Volcanic areas

Volcanic and Hydrothermal Areas are Popular Tourist Sites

Active lava flows, Strombolian eruptions, lava lakes, fumaroles/ steam vents, geysers, hot springs, boiling ponds, sinter terraces, bubbling mud pools, and steaming crater lakes are a few examples of natural landforms and features of interest for volcano tourists. 

Because of the close connection between volcanoes and hydrothermal features, both are the subject of this web forum. For more information on hot springs and other related phenomena, their origin, and their occurrence, click the 'Hydrothermal' tab.

Volcano Tourism is NOT a Niche Market

Every year millions of tourists make active and dormant volcanic areas worldwide their preferred destination for recreation and adventure.

To assist with the choice of an authentic experience, the main aim of this website is to provide information to make an educated decision about a volcanic destination and to stay as safe as possible.

Because volcano tourism focuses on active and dormant volcanic areas it fits in the nature-based geotourism category and as such incorporates adventure tourism, extreme tourism, ecotourism, green tourism, educational tourism, and hot spring tourism.

From sightseeing, hiking, climbing, and camping volcano tourism can be combined with more extreme activities that involve mountaineering, volcano boarding, or a hot air balloon trip to view volcanic landforms like the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia (Turkey) from above.

Japan and New Zealand are more examples where volcanic and hydrothermal features are used to promote tourism in these areas. Whether it is a 'geothermal wonderland' or the 'spectacular nature' or a 'volcano museum' – the attraction of these unique landforms and associated features and services is well integrated into destination branding and marketing.

Active and Dormant Volcanic Areas

A small number of specialised tours (excursions, expeditions) to active volcanoes across the world are offered online. Experienced tour guides, including geologists and/or volcanologists, provide guidance and knowledge for people who are seeking more than just a brief look at the awesome forces of volcanic activity.

To do justice to as many volcanic destinations as possible, a second book was published in 2014 (Volcanic Tourist Destinations), which features contributions by geoscientists and researchers from many countries, who are sharing their views, experiences, and their research to help us understand the diversity of the volcanic geoheritage. 

A list of the chapters is attached on the right.