Black Sands & Riverbeds Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell

Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 65-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and explore the vast outwash plains shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. This route focuses on black sand landscapes and braided river systems, with a landing in a remote location within the landscape.

What to Expect

After departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, flying out over Skeiðarársandur, where glacial rivers spread across the plains in continuously shifting patterns.

From above, you’ll see how meltwater channels divide and reconnect, forming intricate lines across the black sand. The surrounding landscape includes glacier views, volcanic terrain, and wide-open plains stretching toward the coast.

The tour includes a landing at a carefully selected location within the black sand area. Here, you can step out, take photos, and experience the scale and openness of the landscape from the ground. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions.

You may see:

• Skeiðarársandur black sand plains
• Braided glacial rivers and river systems
• Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers
• Surrounding volcanic terrain

Why Choose This Tour

This tour combines aerial views with a landing in one of Iceland’s most visually distinct landscapes. It’s well-suited for those who want to experience the patterns and scale of glacial river systems from both the air and the ground.

Note

This is a scenic sightseeing flight. For dedicated aerial photography flights with flexible routing and shooting conditions, explore our Photo Flight options here.