Do I need climbing experience to explore the lava tunnel?

No. Raufarhólshellir is designed for comfortable, easy walking. Footbridges and well-maintained paths guide you through the 1,360-metre tunnel without scrambling or technical skills.

What whales and dolphins might I see?

Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Sightings depend on season and sea conditions; a knowledgeable guide will explain behaviour and ecology.

Is the 7-hour tour split between two locations?

Yes. You'll spend roughly 1.5–2 hours in the lava cave, then travel to Reykjavík's Old Harbour for a 3–3.5 hour whale-watching boat tour. Transport time between sites is included.

Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes with ankle support. The cave and boat tours both provide heavy-duty overalls. Winter visits demand extra insulation.

Are helmets and lights provided?

Yes, helmets and torches are supplied at the lava tunnel. Hot drinks (coffee and hot chocolate) are included on the whale-watching boat.

When do ice sculptures form in the cave?

Spectacular ice formations typically appear inside the cave entrance during winter months (November–February), creating an extra-magical experience if you visit then.

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The Lava Tunnel and Whale Watching

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

CavingWhale WatchingDay Trips & ExcursionsAdventure ToursCity Tours

About this activity

Combine two of Iceland's most iconic natural experiences in one immersive 7-hour day: explore the 1,360-metre Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel formed 5,200 years ago, then spot minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík's Old Harbour.

Experience the natural phenomenon of Raufarhólshellir lava tunnels as you explore it in an easy and enjoyable manner. The 1360 metre (4500 ft) tunnel was formed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago and is a unique Icelandic natural attraction. A guide will lead you through Raufarhólshellir’s colourful landscape where the formation of the tunnel is highlighted with beautiful lighting. Every winter, spectacular ice sculptures form inside the entrance of the cave, making the experience even more breathtaking. The roughest part of the lava is easily accessible with footbridges and paths so you can explore the cave in a comfortable way. Equipment such as helmets and lights is provided at the location but it is highly recommended that guests wear warm overalls and shoes with ankle support once inside.

The adventure continues as we head to the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík for a Whale Watching tour with Special Tours Wildlife Adventures. Experience the wild behaviour of the whales in Faxaflói bay while looking for these phenomenal species, including minke whales, harbour porpoises, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins. The tour includes a guide that will lead you through the experience with some interesting and useful information regarding the whales. Sit back, grab a hot chocolate or a coffee while enjoying these phenomenal creatures in warm overalls provided on board. (whale watching tour takes approx. 3-3.5 hours).

Your tour ends in the Old Harbour, a short walk from a variety of shops and restaurants in the city centre. A transfer back to your hotel can be purchased for an additional cost.

Lunch can be bought between tours down at the Reykjavík Harbour with multiple selection of restaurants. Please note that you may be short on time between the tours so keep in mind that sandwiches and snacks can also be bought on board the whale watching ship.

All clients on this tour get a 15% discount at Reykjavík Röst Bistro, coffee house and bar located on the Harbour.

Challenge your senses!

Tour schedule:

08:30 Pick-up from your location (if pre-booked)
09:00 Departure for SRE26 – Lava Tunnel Tour
10:00 Guided visit of the Lava Tunnel
12:00 Return to Reykjavík, drop-off at Bus Stop 4 (by Whale Watching operator: Special Tours)
13:00 Whale Watching Tour with Special Tours
approx at 16:00 End of activities

Highlights

✓Walk through a massive lava tunnel with illuminated rock formations and seasonal ice sculptures
✓Footbridges and maintained paths make the cave accessible without technical climbing skills
✓Whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói Bay with expert naturalist guide
✓Warm overalls and safety equipment provided throughout
✓Hot drinks included on the boat during wildlife viewing

Insider tips

★Winter visits (November–February) offer stunning ice formations at the cave entrance; bring a camera with good low-light capability
★Wear your own warm layers and sturdy ankle-support shoes under the provided overalls for comfort during the 1.5–2 hour cave walk
★Whale sightings are most frequent in summer and early autumn; winter whale-watching is possible but less reliable
★Arrive early at Old Harbour to secure a good spot on deck and avoid morning crowds

Good to know

•Total duration is 7 hours including transport between sites; cave exploration ~1.5–2 hours, whale watching ~3–3.5 hours
•Helmets and torches provided at the lava tunnel; you must bring warm overalls and waterproof jacket for the boat
•The cave is physically accessible via maintained paths and footbridges; no climbing or crawling required
•Old Harbour departure point is downtown Reykjavík; confirm exact meeting time and location with operator one day prior
•Seasickness is possible on the boat; consider medication if prone to motion sickness

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting diverse natural wonders in one dayWildlife enthusiasts and marine mammal photographersFamilies with children aged 6+ (cave is non-technical; boat may challenge very young kids)First-time Iceland visitors seeking iconic experiences near Reykjavík

Best time to visit

Visit June–September for the highest whale sighting probability and calm seas. Winter (November–February) showcases spectacular ice formations in the cave but offers fewer whale encounters; spring and autumn provide a balance of good cave conditions and decent marine wildlife activity.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Aisha V.

Feb 2026

our guide Pedro was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. On a rainy sunday so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in porto, and worked great for a solo traveller like me, and 6 stops in about 3 hours. Would book again no question, tbh

Anya L.

Nov 2025

our guide Jonas was nice enough, but the bit at the end nobody expects felt a bit rushed honestly, and would only really suit you if youre not fussy, 6 stops in about 3 hours, def recommend

Yuki S.

Apr 2025

Ana our guide very good, and the bit at the end nobody expects we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Phuket before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

from€187.82€187.59/ person

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