Black Sands and Riverbeds Airplane Tours 1
patterns of the river deltas
patterns of the river deltas
Black Sands and Riverbeds Airplane Tours 4
Black Sands and Riverbeds Airplane Tours 5
patterns of the river deltas
Black Sands and Riverbeds Airplane Tours 7
Skaftafell National Park and mountains view
patterns of the river deltas
patterns of the river deltas
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Black Sands and Riverbeds Airplane Tours

(5)
Skaftafell, Iceland
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursNature ToursAdrenaline & ExtremeVIP & Exclusive
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About this activity

Soar over Iceland's otherworldly black sand plains and glacial landscapes on a 45-minute scenic flight from Skaftafell. This aerial tour reveals the raw geological drama of Skeiðarársandur—a vast expanse of volcanic ash and braided river channels—plus the iconic Skeiðarárjökull glacier and mythical Lómagnúpur mountain, delivering perspectives only accessible from the air.

Fly over black sands and ash, covered with numerous small rivulets in a scenic 45 minute air tour from Skaftafell Terminal.

On arrival at Skaftafell Terminal please check in at our reception. There you will meet with your pilot that will go over the flight route and perform a safety briefing before heading out to the airplane. After take-off, we head towards the beautiful coastline of Skeiðarársandur with its endless black beaches filled with ocean treasures and some even believe there is an old shipwreck hidden in the sand full of long lost goods.

From there we head on over Skeiðarársandur, a vast plain of black sand and ash, covered with numerous small rivulets weaving abstract patterns in the sand. It spans the entire range between Skeiðarárjökull glacier and the sea.

Then we head on over to Skeiðarárjökull flying past Lómagnúpur, which houses one of Iceland's four guardian spirits that can be seen in Iceland's coat of arms, the „rock-giant“ (Bergrisi). He stands at the top of Lómagnúpur, holding his iron rod protecting the south coast from evil spirits. So, make sure you take a good look and see if you notice him before witnessing the massive outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull, draining south from Europe‘s largest ice cap Vatnajökull.

When landing back at Skaftafell Terminal, we hope you got the chance to snap some nice photos and get a glimpse of the magical and diversified landscape the Iceland highland has to offer.

Highlights

  • ✓Aerial views of Skeiðarársandur's endless black sand plains and intricate riverbed patterns
  • ✓Flight over Skeiðarárjökull, a major outlet glacier from Europe's largest ice cap (Vatnajökull)
  • ✓Spot Lómagnúpur mountain, home to Iceland's legendary rock-giant guardian spirit
  • ✓Coastal views of Skeiðarársandur beach with hidden shipwreck folklore
  • ✓Pre-flight safety briefing and personalized route overview from your pilot

Insider tips

  • ★Sit by the window on the right side during takeoff to capture the best glacier and mountain shots as you head south
  • ★Clear weather is essential for this tour—book for mid-morning departures in summer (June–August) when cloud cover is typically lowest
  • ★Ask your pilot about the shipwreck legends and guardian spirit mythology before takeoff to enrich the narrative during your flight

Good to know

  • •Check in at Skaftafell Terminal reception upon arrival; allow 15–20 minutes before your scheduled flight time
  • •Bring a secure camera or smartphone; window seats offer excellent photography but objects must stay inside the aircraft
  • •Flights depend on weather conditions; operators may reschedule or offer refunds if visibility is unsafe
  • •Comfortable warm layers recommended; temperatures at altitude are cooler than on the ground, even in summer

Who it's for

Photography enthusiasts seeking unique Icelandic highland perspectivesGeology and glacier lovers wanting an immersive aerial perspectiveAdventure travelers combining adrenaline with scenic natural wondersCouples and small groups seeking an exclusive, intimate experience

Best time to visit

June to August offers the longest daylight hours and most stable weather for visibility over glaciers and black sands. Morning departures (8–11 am) typically have the clearest conditions and best light for photography before afternoon clouds build.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€312
per person