Iceland by helicopter: volcanoes & ice

The ultimate appreciation of nature’s might

Not only were we the very first back into the country when it reopened in 2020, but we’ve pioneered many of the unique experiences we’ve picked out below, from volcanic off-road adventures and new heli routes to secret geothermal hot pools.

So, all the images and footage you see on this page have been taken entirely on our trips.

Just remember, whether you’re interested in swimming with whales or private audiences with volcanologists, everything can – and will – be tailored entirely to you. We have the specialist contacts to make it happen.

All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips

Launching the first large-scale trip in the country was British experiential travel company Cookson Adventures lava was being thrown up to 200 feet in the air… Travellers are recognising that true wilderness can sometimes be found closer to home. Sometimes all you need is Mother Nature at your side to feel like you’ve truly escaped the chaos of everyday life

Local newspaper on the first trip to Iceland post-lockdown, as organised by Cookson Adventures, June 2020

Wildlife on the water

Whether SUPing alongside humpbacks, tracking dolphins in silence on a tall ship or swimming with guillemots as they dive like bullets around you, we facilitate unique wildlife experiences. Or, with our conservationist contacts, go behind the scenes at beluga rehabilitation centres, meeting these magnificent creatures face to face.

Unique setups

From fur-rugged lunches overlooking glacier lagoons and dramatic dinners in lava caves to drinks on wildlife-surrounded island piers and atop marooned lighthouses accessible by helicopter, we’re specialists in crafting the unique.

Adventure on ice

We’ll bring you among truly ethereal ice formations, whether you’re interested in the adrenaline thrill of ice climbing, heli-skiing and glacial snowmobiling or wanting to quietly admire the drama of ice caves and glaciers.

Off-road exploration

Mountain biking down volcanoes. Quad-bike competitions on custom black-sand beach courses. And, racing in Iceland’s homegrown sport – Formula Offroad, where near-vertical walls of lava ash are scaled by overpowered, all-terrain buggies. Head off the beaten track for some epic excitement, while Icelandic horse riding offers gentler respite.

Aerial exploration

Iceland’s grand topography is best showcased from the air, not least its erupting volcanoes. We can take you on heli and fixed-wing flights or microlight and paragliding adventures, sweeping over waterfalls and glaciers to visit remote volcanic features, only accessible by air.

Kayaking, rafting & surfing

SUP on iceberg-littered lagoons, paddle and coasteer among wild rock formations in search of puffins, or discover remote, inland river systems on kayaks and white-water rafts. These can be as gentle or fast-paced as you want, although the most adventurous might want to try their hand at Arctic surfing or kitesurfing to snow-capped backdrops.

Geographic wonders

Yes, Iceland’s volcanic activity might grab the headlines, but we’ll also see you away from the crowds to take in everything from crashing waterfalls and explosive geysers to black-sand beaches and hidden, privatised hot springs – the perfect way to soothe any adventuring aches.

Local food & fishing

Let our competition-winning experts bring you to salmon river runs and on deep-sea adventures as you taste your way through the Nordics' culinary Renaissance. Molecular delights and Viking feasts alike are washed down with microbrewery tastings, guided by master brewers. We've also brought clients heli-fishing, pictured here.

With its great, often-inaccessible geography of wild waterfalls and explosive volcanoes, the sheer scale of Iceland’s natural wonders can only truly be appreciated from the air. And, we’ve designed perhaps the most ambitious heli routes the country has ever seen.

One moment you could be snowmobiling on a glacier or exploring stunning ice caves and the next paddling through a remote inland river or admiring a volcanic explosion.

Learn about our Iceland wellness retreat

Footage taken on past Cookson trips to Iceland

However, if you’d rather, there’s plenty more to explore on the ground and sea. We are specialists in crafting the unique, with our clients having kayaked with puffins, raced ATVs on black-sand beaches and toasted glacial lagoons with dramatic lunch setups.

Whatever you choose, we’ll pick out your perfect accommodation. Think off-market lodges in stunning remote locations, with hot-tub views of the aurora up above and staff that suit your needs, from world-class chefs to yogis or masseurs.

What’s more, Iceland’s varied seasons mean true, year-round adventures. That could mean heli-skiing under the midnight sun over summer’s long days or drinks in geothermal pools and winter-sports fun under the northern lights.