wildlife trips. On top of that, the boat is set up so you do not have to freeze outside to enjoy the experience.

Then you add the lava show, which is short, focused, and designed to be memorable. It’s also the kind of activity that works even when the weather is not cooperating for outdoors time.

If you have a half-day window in Reykjavik and you want a mix of nature plus volcanism in one ticket, the price lands in a reasonable spot. If you are only interested in one of the two parts, splitting it up might feel more efficient. But if you like variety, this combo is a sensible way to spend the time.

Practical tips that help you enjoy it more, not just attend

• Dress for wind. Even with overalls, you can still feel it, especially on the deck.
• Plan extra time between locations. Whale portion ends, then you go to Fiskislóð 73. Own-transport logistics are on you.
• Use the indoor cabins as part of your schedule, not as a last resort.
• If you get motion sickness easily, take advantage of the free tablets.
• Keep expectations flexible for animal sightings. The tour targets several species, but nature sets the pace.
• Expect the lava show to be educational, not just spectacle. The structure includes a welcome, video, then live lava in a safe environment.

Who this tour suits best, and who might prefer a different plan

This combo is a good match if you want:

• A wildlife outing in Faxaflói Bay with real guidance and comfort
• A volcano-focused show that explains Iceland’s geology in a practical way
• One single half-day that mixes ice and fire without driving far

It may feel like extra work if you hate coordinating between two separate Reykjavik locations. Since you provide your own transport, you need to be okay with moving from one part of town to another.

It’s also a good fit if you like learning. You get species education, plus volcanic context, and model viewing that helps you connect the information to what you experience.

Should you book Reykjavik whale watching plus the live lava show?

If you’re in Reykjavik for a short stay, I’d lean yes. The combo gives you two Iceland experiences that complement each other, and you’re not sacrificing comfort for the sake of adventure. The comfort onboard, the educational format, and the “free return if no sightings” safety net make it a more dependable choice than a pure wildlife gamble.

Book it if you can manage the key detail: transport between Geirsgata 11 and Fiskislóð 73. If you’re likely to miss connections, move slowly, or have zero flexibility, consider planning a separate day for one of the two activities.

If you handle logistics calmly, this is a solid use of a half-day in Reykjavik, where the sea might give you whales, and the show will explain why Iceland still looks like it’s being made in real time.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching and lava show combo?

The total duration is listed as 4.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the whale watching portion?

Meet at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early.

What time does whale watching run, and when is the lava show?

There are two scheduling options: 09:00 whale watching with 14:00 lava show, or 13:00 whale watching with 18:00 lava show.

Where is the live lava show located?

The lava show address is Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavík 101, Iceland.

What animals can I see on the whale watching trip?

The tour targets minke and humpback whales, and it also lists possible sightings of dolphins and harbour porpoises, with killer whales listed as a rare sighting.

Are warm overalls and indoor cabins included?

Yes. You get warm flotation overalls and access to heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities.

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes, free WiFi is included onboard the whale watching boat.

Are meals included in the price?

No. Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase them onboard.

What if the whale watching trip has no sightings?

You receive a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings.

Are pets allowed, and do I need to bring anything special?

Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed. Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Seasickness tablets are available for free.