Two Iceland thrills in one half-day.

Faxaflói Bay whales, then real molten-lava drama, all tied together in Reykjavik. I especially like the combo value of doing boat time plus a hands-on geology show, and I love that the crew focuses on a smooth, warm whale hunt.

What makes this one work is the practical setup: you get warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins for the sail, plus a guided experience on land that explains what you are seeing. I also like the built-in backup idea, a free ticket to rejoin if there are no sightings.

One real consideration: the whale trip and the lava show run in different parts of town, so you should plan your own transport between them. If you expect everything to happen in one tight loop with no gaps, you may feel a bit unready.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Live lava, not just a talk, at Fiskislóð 73, with a short video and a host who gets playful once the lava starts flowing
• Whale watching from Old Harbour, sailing into Faxaflói Bay in search of minke and humpback whales
• Heated cabins and warm flotation overalls, so cold wind is less of a show-stopper
• More than whales, with chances for dolphins and harbour porpoises, plus a rare shot at killer whales
• A do-over if sightings fail, because you can rejoin for free if the boat search comes up empty
• A smart daily rhythm, with set pairings like 09:00 whale departure with a 14:00 lava show, or 13:00 with an 18:00 show

From Geirsgata 11 to Faxaflói Bay: the whale watching setup

This is a combo day, but it does not feel like one single attraction with one single location. You start at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, then head out for the whale watching cruise from the Old Harbour area.

Give yourself time to check in. You will want to be there 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. That early buffer matters in Reykjavik because you are meeting a specific group, boarding on a set schedule, and you do not want to stress while you are also trying to layer up for sea wind.

Once you are on board, the goal is straightforward: sail out into Faxaflói Bay and look for whales, not just take a scenic cruise. The search usually targets minke and humpback whales, and your guide also watches for dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Why the meeting point matters

Meeting at Geirsgata 11 keeps things centralized in Reykjavik. You are close enough to most downtown stays that you can get there without turning the morning into a logistics puzzle. If your hotel is far out, plan extra time so you do not arrive rushed and cold.

Warm gear, indoor cabins, and what you are actually hunting for

One of my favorite parts of this tour is that it is built for real sea weather. You get warm flotation overalls, which is a big deal in Iceland because wind can make a “quick splash of cold” feel like it lasts all day. On top of that, you also have heated indoor cabins and toilet facilities, so you can warm up without giving up your spot.

The boat is also set up for comfort in the way that helps you focus on the water. There is a bar onboard and free WiFi, so you can kill time between sightings. Even if you do not use it, it is a nice option when you are waiting for the next scan of the horizon.

Now, the fun part: what you might see. This tour is designed around a mix of possibilities:

• Minke whales and humpback whales are the main targets
• Dolphins and harbour porpoises are also on the radar
• Killer whales are mentioned as a rare sighting

That rare killer whale note is not just marketing. When a tour explicitly calls out the rare option, it usually means the crew has experience watching for it and is paying attention to more than one kind of movement. Real whale watching is never a guarantee, but good guiding raises your odds of seeing something.

The “backup if no sightings” factor

A lot of tours quietly ignore the worst-case scenario. This one gives you a free ticket to rejoin if there are no sightings. That changes the math. You are not just buying a gamble, you are buying a chance, plus a safety net if the bay is quiet.

The timing that links whale watching and lava, and the gap you must plan

The tour is sold as a combo, and the schedule pairs the two pieces in a practical way. You will see options like:

• 09:00 whale departure with a 14:00 lava show
• 13:00 whale departure with an 18:00 lava show

That helps you plan your day. Still, the key logistical thing is that the two events are in different locations. The whale cruise departs from the downtown Old Harbour area, while the lava show takes place at Fiskislóð 73.

So you need to figure out your transport between them. Some people are surprised by this, because they assume everything happens at one building with a simple handoff. To avoid stress, I suggest you map the route in advance and decide whether you will walk, bus, or grab a taxi depending on weather and how cold you are after the sea portion.

Your one-hour break is not just for resting

You get a break time before the lava part starts. Use it for simple things: warm layers, bathroom time, and a quick reset. If you want photos, this is also when you can step out and capture downtown Reykjavik at a more relaxed pace before heading to the show venue.

Fiskislóð 73 live lava show: geology made simple and fun

After the cruise, you head to the indoor lava experience at Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavík 101. The lava show itself is described as 50 minutes, and it is built to be accessible even if geology is not your thing.

The show starts with a welcome from the host, then a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism. It also connects the story to volcanoes and volcanic dangers around the capital area. In other words, it is not only entertainment. It is designed to help you connect Iceland’s visuals to why the ground moves and why people take volcanic risk seriously.

Then the room shifts from learning to spectacle. Once the lava starts flowing into the showroom, the host literally plays with the lava in a controlled, safe environment. The wording is playful on purpose, because the point is to make something that looks distant and scary feel understandable.

Why this lava show is worth your attention

Lots of Iceland activities teach you facts. This one tries to teach you feelings first, with close-up visuals that you can experience without needing special gear. If you have already seen steam vents or lava fields in your head from photos, this can act like a bridge, turning science terms into something you recognize.

And since it is indoors, it is a strong option for weather you cannot control. If the wind is fierce after the boat, the lava show gives you a warm, dry reset.

Also, if you get a guide like Joe, that helps. One review specifically praised Joe as being great, which lines up with what you want from a host who has to make the story clear while also managing a live setup.

What you need to bring, and what the tour already covers

You do not have to overthink gear, but you do need to dress for Iceland. The basic guidance is weather-appropriate clothing. In practice, plan for a mix of cold air, wind, and occasional spray on the water.

Here is what the tour supplies versus what you bring:

• Supplied: warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, onboard bar, free WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets
• On you: layered clothing suitable for cold wind and an extra warm layer for after you come in from the sea

If you are prone to motion sickness, take the seasickness tablets offered. Even if you do not usually get sick, Iceland waves can be unpredictable depending on wind and sea conditions.

What is not included

Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them onboard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, which is normal for Reykjavik day tours that rely on a central meeting point.

Boat rides plus indoor show: the value at $154 per person

At $154 per person for roughly a half-day combined experience, the value comes from two things: you are paying for a real whale-search cruise, and you are also paying for an admission-style indoor show that is unique and interactive.

It is not just that you get two activities. It is that the whale portion is comfortable enough to actually enjoy if the weather turns, thanks to heated cabins and warm overalls. Then the lava portion gives you the rare close-up experience of real molten lava in a safe setting.

You also get a confidence booster with the free ticket to rejoin if there are no whale sightings. That matters for pricing, because it reduces the downside risk of paying for a nature search that sometimes stays quiet.

Who should book this combo, and who should skip it

This is a strong match if:

• You want one day in Reykjavik to cover both sea wildlife and volcano learning
• You like the idea of a comfortable boat setup, not a bare-bones deck ride
• You want an activity that does not rely entirely on luck, since you get the rejoin option if no whales appear
• You are curious about Iceland’s geology but want it explained in a fun, accessible way

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate running between locations and do not want to handle your own transport
• You expect the whale and lava portions to happen at the exact same spot
• You are looking for a long, slow, in-depth museum-style geology experience. This show is short and focused, like a live presentation rather than a full day of lectures

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

If your Reykjavik schedule is tight, I think this combo earns its keep. You get a well-run whale watching cruise from downtown Reykjavik with warm gear, indoor comfort, and a clear plan for what the crew is scanning for. Then you switch to a warm, dry indoor experience that explains volcanic risk and lets you see molten lava up close in a controlled show setting.

Book it if you want a “high impact, not high stress” day and you are okay planning a simple transfer between the boat area and the Fiskislóð 73 venue. Skip it if you want zero logistics and zero gaps between activities.

If you do book, show up early at Geirsgata 11, dress for wind, and decide your route to Fiskislóð 73 ahead of time. That one bit of planning helps you enjoy the day instead of managing the clock.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point for your adventure is the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik.

How long is the whale watching part and the lava show?

The whale watching portion is 3 hours, and the lava show is about 50 minutes.

What whales and marine animals are you hoping to see?

The tour searches for minke and humpback whales, and it also looks for dolphins and harbour porpoises. Killer whales are mentioned as a rare sighting.

Is food included?

Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase them onboard.

What should I bring, and does the tour provide anything for warmth?

You should bring weather-appropriate clothing. The tour provides warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, and complimentary seasickness tablets are available.

What happens if the whale watching tour is canceled?

If the whale watching tour is canceled, the lava show ticket remains valid only on the originally booked date and is non-refundable.