Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show

Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show: An Honest Look

If you’re eyeing a trip to Iceland and want to experience a mix of its famous natural phenomena—whales and volcanoes—this tour might catch your eye. It combines whale watching with a visit to the world’s only live lava show, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s “ice and fire” reputation in just over four hours. While the idea sounds pretty compelling, it’s worth looking at what you’re really signing up for before booking.

What we like about this experience is its balance—you get a chance to see marine creatures in their habitat and see real, flowing lava in a safe environment. Plus, the tour offers free re-entries if no whales are spotted, which adds a bit of peace of mind. On the flip side, a potential concern is that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed—something it’s good to keep in mind, especially since that’s the main reason many travelers choose this tour.

This experience is best suited for those who love geology and marine life, and for travelers who want a well-rounded peek into Iceland’s natural wonders in a single afternoon. If you’re patient and open to the possibility of no whale sightings, it can be a memorable, educational outing.

Key Points

• Combination Tour: Mixes whale watching with the Lava Show, making it a unique experience.
• Chance of Sightings: If whales aren’t seen, you get a free ticket for a second cruise.
• Educational & Entertaining: Learn about volcanoes and see live lava, which is a rare experience.
• Timing & Flexibility: Multiple departure times, but be aware of the schedule.
• Weather Dependence: Conditions can cancel the trip; plan for slight variability.
• Group Size & Price: Up to 198 travelers at $145 per person, which is reasonable for the combination.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour kicks off from Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik, a central location easy to reach via public transportation or short taxi ride. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early—no last-minute rushes here. The activity is run by Reykjavik Sailors, a well-known local operator, which reassures most travelers about safety and organization.

The Whale Watching Cruise

The boat departs from Reykjavik’s harbor, offering a scenic start to your adventure. The trip lasts about four and a half hours in total, but the actual time spent cruising to the whale spotting area is relatively short thanks to the faster boat. You’ll head out to Kollafjöður, a bay with good chances of spotting minke whales, orcas, dolphins, and other marine life.

We’ve heard from travelers that, while the experience is lovely, seeing whales isn’t guaranteed—it’s a natural activity, after all. One reviewer shared, “The most ugly thing: we did not see whales!!!! It was the reason for our trip to Iceland,” but noted that the tour crew did offer a full refund of the whale-watching portion if no sightings occurred. This kind of policy helps mitigate the disappointment if the ocean stays quiet.

Comfort & Practicalities

During the cruise, you’ll be provided with warm flotation coveralls—a thoughtful touch that makes it easier to stay warm during a potentially chilly ride. The boat is designed to be quick and efficient, minimizing the time spent sailing and maximizing your chances of spotting whales.

The Lava Show Experience

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to geology with the Lava Show—a 50-minute close-up view of live, flowing lava. This is the only show of its kind in the world, and it often gets rave reviews from those with a fascination for volcanoes and molten rock. The show combines visuals, sounds, and smells to immerse you in the fiery world of Iceland’s volcanoes.

The setting is safe, but make no mistake: you’re getting real lava up close, which is pretty spectacular. The experience is as much about education as entertainment, teaching you about volcanoes and the intense heat that shapes Iceland’s landscape.

The Schedule & Flexibility

The tour offers two main schedules: morning whale watching at 09:00 followed by the Lava Show at 14:00, or an afternoon whale cruise at 13:00 with the Lava Show in the evening at 18:00. This flexibility means you can choose depending on your plans, but it’s wise to book early as the tours tend to fill up, especially in peak seasons.

Cost & Value

At $145 per person, this is a fair price considering it includes a around 4.5-hour cruise, warm coveralls, a 50-minute lava show, and a second whale cruise if no whales are seen initially. The inclusion of a free re-entry if whales aren’t spotted is a smart move, reducing the risk of disappointment. If your primary goal is to see whales, it’s a decent investment—though, as some reviews point out, sightings aren’t guaranteed, so managing expectations is key.

What Travelers Say

One review pointed out a significant drawback: “The most ugly thing: we did not see whales!!!! It was the reason for our trip to Iceland. And they canceled the event, the day I scheduled and paid for.” While this is frustrating, the tour’s policy of offering a full refund for the whale part if no whales are spotted does show they’re trying to be fair.

On the positive side, many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the stunning views of Reykjavik’s islands and skyline, and the quality of the Lava Show. One reviewer loved how sensory-rich the lava show was, highlighting the sights, smells, and sounds that made it unique.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early—at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Dress warmly and wear good footwear; weather can be unpredictable.
• Bring your camera to capture the lava and marine scenery.
• Be patient—marine life is unpredictable, and sightings can vary.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip; poor weather might cause cancellations.
• If you’re especially interested in volcanoes or lava, this show is a must-see.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This combined trip is perfect for curious travelers who appreciate both wildlife and geology. It’s suitable for those who don’t mind the possibility of no whale sightings since a re-visit is included. If you’re traveling with kids who love marine animals and volcanoes, it could also be a hit, provided they’re comfortable on boats and in crowds. However, if your main goal is to see whales at all costs, it’s wise to consider the weather and the unpredictability of sightings.

Final Thoughts

This Reykjavik combo tour offers an intriguing blend of sea and fire, encapsulating what makes Iceland so special. It’s a practical choice if you want a diverse experience without spending hours touring different sites. The opportunity to see live lava and enjoy the chance of whale sightings, alongside a knowledgeable crew, makes for an engaging outing. Just remember, nature’s unpredictability means patience is key, and flexibility helps you get the most out of it.

If your trip is timed right and the weather cooperates, it’s an adventure that can give you some vivid memories—whether it’s the thrill of a whale breach or the mesmerizing flow of lava.

FAQ

Is there a guarantee I will see whales?
No, whale sightings depend on ocean conditions, but if you don’t see whales during your first cruise, you’ll get a free ticket for a second one.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a whale-watching cruise, warm flotation overalls, a 50-minute Lava Show, and a chance to re-try whale watching if no whales are seen.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I wear?
Wear warm clothing and good footwear. The boat can be chilly, and the Lava Show involves being close to hot lava, so dress accordingly.

How long is the entire experience?
Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, split between the whale cruise and the Lava Show, with some flexibility depending on your schedule.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, most travelers can participate, and it could be interesting for children fascinated by marine life and volcanoes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik and returns to the same location after the activities.

What happens if I cancel less than 24 hours before?
You won’t receive a refund if canceled less than 24 hours before, so plan accordingly.

What if I miss my scheduled tour time?
It’s best to arrive early—late arrivals may not be accommodated, especially in busy periods.

How many people typically participate?
The tour can host up to 198 travelers, so it’s a fairly large group but still manageable.

This tour offers a distinctive taste of Iceland’s natural drama—if you’re flexible, patient, and curious, it’s likely to give you some memorable moments, even if the whales decide to be shy.