Lava Tunnel & Whale Tour – Explore Iceland’s Natural Wonders
26,599 ISK/person
About the Tour
Experience two very different sides of Iceland on a combined Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel and whale-watching tour from Reykjavík. Begin with a guided underground exploration of Raufarhólshellir, where ancient lava flows created impressive rock formations, mineral colours and seasonal ice features. Later, continue to Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds with professional guidance. With cave safety equipment, transportation and the whale-watching experience arranged in one booking, this approximately seven-hour tour is designed for travellers who want to combine Iceland’s volcanic geology with its marine wildlife.
Ideal for : Couples, families, solo travellers, friends, wildlife lovers and geology enthusiasts looking to experience both an Icelandic lava tunnel and whale watching in one day.
What you'll Experience
- Guided Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel tour
- Underground volcanic formations
- Seasonal cave ice formations
- Icelandic volcanic geology
- Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay
- Possible dolphin and porpoise sightings
- Icelandic seabirds and coastal scenery
- Reykjavík Old Harbour
Included
✓ Tour transportation
✓ Guided lava tunnel experience
✓ English-speaking cave guide
✓ Lava tunnel admission
✓ Protective helmet
✓ Flashlight
✓ Whale-watching boat tour
✓ Professional wildlife guidance
✓ Warm overalls onboard
✓ Complimentary hot drink
Not Included
✕ Meals and additional drinks
✕ Hotel transfers if not selected
✕ Personal outdoor clothing
✕ Tips and gratuities
✕ Personal expenses
✕ Travel insurance
What to bring
In Iceland, conditions can feel cool inside the lava tunnel and colder at sea, so bring warm, weatherproof clothing suitable for both parts of the tour.
- Warm base layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm outdoor trousers
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Neck warmer
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or mobile phone
A helmet and flashlight are provided for the lava tunnel, and warm overalls are available for the whale-watching tour.
Tour Summary
Age
3 Years
Availability
All Year
Difficulty
Easy
Start
Reykjavik
Duration
7 Hours
Language
English
Meet on Location
Yes
Pickup
Yes
Start-time
09:00
Start
Reykjavik
Start-time
09:00
Duration
7 Hours
Tour Highlights
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
- Ancient lava formations
- Seasonal ice formations
- Reykjavík Old Harbour
- Faxaflói Bay
- Whale watching
- Dolphins and harbour porpoises
- Icelandic seabirds
Itinerary
Explore Iceland Underground and at Sea
Discover Iceland’s volcanic history beneath the surface before heading onto the waters of Faxaflói Bay in search of marine wildlife. This combination tour brings together geology and wildlife in one convenient Reykjavík-based experience.
1. Reykjavík Departure
Begin your journey from Reykjavík and travel towards Raufarhólshellir. During the drive, enjoy views of Iceland’s lava landscapes and prepare for the underground part of the experience.
2. Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Enter Raufarhólshellir with a professional guide and explore the volcanic formations created by ancient lava flows. Walk along the designated route while learning how the tunnel formed and how Iceland’s volcanic activity shaped the surrounding landscape.
3. Underground Lava Formations
See colourful mineral deposits, textured lava walls and natural openings inside the tunnel. During colder periods, seasonal ice formations may add another striking feature to the underground landscape.
The cave floor can be rocky or uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
4. Return to Reykjavík & Old Harbour
After the lava tunnel experience, continue back towards Reykjavík and make your way to the Old Harbour for the marine wildlife portion of the tour.
5. Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay
Board your whale-watching vessel and sail into Faxaflói Bay with an experienced guide. Search for marine wildlife such as minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises while learning about Iceland’s ocean ecosystem.
Wildlife sightings vary naturally and no specific species can be guaranteed.
6. Seabirds & Coastal Views
Enjoy views of Reykjavík’s coastline and surrounding mountains while looking for seabirds during the cruise. Puffins may be seen during their seasonal presence around Iceland, but sightings depend on the time of year and natural conditions.
7. Return to Reykjavík Harbour
Return to Reykjavík’s Old Harbour after the wildlife cruise. Depending on your booking arrangement, you can continue exploring the harbour area or make your own way back to your accommodation.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Experience
➤ Guided underground exploration
➤ Helmet and flashlight provided
➤ Natural volcanic formations
➤ Seasonal ice features possible
➤ Professional cave guide
The lava tunnel is a natural environment. Interior conditions, ice formations and visible features can vary by season.
Whale Watching Experience
➤ Guided cruise in Faxaflói Bay
➤ Marine wildlife commentary
➤ Warm overalls available
➤ Complimentary hot drink
➤ Wildlife sightings vary naturally
Whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings and specific species cannot be guaranteed.
Important Information Before Booking
- The complete experience lasts approximately seven hours
- The listed departure time is 09:00
- The page currently lists a minimum age of three years
- The cave floor can be rocky, damp and uneven
- Warm clothing is recommended inside the lava tunnel
- Helmet and flashlight are provided
- Seasonal ice formations are not guaranteed year-round
- Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed
- Specific whale species cannot be guaranteed
- Puffins are seasonal wildlife
- Sea conditions may affect the whale-watching route
- Warm overalls are available onboard
- Meals are not included
- Hotel transfers may cost extra
- Follow all cave and boat safety instructions
Why Choose this Tour ?
➤ Combine volcanic geology and marine wildlife in one day
➤ Explore Raufarhólshellir with a professional guide
➤ Search for whales and dolphins from Reykjavík
➤ Receive essential cave safety equipment
➤ Experience two contrasting Icelandic environments in one booking
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email.
- If we cancel due to severe weather or safety conditions, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Why Book with Us
Tour Amenities
➤ Guided lava tunnel admission
➤ Protective cave equipment
➤ Professional English-speaking guides
➤ Warm whale-watching overalls
➤ Reykjavík-based combination experience
Choose your preferred date, confirm your group size, and check live availability to reserve your tour.
Secure your place in just a few clicks and let us take care of the rest.
Cusomers Reviews
EXCELLENT
Based on 232 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Anthony OVerified
Tour guide with a sense of humour What can I say!! We were SO LUCKY with this tour, not only did the Northern Lights put on a show, the tour guide was funny/charismatic and charming!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Scott Van HornVerified
Highly recommend for a day! Our guide Lina was amazing! She knew exactly how long we needed at each place and made sure we did not miss anything! Her timing was perfect to avoid the crowds. Her driving was impeccable too. At one place she took us to the top, let us walk downhill, then picked us up at the bottom! And she made sure she took special group photos of us along the way. It was an amazing day.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
James HVerified
A great tour with Lina Our tour guide, Lina, was outstanding. She was knowledgeable, personable, flexible, and made the whole day a fun experience. I would highly recommend her, and this tour.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
FLYJADEVerified
Wonderful Golden Circle tour with Lina This tour of the Golden Circle was SO worth it! Our group of 6 saw so much in our 7 hour tour. We were visiting Reykjavík before getting on a cruise ship and wanted to see as much as possible. This was the best way to do it, as we saw more things than we would have compared to a tour with a big group. The day before, our driver Lina messaged me on whatsapp to confirm pickup location and time. The day of, she was there as promised. We saw everything we wanted to and Lina was very knowledgeable about each of the sights and surrounding areas during the drive (we were never bored). She was a great guide and answered all of our questions! I’m so happy we booked this experience to make the most of our trip.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Ross FVerified
The Golden Circle Tour was a wonderful introduction to Iceland. As beautiful as previous visitors had said made all the better by our guide, Lina. Though not a native of Iceland, Lina knew a number of “off the beaten path” stops to add to the tour. Our family could not have enjoyed the tour more. Thanks Lina.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Bob IVerified
Iceland Golden Circle Tour with Nice Travels Amazing day with our guide Bart. Saw so many amazing sites in Iceland. Waterfalls, volcano, Geyser, Tectonic plates, and ending with a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Nice Travel did a great job. Van was very clean and comfortable. Felt safe at all times. A trip I will never forget. I highly recommend Nice Travel group.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
shuchita mVerified
Great guide great service We did a ring road tour and were lucky to have Maria as our guide. Literally the ultimate tour guide. Born with generations of Icelandic blood, being a local gives her immense knowledge. She took us to some amazing additional spots apart from the typical tourist itinerary. Her humor helped gel with our group perfectly. She was attentive to every person's wishes in the group. She is truly a gem of Tourism Iceland.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
namita pVerified
Maria - The Simply Amazing Guide Iceland tour was a dream come true ! Our tour guide Maria was beyond superlatives. She made us tour every small little place that we wouldn’t ever have imagined to do ourselves….the tomato farm , the lupin fields, the brooks on the way & of course the must - see places of Iceland. She went out of the way to help do video and photo shoots in our chiffon Sarees by the black beach and waterfalls! We even danced and dedicated a song to her. She was so cooperative and proactive to make us feel comfortable. Highly recommended, especially for family tours .Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

