Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik, a tour that combines the thrill of spotting whales with the fiery spectacle of a live lava demonstration could be just what you need to get a well-rounded taste of Iceland’s natural wonders. This combo experience, offered by Reykjavik Sailors, promises a half-day of marine adventure and volcanic drama, and it’s designed for travelers who love nature, geology, and a bit of the unexpected.

We’re quite fond of the unique combination of whale watching and the Lava Show — it’s not often you get to see both Iceland’s majestic marine life and its fiery volcanic power in one go. Plus, the guides are noted for their professionalism and knowledge, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The Lava Show, in particular, offers a close-up look at flowing lava, which is rare and exciting for anyone curious about volcanic activity.

One drawback worth mentioning is the risk of cancellation due to weather, which can impact the whale-watching part of the trip. While the tour offers a full refund for the cruise if canceled, it’s good to be aware that Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. This means you might need some flexibility in your plans.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a well-balanced day filled with natural marvels — especially if you’re curious about Iceland’s iconic volcanoes and marine life. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone eager to deepen their Icelandic experience.

Key Points

• Combination of Experiences: Enjoy both whale watching and the Lava Show in one afternoon.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Safety and Comfort: Warm flotation overalls keep you cozy on the boat, and the Lava Show offers a safe, close-up view of flowing lava.
• Flexible Ticketing: If no whales are seen, you get a free ticket for a second cruise.
• Timing: The tours are scheduled with specific departure times, so planning ahead is wise.
• Weather Considerations: Be prepared for Iceland’s changeable weather, which can affect the cruise.
• Authentic Experience: The Lava Show is the only live lava demonstration in the world, making it a rare sight.
• Group Size: The tour accommodates up to 198 travelers, which means it’s lively but still manageable.
• Cost-Value Balance: At $145 per person, the tour offers a memorable introduction to Iceland’s natural environment.

A Detailed Look at the Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off in the heart of Reykjavik at Geirsgata 11 — a convenient location near public transportation and central to many accommodations. The meeting is scheduled at least 30 minutes before departure, giving you time to settle in and prepare. The activity lasts roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, balancing two distinct experiences—so you’ll want to set aside a good chunk of your afternoon for it.

The Whale Watching Cruise

The trip begins with a boat ride from Reykjavik’s picturesque harbour, sailing out to Kollafjöður, a bay renowned for whale sightings. The choice of a faster boat means less time sailing to the prime spotting area and more time looking for whales. The trip departs at 09:00 or 13:00, with the option for a second cruise if no whales are seen (a thoughtful feature, considering how elusive these gentle giants can be).

Once underway, the guides keep an eye out for minke whales, orcas, dolphins, and other marine life. We loved the way the guides shared insights about the animals and the local islands, making the journey both relaxing and informative. The provided warm flotation overalls are a thoughtful touch, shielding you from the Icelandic chill and sea spray, so you can focus on the views.

What You Might Expect: Marine Encounters

While whale sightings are not guaranteed—nature is unpredictable—the tour’s policy of offering a free second cruise if no whales are seen is reassuring. One reviewer candidly shared, “First of all, you cancelled the event, the day I scheduled and paid for. And then only saw water.” This highlights the unpredictability but also the tour’s effort to keep customers happy with a future opportunity.

The Lava Show

After returning from the sea, you’ll head to the Lava Show, scheduled at 14:00 or 18:00. This 50-minute spectacle is a highlight for geology buffs and those curious about Iceland’s fiery heart. What makes it special? It’s the only live lava show in the world, and it’s known for its vivid demonstration of flowing, glowing lava, with all senses engaged — you see, smell, hear, and feel the intense heat.

The show takes place in a controlled environment, where superheated lava pours into the auditorium. It’s a visual feast, and the chance to get close to real lava is rare. The reviews rave about the spectacle’s authenticity and educational value; one mentioned how the event is “incredible” and gives a real sense of what volcanoes can do.

Guides and Educational Value

Both parts of the tour are led by experienced guides who make an effort to provide context. The guides’ knowledge helps turn a simple boat ride or fiery display into an educational experience. For those interested in geology or Iceland’s volcanic landscape, the Lava Show offers fascinating insights into the power beneath the earth’s crust.

Practical Considerations

• Weather: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. It’s wise to dress warmly, wear good footwear, and bring your camera. If the weather cancels the whale watching, you get a full refund for that part but note that the Lava Show ticket remains valid only for the original date.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 198 travelers, the tour maintains a lively but manageable atmosphere.
• Cost: At $145 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the unique experiences and expert guides.
• Booking and Flexibility: Confirmations are swift, and the tour can be canceled for weather, providing some peace of mind.

What Reviewers Say

Authentic feedback helps paint a clearer picture. One traveler shared a negative experience, “The most ugly thing: we did not see whales. It was the reason for our trip,” highlighting that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed. Yet, the tour’s policy of offering a free second cruise tends to soften disappointment.

On the positive side, many reviewers mention the stunning views and the expert guides as standout aspects. The Lava Show, in particular, gets rave reviews for its spectacular and visceral display of flowing lava. The combination of marine and volcanic experiences makes this tour a well-rounded exploration of Iceland’s natural phenomena.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for adventurers eager to see both Iceland’s marine wildlife and volcanic activity. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences with nature rather than just sightseeing from afar. If you’re someone who finds value in knowledgeable guides and unique demonstrations, this tour will resonate.

It’s also a good fit for those with flexible schedules or a sense of adventure — willing to accept the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, but reassured by the tour’s policy of second chances.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For $145, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s signature natural elements: whales and lava. The guides’ professionalism, combined with the chance to see active volcanic flows up close, makes it a memorable outing. While the whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour’s policies and the inclusion of the Lava Show make it a compelling package.

This experience is particularly valuable for those with a curiosity about geology and marine life, as well as families or solo travelers looking for a safe yet exciting way to connect with Iceland’s environment. If you’re prepared for some weather variability and want to maximize your Icelandic adventure, this tour offers a well-balanced day — mixing the serenity of whale watching with the fiery spectacle of flowing lava.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $145 per person, which includes both the whale watching cruise and the Lava Show.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, split between the boat trip and the Lava Show.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides are experienced and provide informative commentary, making the tour both fun and educational.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, ideally with good footwear. The tour provides flotation overalls for the cruise, but layers are recommended for warmth.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
The tour offers a free ticket for a second cruise if no whales are sighted during your initial trip.

Are there any additional costs?
Snacks and beverages are sold on board. Also, there’s an optional backstage tour available for an extra 990 ISK (~$7).

Can I book the tour if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather, in which case you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund for the affected part.

What is the Lava Show like?
It’s a 50-minute live demonstration of flowing lava, where you can see, smell, hear, and feel the heat of real molten rock, making it a truly unique experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s generally family-friendly, especially if children are interested in volcanoes and marine life.

In summary, the Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show tour delivers a memorable glimpse into Iceland’s natural spectacles. It’s most suitable for those who enjoy authentic, guided experiences and are prepared for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. With a good mix of marine and volcanic wonders, it’s an adventure you’ll likely remember long after returning home.