Helena Gallardo of Volcano Heli on How to See Iceland from the Air (the Right Way)

If you’re thinking about seeing Iceland from a helicopter, you’ll probably end up talking to Helena Gallardo at some point.

Helena handles customer service at Volcano Heli, a small helicopter tour company based in Reykjavík. They’re not the biggest operation in Iceland, but they’re one of the good ones. The kind of company where you actually talk to real people who care about giving you a great experience.

What I like about Volcano Heli is that they’re flexible and communicative. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable—fog rolls in, winds pick up, visibility drops—and helicopter tours are among the first to be affected.

The company was founded in 2014, around the time of the major Bárðarbunga eruption in the northeast. Since then, they’ve flown everyone from news crews to scientists to regular tourists who just want to see Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields from above. Their pilots—folks like Matthias, Julian, and Sandra—are mentioned by name in reviews, which speaks to the personal touch they bring to their tours.

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Now let’s hear from Helena about what her job at Volcano Heli is like, what brought her to Iceland, her favorite places in Iceland, and what advice she has for first-time visitors.

Hey Helena, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I know you are really busy! Can you tell me a little about your background and what brought you to Iceland?

I’m actually a marine scientist, and I originally moved to Iceland to work on research. I started at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Neskaupstaður, helping to open their local station and working on projects related to marine resources. It was a small team, so you end up doing a bit of everything and becoming very connected to the place you live in.
Living in the Eastfjords, nature isn’t something you save for weekends; it’s just part of everyday life. Over time, I became more and more drawn to the outdoors and gradually moved into the adventure side of things, guiding activities like kayaking, snowmobiling, and ice caving.

Joining Volcano Heli felt like a natural continuation of that path. I was still sharing Iceland’s landscapes with people, just from the air, a perspective you simply can’t get any other way.

What does a typical day look like for you at Volcano Heli? I imagine it’s not always typical when you’re dealing with Iceland’s weather.

Honestly, there’s no real typical day, and that’s part of the fun!

Some days start quietly in the office, answering emails, planning photo flights, or special requests like proposals or remote landings. Other days immediately turn into rescheduling half the schedule because the weather changed overnight. In Iceland, you’re constantly adjusting. Pilots, operations, and ground crew all coordinate and rebuild the day so it runs smoothly and safely.
In between that, I do briefings with passengers, coordinate departures, help with logistics around the helicopters, and keep track of timings. Some days are intense and fast-paced, others are slower, but you’re always switching between planning and reacting. It keeps you present because you can’t really run on autopilot here.

You’ve probably talked to thousands of people planning helicopter tours by now. What’s the most common question or concern you get from first-time visitors?

One of the questions I get a lot is what kind of helicopter we fly. We use R66 turbine helicopters with four passenger seats. I love these machines. They’re smooth, reliable, and give everyone a great view of the landscape. I think what makes them special is how personal the experience feels. You’re up close to the scenery, not just looking at it from a distance. Most first-time flyers are a little nervous at first, but once we’re in the air, the excitement and the views take over.

After working at Volcano Heli for a while, you must have some strong opinions about the best times or conditions for helicopter tours. What should people know before they book?

There isn’t really a “best time” to fly. Iceland is constantly changing, and that’s part of the adventure. We fly all year-round, so every season has its own magic: snow-covered highlands in winter, mossy green valleys in summer, or the soft autumn light on glaciers.

Because the weather can shift quickly, staying flexible and in touch with us is key. If a flight might not go as planned, we let our guests know right away, so they can adjust their plans without stress. Sometimes that means a last-minute schedule change, sometimes a different route, and sometimes it just means laughing a little at how unpredictable Iceland can be.

My main piece of advice is to have a few alternate dates in mind when you book. That way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your preferred day, we can usually find another window that works.

When you’re not at work, where do you like to go in Iceland? Any favorite spots that regular travelers might miss?

Since I’m sometimes in the air for work, I have discovered incredible places. I love exploring Iceland’s glaciers and the remote areas of the highlands. Being there in person really gives you a sense of the scale and the dramatic landscapes. It’s something that photos or videos just can’t capture. I’m drawn to places that feel off the beaten path, like secluded hot springs and highland valleys where few people go. There’s something special about those quiet, untouched areas, so if you get the chance to visit them, it’s an unforgettable experience.

What advice do you have for first-time visitors to Iceland?

Leave some space for the unexpected. Be ready to adjust your plans if something catches your eye, and don’t worry about checking off a list of sights. Seek professional guidance when venturing into areas you’re unfamiliar with, and always respect the environment and local knowledge.