Posts tagged explore

An erupting volcano is without a doubt one of the most terrifying examples of the force of nature. Wild, uncontrolled and brutally impressive, volcanoes have the power to obliterate anything and everything that stands in their way.  Pompeii (Italy), Kaimu (Hawaii) and Cagsawa (Philippines) are all towns that have been destroyed through the power of lava flows, mud flows and volcanic ash.  There are a number of active volcanoes around the world which provide tourists with the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature in its rawest form.

Here are our Top 5 picks for active volcano viewing:

Iceland

Iceland is the biggest active volcanic island in the world and, following last year’s widespread travel disruptions caused by the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, has to be top of the list. Iceland is one of the world’s most geologically active areas, a direct result of its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.  With such proximity to the fiery mantle, you can be assured of plenty of active volcanoes, hot geysers and geothermal springs, guaranteed to keep you hot and toasty on your vacation!

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Iceland. Image courtesy of richincolour, Flickr.

Hawaii

The Volcanoes National Park in Big Island, Hawaii encloses two of the state’s best known volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hawaii itself comprises a chain of thousands of volcanic islands, a result of the movement of the Pacific plate over a mantle hotspot.  Mauna Loa is the world’s most massive volcano, a huge 75,000km² and is known for its lava flows that traditionally advance at walking pace.  Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on earth and is the most visited volcano, unsurprising given the on-going lava flows since 1983.  Most recently, a new fissure eruption was recorded in March 2011.

Lava lake in Volcanoes National Park. Image courtesy of wildphotons, Flickr.

Reunion

A French island, situated in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar, Reunion is home to Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano that last erupted in January 2010.  Translated as “Furnace Peak”, tourists are able to take a relatively easy walk to the top of the mountain and, if you’re feeling brave, you can spend a night camping along the volcano rim.  If that’s not going to give you a good enough view, consider splashing out on a helicopter trip – local aviation companies offer 1 hour helicopter trips that will give you the best possible view of the crater and its lava lake.

Volcanic crater, Reunion. Image courtesy of dirtykoala, Flickr.

Sicily

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and is located on the island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.  With the longest period of documented volcanic eruptions in the world, Mount Etna most recently erupted in January 2011, with lava fountains, lava flows and ash columns on display.  With tourist activities available all year round, you can snow ski on Mount Etna’s slopes in winter and hike through the woods in summer.  But, looking at some of the amazing footage from the recent eruption, you might want to hold off on the hike until the volcano settles down again!

Vanuatu

Mt Yasur on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, is believed to be the most easily accessible active volcano on earth today, despite it’s South Pacific location.  Eruptions often take place several times an hour and as a general rule, the volcano is most active between late February and April.  Like most volcanoes, the best pyrotechnic displays at Mt Yasur occur at dusk and during the evening and the short, but steep, climb to the summit means that irrespective of age or fitness level, most travellers have the opportunity to stand on the rim of an active volcano.

Mt Yasur, Vanuatu. Image by John Nicholls, Flickr.

[Author’s note: Years ago, I was inspired to become a geologist, based largely on National Geographic’s phenomenal volcano programmes. Eighteen years later, I’m still waiting for the opportunity to stand on the crater of an active volcano, so this is a bit of a fantasy post for me!]