Volcano Helicopter Tours: 15 Craters Worth Flying For

1.New Volcanic Area Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 500 reviews · 40 min · from $577Our pick

Join GlacierHeli at Ace FBO Reykjavik for a 30 to 40 minute flight over Litli Hrutur, Geldingadalir, Fagradalsfjall, and Grindavik. Your English-speaking pilot, including pilots such as Laura and Tamas, points out recent eruption sites and may land near a lava field when conditions allow. Lava is not guaranteed.

“I thought it was amazing! I had never flown in a helicopter before and I really enjoyed it. The pilot was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and made the trip a ton of fun!”

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2.Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $202

Spend about 10.5 hours exploring Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Pickup, lunch, admission, and narration are included. An optional helicopter flight adds nearly an hour of views over craters, coastlines, waterfalls, and lava country.

“Lucky to see Kileau active. Dexter was a great guide and gave wonderful insights about the history of the island.”

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3.Iceland Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 196 reviews · 35 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $592

Join GlacierHeli at Reykjavík’s Glacier HeliACE FBO for a 35 to 45 minute flight over the Reykjanes Peninsula and Iceland’s recent eruption sites. Pilots such as Laura, Oliver, Robert, and Aleksander have shared clear explanations of eruptions and geology. Depending on weather and volcanic conditions, you may also land near a lava field.

“The Pilot was amazing, confident , calm and pleasant. The experience was amazing. Highly recommended!”

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4.Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 146 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $332

From Kahului, fly over East Maui’s rainforest, waterfalls, hidden pools, Hana’s coast, and Haleakala’s cinder cones in about 45 minutes. Your pilot narrates the route, and every seat has a 180-degree view. Flights carry up to six passengers, with morning and afternoon departures, weather-dependent routing, and optional USB video for an extra charge.

“We were disappointed that our scheduled flight got switched when we arrived at the terminal. We were scheduled to do the crater tour, but were told that it was too cloudy and instead were offered the Moloki tour. It became apparent that the reason we got switched had nothing to do with clouds, but instead there was another couple scheduled for the Moloki tour at the same time as OUR crater tour, so the operator simply wanted all of us on one trip to save THEM costs, etc.....very disappointing.”

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5.30 minutes Etna volcano private helicopter tour from Fiumefreddo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Join HeliSicily for a private 30-minute helicopter flight from Fiumefreddo over Mount Etna. You’ll see the summit craters, Piano Provenzana, Linguaglossa, Piedimonte Etneo, Silvestri Craters, Bove Valley, and the 2002 lava flows near Zafferana Etnea. The pilot explains the volcano and helps both sides enjoy the views.

“Pilot was friendly with excellent knowledge and ensured that people on both sides of the helicopter could take amazing photos and enjoy the views. A fabulous experience and well worth the money”

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6.Helicopter Tour Over Iceland’s Reykjanes Volcano Eruption Site

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 35 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $524

You fly from Reykjavik with Nordurflug Helicopter Tours toward the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to recent eruptions at Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and Sýlingarfell. Expect a small group of six or fewer, pilot commentary, coffee or tea, and a possible landing near cooled lava or an eruption site, depending on safety rules and weather.

“Booked the helicopter volcano tour as it has been on my bucket list to see an active eruption, wasn’t sure of seeing much as it was over a week since the eruption, the waiting room and facilities was very nice, the helicopter clean and modern, the pilot friendly and professional, we took off and flew to the eruption site, I cannot put into words how amazing the eruption was, the pilot gave us exceptional views of the eruption aswell as knowledge of the area, absolutely breathtaking seeing the lava spewing out of the ground and bubbling in the opening, a view i will probably never see again, if you are…”

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7.Helicopter flight over Reunion’s volcanoes and cirques from St Pierre

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 45 min · from $359

From Saint-Pierre’s Pierrefonds Airport, you’ll fly for 45 minutes over Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie, Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise, Trou de Fer, Bélouve Forest, and the Saint-Pierre lagoon. Your French or English-speaking pilot provides commentary, with coffee or tea before takeoff. Weather determines the final route and time.

“Very disappointing experience due to an unfair cancellation policy. We were informed that because of weather conditions, only certain parts of the island would be visible, which was completely understandable and acceptable for us. However, when other tourists in the group decided to cancel, our helicopter tour was automatically canceled as well — even though we clearly wanted to continue. It’s not fair that one part of the group can decide for everyone else. A better approach would be to allow the tour to go ahead for those who still want it, offer partial refunds, or clearly explain from the start that visibility depends on weather and luck. Waking up…”

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8.45-Minute Volcano Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 45 reviews · from $624

From Reykjavik Airport, a pilot guides you over the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the 2021 to 2022 Fagradalsfjall eruptions and Sundhnúkahraun from March 2024. The 45-minute flight carries up to five people and may reveal glowing lava, though volcanic activity and weather can change.

“Everything was perfect. Spectacular!!!. Couldn’t be better and great value for money. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience”

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9.Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $417

Fly from Rotorua’s lakefront helipad over crater lakes and Lake Tarawera, then land on Mt. Tarawera for a guided walk across its craters and volcanic domes. Your pilot-guide explains the 1886 eruption, the lost Pink and White Terraces, and local Māori stories. The small aircraft carries no more than six people.

“Incredible trip well looked after by pilot. Amazing place and the size of the rift is a must see. A lot of work done by local iwi to clean up noxious weeds etc. Mt. Tarawera looks great.”

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10.Reykjavik Helicopter Private Tour of Volcanoes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 40 to 50 minutes (approx.)

Take a private helicopter flight from Reykjavik with a pilot such as Julian or Matt, passing recent eruption sites at Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and Litli Hrutur. You will also see Reykjavik, Keilir, lava fields, sea cliffs, and seabird nesting areas. The flight lasts about 40 to 50 minutes and suits groups of up to four.

“Truly a once in a lifetime experience for us! See the lava fields and volcanoes from the last decade. This is the only way to truly see the impact.”

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11.From Oahu: Big Island Volcano Adventure & Helicopter

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 23 reviews · from $843

Fly from Honolulu to Hilo for a full-day Big Island outing with a guide, roundtrip airport transfers, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Nāhuku Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, and ʻAkaka Falls. A 45-minute Blue Hawaiian helicopter flight may be added or included with the selected package. Guide Dexter has earned special praise for his island stories.

“A fantastic trip from start to finish. Dexter, our guide was very informative and provided loads of information about the island, customs and tradition as well as living on Big Island today. We were fortunate to see a volcanic eruption whilst on the trip which made it extra special. As a result of the eruption, traffic in the Volcano National Park was horrendous which meant we didn’t get to see all the sights advertised, however this was completely out of the control of the tour company. Dexter did the best he could in the circumstances. The helicopter trip was a highlight of the tour. Chewy, our pilot was fantastic. We…”

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12.Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater 45-min Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 45 min · from $346

Fly from Kahului Heliport to Haleakala’s 10,000-foot crater, then over Hana’s rainforest, waterfalls, North Shore, and coastline. Your English-speaking pilot provides narration and music through a headset. The small-group flight holds up to six people, with pilot Drew praised for pointing out Maui’s best views.

“Attività stupenda per poter ammirare tutta l’isola dall’alto: specialmente la parte delle cascate è stata molto suggestiva!”

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13.Kona Coast Hualalai Volcano-60Min Helicopter Tour-Door Off or On

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $640

Fly above the Kona Coast and Hualalai Volcano with Rainbow Helicopters on a 60-minute tour from Kailua-Kona. Choose doors on or off, look for whales and calves in season, and hear island history from pilots such as Jojo, Jeff, Donovan, Turner, and Wilson. The route covers coffee farms, bays, beaches, crater country, and historic Hawaiian sites.

“The staff was super friendly, shout out to Wilson, thank you for your kindness to my 78 yr old Aunt. Whom by the way loved the tour with the doors off! Everything was amazing!”

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14.Kailua-Kona: Hualalai Volcano Doors On/Off Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12 reviews · 1 hour · from $640

You’ll fly from Kona over Kailua Bay, coffee farms, Kealakekua Bay, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, Hualalai, and the Kohala-side coast. Choose doors on or doors off, listen to live English commentary, and bring warm clothes, sunglasses, and a hair tie. Pilots such as Jeff and Justin have been praised for friendly, informative guiding, though clouds can limit the inland route.

“Excellent doors off experience! Beautiful flight over the ocean, whale spotting, lush green valleys, and rocky cliffs. Top ten of lifetime adventures!”

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15.Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $654

Take a small-group helicopter flight from Rotorua’s Lakefront Drive, circle Mount Tarawera, see crater lakes, Tarawera Falls, Wai-O-Tapu, and Waimangu, then land on the dormant volcano for a short guided walk. Your pilot-guide speaks through a headset. The flight lasts about 20 minutes.

“Helicopter landing on the amazing volcano and views from up high over the stunning scenery below, dramatic contrasts”

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