From Reykjavik: New Volcanic Area Helicopter Tour

The star of this flight is not simply the helicopter ride. It is the chance to look down on a new volcanic area shaped by recent eruptions, with black lava fields, old craters, and perhaps a glowing fissure or steaming crater. From Reykjavik, you also get wide views of Mount Esja and Faxafloi Bay before reaching the Reykjanes Peninsula.

I like two things here: the small five- or six-seat aircraft gives the pilot room to circle so both sides can see, and the route covers several eruption sites rather than just one. The main drawback is the price, $577 per person, for only about 40 minutes in the air. You are paying for access and a rare view of active geology, not a long sightseeing flight.

Key points at a glance

• Recent volcanic ground: Fly over the Litli Hrutur, Geldingadalir, and Fagradalsfjall eruption areas near Grindavik.
• Small aircraft: The helicopter carries only five or six people, keeping the group compact.
• Active lava is not guaranteed: Eruptions can stop, change, or be hidden by weather and official safety rules.
• Strong pilot service: Pilots such as Laura and Tamas have been praised for calm flying, clear commentary, and repeated turns for better views.
• Possible lava-field landing: In suitable conditions, the helicopter may touch down near old lava so you can walk briefly on the ground.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure, and flights may be moved if weather or safety rules close the route.

Why this flight is different from a normal Reykjavik tour

A bus trip can bring you near Iceland’s volcanic ground, but a helicopter shows you the full pattern. From above, individual craters make sense as part of a much larger zone of fissures, lava streams, and dark fields stretching across the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The area has seen 12 eruptions in the last four years, according to the tour information. That does not mean you will see an eruption on your chosen day. It does mean you are flying over ground that has changed recently, sometimes dramatically, rather than visiting an old, inactive volcanic monument.

I especially like the mix of views. The flight begins with the capital area, then opens toward Faxafloi Bay and Mount Esja before turning toward the volcanic sites. The contrast is striking: city and sea behind you, then rough black lava and fresh craters ahead.

The helicopter is a five- or six-seater, so this is not a large sightseeing aircraft with rows of passengers. That matters when the pilot banks around the crater. You have a better chance of seeing the main feature clearly, and the pilot can make additional loops so people on both sides get a fair look.

Leaving Ace FBO Reykjavik

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavik, just behind Reykjavik Hotel Natura. The operator works from the ACE FBO building, not from a downtown tour-bus stop, so check the address carefully before setting out.

The preflight portion is brief, but the staff provide the required safety information before you board. Some departures have included complimentary coffee, tea, and water while people wait. The tour operates in English, with a live pilot and an English audio guide included.

You should allow a little flexibility around the scheduled time. Helicopter departures depend on weather, visibility, airspace, and instructions from Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. A flight can be delayed, moved, or cancelled for safety reasons. That is frustrating when you have a packed day, but it is the correct tradeoff for a flight near volcanic ground.

A minimum of four passengers is needed for the flight to operate. If you weigh more than 120 kilograms, you must book an extra seat. That is worth sorting out before arrival rather than at the airfield.

The five-minute flight over Reykjavik and the capital region

The first section takes about five minutes over the Capital Region. This is a short orientation rather than a separate stop, but it gives you a useful change of scale.

From a helicopter, Reykjavik becomes a compact coastal city, while the surrounding water and mountains open up around it. Mount Esja is one of the major visual points, and Faxafloi Bay helps you understand how exposed Iceland’s capital is to the sea.

You will want your camera ready early. The clearest views are not limited to the volcanic area, and the flight back can offer a second look at the city and bay. Keep in mind that window reflections, helicopter vibration, and changing light can affect photos, so look first and photograph second.

Litli Hrutur and the first volcanic views

The route then heads toward Litli Hrutur, one of the named volcanic sites on the itinerary. This area became known for recent eruptive activity, and from above you may see a crater, dark lava, or old flow channels.

The key point is that volcanic activity is temporary. A site described as active at one point may be quiet by the time you arrive. The company makes no promise of visible lava, and that promise would not be realistic for a natural event that can stop without warning.

Even without red-hot rock, the view can be worthwhile. Fresh lava has a rough, unsettled appearance that differs from older Icelandic ground. The pilot’s commentary helps you connect what you see with the eruption sites and the sequence of recent events.

Geldingadalir and Fagradalsfjall from above

Next comes Geldingadalir, followed by Fagradalsfjall. These are listed as separate parts of the route, though the helicopter flight flows continuously from one area to the next.

Geldingadalir is important because it forms part of the recent eruption zone, while Fagradalsfjall gives the route another broad volcanic viewpoint. Looking from above, you can compare crater shapes, lava textures, and the way flows spread across lower ground.

The Fagradalsfjall section receives about ten minutes in the stated schedule, making it one of the longer portions of the flight. That extra time matters. The pilot can circle, approach from different angles, and give passengers on both sides a chance to see the craters.

Pilots have made a point of checking that everyone is happy with the view. That sounds minor, but it is useful in a small helicopter, where your seat angle can affect what you see. On clear flights, pilots have looped around the volcanic features several times rather than making one quick pass.

Grindavik and the changing volcanic zone

The route continues toward Grindavik for about ten minutes. This is the section most closely tied to the recent volcanic changes on the peninsula.

From the air, you may see lava fields, fissures, steaming areas, and the relationship between the volcanic ground and the town. You may also see the effects of eruptions in a region where residents have faced evacuations and major disruption. The view is spectacular, but it is not just a scenic backdrop. It shows a living hazard and a community affected by it.

If an eruption is active and flight rules permit access, the sight can be extraordinary: smoke, glowing rock, or lava moving across the field. Yet this is also where expectations need the most care. An eruption might end before your departure, the viewing area might be closed, or clouds may hide the important features.

A few flights have landed near old lava for a short walk. That is a special bonus, not part of the guaranteed 40-minute flight. One booking included a touch down on a recent lava field, and other flights added a ground visit after delays or when conditions allowed. Do not book this expecting to walk on lava. Treat it as a possible extra.

The return to Reykjavik

The final five minutes bring you back to Ace FBO Reykjavik. After the intense focus of the volcanic area, the return gives you another chance to take in the bay, mountains, and capital.

The full experience lasts about 40 minutes, though the flight itself is generally described as 30 to 40 minutes. That is short for the price, and several people felt the time passed too quickly. Still, the route is tightly focused. You are not spending hours in transit to reach the volcano, and the helicopter gets you above several sites in one outing.

The pilot is central to the quality of the return as well. A smooth approach, clear communication, and a willingness to make a final turn can make the difference between a rushed finish and a satisfying one.

The pilots make a real difference

The strongest praise for this experience has been directed at the pilots. Laura is repeatedly singled out for friendly, clear explanations and calm professional flying. Tamas has also been praised for his relaxed manner, smooth handling, and habit of checking that everyone could see.

Other pilots, including Tashi, Peter, Daniel, and Juha, have been described as friendly, reassuring, and attentive to photo opportunities. I would not choose this tour based on a particular pilot, since the roster can change, but the pattern is useful: the crew appears to treat the viewing experience as part of the job, not an afterthought.

That includes practical touches such as circling the crater from several directions and pointing out landmarks along the route. If you are nervous about helicopters, the steady safety briefing and calm cockpit manner may help. One passenger who had never flown in a helicopter and was frightened of flying found the ride comfortable, but your own reaction will depend on you.

What $577 buys you

At $577 per person, this is an expensive excursion. You are not paying for food, drinks, or a full-day outing. You are paying for a small aircraft, an experienced pilot, a direct flight from Reykjavik, and a rare chance to view recent volcanic ground from an angle that is difficult to reach on foot.

The value is strongest when the conditions line up. Clear visibility, a fresh eruption, or a permitted landing can make the price feel justified. Several flights have included glowing lava or a close view of a newly erupting fissure, while others have shown quiet craters and old flows. The experience cannot control which version you receive.

I would not recommend this as a casual sightseeing purchase for everyone. If you are mainly looking for a long scenic flight, the duration may disappoint. If recent eruptions are a major reason for visiting Iceland, the cost may be easier to accept because the helicopter can reach a broad volcanic zone quickly and safely.

The 4.8 rating from 500 reviews and the 94 percent perfect score for transport suggest strong satisfaction, but those figures should not hide the basic limitation: it is a short, weather-sensitive flight. Think of it as a focused special event, not a standard city activity.

Weather, safety, and the need for a flexible day

Weather is the main practical issue. Flights operate only when conditions meet safety requirements, and airspace can close because of weather, visibility, volcanic activity, or official instructions.

Build this tour early in your Iceland schedule if you can. If the first departure is cancelled, you may have time to move it to another day. One booking had to be rescheduled after bad weather, and the operator worked with the passenger to find a new time. Another flight was delayed because the volcano itself had just erupted, then went ahead once clearance was given.

That flexibility is useful, but it cannot guarantee a replacement during a short visit. Keep the day around the flight reasonably open, and do not schedule a nonrefundable dinner or distant excursion immediately afterward.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you want the clearest possible view of Iceland’s recent eruptions and you accept that nature sets the terms. It suits photographers, geology fans, first-time helicopter passengers, and anyone who wants a memorable highlight rather than a low-cost activity.

It also works well for people who cannot or do not want to make a long walk across volcanic ground. From the air, you can see several eruption areas in one trip, and the occasional landing offers a brief taste of the terrain when approved.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed red lava, dislike changing plans, or feel that $577 is too much for a 40-minute activity. No pilot can promise an eruption, and a quiet crater under cloud will not deliver the same sight as an active fissure in clear weather.

Should you book the Reykjanes helicopter tour?

Book it if the recent volcanic area is high on your Iceland wish list and you can keep your schedule flexible. The small group, careful pilots, repeated passes over the craters, and possible lava-field landing give this flight more substance than a quick flyover.

Skip it if you are seeking value by the hour or need certainty about what you will see. For everyone else, this is one of the most direct ways to grasp the scale and force of Reykjanes volcanism. The best reason to go is not a promise of flowing lava. It is the chance to see a changing part of Iceland while the ground is still fresh.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?

The activity lasts about 40 minutes. The flight itself is described as lasting 30 to 40 minutes, with time spent over Reykjavik, the Reykjanes volcanic sites, Grindavik, and the return route.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Ace FBO Reykjavik, located just behind Reykjavik Hotel Natura. The operator uses the ACE FBO building.

Which volcanic areas does the route visit?

The route includes Litli Hrutur, Geldingadalir, Fagradalsfjall, and the area around Grindavik. It also includes sightseeing over the Capital Region and the return to Reykjavik.

Is active lava guaranteed?

No. Eruptions are natural events that may or may not be active during your flight. Weather, visibility, volcanic conditions, and official safety rules can also affect what you see.

Can the helicopter land near the lava fields?

A landing is possible when conditions and safety rules allow it, and some flights have included a short walk on recent lava. It is not guaranteed as part of every departure.

How many people can join the flight?

The helicopter carries five or six participants. A minimum of four passengers is required for the flight to operate.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Flights are weather-dependent and must follow the rules of Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. The operator may delay, reschedule, or cancel a flight for safety reasons.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.