Tandem Paragliding over the Rugged Lava Fields at Blue Mountains

Feel the wind beneath Iceland. This tandem flight takes you above the rugged lava fields near Reykjavík, with a 4×4 ride, a careful safety briefing, and an instructor handling the glider. I like the small six-person limit and the option to add hotel pickup, which makes this feel more personal than a large bus excursion. I also like that the pilot can let you try supervised control once you are airborne.

The catch is the weather. Wind and cloud can change plans quickly, and one unhappy customer faced several cancellations. The price is also a serious $254.22 per person, before optional pickup and GoPro video, so you should book this for the flight itself, not just for a quick countryside outing.

Key points to know before you book

• The flight lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, with the full activity taking roughly one hour.
• Reykjanesfólkvangur provides the setting, with broad views over Icelandic lava fields, lakes, mountains, and open countryside.
• A 4×4 vehicle carries you up an off-road mountain track to the launch area.
• The instructor controls the paraglider, but you may try basic steering under supervision.
• Weather can cancel the flight, with a new date, another aerial activity, or a full refund offered.
• Pickup from central Reykjavík costs an additional 5,000 ISK, and GoPro footage costs extra.

Leaving Reykjavík for the Blue Mountains

This experience begins at Blafjallavegur 1 in Iceland, rather than at a central Reykjavík visitor office. You can meet the team at the activity center, or request pickup from a central Reykjavík hotel for an additional 5,000 ISK.

That pickup fee is worth considering if you are not renting a car. It removes the worry of finding a rural meeting point, and one pilot has even helped a customer reach the Reykjavík bus terminal in time for a departing bus. Still, pickup must be arranged in advance. If you do not provide an address, the company assumes you will meet at the activity center.

The journey to the launch site is part of the fun. You climb into a 4×4 and head up an off-road mountain track through rough terrain. This is not a polished sightseeing road, and that is part of the appeal. You get a short taste of Iceland’s untamed volcanic country before the real adventure begins.

If you drive yourself, pay close attention to the final approach. GPS directions have reportedly sent people past the parking area and onto a road marked do not enter. A useful local landmark is a light sticking out of the lava rocks. It is described as the only light on the road. At that point, turn onto the unmarked dirt road. The turnoff is roughly a quarter mile, or about one kilometer, from the main road according to the practical directions provided.

Reykjanesfólkvangur from the air

The listed stop is Reykjanesfólkvangur, a large protected area near Reykjavík known for rough volcanic ground and open views. From above, you may see lava fields, lakes, mountains, and the broad Icelandic countryside.

The attraction is not a long list of formal sights. Instead, it is the chance to see the area without roads, fences, or tour buses shaping your view. Black lava, bare slopes, and distant water take on a different scale from the air. You get a better sense of how much empty country surrounds Reykjavík.

The exact view depends on the launch point, cloud cover, wind, and visibility. That uncertainty is normal in Iceland, but it matters here because the flight is the main event. On a clear day, the setting can be striking. On a gray or windy day, the pilot may decide that safety comes first.

The safety briefing comes before the thrill

At the launch site, your instructor explains how the tandem equipment works and what you need to do during takeoff and landing. You will wear the required safety equipment and be connected to the instructor, who manages the glider.

The launch begins with a running start from the takeoff point. That may sound dramatic, but the running instructions are simple and practical. Your job is to follow the pilot’s directions and keep moving as instructed until the glider lifts you.

Once airborne, you lean back into the harness and settle into the flight. The pilot handles the paraglider, allowing you to focus on the view instead of trying to manage every line and control. This arrangement makes the experience suitable for most people who can follow basic directions, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

The instructor may also let you take supervised control. You can learn the basics of free flight and try a little steering, or ask the pilot to perform turns and other more exciting maneuvers. You are not left to figure out the glider alone. The pilot remains responsible for the flight.

What ten to fifteen minutes in the air feels like

The included tandem flight is described as lasting 10 to 15 minutes. The longer description refers to about 20 minutes in the air, while specific experience reports put the flight closer to 10 to 12 minutes. I would plan on roughly 10 to 15 minutes, with the total activity lasting about an hour.

That distinction matters at this price. The flight itself is brief, but it is not the only part of the experience. You also have the ride up the mountain track, the instruction, the preparation, the takeoff, and the return to the meeting point.

Once the paraglider catches the air, the sensation is less like a roller coaster and more like floating. You are high enough to see the volcanic ground spread out below, but the flight is controlled by the pilot. Some people find the launch nerve-racking, then relax quickly once they are settled into the harness.

You can ask for gentle flying or more energetic turns. Several pilots are praised for explaining each step clearly and keeping the mood encouraging. Thordir, Thunner, Throstur, and Sara are among the instructors named in customer feedback, and the company’s dogs, called the pups, also made an appearance at the activity center.

Landing brings you back to firm ground with the pilot guiding the final approach. Afterward, you return by road to the original meeting point. The activity does not end in downtown Reykjavík unless you have arranged transportation separately.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is six people. That is a useful limit for an activity that depends on weather, equipment, and individual preparation.

A small group means the safety instructions can be given carefully before each person goes up. One family of six specifically appreciated that the team walked everyone through the safety process before every flight. You should still expect some waiting if other people in your group fly before you, but that wait is easier to accept when the group is small.

The exact sequence of flights depends on conditions and the instructor’s judgment. You may spend time watching another person take off, learning from the explanation, and getting used to the setting before your own turn. Bring patience along with your courage.

Weather is part of the decision

This is a weather-dependent activity in the most literal sense. The instructor checks the flying conditions just before takeoff because wind and cloud can change rapidly in Iceland.

A cancellation is not automatically a failure of the company. Paragliding needs suitable conditions, and pushing ahead in poor weather would be a serious mistake. If the flight is canceled, you can choose another date, select another aerial activity, or request a full refund.

That flexibility has worked well in some difficult weather situations. A paraglide was canceled, then replaced with a small ultralight plane flight. In another case, a two-seat glider provided aerial views of lava fields, lakes, and mountains, followed by aerobatics that included strong changes in gravity and a brief weightless feeling.

You should not assume that a replacement flight is guaranteed every time. The stated options are a different date, another aerial tour, or a refund. If your schedule is tight, keep a backup plan and avoid placing this activity on the final few hours of your Iceland trip.

One dissatisfied customer reported repeated cancellations, including late notice and several failed appointment times. That experience is a useful warning: clear weather on the ground does not always mean suitable flying conditions above the launch site. Stay reachable on the day and keep your schedule flexible.

Clothing, footwear, and the cold above the ground

Iceland’s weather can feel mild at ground level and much colder in the air. Wear outdoor clothing suited to the forecast, and choose sturdy shoes or boots. You need footwear that can handle the rough approach and the running takeoff.

Layers are the sensible choice. You may warm up during the vehicle ride or preparation, then feel the cold once airborne. Gloves and a warm outer layer are worth considering, though the provided information does not specify required gear beyond the safety equipment.

Your own camera is allowed at your own risk. That wording matters. A phone or camera could be lost during the running launch or flight, so secure it carefully if you bring it. You can also rent a GoPro on location for an additional fee. Ask about the cost before the flight if you want a permanent record of the experience.

Is $254.22 a fair price?

At $254.22 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. You are paying for specialist equipment, an experienced pilot, safety preparation, a 4×4 approach, and a rare chance to see Iceland from the air.

The value is strongest if paragliding itself is high on your list. You are not paying for a long excursion with many stops. The flight is short, and the full activity is only about an hour. If you want a full-day tour of Icelandic sights, this is the wrong product.

The small group and personal instruction improve the value. You are not being carried over the countryside in a crowded aircraft with dozens of other people. The pilot can explain what is happening, respond to your comfort level, and possibly let you try the controls.

Budget another 5,000 ISK for central Reykjavík pickup if needed. GoPro footage also costs extra. Those additions can push the total higher, so decide in advance which parts matter most to you.

The tour is booked an average of 35 days ahead, which suggests that you should reserve early if the dates of your Iceland trip are fixed. Keep in mind that a reservation does not control the weather. Early booking secures a place, but you still need flexibility around the actual flight.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this to an adult or older child who wants a genuine aerial adventure rather than a passive sightseeing ride. You need to be comfortable following instructions, wearing a harness, and taking a running start.

It also suits people who have already seen Reykjavík’s main sights and want something more unusual. The experience takes you into the countryside without requiring a full day away from the city.

Families can enjoy it, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum group size of six works well for a small family or friend group, especially since each person receives individual safety instructions.

This is less suitable if your schedule is rigid, if you dislike heights, or if you need guaranteed departure times. The weather rule is firm, and even a clear-looking day may not provide safe flying conditions.

My final call on the Blue Mountains flight

I would book this if the idea of floating above Iceland’s lava fields excites you and you can spare room in your schedule for weather changes. The strongest parts are the expert instruction, the small group, the 4×4 climb to the launch point, and the direct views over Reykjanesfólkvangur.

I would skip it if you are mainly looking for value per minute or a dependable sightseeing stop. At $254.22, a 10 to 15 minute flight asks you to pay for a special experience, not a long itinerary.

Book early, arrange pickup if you need it, wear proper outdoor clothing, and do not put it at the end of a tightly scheduled trip. With those conditions in mind, this is a memorable way to add real altitude to an Iceland visit.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience start?

The meeting point is Blafjallavegur 1, 206, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup can be arranged from anywhere in central Reykjavík for an additional 5,000 ISK. You can pay on site or select the appropriate booking option.

How long does the whole activity last?

The experience takes approximately one hour, including the drive, preparation, safety briefing, flight, and return to the meeting point.

How long is the tandem flight?

The included tandem flight is listed as lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Some descriptions refer to about 20 minutes, but specific flight accounts describe roughly 10 to 12 minutes.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is six people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather prevents the flight, you can choose another date, select another aerial activity, or receive a full refund.

What should I wear?

Wear outdoor clothing suitable for the weather and sturdy shoes or boots. It is normally colder in the air than on the ground.

Can I bring a camera?

You may bring your own camera, but you do so at your own risk. A GoPro can be rented on location for an additional fee.

Can children take part?

Yes, most people can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.