From Reykjavik: New Volcanic Area Helicopter Tour

Exploring Iceland’s volcanic activity from the air offers a perspective that’s both breathtaking and educational, and this helicopter tour from Reykjavik is a prime way to see the island’s recent volcanic eruptions. Although it’s a relatively short ride—around 40 minutes—what makes this experience stand out are the close-up views of lava fields, erupting craters, and natural landmarks like Mount Esja and Faxafloi Bay. I particularly like the chance to get near the lava flows and the fact that the tour includes stops where you can step out of the helicopter to see the volcanic activity up close.

That said, there are a few things to consider. Since the flight depends heavily on weather conditions, your plans might shift or get canceled if the skies aren’t cooperating—something that’s pretty common in Iceland. Also, at over $500 per person, this isn’t a budget activity, but when you weigh the rarity of the views and the expert pilots guiding you, it feels like a worthwhile splurge for many travelers.

Overall, what truly makes this tour shine are the well-informed guides and pilots—many reviews highlight how they go above and beyond to ensure everyone gets good views and plenty of photo opportunities. Plus, the chance to see a newly erupted volcano from above makes it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or just eager for an extraordinary view of Iceland’s raw power, this helicopter trip is a highlight not to miss.

Key points / Takeaways

• Close-up lava views: The tour offers the rare opportunity to see actively flowing lava and smoldering craters from a safe distance.
• Expert pilots: Many reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable pilots, like Juha and Tashi, who ensure safety and share interesting commentary.
• Flexible itinerary: The tour includes several stops—flying over Litli Hrutur, Geldingadalir, and Fagradalsfjall volcanoes, with chances to land close to eruptions if conditions allow.
• Weather-dependent experience: Iceland’s unpredictable weather can mean cancellations or rescheduling, so flexibility is key.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 6) enhance the experience, offering more personalized attention and better views from every seat.
• Value for money: At $531, it’s an investment, but reviews confirm that the spectacular sights and close-up encounters make it worth it for many travelers.

If you’re visiting Iceland and have a thirst for witnessing its volcanic activity firsthand, this helicopter tour is an experience that truly stands out. It combines the thrill of flying in a modern, safe aircraft with the chance to see some of the most recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland—most notably the ongoing activity near the Reykjanes Peninsula. With a duration of roughly 40 minutes, it’s a compact trip but packed with unforgettable sights.

Starting from Reykjavik’s Ace FBO, you’ll board a five- or six-seater helicopter, which means a small group—ideal for getting a good view and personalized attention. The tour is operated by GlacierHeli & Tourismiceland, who emphasize safety, pilot expertise, and flexibility. The experience begins with a short 5-minute flight over the capital region, giving you an aerial introduction to the landscape. Then, you’ll fly over the Litli Hrutur volcano, Geldingadalir, and Fagradalsfjall, with the last being the longest leg at around 10 minutes, allowing detailed views of the recent eruptions.

What Makes This Tour Special

One of the standout features is the chance to witness active volcanic sites just days after eruptions. As one reviewer mentioned, the volcano had erupted only a few days before their flight, making the experience even more surreal. Many describe circling the volcano, often landing nearby where you can step out of the helicopter to get close to flowing lava. “We even landed at the eruption site to explore the area,” said one pilot, Juha, who seems to be a favorite among passengers for his professionalism and enthusiasm.

The views from above are spectacular, with landmarks like Mount Esja and Faxafloi Bay adding to the panorama. Some reviewers note that the pilot will bank left and right, giving everyone a chance to see the volcano from different angles—another boon for photography lovers. The ability to land close to lava flows was a highlight for many, with one saying, “It was unbelievable to see the magma bubbling and flowing down toward the sea.”

What to Expect During the Flight

Expect a safety briefing, which many reviewers mention as thorough and friendly. The pilots, such as Tashi and Daniel, are praised for their knowledge and ability to make nervous flyers comfortable. The aircraft itself is described as modern and well-maintained, emphasizing safety and comfort.

Throughout the flight, you’ll get commentary—either live or via audio guide—that helps you understand what you see. The pilot’s goal is to provide excellent views from every side of the helicopter. Many reviews stress that they appreciated the opportunity to see both the erupting crater and older lava fields from multiple perspectives.

For those lucky enough to get favorable weather, the views are spectacular, and some have even managed to land for a few minutes for a close-up look at the lava. “Conditions were good, so we were able to land near a lava flow,” said a traveler, highlighting the flexibility of the tour when the weather allows.

The Real Value of This Experience

At $531, this isn’t a cheap outing, but many reviewers agree it’s worth every penny. They highlight that this is a rare opportunity to see Iceland’s recent volcanic activity from such an intimate vantage point. The fact that the tour includes stops—sometimes landing—means you can experience the eruption more closely than just flying overhead. Several reviews mention how the knowledgeable guides and friendly pilots enhance the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing flight.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent—a common factor in Iceland. You might get canceled or rescheduled, but many reviewers say the staff communicates clearly and tries to rebook if possible. The small group size means fewer crowds and more personalized service, which travelers seem to appreciate.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary is designed to maximize volcanic viewing while providing a smooth flight experience. Starting at Ace FBO, you’ll quickly ascend to get a broad view of Reykjavik, then dive into the volcanic activity. The stops at Litli Hrutur and Geldingadalir give you a chance to see lava flows up close from the air, and if conditions permit, land at the recent eruption site.

The highlight is the Fagradalsfjall volcano, where you can observe active lava and craters that have been erupting since 2021. Many describe circling the volcano several times, with the pilot allowing everyone to take photos and see the eruption from different angles. The final parts of the flight include flying over Grindavik and then returning to Reykjavik, where you’ll land back at the Ace FBO.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This helicopter experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who aren’t afraid of heights or quick weather changes. It’s an excellent choice for geology enthusiasts or anyone eager to see Iceland’s recent volcanic activity from above, especially since eruptions have occurred as recently as 2023. The small group size makes it ideal for those who want a more personal experience rather than a large bus tour.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Iceland’s volcanic landscape—with the bonus of knowledgeable guides—then this tour is hard to beat. Keep in mind, it’s a weather-dependent activity, so flexibility and patience are key.

FAQs

• How long is the helicopter tour? The flight lasts around 40 minutes, with total time including check-in and safety briefing.
• What is included in the tour? The experience includes the helicopter ride and a pilot, with no food or drinks included.
• Where does the tour start and end? It begins and ends at Ace FBO Reykjavík, located behind the Reykjavik Hotel Natura.
• Is the tour suitable for children or nervous flyers? The small group size and professional pilots make it a manageable experience, but check with the provider for age or health restrictions.
• Can I see the erupting volcano close-up? Yes, if weather and volcanic activity permit, the pilot may land nearby for a close-up view.
• What if the weather cancels my flight? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule if possible.
• How do I ensure I get good views? Book early, and listen to the pilot’s instructions to position yourself for the best sightlines.
• Is this a good value for the price? Many reviews say yes, citing the rarity of the views and the opportunity to see active eruptions up close.

To sum it up, this helicopter tour offers a remarkable way to witness Iceland’s recent volcanic activity firsthand. It’s an adventure that combines stunning aerial views with the thrill of being near active lava flows—an experience few other tours can match. While it requires some flexibility due to Iceland’s weather, those who do fly often rave about the knowledgeable pilots, spectacular scenery, and the unforgettable memories they take home. Perfect for those eager for a unique, awe-inspiring experience, it promises to be a highlight of any Iceland trip.