Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Lava Show

Iceland’s two great forces meet here: glowing lava on land and whales in the cold waters of Faxaflói Bay. The Lava Show gives you a close view of real molten rock, while the boat trip shifts your attention to wildlife and open sea.

I like the clear contrast between the two parts, and I like the family-friendly setup. Children can follow the film and presentation, while adults get a useful look at Iceland’s volcanic past. The main thing to watch is the timing: a 6pm booking is for the Lava Show, while whale watching starts at 13:00 or at another time arranged with the provider.

Key points

• Real molten lava: Watch hot lava flow and see its changing colors and texture.
• Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay: Search for whales in their natural marine setting.
• Two very different Iceland experiences: Fire, then water, makes a memorable pairing.
• Useful onboard comforts: Warm overalls, heated indoor seating, Wi-Fi, a café, and restrooms are included.
• Good for families and groups: The film and presentation help younger visitors follow the volcanic story.
• Check the schedule carefully: The 6pm option refers to the Lava Show, not the whale-watching departure.

Fire first: seeing Iceland’s volcanic power indoors

The Lava Show is the more structured part of the experience. You enter a presentation centered on real molten lava, supported by a film and an explanation of Iceland’s volcanic history.

This is not simply a video about volcanoes. You get to see actual lava and watch how it forms. The heat, texture, and color make the subject easier to understand than a museum display or a page in a guidebook. The show turns a huge geological story into something you can watch at close range.

The presentation also gives useful context about how Iceland developed through volcanic activity. That matters because the whale-watching trip can otherwise feel like a separate outing. Together, the two parts show Iceland through its two most powerful natural forces: fire beneath the ground and life in the sea.

The show works well for families. One five-star booking specifically praised the way the children stayed captivated by the lava, film, and presenter. That is useful to know if you are planning a day with younger children who may lose interest during a long lecture. The visual parts do much of the work.

Try to sit near the front if you want the closest view. You can still see the show from other seats, but the front row gives you a better look at the lava itself and the presenter. Seating is not described as reserved, so arriving with enough time to choose a place may be sensible.

The film and presentation make the science easier to follow

I like that the Lava Show does not rely on spectacle alone. The film and spoken presentation give the molten rock a story. You learn how lava forms and how its appearance changes, rather than simply watching something hot move across a surface.

The colors are one of the memorable details. Molten lava does not look like a flat red river. Its appearance shifts with heat and cooling, and seeing those changes helps explain why volcanic rock can look so different once it hardens.

The presentation is in English, with a live English-speaking guide. No guide name is provided, so you should not expect a particular presenter. The quality of the experience may depend partly on the person leading the session, but the format itself is clear and visual.

A small practical point: one booking described the instructions as unclear because the booking information appeared to show only the Lava Show, not the whale watching. The provider responded well when contacted, but I would still confirm both parts before paying. This is especially important if you are booking the 6pm option.

From molten rock to Faxaflói Bay

The second half takes you onto Faxaflói Bay for whale watching. The setting changes quickly from an indoor demonstration to cold North Atlantic water and a wide view of the bay.

You are looking for whales in their natural habitat, not watching animals in a controlled setting. That gives the trip its real value, but it also means sightings cannot be guaranteed by the information provided. Wildlife follows its own timetable. You may see whales, but you should approach the outing as a search rather than a scheduled performance.

The shift from lava to sea makes the day unusually well balanced. The Lava Show is focused and predictable. The boat trip has more uncertainty and patience. One gives you a close look at a natural force that is placed before you; the other asks you to watch the water and wait for wildlife to appear.

That contrast suits visitors who want more than a standard city activity. You are not just collecting views. You are seeing two parts of Iceland’s identity in one plan, volcanic geology and marine life.

Warm clothing and indoor space matter on the boat

The whale-watching boat includes warm overalls and heated indoor seating. Those details are not decoration in Iceland. They affect how long you can stay outside and how comfortable the trip feels if the weather turns cold.

The heated interior gives you a place to warm up between periods outside. You also have access to a café and restrooms onboard, which makes the trip easier for families and groups. Free Wi-Fi is included as well, though the main reason to bring your phone is likely to take photographs rather than stay connected.

The warm overalls are especially useful if you did not pack proper outerwear. They do not replace sensible layers, but they make the boat more practical for a range of visitors. If you tend to get cold easily, dress for the conditions anyway.

The provided information does not specify the boat’s size, group capacity, exact route, or average time at sea. I would not assume a small private outing or a quiet cruise. You are booking a whale-watching experience with Special Tours Iceland, and the group format is not detailed.

Timing: the part you need to confirm

The schedule is the one area that needs careful attention. The experience is described as lasting one day, but it combines two activities with separate start times.

The key detail is simple:

• Whale watching starts at 13:00, or at another time if requested.
• A 6pm booking is for the Lava Show.
• You need to confirm how the two parts fit together before booking.

Do not read the 6pm option as the departure time for the whale-watching boat. That misunderstanding caused confusion for at least one booking, even though the provider replied helpfully after being contacted.

If you want both activities on the same day, ask for the exact meeting times and order. This matters more than usual because whale watching may begin in the early afternoon, while the Lava Show may be scheduled later. A clear plan will help you avoid rushing between locations or accidentally booking only one part.

The flexible timing can also be useful. Whale watching begins at 13:00 or later by request, so you may have some room to fit the day around other plans. Still, the available start times should be checked before you arrange transport or dinner.

Is $153 a fair price?

At $153 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense if you genuinely want both activities and would otherwise pay separately for a volcanic attraction and a whale-watching trip.

You are paying for two distinct experiences, English guidance, the lava presentation, the boat outing, warm overalls, heated indoor seating, a café, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. The comfort features are useful, but the real value rests on whether the combination suits your schedule and interests.

I would see the package as good value for a first Iceland visit when you want a broad introduction to the country’s natural forces. It gives you fire and water in one day, with enough structure for a family or group.

The value is weaker if you care only about whales. In that case, the Lava Show may feel like an unnecessary extra. It is also weaker if you want a long, specialized volcanic tour, since the experience centers on a presentation rather than a full-day journey through volcanic sites.

The biggest variable is the whale sighting. The package includes the chance to see whales in the bay, but no wildlife outing can promise what will appear. Keep that uncertainty in mind when judging the price.

Who will enjoy this most?

This experience suits families especially well. The Lava Show has a film, a presenter, and a clear visual subject, while the boat includes indoor heating, restrooms, and warm clothing. Those features reduce the strain of a full day with children.

It also works for groups with different interests. Someone fascinated by geology gets the lava. Someone more interested in animals gets the boat. You do not have to choose between an indoor attraction and a nature outing.

First-time visitors may find the pairing useful because it introduces two defining features of Iceland without requiring a long road trip. You can see the country’s volcanic character and its marine wildlife in a single plan.

I would be more cautious if you dislike uncertain wildlife outings, get seasick, or prefer a tightly timed itinerary. The provided details do not include sea conditions, the boat route, the chance of sightings, or a seasickness policy, so you should ask the provider if any of those issues affect your plans.

Accessibility and basic comforts

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is important for anyone planning around mobility needs. You should still confirm the exact arrangements for boarding the boat and moving between the two activities, since those details are not provided.

English is the listed tour language, and the activity includes a live English guide. If you need another language, do not assume one is available.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while arranging an Iceland itinerary. These policies help, but they do not remove the need to check the exact schedule before you commit.

My call: book it if you want fire and wildlife together

I would book this experience if you want a family-friendly day that combines a strong indoor attraction with a real wildlife outing. The Lava Show is the dependable part, with actual molten lava, a film, and a clear presentation. The whale watching adds the excitement and uncertainty of the open bay.

Before booking, confirm that your reservation includes both parts and ask for the exact whale-watching and Lava Show times. If those times work, $153 can be a reasonable price for the combination, especially when warm overalls, heated seating, and onboard facilities matter to you.

Choose something else if your main goal is only whale watching or if you want a full volcanic day outdoors. For everyone else, this is a practical way to experience Iceland’s fire and water in one well-matched outing.

FAQ

Where does the experience take place?

The experience takes place in Iceland’s Western Region and includes the Lava Show and whale watching in Faxaflói Bay.

What does the 6pm booking mean?

The 6pm booking is for the Lava Show. Whale watching starts at 13:00 or at another time arranged on request.

Is whale watching included with the Lava Show?

The activity is presented as a combination of the Lava Show and Special Tours whale watching. Confirm the exact schedule and both inclusions when booking, since the 6pm option refers specifically to the Lava Show.

What language is the experience offered in?

The live tour guide and listed activity language are English.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are included for the whale-watching portion.

Is there indoor seating on the boat?

Yes. Heated indoor seating is available onboard.

Are food and restroom facilities available?

The boat has a café and restrooms.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.