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The Lava Tunnel & Whale Watching
  • Cave tours
  • Sailing / Boat Tour
  • Whalewatching

The Lava Tunnel & Whale Watching

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Explore the magical Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, followed by an afternoon at sea searching for whales!

Tour type
Day Tour / Activity
Duration
7 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pickup service
Yes
Pickup time
30 min before
Booking in advance
2 days
Availability
September, October, November
Minimum age
No age limit
Guide
Live guide

The experience

About this tour

Begin your day by exploring the amazing Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. This tour leaves from the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík, where you will be transported from the city to the lava tunnel (approx. 45 minutes). Join your guide as you explore the lava tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. There is a footbridge and several paths over the roughest part of the terrain making the standard tour accessible by all. Impressive lighting in this part of the tunnel highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel. You will spend 55-60 minutes in the tunnel, and it is recommended to wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes with ankle support. Helmets and lights are provided on location. After the tour you will be dropped off in the Old Harbour where you will set sail for your Whale Watching tour.

We sail out at 13:00 for a 3-3.5 hour whale watching tour on one of our largest boats, Andrea. Grab a pair of the thermal overalls before heading to the top deck, or choose to grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the on-board cafe. Your guide will share their knowledge about the wildlife you might encounter on Faxaflói bay – not to mention all the spectacular nature that surrounds you when out on the bay. The whales you might encounter in the area are humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. End the tour back in the tour back in the beautiful Old Harbour area. Please note: hotel drop-off is not included after the whale watching, but can be added for an additional fee ahead of time.

 

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

  • Family Friendly
  • Group Friendly

What the price covers

Included
Inclusions For The Lava Tunnel: Bus Fare, Guided Caving Tour (english), Flash Light And Helmet.Inclusions For Whale Watching: Guided Boat Tour (english), Free Ticket To Try Again In Case Of No Sightings, Warm Floatable Overalls (also Available In Children's Sizes), Free Wi-fi On Board.
Not included
Food And DrinksHotel Pick-up For The Lava Tunnel (can Be Booked Separately For An Additional Fee)
Hotel Drop-off For Whale Watching (can Be Booked Separately For An Additional Fee)
Bring
  • We recommend bringing good outdoor shoes and warm clothing for both tours (water resistant clothing for the Lava Tunnel Walk, as there is often some water dripping from the ceiling) - and don't forget your camera!
Ticket types
  • Adults (16 - 100)
  • Youth (7 - 15)
  • Child - 6
  • Infant (3-5)

Where it starts

Meeting
Pick up
Pickup
Yes
Be ready
30 min before departure
Location code
Reykjavík (REY, IS)

Good to know

  • The Lava Tunnel: Warm Clothes And Sturdy Shoes Are Recommended And Bear In Mind That There Is Usually Some Water Dripping From The Ceiling So Wearing A Water Resistant Or Water Proof Jacket/clothes Is Recommended. Pick-up Is Operated By Reykjavík Excursions And The Bus Is Marked ''tour Pick Up''.
  • Whale Watching: We Provide Thermal Overalls On Board, But Still Recommend Sturdy Shoes And Warm Clothing. We Also Recommend Bringing Some Sunscreen, Especially During The Summer Months.

Your ticket

  • You begin with The Lava Tunnel. Pick-up starts at 8:30 and is operated by Reykjavík Excursions. If your pick up has not arrived 20 minutes after starting, please call +354 580 5400. 
  • If you miss your pick-up, you need to make your own way to the BSÍ Bus Terminal before the departure time at 9:00.
  • After The Lava Tunnel, you will be dropped off at the BSÍ Bus Terminal, where you will be picked up by Special Tours for your Whale Watching tour at 13:00.
  • The Special Tours Iceland app is now available for Andriod and Apple. It is available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese). Download before or during your trip for in-depth information about our tours, boats, wildlife, and more!
Type
Day Tour / Activity
Season
September, October, November
Requests confirmed within
2 days
Live guide
English
Details updated
21 Sep 2026