Iceland Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík
A 35–45 minute helicopter tour from Reykjavik over the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic eruption area — Geldingadalir (first eruption 2021) and Sundhnúkagígar crater row (eruptions 2023–2025). 30 minutes of flight time. Only 5–6 seats per helicopter for an intimate experience. Optional landing on the lava field. Operated by GlacierHeli from ACE FBO Reykjavik. 4.7/5 across 200 reviews. From $520.88 per person. Free cancellation.
About This Activity
Up to 24h, full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
30 min flight time
Intimate experience — not a large group
Optional walk on lava field when conditions allow
Aerial perspective of crater chains and new land
Why the Helicopter Tour Is in a Different Category from Ground Tours
You can see Iceland’s Reykjanes lava fields from the ground — hiking to them or taking the Volcano Shuttle Super Jeep. What you can’t get on the ground is the scale. From a helicopter at altitude, the extent of the lava fields becomes comprehensible: crater chains stretching kilometers, the black volcanic rock where Grindavík streets used to be, the contrast between old lava and new land, and the surrounding ocean and peninsula visible in every direction.
Mary F. (October 2025): “You think you see incredible stuff on the ground (and you do) but taking to the air is super special! We saw volcanic craters and lakes and were awed by the sheer scale of land around the volcano. We got to land on, then walk on, the lava field — which was a once in a lifetime experience. Our pilot was excellent, she explained everything and provided a smooth flight.”
The 5–6 seat limit means this is as far from a large group experience as possible. The pilot adjusts the route to ensure everyone gets a clear view — Susanne W. (August 2025) notes the pilot “flew bananas around it for 8 minutes ensuring that everyone could see it well, not depending on the seat chosen in the helicopter.”
The biggest practical variable: weather. Multiple reviewers describe cancellations or reschedules due to wind. The operator’s handling of this is consistently praised — communication in advance, rescheduling attempts, full refunds when no alternative slot is available. Kevin S. (May 2026): “Be flexible because weather is very unpredictable and safety is always first.” The operator recommends booking at the beginning of your Iceland trip to allow for rescheduling if needed.
The Itinerary
Reykjanes Peninsula — 20 Minutes Aerial
Aerial viewpoint over multiple eruption sites
The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s most geologically active regions — 30km from Reykjavik, home to multiple eruptions since 2021. From the helicopter you see the Fagradalsfjall crater (first eruption in 6,000 years, March 2021), the Sundhnúkagígar crater row (nine eruptions 2023–2025), the advancing lava fields, and the damaged areas of Grindavík below. The pilot provides commentary throughout on the geology and timeline of events.
Reykjavik Aerial Views — Pass By
On the flight path, you get aerial views of Reykjavik from above — the colourful city rooftops, Faxaflói Bay, and the contrast between the urban capital and the volcanic landscape to the south. Joseph K. (July 2025): “What a thrill to be in a helicopter. The pilot was very friendly and had a lot of interesting facts to say about Reykjavík.”
What’s Included
- Helicopter tour of new volcanic area — 30 minutes flight time
- Fuel surcharge
Not included: Hotel pickup — make your own way to GlacierHeli, ACE FBO Reykjavik (Nauthólsvegur 101, 105 Reykjavík, behind Reykjavik Hotel Natura). Food and drinks. Gratuities. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Maximum passenger weight: 243 lbs (110 kg) per person. Subject to weather cancellation — book early in your trip for rescheduling flexibility. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How the Experience Unfolds
| Season | Upsides | Downsides | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun–Aug (Summer) | Best weather window, longest days | Peak season — book 35 days ahead on average | 3–4 weeks |
| Year-round | Multiple departure times throughout the day | Iceland weather unpredictable in all seasons — flexibility essential | 2–3 weeks |
| Winter | Dramatic winter light and snow-dusted lava contrast | More cancellations due to wind — allow extra days for rescheduling | 2–3 weeks |
Important Information
Maximum weight: 243 lbs (110 kg) per passenger.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Weather cancellations happen. Book at the beginning of your Iceland trip to allow 1–2 days for rescheduling. The operator is praised for proactive communication and full refunds when rescheduling isn’t possible.
Maximum 5 travelers per helicopter. The pilot decides seating — don’t expect to choose your seat.
You make your own way to ACE FBO Reykjavik. It’s behind Reykjavik Hotel Natura, Nauthólsvegur 101.
What Travelers Said
⭐ 4.7/5 based on 200 reviews, recommended by 91% of travelers — Read all reviews on Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kelly R, United Kingdom — May 2026
We had the most incredible experience flying with this company. My partner and I took a helicopter tour out to a volcano and it honestly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The views were unreal, the whole trip felt smooth and safe, and our pilot was fantastic — knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about what he does. Absolutely unforgettable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kevin S, United States — May 2026
Our pilot Arron was exceptionally perfect. Super windy but always felt safe and secure. Be flexible because weather is very unpredictable and safety is always first. This was the best helicopter tour we have ever done. Seeing into a volcano is something everyone should do once in their lifetime. Book this tour!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mary F, United States — October 2025
You think you see incredible stuff on the ground but taking to the air is super special! We saw volcanic craters and lakes and were awed by the sheer scale of land around the volcano. We got to land on then walk on the lava field — a once in a lifetime experience. Our pilot was excellent, she explained everything and provided a smooth flight.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Susanne W, Germany — August 2025
A once in a lifetime experience to fly over an erupting volcano. The pilot flew ‘bananas’ around it for 8 minutes ensuring that everyone could see it well, not depending on the seat chosen in the helicopter. Afterwards we spent a few minutes seeing the old eruption sites. Amazing.
⭐⭐⭐ Mike G, United States — August 2025
It was cancelled due to bad weather. The weather cleared at 7 PM and we were able to book a later flight with another operator. Book early in your trip to allow flexibility for rescheduling.
Book the Iceland Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour
30 minutes of flight, 5–6 seats, panoramic views of Iceland’s youngest volcanic landscape. Optional lava field landing. From $520.88 per person with free cancellation.
Prefer to see the same volcanic area from the ground? See the Volcano Shuttle Super Jeep Tour to Iceland’s New Lava Fields — from $85, no hiking required. Or browse all Iceland volcano experiences at Iceland Volcano Tour.