For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, volcano tourism offers an unforgettable adventure—walking on the edge of Earth’s raw power. While active volcanoes may sound dangerous, many are closely monitored and safe to visit with guided tours. At Sites of Explore, we’ve rounded up 7 active volcanoes you can actually visit safely—each offering breathtaking landscapes, bubbling lava, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Here are 7 active volcanoes you can actually visit, along with tips for an unforgettable (and secure) adventure.
1. Mount Etna – Sicily, Italy
🌋 Status: Europe’s most active volcano (erupts frequently).
🚡 How to Visit: Take a cable car + 4×4 tour to 2,900m, then hike to steaming craters.
🔥 Unique Experience: Night tours to see glowing lava flows.
⚠️ Safety: Guided tours only—sudden eruptions can occur.
2. Kīlauea – Hawaii, USA
🌋 Status: Continuously erupting since 1983 (calm since 2023).
🌅 How to Visit: Drive through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to see Halema’uma’u Crater’s lava lake.
🔥 Unique Experience: Volcanic winery—vineyards grow on lava soil.
⚠️ Safety: Stay on marked trails—toxic gases (vog) can be hazardous.
3. Pacaya – Guatemala
🌋 Status: Erupts every few years (last in 2021).
🚶 How to Visit: Hike or horseback ride to roast marshmallows over lava vents.
🔥 Unique Experience: Lava field surfing (yes, it’s a thing!).
⚠️ Safety: Wear heat-resistant shoes—ground can be scorching.
4. White Island (Whakaari) – New Zealand
🌋 Status: Tragic 2019 eruption (now closed, but worth mentioning).
🚁 How to Visit: Pre-2019, helicopter tours landed inside the crater.
💀 Caution: Currently off-limits—a reminder of volcano risks.
5. Stromboli – Italy
🌋 Status: “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”—erupts every 20 mins!
⛵ How to Visit: Boat tours at night to see lava fireworks.
🔥 Unique Experience: Hike to the summit (with a guide).
⚠️ Safety: Sudden pyroclastic flows—follow expert advice.
6. Nyiragongo – DR Congo
🌋 Status: Home to the world’s largest lava lake.
🥾 How to Visit: 5-hour jungle hike to overnight at the crater rim.
🌌 Unique Experience: Camp under the stars with lava’s orange glow below.
⚠️ Safety: Only with armed rangers—unstable region.
7. Sakurajima – Japan
🌋 Status: Erupts 500+ times/year (small ash clouds).
🚢 How to Visit: Ferry from Kagoshima to walk lava fields.
🍊 Unique Experience: Grow lava-grown daikon radishes.
⚠️ Safety: Masks recommended—ashfall is common.
Safety Tips for Volcano Tourism:
✔ Always check local advisories before visiting.
✔ Use licensed guides for hikes and tours.
✔ Wear protective gear (gas masks, helmets if needed).
✔ Respect exclusion zones—volcanic activity can change rapidly.
Ready for a Fiery Adventure?
Volcano tourism is the ultimate mix of adrenaline and awe. Whether you want to hike a smoldering crater or watch lava flow into the ocean, these destinations deliver unforgettable experiences.
Want help planning your volcanic expedition? Visit our Contact Us page for expert travel tips tailored by Sites of Explore.
Which of these volcanoes would you dare to visit? Let us know in the comments!
