tour lava

• Tour Lava Tour Merapi Jogja, Hubungi Fahrudin
• 0813-2623-9040
• 0857-4038-8994
• [email protected]

Welcome to "Lava Tour Merapi Jogja"

Melayani jasa wisata lava tour merapi jogja, mengenal lava tour merapi jogja.

Lava Tour Merapi Jogja mengusung konsep Tour Mount Merapi menggunakan jeep sehingga aktivitas utama wisata ini terletak di lereng Merapi yang menggunakan jeep terbuka. Gunung Merapi adalah destinasi wisata favorit bagi wisatawan. Kami akan mengajak wisatawan untuk berkeliling kawasan Merapi yang terkena dampak erupsi dengan menggunakan jeep sambil menikmati keindahan panorama Mount Merapi. Mount Merapi cukup dekat dengan pusat kota Yogyakarta yang menjadikan wisata ini wajib dikunjungi selama liburan. Selain murah, nyaman dan terjangkau bagi semua kalangan, mereka juga dapat merasakan sensasi medan offroad Gunung Merapi dan menikmati keindahannya.

Keunggulan Layanan Kami

Safety First

Utamakan Pelayanan

Harga Terjangkau

Profesional

Layanan kami.

Kami saat ini menjadi salah satu wisata tour di Jogja yang sedang hits. Spot dan rute yang akan dikunjungi diantaranya : Museum Sisa Hartaku, Batu Alien, Bunker Kaliadem, Petilasan Rumah Mbah Maridjan, Offroad Kali Kuning, Kali Opak, Stonehenge, The Lost World Castil, Desa Petung, Desa Kaliadem, dan lain-lain.

Travel guide

About Destination Hilo

• Membership Application
• Restaurants
• Attractions
• Visitor Publications

Lava Ocean Adventures

• Reservations: 808.966.4200
• Fax: 808.982.7490
• Website: www.lavaocean.com and www.seelava.com
• Email: [email protected]

Tour#1 Sunrise Lava Boat Tour 2 Hour Tour, Check in 5:00AM

Hawaii’s Best Lava Tour takes you to view lava in the dark. Hear, See and Feel the heat as Volcano Kilauea pours molten lava into the sea. As the early morning golden sunlight rays warm the lava covered coastline, the ultimate lava viewing unfolds right before your eyes. Our experienced crew founded Lava Boat Tours on this very tour due to the fact that the Sunrise Lava Adventure Tours are the best for lava, wind, weather, & swell conditions. We offer both Hawaii group tours & private lava tours with seating for 24 passengers per Big Island Lava Tour.

*The major advantage the Sunrise Lava Adventure allows you is that you get the sun to your back which for photography purposes helps light the lava & Kalapana coastline. Please expect this ocean volcano tour to be the highlight of your Hawaii Vacation, we do.

If you’re on the Big Island this is what you came to see Volcano Kilauea’s red rivers. Watch as lava covers Hawaii’s beautiful Volcanoes National Park coastline creating new black sand beaches, lava sea cliffs, lava aches, and shaping the new Kalapana coastline.

• Adults (13+ Years of Age): $155 + Tax (0.07166)
• Child (6-12 Years of age): $125 + Tax (0.07166)

Tour #2 Volcano Coastline Tour 2 Hour Tour, Check in 7:15AM

Our morning volcano tour is the easiest for all around photography of past, present, and the current eruption of Kilauea Volcano. If you are out there to take lava photos think about this – The sun has broken the horizon and started its climb into the mid-morning sky to give you an abundance of natural back light for viewing lava and the best all around time to capture Hawaii lava photos. Our Volcano Coastline Tour takes you along the most remote Big Island Lava coastline to see lava tube, sea arches, black sand beaches as well as cultural and many other geological features. Day tours provide great Hawaii sightseeing, view the Kalapana coastline to and from Hawaii Volcano?s National Park.. If you missed the shot the first time you get a second chance on the way home. Come home from this Hawaii Vacation with lava pictures that will make family & friends wonder if you actually took them.

• Child (4-12 Years of age): $125 + Tax (0.07166)

Tour #3 Sunset Volcano Boat Tour 2 Hour Tour Check in 4:30PM

The Sunset lava adventure begins with a guided Kalapana Coastline tour of the Big Islands newest lands including Black Sand Beaches, Lava Caves, Sea cliffs, & Hawaii marine life. After a brief Big Island scenic cruise its time to view active lava. When the lava is entering the sea a boat lava tour is by far the best spot to view lava. Depending on conditions we can view anything from eruptive splatter cones to oozing rivers of lava. Our sunset volcano boat tour offers views of the sun setting over Mauna Loa & allows you great lava viewing of Big island lava up close and personal. Our Sunset Lava Tour leaves from Hilo side of the Big Island at the Issac Hale Beach Park / Pohoiki Bay. The excitement you’ll feel while watching active lava by boat will be an everlasting memory. On this Hilo Lava Tour to Volcano Kilauea you can see lava, hear lava, and feel the heat as molten lava sizzles into the Pacific Ocean from your front row seat aboard one of our Hawaii Lava Ocean Adventure Tours.

Tour #4 Volcano Coastline Fishing 3 HOURS – Puna Fishing

Includes everything you’ll need to go fishing in Hawaii. The original Lava Ocean Adventure & by far the crews favorite is our Hawaii Lava fishing. All tours will take you to see flow in lava, red hot. You have the chance to catch Ono, Mahi Mahi, Ahi Tuna, & other Hawaiian fish while fishing the scenic Hawaii coastline. During this charter your crew will set the lines for high speed surface trolling to catch pelagic fish.

• Bring your own lunch.
• Any health or issues pregnancy’s please consult your doctor before booking.
• Private (6 Passenger Vessel) Price: $1446.75 –

Tour #5 Go Fishing Hawaii 5 HOURS – Puna Fishing

Includes everything you’ll need to go fishing in Hawaii. The original Lava Ocean Adventure & by far the crews favorite is our 5 hr Hawaii Lava fishing tours. All tours will take you to see the current volcanic ocean activity. While trolling along the Kalapana coastline you’ll have the chance to catch Ono, Mahi Mahi, Ahi Tuna, & other Hawaiian fish. During the charter your crew will using successful fishing tactics including: high speed surface trolling, fish with cut bait, or live bait off shore for big game.

• Fishing – Bring your own lunch.
• Private (6 Passenger Vessel) Price: $1178.83

Destination Hilo 'Ohana

Visiting the big island.

We have currently discontinued our Big Island Museum Discount Pass! Please check the various museums directly to determine if they are open. Those that are open have special new prices and most of them require reservations.

See More about Hawaii Island's museums by clicking here.

Happening Around Hilo

HILO HULA TUESDAYS continues at the Mo`oheau Park Bandstand across from the Hilo Farmers Market at 329 Kamehameha Avenue every Tuesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m.  This free event is sponsored by Destination Hilo’s members and supported by various hula hālau who lovingly perpetuate our Hawaiian culture. Please join us.  We have a one-time […]

Hilo Hula Tuesday at the Mooheau Park Bandstand is being held every Tuesday through December 27, 2022, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.  Please join us for this free event across from the Hilo Farmers Market!  Various well-known Hilo musicians and halau will be featured.

Connect with us!

Through collaboration with public and private industry, Destination Hilo strives to increase visitor satisfaction, extend length of stay, and provide innovative visitor activities offering unique Hawaiian experiences. Efforts are focused on improving quality of life for residents by contributing to a healthy social and economic culture.  Destination Hilo’s flagship “Hawaiian Greetings Program” provides music, entertainment, and networking services to thousands of visitors arriving at Hilo Pier and in Downtown Hilo.

Destination Hilo is supported by

Merapi Lava Tour: The Complete Guide

Taking an off road jeep on a Merapi Lava tour is one of the most fun things to do in Yogyakarta . The tour is easy to arrange. Let me tell you about the tour and show you how you can make a booking (Merapi is also a popular destination for trekking , something to consider if you like the outdoors).

Also Read:  The Best Yogyakarta Tours

Overview of the Lava Tour Merapi

There are three options available for the Merapi Lava Tour. These are the short, medium and long route. The short route consists of an 1,5 – 2 hours journey around Merapi. It costs Rp350,000 to rent the jeep. Each jeep can comfortably fit three passengers, but you can squeeze in up to five passengers if you need to.

Let me give you a quick overview of some of the highlights of the Merapi Lava Tour along with a rough itinerary. Let’s get started:

Museum Sisa Hartaku

This is a modest museum that was established by a small family (Mr. Kimin and Mrs. Wati). Museum Sisa Hartaku can be translated to My Remaining Treasure Museum. The museum is actually within their house. This house was affected by the Merapi eruption in 2010.

The family (initiated by their first child) created this museum to inform people about the last Merapi eruption. Various personal things that were owned by the family are displayed at the museum such as: motorcycles, clothing, cutlery, furniture, pets, television and much more. I got melancholy feeling looking at their clock attached to the wall. The hands of the clock are stuck forever at the moment of the eruption. It is a chilling reminder of what happened when the hot ash cloud reached the village.

Several villages that were affected by the Merapi eruption

During the tour you will pass through several villages that were affected by the Merapi eruption (sorry I can’t remember the names of the villages). Some of the villages are now fields farmed by the locals. In these villages you will see abandoned buildings in the middle of these fields.

Alien stone

There is one big stone that is called Alien stone (Batu Alien) that was hurled out of the volcano during the eruption. The surroundings here are picturesque. During the Merapi Lava Tour you will come to the edge of a cliff where you can see one of the massive rivers around Merapi. Please be really careful when you are enjoying the view from the edge of the cliff as it is pretty high.

The bunker is located in Kaliadem and is no longer used anymore. Two people were found dead inside this bunker in 2006 (eruption) . They tried to save themselves by entering the bunker and were trapped by debris from the eruption of Mount Merapi. They were covered with up to 6 feet of debris. The ash was as hot as 572 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you walk up a bit from the bunker and you can see such a beautiful view. The distance from the bunker to the Merapi summit is less than 10 km. So you can see Merapi pretty close and clear (if the weather permits). The area feels really magical and is my favourite spot of this tour.

Preparation

The short Merapi Lava tour lasts for 2-hours. To make sure you are well prepared for the tour I would advise that you bring the following items:

• Water and a snack
• Optional: Sunblock and mask/a piece of cloth to cover your mouth and nose because it can be a bit dusty

The jeep driver who will be your guide (plus photographer too) usually has a basic level of English. If you wish to have a dedicated guide for a better explanation about what you see during the tour one can be arranged. This guide service is available at an additional cost.

Did you know that you can do a sunrise and a night package of the Merapi Lava Tour? The Sunrise Lava Tour starts at 4:00 am. There is also a Night Lava Tour that starts at 6-6.30 pm. The great thing about the tour is you have a spectacular view of the sky (again, if the weather permits)! Since I am a big fan of sunrises I am quite curious about the Sunrise Merapi Lava Tour. I have heard that people sometimes combine the Merapi Lava Tour with a visit to the Lost World Castle (I have never been there myself). I think it is like a theme park with some of funny photo opportunities. Maybe a fun place to go with kids or friends.

Book The Merapi Lava Tour

The Merapi lava tour is a nice adventure and perfect for the family. You also get to see and experience a side of Merapi that few visitors to Yogyakarta ever see. I’ve done the tour twice myself and it’s definitely something that I’d recommend to friends. If you’re interested in joining the Merapi Lava tour I can help arrange everything for you.

Included in the Package:

• Half day car rental
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel
• Jeep rental
• Pack lunch (optional)
• Dedicated guide (optional)

Interested in joining the tour? Press the button below to find out more.

Have you ever joined the Merapi Lava Tour? What did you think of the jeep tour?

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About the Author Firsta

Related posts, 4×4 merapi volcano tour: an off-road adventure.

Hiking Mount Merapi: The Beauty of Fire Mountain

36 Comments

Acerca del volcan es impresionante para observar, porque cuando se encuentra en actividad quiere decir que en cualquier momento se producen la erupciones, cuanto me gustaria llegar a esa zona del Monte Merapi, como Geologo que soy estoy muy acostumbrado a la caminata porque en forma diaria camino entre 7 Km y 10 Km para poder mantener el cuerpo estoy acostumbrado a cualquier tipo de clima en el año o en altitudes que suoeran los 5000 msnm y en cualquier tipo de ambiente. Maximo

Hi Maximo, I don’t understand Spanish (I only understand several words). No entiendo. 🙁 Thanks for visiting my blog!

Kata Maximo menurut google translate (silakan diatur sendiri kalimatnya kak haha):

Tentang gunung berapi mengesankan untuk menonton, karena ketika Anda berada dalam bisnis berarti bahwa setiap saat letusan terjadi, bagaimana saya ingin untuk mencapai kawasan Gunung Merapi, sebagai Geologist saya saya sangat digunakan untuk berjalan karena setiap hari cara antara 7 Km dan 10 Km untuk menjaga body’m digunakan untuk segala jenis cuaca di tahun atau pada ketinggian 5000 m suoeran dan dalam lingkungan apapun.

Hahaha iya bisa pake google translate tapi takut salah artinya. 🙂 Thanks ya.

Kapan kapan ke sini aaaah… Udah lari2 tiap minggu nih aku. harusnya sih kuat ya hahaha…

Ayooo Mas Ndop pasti bisa!

keren banget merapi tournya, jadi pengehn ke sana

Aku nanggis meneteskan air mata saat berkunjung di museum sisa hartaku, ngebayangin bagaimana mereka menyelamatkan diri saat erupsi ihik ihik ihik

Iya kak? Kamu nangis di museum itu? O.o Aku sedih juga sih ngeliat barang-barangnya, tapi ga sampe nangis.

wajib di-bookmark nih !

kalo musim rada bersahabat & curah hujan udah ngga sederas sekarang, rencana pengin ke merapi. tulisan kak first ini cocok banget buat guiding kesana. trimikisiii .. 😀

Sama-sama kak. Jadi kapan mau ke Merapi? Mendaki atau Lava tour nih? 😀

Hopefully the illegal sand mining going on in the area doesn’t spoil any of those beautiful vistas – 500 trucks a day is an impressive number indeed!

Waktu itu kami ditawari untuk naik jeep ke Merapi tapi karena aku anaknya lebih suka jalan yawda kita jalan aja (bukan trekking summit ya). Nah, ternyata jalannya jauh pisan. Akhirnya cuma bisa nyampe ke rumahnya Alm. Mbak Marijan dan suasana di sana…menyedihkan. 🙁

Saya pengen ditemenin ke Merapinya mbak 😀

[…] tours to Borobudur and Prambanan, plus sometimes Ramayana Ballet. Another popular request is for tours hiking Merapi (feel free to check my Hiking Merapi Volcano video […]

Hi, I would like to book a tour but the “book now” link does not work for me. I have left my email address here, please contact me ASAP! Thank you 🙂

Hi,I would like to book a tour but ” book now ” it doesn’t work . I have leave my email address here, please contact me as soon as possible you can because i want to book the trip for tomorrow 🙂 Thank you ????????????

Mau tanya donk, kalau mau ikut tour ini misalkan kita bawa kendaraan pribadi sampai ke pos untuk naik jeep kira2 bisa gak dan di daerah mana? Terima kasih 🙂

Firsta, Can you recommend any local tour operator to help arrange? Thanks. Teo

Hi Teo, I’ll get in touch through email. 🙂

Hi Firsta, do u have whatapps or facebook so that i can ask you something privately and conveniently?

Hi Teo, Apologize for the late reply. I already sent an email to you regarding this matter.

Can you contact me as soon as possible as my family and i are going to arrange our transportation to travel Yogyakarta?

Haloo. Boleh minta contact nya untuk info lebih lanjut? Thank you 🙂

Hi Venska, Bisa email di discoveryourindonesia[at]gmail[dot]com 🙂 Thank you sudah mampir.

Hi there! Me and my friend were thinking of doing the tour on sunday. How do we go about checking times etc? Any tour guides that you know of which are good? Any tours which are cheap / student discount? Thanks

Apologize for the late reply. I hope you are having a great time in Yogyakarta 😀

Hi Firsta, Pls recommend a local tour for my family trip to Yogyakarta this July 2016. It’s a 4days/3nights tour.

Thank you. Lee

Hi Lee. I’d recommend reviewing the Yogya Package Tours . There are 4 day 3 Night packages available.

Nice blog! Would you have any details regarding the medium tour of Mt. Merapi? I will be doing the sunrise tour in Borobudur and was thinking of heading out to do the Merapi tour after before I head on catch the sunset at Prambanan. What would you recommend, the short or medium tour given the time constraints? Also, can I just book the tour at the site just in case we decide to change our itinerary on the day itself? Lastly, is there a food stall nearby where we can have some lunch?

Hi Alexis. I emailed you regarding your enquiry.

You have a wonderful website- it’s super informative. Do you have a tour that includes Borobudur, Prambanan, and Mt. Merapi? If not, how many days would be needed to see those three sites?

What are the costs for transportation to and from the train station?

Hi Mike. Thanks for getting in touch. There is no tour that combines all three activities, but you can do those activities as a shared tour. It would take two days to do the tour (Borobudur and Prambanan in the morning and then overnight at Merapi). The cost to and from the train station would obviously depend on where you are planning to go.

Hello Firsta, Izzit possible to hike the Mt Merapi on this coming August as just erupted by May 2018? Thinking to hike and overnight for a sunset trip.

Hi Ryan, It is tough to predict. At the moment it is still not possible to do hiking activity in Merapi.

Dear Firsta, Would like to know the route taken by the jeep tour. Which jeep tour would take us to the top and see the crater? Is the tour suitable for senior citizen?

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Hawaii Volcano Tours in Volcanoes National Park

Hike the Most Epic Lava Tours in Hawaii

Hawaii Volcano Tour: The Greatest Show on Earth

• Most Popular!

Epic Hawaii National Volcano Park Tours

Have the experience of a lifetime with our unique tour of Hawaii’s Volcano National Park and learn about its history while seeing the park’s most fascinating features! Book online.

• Clock 5am, 2pm, 8:30pm
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Currently we can only offer the Epic Volcano Park tour . It is two to three hours of fun education on the volcano with one of our expert guides… they are super passionate and know everything about Kilauea.

It is not possible to approach the lava safely in its current location but it can be viewed from the overlook areas. We bring telescopes and cameras to maximize your view and send you home with great high-end pictures and videos of the summit eruption.

• The 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. tours are two hours in the prime viewing times.
• The 2:00 p.m. has much less visual viewing of the glowing lava but is longer and is a more interpretative tour that lasts three hours.

Epic Night Time Photography Tour

Come with us into Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park when it is literally yours to explore! Capture the volcano and the stars in breathtaking detail as you find the night’s best locations and are amazed by the park’s fascinating landscapes. Book your Hawai’i volcano photography tours online!

• Clock 1 a.m.
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Welcome to EpicLava Tours in Hawaii!

EpicLava is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the world’s most powerful force! Get ready for fun as we guide you to the current eruptive activity and the greatest attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We specialize in informative but relaxed tours that leave you with an understanding of the surrounding area, the basics of how our volcanoes work and the current activity that they are displaying.

We offer group and private tours, so feel free to contact us so we can help plan the perfect tour for your needs!

At EpicLava, our priorities are SAFETY and making sure your lava tours in Hawaii provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore Our Hot Reviews with EpicLava Tours!

I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to get up close and personal with Lava! I have to say it was one of the best tours I have EVER done!

We had a fantastic guide Matthew guiding our group. He had us up early hiking out over the lava flows to the most active parts, and we were lucky to have a major flow erupt right by us while we were exploring.

To put it succinctly: the guides (Jon and Jeff) are THE people you want escorting you through the volcanoes. Jon’s energy is contagious, and Jeff’s stories are–literally–legendary. More than just a tour of the area, you get a tour through time, with personal stories that help color the experience. I would recommend these guys to anyone who has a real interest in experiencing the history, not just looking at the land. Thanks, guys!

Epic Lava has most experienced and friendly guides. They shared many stories of their experiences and they even helped us take amazing photos.

Top 7 Volcanic Experiences in Iceland

Best Volcano Experiences in Iceland

• Go Inside the Thrihnukagigur Volcano

Visit an Ancient Lava Tunnel

See the reykjanes volcano area, best volcano museums and exhibitions in iceland, the perlan museum, the lava centre, the lava show, eldheimar museum, volcanic locations to see in iceland.

• Snaefellsjokull National Park
• Lake Myvatn

The Icelandic Highlands

Despite its frosty name, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. This activity has shaped the country's nature for centuries, creating otherworldly landscapes and unique wonders that draw visitors from all over the globe.

This is why Iceland offers so many unique volcano experiences, some of which are within easy reach of Reykjavik . Embark on exciting volcano tours from your accommodation in Reykjavik or discover the beautiful countryside with complete freedom by renting a car . You'll find evidence of the Earth's fiery power around every corner, with vast lava fields, barren black sand deserts, and towering volcanos along Iceland's Ring Road .

To complement the volcanic landscapes, you can visit many interesting museums and exhibitions dedicated to Iceland's natural history, which provide valuable insight into the historic relationship between Icelanders and the nature of their country.

Volcano experiences are integral to any visit to Iceland, as they can provide context to the beautiful landscapes you'll witness on your travels. Whether you're exploring the countryside or staying within Reykjavik, here are the best volcano activities to try when visiting Iceland!

• Learn all about  Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland: A History of Fire
• See also:  Iceland's Volcanoes: The Complete Guide

Top Volcano Tours in Iceland

Inside the volcano thrihnukagigur tour with transfer from reykjavik, landmannalaugar super jeep tour with pickup from reykjavik, classic 1 hour lava tunnel caving tour of the raufarholshellir lava tubes.

Discover Iceland's volcanic nature with a unique volcano experience. See how fiery eruptions have affected the nation's history and shaped the Earth, with vast lava fields, fresh volcanic craters, and ancient magma chambers.

Go Inside the Thrihnukagigur Volcano

Photo from  Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

One of the most magnificent experiences you can have in Iceland is traveling down into the Earth and seeing the ancient magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. The volcano has erupted three times, the last time around 4,500 years ago, and now it's completely dormant and safe to enter.

Thrihnukagigur is, without a doubt, the best volcano to visit in Iceland, as it's the only place in the world where you can enter a magma chamber in such a way. If you want to experience it, make sure to  book the Inside the Volcano tour with a transfer from Reykjavik . You'll have to complete a two-mile (3.2 kilometers) hike to the volcano. From there, you will take an elevator and descend into the Earth.

The Thrihnukagigur magma chamber is truly massive. It's the deepest formation of its kind and the third-largest volcanic crater in the world! The sheer size is breathtaking as you descend into the chamber, where you're greeted with interesting lava formations and colorful walls. At the bottom, you'll be able to explore freely, which offers great opportunities for photography.

Visiting the Thrihnukagigur magma chamber is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's sure to leave you with lasting memories. Include it in your travel itinerary for a truly unique volcano experience in Iceland.

Photo from this  Classic 1 Hour Lava Tunnel Caving Tour of the Raufarholshellir Lava Tubes

Exploring a lava tunnel in Iceland is an intriguing way to delve into the country's volcanic history. These tunnels are formed during eruptions, and as the lava moves underground, the outer surface cools and solidifies, creating a crust. Meanwhile, the molten lava inside continues to flow. Sometimes, this flowing lava drains away, leaving behind an empty space once the eruption ends. This empty space becomes a lava tunnel!

The most popular lava tunnel in Iceland is the Raufarholshellir lava tube, located just a 40-minute drive away from Reykjavik. It's easily reached with a small rental car , and you can book a classic lava tunnel caving tour that starts on location. If you don't want to drive, you can also choose a Raufarholshellir tour with a transfer from Reykjavik .

Visiting Raufarholshellir is easy as a raised path has been established along the cave. The walls are also lit up to highlight the beautiful lava formations and different colors!

Photo from the  Family-Friendly 1.5 Hour Lava Cave Tour of Vidgelmir

Another beautiful lava cave option is the Vidgelmir lava tunnel in West Iceland . It's the longest lava tube in Iceland and has remained relatively untouched as it has been mostly inaccessible since the 1960s. Today, you can only visit with a guided Vidgelmir lava cave tour , and access to the cave has been greatly improved with stairs and walkways. It features some beautiful lava and ice formations!

There are more lava tunnels around Iceland, such as the Vatnshellir cave on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, so you can find an option that best suits your travel itinerary and interests. It's definitely one of the more interesting and accessible volcano experiences in Iceland.

• Explore the many Caves in Iceland
• See also:  The Lava Tunnel: The Extraordinary Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave in South Iceland

Top Lava Cave Tours

Excellent 2 day west coast tour of snaefellsnes peninsula with lava caving in vidgelmir.

Convenient hiking paths were established, and many popular volcano hiking tours were available to these craters and the surrounding lava fields. However, the whole area is currently closed off because of the increased danger of volcanic fissures opening in the vicinity.

Since December 2023, multiple short eruptions have taken place in and around the Sundhnukagigar crater row, close to the town of Grindavik . With this ongoing volcanic activity, the only way to see the stunning area is with an amazing volcano helicopter tour from Reykjavik .

• Learn about the 2021 Geldingardalur eruption and the 2022 Fagradalsfjall eruption
• Also, discover the  2023 Eruption of the Litli-Hrutur Volcano

The Fagradalsfjall eruption in 2021 was very visitor-friendly. Since then, there have been more eruptions, some of which could only be seen from a helicopter.

During a volcano helicopter tour, you'll see the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula from an amazing bird' s-eye view. See how nature has drastically changed due to Earth's forces, with mountainsides draped with lava flow and valleys filled to the brim and completely transformed.

Even when the area is open to hikers again, helicopter tours provide a unique view. The new craters stand tall, surrounded by fresh lava fields that are still hot under their fragile surface. It will take years for them to be safe to walk on! This is partly why the area is best explored from the air, as you can truly appreciate the dramatic changes to the landscape.

Once the area is open for hikers, it's highly recommended to join guided volcano tours to ensure optimal safety. Make sure to wear proper clothing and bring good hiking boots, water, and snacks for a safe and comfortable visit.

Before attempting to enter the area, you should always visit the SafeTravel website for information about whether the area is open and how to visit safely. Always respect the safety closures.

• Learn about the December 2023 eruption and the 2024 Sundhnukagigar eruptions
• See also:  Complete Guide to the 2024 Hagafell Volcanic Eruption Near Grindavik

The rise of volcano tourism in Iceland has led to the opening of some exciting and fascinating museums and exhibitions around the country. It's the best way to gain insight and appreciation for the Icelandic landscapes, enhancing the overall travel experience. Here are the top museums and exhibitions focused on volcanic activity that deserve a spot on your Iceland itinerary.

One of the best attractions in Iceland is Perlan , an iconic Reykjavik landmark, and fantastic natural history exhibition space. The class-domed building on top of Oskjuhlid hill features the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, where you can learn about the glaciers of Iceland, visit a recreation of an ice cave, see an amazing northern lights show, and, of course, learn about the Icelandic volcanos!

Visiting the Perlan Museum is a fantastic way to learn about different aspects of Icelandic nature, and the volcano section is no exception. Learn fascinating information about eruptions in Iceland through the centuries, how they've affected the local population, and see the different kinds of lava you can find around the country.

We recommend visiting Perlan before heading out on trips outside the Capital Region . It will provide interesting content and deeper insight into the forces that created the beautiful landscapes you'll encounter on your journey. Just remember to  book your Wonders of Iceland in Perlan tickets ahead of time, as it's one of the most popular places to visit in Reykjavik!

• Learn all about the Best Museums in Iceland
• See also:  Top 16 Most Famous Landmarks in Iceland

The LAVA Centre is well known for its interactive exhibits, which showcase Iceland's volcanic activity in fun, interesting, and exciting ways. Visitors can learn about volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and their impact on Iceland's landscapes and communities through interactive exhibits and an educational movie.

The LAVA Centre offers insight into Iceland's volcanic history, from the formation of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface to the dramatic eruptions that have shaped its terrain over millennia.

The easy-to-understand displays make the center a great place for anyone looking to enrich their Iceland trip, especially families! For a hassle-free experience, it's best to book your LAVA Centre tickets before embarking on your South Iceland journey.

Top South Coast Tours

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking.

While there have been opportunities to witness ongoing volcanic eruptions in Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years, it's absolutely the exception to the rule. Generally speaking, it's not possible to witness real fresh lava in Iceland, except by visiting the Lava Show!

The Lava Show offers the unique experience of seeing real lava in a safe environment. You'll be able to learn about volcanic eruptions and witness how the lava interacts with the surrounding environment. Your fun and informative host will tell you all about volcanic activity in Iceland and can also answer any questions you may have!

This is what makes the Lava Show a great place to gain insight into Iceland's volcanic landscapes, as you'll get to see lava in real life. You can either see the amazing 50-minute lava show in Reykjavik or book your lava show entry in Vik , a lovely town on the South Coast, making it easy to fit a visit into your itinerary. It's sure to give you a different perspective on the vast lava fields you'll encounter when traveling around Iceland!

If you want to explore the impact that Iceland's volcanic nature has had on life on the island, visiting Eldheimar in the Westman Islands off the South Coast is a must. Eldheimar is one of the best museums in Iceland and it's dedicated to the eruption on Heimaey island, the only inhabited island in the Vestmanneyjar archipelago.

The Westman Islands eruption began on January 23rd, 1973, and was totally unexpected. A volcanic fissure opened up on the Heimaey island, spewing lava and ash over the nearby town and leading to the evacuation of the entire population. The eruption lasted for five months, forming the new Eldfell mountain, covering a portion of the island in lava and causing widespread destruction, burying homes and buildings under layers of volcanic debris.

Once the eruption ended, many returned to the Westman Islands to rebuild their community. Today, Heimaey island is one of the most charming locations to visit in Iceland, and you can learn all about the eruption at the Eldheimar Museum. It provides a comprehensive overview of the events and their impact, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and personal accounts.

Exploring the Eldheimar Museum is both educational and thought-provoking. It sheds light on the unpredictable nature of volcanic events and the measures taken to mitigate their effects. It also serves as a tribute to the spirit of perseverance displayed by the islanders in the face of adversity. This makes the Westman Islands and the Eldheimar Museum a must-visit for those interested in Iceland's volcanic heritage.

• Plan your trip with the  Ultimate Guide to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
• See also: The Westman Islands - Eldfell volcano & Eldheimar - the Pompei of the North in Iceland

Top Westman Islands Tours

Scenic 1 hour small island boat tour in vestmannaeyjar with transfer from heimaey harbor, scenic 2 hour rib boat tour of the westman islands with transfer from heimaey harbor, westman islands super jeep day tour from reykjavik.

The Icelandic countryside has stunning volcanos, ancient lava fields, and geothermal areas around every corner. If you're interested in seeing volcanic landscapes, here are a few locations that stand out among Iceland's many natural attractions. Some are more easily reached than others, but each destination promises a journey well worth the effort.

  Snaefellsjokull National Park

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is a very popular location for day trips from Reykjavik , as it has beautiful and varied nature. In fact, it's often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" as its many attractions give a glimpse into the diverse landscapes found all over the country!

Many of the Snaefellsnes peninsula's natural attractions are part of the Snaefellsjokull National Park , which draws its name from  Snaefellsjokull , a glacier-capped stratovolcano that towers over the peninsula. It can even be seen from the Capital Region on clear days.

The Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano famously served as the setting of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and you can explore it for yourself with this incredible glacier hiking tour  or this Snaefellsjokul snowcat tour .

Nearby, you can take the chance to explore 8,000-year-old lava tubes with this 50-minute Vatnshellir cave tour . It's one of the more unique things to do in Iceland and a family-friendly volcano experience.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is just a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, and while Snaefellsnes tours are often done as day trips, we highly recommend taking two or three days to see all that the region has to offer. There are plenty of great Snaefellsnes accommodation options to choose from, and you won't find yourself lacking in things to see!

• Discover the Top 16 Things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Learn more about the  Colourful Vatnshellir Lava Cave on the Snaefellsnes peninsula

  Lake Myvatn

North Iceland is home to some stunning natural attractions, many of which are found around Lake Myvatn . It's part of the Diamond Circle travel route, which includes many of the region's most iconic attractions.

Lake Myvatn is known for its surrounding lava formations and the  Skutustadagigar pseudocraters.  Pseudocraters are a rare phenomenon that can be found around Iceland. They're not real volcanic craters, as they're actually created when hot lava flows over a cool wetland. This leads to steam exploding upward from the pressure, creating crater-like formations.

This is what happened at Lake Myvatn around 2,300 years ago. There are easy walking paths along the craters, where you can take in the lovely view and appreciate the lively bird life. The lake's surroundings are also picturesque, with a vast lava field and towering mountains.

Nearby, you can hike up the huge  Hverfjall  volcano crater, also called Hverfell, and explore the geothermal area of Namafjall . You can then take a dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths before unwinding in your chosen Myvatn accommodation .

You can explore the whole area easily with a  self-drive tour or by choosing from a variety of Myvatn tours . Lake Myvatn is also just an hour's drive from Akureyri , the "Captial of the North," where you can find great North Iceland accommodations  and fun activities.

• Plan your trip with the  Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn
• See also: The amazing Myvatn & Krafla Area in North Iceland

The Landmannalaugar geothermal area is one of the most popular hiking locations in the Highlands.

The Icelandic highlands feature incredible natural wonders that can be hard to access. The remote region's tricky roads are only open during the height of summer, and you'll need to rent a proper 4x4 jeep to tackle rough terrain, steep inclines, and river crossings.

Thankfully, you can also embark on Highland tours if you don't feel confident taking on the challenging roads. It's the most practical way to enjoy the Highlands, and you'll be free to take in the views along the way.

One of the most stunning volcanic areas to visit in the Highlands is the  Landmannalaugar geothermal area. In summer, it's very popular among hikers who want to explore the area's colorful mountains and lava fields and bathe in natural hot springs. You can visit with this Landmannalaugar super jeep tour from Reykjavik  or try other fun and convenient  Landmannalaugar tours .

The Lakagigar craters caused one of the biggest eruptions in Iceland's history and created Eldhraun, one of the largest lava fields in the world.

Another incredible volcanic location in the Icelandic Highlands is the Lakagigar craters or "Laki craters." Located in the southern Highlands, Lakagigar is a vast row of volcanic fissure craters formed during a massive eruption between 1783 and 1784. The crater row stretches over 15.5 miles (25 kilometers), and the surrounding area features a stark expanse of incredible lava fields, colorful mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

The Lakagigar eruption created Eldhraun , one of the biggest lava fields in the world, which you drive through as you travel along the Ring Road in Southeast Iceland . The Lakagigar craters also run adjacent to Eldgja , the largest volcanic canyon in the world.

Hiking Mount Laki offers beautiful panoramic views of this incredible volcanic landscape, which is truly one of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area that weave along the craters and the vast lava field.

If you're driving yourself and want to spend more than a day taking in the sights, you can stay at the area's designated camping site. You can even rent camping equipment in Iceland instead of bringing it with you from home!

To skip driving yourself, you can easily go on this 8-hour super jeep tour to Lakagigar from Kirkjubaejarklaustur , the closest town. The tour also includes a visit to the stunning Fjadrargljufur canyon.

If you want to witness these Highland wonders but don't have time for long excursions, you can take a 50-minute sightseeing flight over Lakagigar  or this similar 1-hour airplane tour over Landmannalaugar , both of which start from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve .

• Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Highlands of Iceland
• Learn about F-Roads in Iceland: A Guide to Icelandic Mountain Roads
• See also:  Camping in Iceland

Top Highland Tours

Landmannalaugar super jeep tour with pickup from the south coast or reykjavik, thorsmork valley super jeep & hiking tour.

Which of these Iceland attractions and experiences sound the most exciting? Will you see any real volcanos in Iceland? What other locations are on your Iceland bucketlist? Share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below!

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A Self-Guided Hawaii Lava Tour Through the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano Eruption

This self-guided Hawaii lava tour itinerary will take you to three sites through the past to relive a time in modern history: the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. But first, the backstory…

The Tale of the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano Eruption

When you think of Hawaii and touring real live lava, it’s Kīlauea volcano. Kīlauea holds the Guiness Book of World Record for being the world’s most active volcano, having flowed continuously for 35 years from 1983-2018.  

You can meet the infamous volcano at the unambiguously named Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island . Here it is said that Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, makes her residence. 

The star attraction inside the park is the summit of Kīlauea. Here sits Halema’uma’u Crater and inside used to be a glowing lake of burning magma. But in 2018, Kīlauea volcano erupted in a surprising and devastating way.

Kīlauea had already been uniquely erupting in two places for the last ten years: the summit of the volcano at Halemau’uma’u Crater and the volcanic cone Pu’u O’o. They sit about 11 miles (18km) apart but they were in tight communication with each other. 

Pressure in the magma system began building at Pu’u O’o in March 2018 and signs of it were literally overflowing into Halemau’uma’u Crater: the lava lake level began to rise and spill out into the crater.

On April 30th Pu’u O’o couldn’t handle the pressure anymore and collapsed. In response, two days later the lake of lava at Halemau’uma’u Crater began to drain like an unplugged sink. 

The loss of support from the liquid magma underneath the caldera floor caused many earthquakes and collapsing episodes. 26 collapses and 60,000 earthquakes later the crater had deepened from 280 feet (85m) to 1,600 feet (488m) and the diameter had nearly doubled in size to about 2 miles (3km). 

But where did the lake of magma drain?  It traveled underground for 25 miles until it reached Leilani Estates in Pahoa. On May 3rd the first out of twenty-four fissures opened in the Lower East Rift Zone neighborhood, spilling lava all over the place. Over the next two months, lava covered over 30 miles of road and destroyed 700 homes, displacing 2,000 people (thankfully no deaths). The Big Island also grew by 875 acres of new land.

In September the eruption concluded and the Big Island was forever changed. Popular beaches and tidepools, towns and neighborhoods were buried and gone forever.

Kīlauea has been quiet for the most part since but is still considered an active volcano and could perk up again at any time.

Hawaii Lava Tour Stop #1 – Kīlauea Volcano

• Address : Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 1 Crater Rim Drive Hawaii National Park, HI 96781
• Park hours : open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
• Park entrance fee : $30.00 per vehicle, good for 7 days. If the ranger station at the entrance isn’t open there is a self-pay station at the Kīlauea Visitor Center a little ways further. You can put your cash in the box there

Start this Hawaii lava tour of the Kīlauea 2018 eruption at the source in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park located at mile 28.5 on Hwy 11.

Get different vantage points of this powerful volcano. Drive the north end of Crater Rim Road. The road used to do a complete loop around the crater but when the crater collapsed in 2018 it took a chunk of the road with it. 

Steam Vents

The first stop is at the steam vents to the left. You’ll be able to put your hands and face in the warm steam coming out from this not-so-sleepy volcano. Just a short jaunt from the parking lot gets you to your first viewing of the crater. 

Kīlauea makes a melodramatic first impression with its own personal smoke machine (aka steam vents coming out of the cliffs).  This show-stopping cavity is a one-man…one-volcano?… show, playing all the parts: the diva, the stage, the backdrop, visual effects, director… 

Here you can peek over the edge of the cliff and look down at the cracks and crevices that design the crater floor.  

And this is just the first stop; there’s so much more to come!

Further down the road are two more angles of the volcanic profile. 

Kīlauea Overlook

Kīlauea Overlook is next. A simple sign reading “Kīlauea” with an arrow pointing left brings you to a parking lot. The view just a short walk away gets you up higher above the crater. You get a better sense of just how massive this hole is. I haven’t been to the Grand Canyon but I imagine there’s some similarity to the Great Awes involved.

Uēkahuna Bluff

Saving the best for last, the unrivaled view is at the end of the road about a quarter-mile further at Uēkahuna bluff, newly reopened since the 2018 eruption. Here you can see the entirety of the vast 2-mile wide caldera. Get your panorama mode set on your camera because you aren’t gonna fit the whole thing in normal mode.

Remember, this is the source of the 2018 flow. From here the lava lake drained away and poured out its contents 25 miles away.

You might meet a ranger here to answer any in-depth questions you have about the volcano. 

Another way of viewing this massive hole in the ground is hiking the Crater Rim Trail. It is an easy 4-mile roundtrip hike from the visitor’s center to Uēkahuna Lookout. There are many points of access along the trail if you don’t wish to walk the whole length or someone in your party can pick you up/drop you off: Visitor Center, Steam Vents, Kīlauea Overlook, and Uēkahuna Lookout.

The Kūpinaʻi Pali trail, or Waldron Ledge is another easy, paved, and wheelchair accessible portion of the trail and is only one mile roundtrip. This will give you yet another view of the crater and its sense of glory.

You used to be able to hike the caldera floor on the Halema’uma’u Trail. It is currently closed past marker 10 (right before you get to the floor entrance) due to sulfur dioxide gas and the uncertain nature of the volcanic activity.

Once you have gotten a good sense of the magnificence of the crater, what it was and what it is, it’s time to go see firsthand what kind of devastation it caused in 2018.

🌋 Download the Shaka Guide’s Volcanoes National Park Tour for a complete tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Have a personal tour guide in your car as it navigates you via GPS throughout the park.

Hawaii Lava Tour Stop #2 – Leilani Estates

Again, the fissures are about 25 miles away from Kīlauea but you have to drive up and around to get to it. Continue the lava tour by heading east on Hwy 11 then south on Hwy 130. It’s a 35-mile drive that will take about an hour to arrive at Leilani Estates neighborhood. 

When you turn onto Leilani Ave, keep going until the road ends at the barrier. There are many-a-warning-sign indicating trespassers could be arrested, so stop here and just observe from afar.

About a half a block down you can see the mound of lava that crosses the road. It’s no joke how high it is. While you can’t see the lava up close here you still get a sense of wonder about it.

It’s also fascinating how fast nature can take over anything in its path. The paved road from the barrier to the lava hill is already half “eaten” by plants uninhibitedly allowed to grow.

Next, backtrack and head south on Kupono St.

You’ll drive over some brightly colored fish painted on the pavement and then you will see Fissure 8 Tours on your left. A house unassumingly sits with a steaming lava mound RIGHT IN ITS BACKYARD! 

Notice the sulfuric aromatic notes drifting through the air. Clearly Kīlauea is still conscious and well.

Melissa is the owner of Fissure 8 Tours and amazingly her home was spared even though she is right at Fissure 8, where the predominant amount of lava erupted that destroyed most of Leilani Estates. 

You can get in touch with Melissa here to schedule a 2 hour private guided lava tour where she will give you an in-depth educational visit.

BOOK A 2HR E-BIKE/HIKE TOUR OF FISSURE 8 Bike around Leilani Estates and hike over Fissure 8 with a tour guide showing you the way and telling stories of the incredible 2018 eruption! ➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!

Further down Kupono St the road temporarily becomes gravel because lava had crossed the pavement and had to be cut away. You’ll see piles of a’a lava surround tree corpses to your left and to your right. Steam also billows up among the rocks and through the trees. You can spy yellow spots of sulfur among the lava rocks, and smell it too.

It’s crazy to see the juxtaposition of death and life living next to each other with the lava sitting amongst rainforest foliage. And just like tornadoes can destroy one house but spare its neighbor, you can see the lava field pass the same judgement, or mercy, on one house but not the other.

You can drive around to other corners of the neighborhood to see additional pockets of destruction but most of the side streets that were affected by the lava are closed off for residents only. 

Hawaii Lava Tour Stop # 3 – Isaac Hale Beach Park

• Address : 13-101 Kalapana Kapho Beach Rd Pahoa, HI 956778
• Park hours : 7:00a-6:40pm
• Entrance fee : FREE

The last stop on this Hawaii lava tour through modern history ends at the beginning…of the future of the Big Island.

The 2018 lava flow still covers Pohoiki Rd so you have to take the long way around, 12 miles and about 30min, to get to Isaac Hale Beach Park. Continue south on Hwy 130 until you reach the end and head east on Hwy 137.

You will drive across the rollercoaster-esque pavement and through the lush Malama-Ki Forest Reserve (the magical, tropical roads of your dreams) which will suddenly open up to a couple of 2018 lava fields. The road has been cut through and laid with gravel so it’s still traversable. You can look up the fields and see dead trees resting on top of the lava that killed them.

Once you’ve wound your way through the jungles the road ends (again, because of the lava flow) at Isaac Hale Beach Park. 

Pohoiki Black Sand Beach

And why are you here, you ask? Whelp, here lies Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, a new black sand beach that is forming with remnants of the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. 

Black sand is formed when hot lava hits the ocean, cools down quickly, and explodes into pieces that wash up onto the shore. As the waves crash over and over again the fragments get ground into sand.

The 2018 flow stopped short of filling up Pohoiki Bay, 230ft from the harbor. You can see the contrasting dark lava rocks that flowed into the ocean and the new, lighter black rocks/sand getting created on shore. The black sand is more coarse and rockier than what you think of as sand, but the waves are still working at grinding it into a fine sand.

The boat ramp that used to be a busy take-off point for volcano boat tours and fishing boats is now buried in this new black sand, creating a ghost town, or rather a ghost harbor.

The future of this bay is uncertain for a couple of reasons. One is that black sand tends to disappear if it’s not being replenished with new lava, so unless another eruption happens in this same area there won’t be new lava coming. Second, because this was the only boat launch in the Puna district they may rebuild it so locals can return to their main source of oceanic income, but that will impact the geography of the new beach. So enjoy it now for we know not what the future holds.

For another black sand beach be sure to visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach .

Pohoiki Warm Spring and Ocean Thermal Ponds

A unique and special way to visit this park is to bathe in the geothermal ponds. The new black sand beach has created a few warm springs (because they aren’t hot enough to be hot springs). You can wade in these natural warm baths in a couple of spots.

You’ll see the first ponds by the boat ramp and a little beyond by the tree line. These are the newer ponds created by the building up of the black sand beach. They aren’t very deep and are at a comfortable 75-85°F (24-29°C), depending on the tide and time of day. 

While not completely dangerous , there are warning signs to swim at your own risk. Don’t go in if you have open cuts as there may be bacteria in the water. 

Further back into the trees is the original pond, Pohoiki Hot Springs , which was formed by a collapsed lava tube. Here the water is warmer and deeper than the other ponds and you are set in the middle of the lush forest instead of on the rocky beach.

What a relaxing way to end your day of historical lava themed touring!

BONUS: Sleep at Kīlauea Volcano

Level up your Hawaii lava tour by staying in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the Volcano House in one of their Volcano Crater View Rooms.

You read that right! A room with a personal view of the crater! What a way to kick off this historic geological excursion of Kīlauea volcano. 

>> Check Rates and Availability for a Room at the Volcano House Here! <<

Learn About More Volcano Sites on the Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit Mauna Loa Scenic Road

🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺

🚨  Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?

YES  — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

 🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?

YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular . I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental , as they have some of the best prices around.

📞  Will my phone work on the Big Island?

PROBABLY  — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

🛏️  What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?

For Big Island hotels,  Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO  for potentially better prices and options.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?

I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip : check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.

🛂  Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?

NO  — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States . If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.

🧳 What should I pack to the Big Island?

Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack .

Aloha! I'm Tabitha, an ex-travel agent turned travel blogger. I've lived from fire (Big Island Hawaii) to ice (Alaska) to the lukewarm (Washington State). I've traveled Europe, Scotland and England being my favorite, Costa Rica, Cancun, Canada, various US states, and more. No matter if it's a staycation or international vacation, every trip I take there are things to explore and discover! I'm here to take what I learn and help others think outside the box when composing their own travel itineraries.

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Why Take a Lava Tour in Iceland? Discover Iceland a Living Canvas of Lava

Iceland invites you to a realm sculpted by the fiery dance of lava. With its history of powerful eruptions, the country pulsates with the rhythm of volcanic activity.

Lava, molten rock birthed from the Earth's depths, is a paradoxical marvel. It's fiercely hot, reshaping everything in its path. Yet, as it cools, it crafts new terrains, creating hauntingly beautiful landscapes like expansive lava fields and mystic black-sand deserts. Iceland's reputation as one of the most volcanically vibrant spots on the globe makes it the premiere stage to witness lava's drama.

Embark on our expertly crafted lava tours for a front-row seat. Our seasoned guides ensure not just a riveting journey but also the safest way to navigate these dynamic landscapes.

The iconic Fagradalsfjall volcano, nestled in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark, has erupted thrice in recent years - 2021, 2022, and 2023. Though its eruptions are currently on pause, it's anticipated to awaken frequently over the coming decades. The freshly sculpted terrain around Fagradalsfjall offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk beside brand-new lava fields.

Dive deeper into the wonders of volcanic artistry by exploring one of the country's many lava tunnels. These awe-inspiring caverns, hollowed out by lava, showcase a mesmerising palette of colours and bewitching geological formations.

But the list of options for amazing lava adventures doesn't end there:

• Witness molten magic at the Lava Show , where fresh lava is artfully created, letting you experience its raw essence.
• Delve into the interactive Lava Center . Here, Iceland's tumultuous geological tapestry unfurls, narrated engagingly for all.
• For thrill-seekers, join us during active eruptions for guided hikes straight to the heart of the spectacle. When eruptions take a brief reprieve, we traverse the young lava fields, walking over history in the making.
• For a global accolade, trek the Fimmvörðuháls trail , a path etched by the 2010 eruption and celebrated by National Geographic as one of the world's premier trails.

Eager for more? Peruse our diverse lava tours and find the perfect volcanic voyage that calls to you.

Where can you see lava in Iceland?

Iceland is a land sculpted by volcanic activity, peppered with solidified lava fields that speak to its fiery past. Particularly on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the aftermath of the recent eruptions can be palpably felt.

Fagradalsfjall, a significant contributor to this volcanic history, erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Experts anticipate that it will undergo multiple eruptions in the upcoming decades. This dynamic setting provides visitors with a unique opportunity: during active eruption phases, they can witness the mesmerising sight of flowing red lava.

Conversely, during its dormant periods, adventurers can traverse still-warm, solidified lava fields that release residual heat, steam, and occasional wafts of smoke, offering a firsthand experience of the island's ever-changing landscape.

Can you still see lava at Fagradalsfjall?

Yes, you can see lava at Fagradalsfjall. The volcano erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with each eruption lasting for a few weeks or months. Experts predict that Fagradalsfjall will continue its pattern of erupting on and off for the coming decades. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might encounter an active eruption with flowing lava, or you might see recently solidified lava from past eruptions. While witnessing active lava flows is undoubtedly mesmerizing, exploring the freshly solidified lava fields is also a unique and awe-inspiring experience. There are guided tours available that specifically take visitors to these new and transforming landscapes.

Can you walk to a lava flow in Iceland?

Yes, you can walk to a lava flow in Iceland at various locations. The most renowned spot in recent years is Fagradalsfjall, located in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. This volcano has notably erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, making it a significant contributor to Iceland's volcanic history. Experts believe that Fagradalsfjall will continue to erupt sporadically in the upcoming decades. During these active eruption phases, visitors might be treated to the mesmerising spectacle of flowing red lava. However, during dormant periods, the scene changes; adventurers can approach and walk on the still-warm, solidified lava fields. These areas emit residual heat, steam, and occasional smoke, offering an immersive experience of Iceland's dynamic geological wonders. For those interested in exploring older lava fields, the Fimmvörðuháls trail leads to areas created over a decade ago. Located in the heart of the highlands, this trail promises a memorable journey through Iceland's fiery past.

Can you still see lava in Iceland?

While the volcano known as Fagradalsfjall is no longer erupting, it’s still a thrilling place to visit. It’s one of the best places in Iceland for a lava flow tour, in which you can see where the recent eruption has spat hot rock into the surrounding area.

The effects of lava are all around you in Iceland, from black-sand beaches and plains to the fumaroles that you see in the Golden Circle.

How warm is flowing lava?

Lava is very hot. While the precise temperature varies, lava can reach temperatures between 800°C (1,470°F) and 1,200°C (2,190°F). When it cools below about 1,000°C (1,600°F), it typically starts to solidify. However, it’s likely still very hot inside.

Is there active lava in Iceland right now?

The volcano of Fagradalsfjall began erupting in 2021 and quickly became one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. In fact, it was one of the most remarkable places to see active lava in the world, as you could get very close to the lava completely safely.

Since 2022, Fagradalsfjall is no longer erupting and you won’t be able to see active lava there. That said, it’s still an incredible sight, with freshly dried lava flows.

If you want to see fresh lava for yourself, don’t miss the Lava Show in the village of Vík, on Iceland’s south coast and in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík. It’s the only live lava show in the world, where you can see real lava in a museum showroom.

What’s more, this is Iceland, so there’s likely to be another eruption somewhere soon. On average, they happen every four or five years, thanks to over 30 active volcano systems across the country.

Can tourists see lava in Iceland?

In recent years, Iceland has become a magnet for travellers eager to witness the Fagradalsfjall volcano's eruptions. This site offers the rare opportunity to safely observe an active volcano in real-time. Fagradalsfjall had eruptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with each event spanning several weeks or months. Forecasts suggest that this pattern of intermittent eruptions will persist for decades.

The nature of your experience will vary based on your visit's timing: you might see molten lava during an active phase or explore terrains shaped by prior eruptions. In between active eruptions, the Lava Show provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to safely observe lava in a managed setting.

How do I get to Eldhraun lava field?

The Eldhraun lava field is on the south coast of Iceland, about 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of the village of Vík. If you are travelling from Reykjavík, you’ll need to drive east along Iceland’s Route 1, until you reach the sign for Eldhraun. The drive is just over 3 hours in total.

Alternatively, you can visit Eldhraun on a tour of the south coast. Explore our Iceland lava tours to find out more.

How do you see lava fields in Iceland?

There are lava fields to be seen all across Iceland, but you might be a little surprised by their size.

For example, Eldhraun in the south of Iceland is the largest lava field in the world. Created during the eruption of the volcano Laki in the late 1700s, it spans over 500 square kilometres. Visit Eldhraun on a tour of the south coast.

Alternatively, visit lava fields on a hike across the highlands.

Can you take lava rocks from Iceland?

“Leave only footprints, take only memories.” We ask that all visitors to Iceland abide by the spirit of this saying. So, please do not take lava or other rocks with you when you leave Iceland. If every visitor took a rock with them, there wouldn’t be any left here!

Is it safe to hike on lava?

Hiking on lava in Iceland requires careful consideration and an understanding of the risks involved.

First and foremost, you should never approach or touch lava that is flowing, red, or visibly glowing. These are clear indications of extreme heat and imminent danger. Near recent eruption sites, even lava that seems solidified on the surface may still retain intense heat underneath, making it hazardous to walk on.

In the case of the younger lava fields around Fagradalsfjall, caution is particularly essential. While the lava might appear solid and dormant, the volcano's active nature means eruptions can happen unexpectedly. There's also the danger of misleadingly thin crusts that conceal hot lava lakes or flows underneath. This poses a significant risk to anyone who ventures on them.

However, if you're interested in exploring older, well-established lava fields like Eldhraun, it's generally safe. But, and this is crucial, you must stick to designated paths. Not only does this ensure your safety, but it's also an act of respect for Iceland's fragile ecosystem. Moss-covered lava fields might seem inviting, but even a single footstep can damage the moss, and the impact lasts for decades. When one person ventures off the path and others follow, the cumulative damage can be extensive and irreparable.

In essence, while it's possible to experience the beauty of Iceland's lava fields, it's imperative to do so responsibly. Always follow designated paths and never stray from them. This ensures not only your safety but also the preservation of Iceland's unique and delicate landscapes.

Can you walk on lava fields in Iceland?

Once it cools, lava turns back into rock and becomes perfectly solid—and perfectly safe to walk on.

You can walk on lava fields such as Eldhraun. Just be careful, because it’s not like walking down the street. Lava solidifies into strange forms and will be a little uneven. What’s more, mosses and other plants typically cover these rocks, making the lava field a little slippy.

Sturdy shoes are a must!

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Lava Caving

Evening Lava Tunnel & Northern Lights Tour

Discover raufarhólshellir lava tube cave after dark and witness the northern lights.

Experience the vibrant colors and geological formations of the Lava Tunnel at night before going on the hunt for the magical Aurora Borealis!

Starting from Reykjavík, we'll whisk you away to the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Here, you'll explore Raufarhólshellir , a mesmerizing lava tube cave shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption over 5000 years ago. Led by our knowledgeable guide, you'll learn about the cave's vibrant colors, intricate rock formations, and fascinating volcanic shapes.

After our cave adventure, we'll journey into the countryside to chase the elusive Aurora. Our experienced team will find the perfect spot for you to witness the Northern Lights , providing cozy blankets and warm treats for your comfort.

Join us for an unforgettable nighttime adventure in Iceland!

• Explore a magnificent lava tunnel
• Find the best Northern Lights spots with our guides
• Ride in a comfortable minibus
• Witness the magical Aurora Borealis
• Hot cocoa, chocolate & blankets
• Get free Northern Lights photos
• Get educated on the cave's history with our expert guide
• Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavík
• Guided tour with a certified caving guide
• All necessary safety equipment
• Helmet & head torch
• Crampons (in winter)
• English-speaking expert Northern Lights guide
• Northern lights photos
• Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate & blanket
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• Free retry for Northern Lights part, if not seen during the tour

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• Water & windproof jacket and pants
• Hiking shoes
• Thermal underwear
• Warm head-wear & gloves

Tour Snapshot

• Expert Guides
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & Secure Payment
• Best Price Guarantee

On this tour you’ll visit the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland and witness the natural phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.

First, your expert guide will collect you from your selected pick-up location in a minibus. You’ll then be transported to Raufarhólshellir lava cave, 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík, where you’ll admire the fascinating lava formations and colors on an hour-long excursion. We’ll go as far as 900 m (2952 ft)  into the cave! 

Next, we’ll explore some of Iceland’s beautiful landscapes in search of the Northern Lights. Our guides take photos every time the Northern Lights are spotted, so you’ll get your photograph taken with the Aurora Borealis. We’ll enjoy hot chocolate while admiring the sky.

Below, you'll find additional information about the tour.

THE LAVA TUNNEL TOUR

Our journey kicks off as we rendezvous with our lava cave expert at the entrance of the Raufarhólshellir tunnel. Here, we'll receive gear and safety briefings before descending into the cave. The walk is relatively easy, with developed paths, footbridges, and natural terrain to traverse. While accessible to all ages and abilities, participants should be comfortable with uneven surfaces.

As we delve deeper, marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the walls—mineral deposits revealing emeralds, rubies, turquoise, and lilacs, each evidence of volcanic activity. Our expert guide will illuminate the geological processes that shaped this landscape.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Following our guided lava tunnel exploration, we'll board our bus and set out on the hunt for the elusive Northern Lights. Venturing into the starry expanse, our destination remains flexible, dictated by daily forecasts. Rest assured, we'll steer clear of city lights, possibly venturing to Þingvellir, Reykjanes, or other rural pockets in South Iceland to escape light pollution. 

Traveling by minibus affords us access to offbeat locations inaccessible to larger buses. Throughout the journey, your guide will capture a complimentary photo of you with the aurora, ensuring this unforgettable moment is preserved. Capture the magic on film and cherish the memory forever!

After an adventure-packed evening, you'll be dropped off in Reykjavík at your selected drop-off location.

Please note

As the success of the Northern Lights tour is heavily dependent on weather conditions, it may be possible that the Aurora Borealis is not visible on your trip.

Will I definitely see Northern Lights on the tour?

The Northern Lights are natural phenomena and we unfortunately cannot promise you will see them on our tours. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions, which are factors entirely out of our control.

For more information on the Northern Lights, please have a look at our Northern Lights information .

What are the best camera settings for photographing the Northern Lights?

Unfortunately, there isn’t just one simple answer to this question.

Your camera doesn't have a single setting that will guarantee excellent pictures.  But if you have manual controls, playing with different mixtures of ISO, aperture, and exposure settings is usually preferable. As a general rule, ISO settings of 800 to 3200, f/2.8 to f/5.6, and shutter speeds of 15 to 30 seconds have been found to be successful.

Keep in mind that ISO settings between 800 and 3200, f/2.8 and f/5.6, and shutter speeds between 15 and 30 seconds have produced excellent results.

Results from various combinations can vary greatly. You can take faster exposures with a higher ISO setting, but the photographs can turn up grainier as a result. 

If the shutter speed is above 15 seconds it will result in a slight star movement.

In low-light situations, wider-angle lenses are typically more adaptable, while longer lenses provide you with more compositional alternatives. Make sure to take off any lens filters because they could cause image distortion. Most likely, using a manual setting for infinite focal length will get the greatest results. 

For more tips, read our blog on photographing the Northern Lights .

What if the Northern Lights tour goes ahead and no Northern Lights are seen?

Since the spectacle of the Northern Lights is very much weather-dependent, if no aurora is seen, you’ll have unlimited re-tries valid for up to 3 years. That’s right, you’ll be able to re-join the chase of Northern Lights until it’s a successful one! 

What to do in this case? Our Customer Care is ready to help you and book your next re-try.

Please keep in mind that refunds are not issued when a tour takes place but no Northern Lights are seen. During a re-try, the tour is operated on a minibus.

Will my guide take pictures for me?

Yes, the guide will take a photo of you with the Northern Lights behind you. These can be single or group photos and are free of charge.

What months can you see the northern lights?

The  Northern Lights season is said to be from late August until mid-April. However, if you want to increase your chances of seeing them, it is best to wait until the colder winter months, from mid-September until March.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR?

Since it’ll be nighttime and winter when you chase the Northern Lights, it’s important to dress warmly! Be sure to dress in comfortable layers. Take an undershirt, a fleece sweater, and a jacket to go over everything. Don’t forget thermal underwear or leggings too!

What equipment do you provide for the lava tube caving trip?

We provide you with a headlight and a helmet.

What should I wear on a lava caving tour in Iceland?

Like always in Iceland, it’s best to dress in layers . Warm layers closest to you preferably wool/thermal underwear, pants , sweater , and on top waterproof outdoor clothing. We also recommend that you wear good hiking boots and gloves. Jeans have proven to be a bad choice.

How should I prepare for a pick-up for a tour with Arctic Adventures?

This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick-up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.

Here you should wait for your guide.

Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.

View our pick-up locations in Reykjav í k.

Can I drink alcohol before or during Arctic Adventures tours?

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited before and during our tours. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.

After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.

IS THE LAVA TUNNEL TOUR SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Raufarhólshellir is a relatively accessible lava tunnel with man-made paths and footbridges throughout much of the exploration. However, some parts remain as nature intended, with uneven terrain. All participants should be confident with walking on these surfaces.

DO YOU OFFER OTHER FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN?

Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favorite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).

Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari . On this tour, you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours are also suitable for children over the age of six years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour .

Can the itinerary for the tour change?

Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy .

Is there a guide on each Arctic Adventures tour?

Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours .

All of our tours are guided in English.

Similar tours that people also viewed

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour

Magical Auroras - Northern Lights Tour

Raufarholshellir Tour - King Of Caves

Contact us for more information about this tour.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

No, Yellowstone geyser isn't shooting out lava | Fact check

The claim: Image shows lava erupting from geyser at Yellowstone National Park

A June 17 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) shows lava and a large cloud of smoke erupting from a ridge.

"Breaking: Yellowstone Lava Geyser," reads the post's caption. "For the first time in recorded human history, lava has shot out of one of the geysers in Yellowstone National Park. This following (sic) directly after a string of earthquakes in Montana and very rural Wyoming. Geologists, NASA and an oil rig drilling crew are already on scene to document this never recorded event and try to find the cause. We will continue to update you with more information as it surfaces."

Many of the nearly 2,000 people who shared the post believed it to be legitimate. Comments on the post included, "Hopefully no one was injured" and "It’s just nature, saying look what I can do."

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: Satire

The image is a screenshot from a years-old video that shows volcanic activity in Hawaii. The claim was posted by an account that labels itself as satire.

Yellowstone lava geyser claim posted by satirical account

There are over 500 geysers around Yellowstone, more than anywhere else on Earth , according to the National Park Service. A geyser is a rare type of hot spring with constrictions in its plumbing that makes it periodically erupt to release pressure that builds up, sending water and steam into the air.

But the image in the post doesn't show lava shooting out of one of the park's geysers. Rather, it's a screenshot from a July 2008 video of "lava entering the ocean" near the Hawaiian town of Kalapana, according to a version of the video posted on YouTube in April 2014 by the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes . In 1990, a lava flow from Kilauea , the volcano mentioned in the video's description, destroyed most of Kalapana , covering roads and destroying nearly 200 homes .

The claim was posted by a satirical Facebook account called Casper Planet , which labels itself as "satire, humor and opinion," and says "names/locations are made up." It shared a nearly identical post with the same image in 2017.

Fact check : Astronauts without helmets image is from training, not proof of fake moon landing

The post references a "string of earthquakes," but earthquakes aren't unusual in the Yellowstone area, which has about 700 to 3,000 annually , though most aren't felt, the National Park Service says. The post also mentions NASA, but there's nothing matching the post in the agency's news releases or on its social media accounts . Yellowstone's website includes a page for alerts about park conditions , but there are no warnings remotely similar to the Facebook post's claims.

The U.S. Geological Survey routinely monitors Yellowstone for volcanic activity using seismographs to observe earthquakes and GPS to look for ground motion. The agency says on its website that it "has not detected any signs of activity that suggest an eruption is imminent."

USA TODAY has previously debunked false claims about Yellowstone, including that a 100-foot-wide crack opened up in the park and that it was closed due to "volcanic uplift. "

Our fact-check sources:

• National Park Service, accessed June 21, Hydrothermal Features
• National Park Service, accessed June 21, Earthquakes
• CenterStudyVolcanoes (YouTube), April 14, 2014, CSAV Hawaii: Archival Lava Lightning Waterspouts
• Casper Planet, accessed June 21, Facebook account
• NASA, accessed June 21, New NASA Web Content
• U.S. Geological Survey, accessed June 21, What type of eruption will Yellowstone have if it erupts again?

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

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Nasa’s juno gets a close-up look at lava lakes on jupiter’s moon io.

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Fire-Breathing Lakes

More about the mission, news media contacts.

Infrared imagery from the solar-powered spacecraft heats up the discussion on the inner workings of Jupiter’s hottest moon.

New findings from NASA’s Juno probe provide a fuller picture of how widespread the lava lakes are on Jupiter’s moon Io and include first-time insights into the volcanic processes at work there. These results come courtesy of Juno’s Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument, contributed by the Italian Space Agency, which “sees” in infrared light. Researchers published a paper on Juno’s most recent volcanic discoveries on June 20 in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment.

Io has intrigued the astronomers since 1610, when Galileo Galilei first discovered the Jovian moon, which is slightly larger than Earth’s Moon. Some 369 years later, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft captured a volcanic eruption on the moon. Subsequent missions to Jupiter , with more Io flybys, discovered additional plumes — along with lava lakes . Scientists now believe Io, which is stretched and squeezed like an accordion by neighboring moons and massive Jupiter itself, is the most volcanically active world in the solar system. But while there are many theories on the types of volcanic eruptions across the surface of the moon, little supporting data exists.

In both May and October 2023, Juno flew by Io, coming within about 21,700 miles (35,000 kilometers) and 8,100 miles (13,000 kilometers), respectively. Among Juno’s instruments getting a good look at the beguiling moon was JIRAM.

Designed to capture the infrared light (which is not visible to the human eye) emerging from deep inside Jupiter, JIRAM probes the weather layer down to 30 to 45 miles (50 to 70 kilometers) below the gas giant’s cloud tops. But during Juno’s extended mission, the mission team has also used the instrument to study the moons Io , Europa , Ganymede , and Callisto. The JIRAM Io imagery showed the presence of bright rings surrounding the floors of numerous hot spots.

“The high spatial resolution of JIRAM’s infrared images, combined with the favorable position of Juno during the flybys, revealed that the whole surface of Io is covered by lava lakes contained in caldera-like features,” said Alessandro Mura, a Juno co-investigator from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome. “In the region of Io’s surface in which we have the most complete data, we estimate about 3% of it is covered by one of these molten lava lakes.” (A caldera is a large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses.)

JIRAM’s Io flyby data not only highlights the moon’s abundant lava reserves, but also provides a glimpse of what may be going on below the surface. Infrared images of several Io lava lakes show a thin circle of lava at the border, between the central crust that covers most of the lava lake and the lake’s walls. Recycling of melt is implied by the lack of lava flows on and beyond the rim of the lake, indicating that there is a balance between melt that has erupted into the lava lakes and melt that is circulated back into the subsurface system.

“We now have an idea of what is the most frequent type of volcanism on Io: enormous lakes of lava where magma goes up and down,” said Mura. “The lava crust is forced to break against the walls of the lake, forming the typical lava ring seen in Hawaiian lava lakes. The walls are likely hundreds of meters high, which explains why magma is generally not observed spilling out of the paterae” — bowl-shaped features created by volcanism — “and moving across the moon’s surface.”

JIRAM data suggests that most of the surface of these Io hot spots is composed of a rocky crust that moves up and down cyclically as one contiguous surface due to the central upwelling of magma. In this hypothesis, because the crust touches the lake’s walls, friction keeps it from sliding, causing it to deform and eventually break, exposing lava just below the surface.

An alternative hypothesis remains in play: Magma is welling up in the middle of the lake, spreading out and forming a crust that sinks along the rim of the lake, exposing lava.

“We are just starting to wade into the JIRAM results from the close flybys of Io in December 2023 and February 2024,” said Scott Bolton, principal investigator for Juno at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. “The observations show fascinating new information on Io’s volcanic processes. Combining these new results with Juno’s longer-term campaign to monitor and map the volcanoes on Io’s never-before-seen north and south poles, JIRAM is turning out to be one of the most valuable tools to learn how this tortured world works.”

Juno executed its 62nd flyby of Jupiter — which included an Io flyby at an altitude of about 18,175 miles (29,250 kilometers) — on June 13. The 63rd flyby of the gas giant is scheduled for July 16.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Juno is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program, which is managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Italian Space Agency (ASI) funded the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper. Lockheed Martin Space in Denver built and operates the spacecraft.

More information about Juno is available at:

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/juno

DC Agle Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 818-393-9011 [email protected]

Karen Fox / Charles Blue NASA Headquarters 202-385-1287 / 202-802-5345 [email protected]  /  [email protected]

Deb Schmid Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio 210-522-2254 [email protected]

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NASA's Juno probe gets a close-up look at lava lakes on Jupiter's moon Io

New findings from NASA's Juno probe provide a fuller picture of how widespread the lava lakes are on Jupiter's moon Io and include first-time insights into the volcanic processes at work there. These results come courtesy of Juno's Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument, contributed by the Italian Space Agency, which "sees" in infrared light. Researchers have published a paper on Juno's most recent volcanic discoveries in Communications Earth and Environment .

Io has intrigued astronomers since 1610, when Galileo Galilei first discovered the Jovian moon, which is slightly larger than Earth's moon. Some 369 years later, NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft captured a volcanic eruption on the moon. Subsequent missions to Jupiter, with more Io flybys, discovered additional plumes—along with lava lakes. Scientists now believe Io, which is stretched and squeezed like an accordion by neighboring moons and massive Jupiter itself, is the most volcanically active world in the solar system. But while there are many theories on the types of volcanic eruptions across the surface of the moon , little supporting data exists.

In both May and October 2023, Juno flew by Io, coming within about 21,700 miles (35,000 kilometers) and 8,100 miles (13,000 kilometers), respectively. Among Juno's instruments getting a good look at the beguiling moon was JIRAM.

Designed to capture the infrared light (which is not visible to the human eye) emerging from deep inside Jupiter, JIRAM probes the weather layer down to 30 to 45 miles (50 to 70 kilometers) below the gas giant's cloud tops. But during Juno's extended mission, the mission team also used the instrument to study the moons Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The JIRAM Io imagery showed the presence of bright rings surrounding the floors of numerous hot spots.

"The high spatial resolution of JIRAM's infrared images , combined with the favorable position of Juno during the flybys, revealed that the whole surface of Io is covered by lava lakes contained in caldera-like features," said Alessandro Mura, a Juno co-investigator from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome. "In the region of Io's surface in which we have the most complete data, we estimate about 3% of it is covered by one of these molten lava lakes." (A caldera is a large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses.)

Fire-breathing lakes

JIRAM's Io flyby data not only highlights the moon's abundant lava reserves, but also provides a glimpse of what may be going on below the surface. Infrared images of several Io lava lakes show a thin circle of lava at the border, between the central crust that covers most of the lava lake and the lake's walls. Recycling of melt is implied by the lack of lava flows on and beyond the rim of the lake, indicating that there is a balance between melt that has erupted into the lava lakes and melt that is circulated back into the subsurface system.

"We now have an idea of what is the most frequent type of volcanism on Io: enormous lakes of lava where magma goes up and down," said Mura. "The lava crust is forced to break against the walls of the lake, forming the typical lava ring seen in Hawaiian lava lakes. The walls are likely hundreds of meters high, which explains why magma is generally not observed spilling out of the paterae"—bowl-shaped features created by volcanism—"and moving across the moon's surface."

JIRAM data suggests that most of the surface of these Io hot spots is composed of a rocky crust that moves up and down cyclically as one contiguous surface due to the central upwelling of magma. In this hypothesis, because the crust touches the lake's walls, friction keeps it from sliding, causing it to deform and eventually break, exposing lava just below the surface.

An alternative hypothesis remains in play: Magma is welling up in the middle of the lake, spreading out and forming a crust that sinks along the rim of the lake, exposing lava .

"We are just starting to wade into the JIRAM results from the close flybys of Io in December 2023 and February 2024," said Scott Bolton, principal investigator for Juno at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "The observations show fascinating new information on Io's volcanic processes. Combining these new results with Juno's longer-term campaign to monitor and map the volcanoes on Io's never-before-seen north and south poles, JIRAM is turning out to be one of the most valuable tools to learn how this tortured world works."

Juno executed its 62nd flyby of Jupiter—which included an Io flyby at an altitude of about 18,175 miles (29,250 kilometers)—on June 13. The 63rd flyby of the gas giant is scheduled for July 16.

Correction note (6/27/2024): An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Io is slightly larger than Earth; it is actually slightly larger than Earth's moon.

Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment

Provided by NASA

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