Circle Air - Akureyri
Circle Air - Akureyri
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About
Circle Air will make your Arctic journey a life changing experience! Circle Air´s Airvans are ideal for sightseeing, photo-flights, whale-watching, bike hops and whatever kind of flying that requires rugged reliability. Our flight department has been active in Iceland and Greenland since the early eighties and is staffed with enthusiastic and seasoned professionals and pilots. We´ll take you to see the wonders of Iceland from above in style and comfort from our Reykjavik and Akureyri bases. See every attraction of the Diamond Circle up north, go whale-watching in our planes or have a full day fly-safari. A landing in the heart of the highlands or an excursion to the most remote areas of Iceland is a must-do! Tell us what you like or explore our tours and we´ll make your visit a life changing experience.
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Circle Air - Akureyri
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5.0
79 reviews
Excellent
75
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Mike W
Lake Mary, FL8 contributions
Jul 2023
I took the Circle Air 9 seater plane out of Akureyri, IceLand on 8 July 2023. We had a total of 5 passengers including myself. The flight was beautiful and felt extremely safe . Once arriving to Grimsey Island we were greeted by a wonderful local woman. I have been in love with Puffins my entire life (60). The island is amazing . We were on the Island for 2 1/2 hours. I was solo and the 4 others were more interested in the Arctic Circle phot op then the puffins . Because of that , I felt that I was not allotted time enough to observe the puffins . On the website they inform us that we will be experiencing a taste of local cuisine. I wish that they informed us that it was going to be puffin! I understand that puffin is a delicacy in Iceland, but I would have appreciated a heads up that we would be eating one on a tour that is advertised as one for those who adore these creatures. I did tell our tour guide/ driver on the way to the island that I did not want to eat any puffin, yet I still had one on my plate. I kindly passed and did not let this hamper the rest of my amazing experience. I also did not make a big fuss in front of the other guests and I gave my plate to another traveler. The cod was delicious. Again, I just think the tour should clearly state that you will be offered a puffin to eat.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan G
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
An amazing unique experience to Arctic Circle made all the better by our pilot Louie. Not to be missed
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff G
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We had a great trip to Grimsey Island on Circle Air. Captain Louie took great care of us. The 30 minute flight from Akueryri was full of information about the plane, the flight and local history. Once we landed on the island we were met by a Grimsey Island resident who served as our tour guide. We learned all about the island’s history and what it is like to live on an island with 25 other people. We visited the Arctic Circle and even have a certificate to prove it!! We were also treated to a plate of local cuisine (Puffin and Cod). Thank you Captain Louie and Circle Air for providing such a great experience.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill R
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Excellent experience, start to finish. Gisli worked with us on finding the best time to fly to Grimsey (it pays to be flexible with your schedule, given the quickly changing weather in Iceland). Flight, tour of the island and lunch were all perfect. Pristine views of the fjord. Highly recommend!
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil Onions
3 contributions
Oct 2022
Phil and Nicky Onions here.
I booked a scenic tour for just myself and wife with Circleair last week on Sunday 23rd October 2022.
We had a fantastic experience thanks to Gisli,our pilot.
Looking down at Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, Lake Myvatn, Krafla,rock formations and Geo Thermals at Dimmuborgir gave us a totally new perspective to the sights we were also to visit by car.
I can totally recommend Circleair for a fantastic flying experience and commentary from Gisli.
I booked a scenic tour for just myself and wife with Circleair last week on Sunday 23rd October 2022.
We had a fantastic experience thanks to Gisli,our pilot.
Looking down at Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, Lake Myvatn, Krafla,rock formations and Geo Thermals at Dimmuborgir gave us a totally new perspective to the sights we were also to visit by car.
I can totally recommend Circleair for a fantastic flying experience and commentary from Gisli.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFW
104 contributions
Aug 2021
We started off with a bit of confusion at Akureyri, as Circle Air had transferred all its flights to a different carrier. Our travel vouchers were accepted and we and about 15 others got off on time. The flight over took us through some mountain passes as we were gaining altitude, and then we were watching for whales during our ~20 minutes over the ocean.
Our group of 5 was met by XXX, who had to borrow a small cab-over truck to have enough seats to accommodate our group size of 5. XXX was bubbly and cheerful, explaining what it was like to be raised on the island. Our first stop was at the fixture showing where the 66th parallel crossed the island and the obligatory photos to show that "we were there". XXX gave each of us a beautiful calligraphy "certificate" indicating we had crossed the Arctic Circle. When asked where she got such beautiful calligraphy done, she said "my Mom did it - you'll see here when you go back to the airport where she works". Our tour of the island included a small church, which has been there for centuries.
Our group of 5 was met by XXX, who had to borrow a small cab-over truck to have enough seats to accommodate our group size of 5. XXX was bubbly and cheerful, explaining what it was like to be raised on the island. Our first stop was at the fixture showing where the 66th parallel crossed the island and the obligatory photos to show that "we were there". XXX gave each of us a beautiful calligraphy "certificate" indicating we had crossed the Arctic Circle. When asked where she got such beautiful calligraphy done, she said "my Mom did it - you'll see here when you go back to the airport where she works". Our tour of the island included a small church, which has been there for centuries.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken C
Traverse City, MI5 contributions
Thorvaldsen (Managing Director) was our Captain for our Circle Air volcano flight. The newly erupting Gerlingadalur eruption which began on March 19, 2021 was in full fury at the end of July just as the sky’s cleared and sightseeing flights could resume.
The flight in Circle Air’s Skyvan was awesome. Our Captain made numerous passes around the volcano cone and lava flows so everyone could have excellent viewing and photo opportunities.
The experience could not have been better. We give them a 10+ out of 10. Highly recommended.
The flight in Circle Air’s Skyvan was awesome. Our Captain made numerous passes around the volcano cone and lava flows so everyone could have excellent viewing and photo opportunities.
The experience could not have been better. We give them a 10+ out of 10. Highly recommended.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kammgreyhawk
London, UK21 contributions
Aug 2020
This Trip surpassed every expectation on every front.
From the moment we met the owner who was so friendly, polite and attentive - to the pilot who was a legend in his own right, and took us on one of the smoothest flights I have ever been on. To the knowledge that was shared about what we we were seeing and the landscape around us. To how incredibly close we got to these places - that I honestly felt that we were in touching reach to the tops of the mountains and waterfalls. And the best, we circled whales in the bay ;)
This trip was pure bliss and I strongly recommend Circle Air to anyone who is serious about seeing the real beauty of this land.
Amazing service - fabulous price and memories made.
Thank you Circle Air for one of the best experiences and trips we have had.
You guys are the best !
From the moment we met the owner who was so friendly, polite and attentive - to the pilot who was a legend in his own right, and took us on one of the smoothest flights I have ever been on. To the knowledge that was shared about what we we were seeing and the landscape around us. To how incredibly close we got to these places - that I honestly felt that we were in touching reach to the tops of the mountains and waterfalls. And the best, we circled whales in the bay ;)
This trip was pure bliss and I strongly recommend Circle Air to anyone who is serious about seeing the real beauty of this land.
Amazing service - fabulous price and memories made.
Thank you Circle Air for one of the best experiences and trips we have had.
You guys are the best !
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OxfordTripper
Wilmington, DE66 contributions
Aug 2019
My experience with Circle Air was quite different than the other reviewers on TripAdvisor. In fact, I booked the Iceland Highland Ultimate flight with Circle Air on the strength of the positive reviews on this TripAdvisor site. Here's our saga (excuse the Icelandic pun). I booked with them in June of 2019 for a flight scheduled for mid-August 2019. No problems with booking online and the full amount was charged to my AMEX immediately. I had some questions about the trip logistics which I posed by email and through their company website. No response, so I called them in July and spoke to a friendly person who stated that they require at least 3 people to fly (we had 2) so they could not commit to the trip, but would confirm that we would fly if other guests booked the same flight for the same day. I informed him that we could flexible re: timing over the 2 days that we planned to stay in Akureyri.
Unlike other Icelandic tour vendors who were very good about contacting us by email or text as our tour dates approached, it was radio silence from Circle Air. So, 1 day before our scheduled flight, I called them and spoke to a very friendly Magnus, who informed me that there were no other takers for our flight and besides the expected weather on the next day would prevent flying out even if there were other passengers. He asked me to call back the morning of which I did; the flight was cancelled because of weather. I asked if my fees would be returned to AMEX and he assured me it would. I returned home from Iceland and allowed 2 weeks to pass, but no refund was issued to AMEX. I once again emailed and messaged through their website (I have the confirmation emails that I did) to inquire about my refund. Again, complete radio silence. Finally, I contacted AMEX and asked them to inquire about this charge and seek a refund. Two weeks later, they contacted me to tell me they received no response from Circle Air.
It seems clear that other customers had much more favorable experiences with Circle Air. I was hoping for the same. Of course, it's not their fault that the flight was cancelled for weather (I'm glad they take a safety first approach), but their communication (or lack thereof other than by phone) and apparent unwillingness to process a refund for a cancelled (by them) trip is disappointing and unacceptable. I hope other guests do not have the experience we had.
Unlike other Icelandic tour vendors who were very good about contacting us by email or text as our tour dates approached, it was radio silence from Circle Air. So, 1 day before our scheduled flight, I called them and spoke to a very friendly Magnus, who informed me that there were no other takers for our flight and besides the expected weather on the next day would prevent flying out even if there were other passengers. He asked me to call back the morning of which I did; the flight was cancelled because of weather. I asked if my fees would be returned to AMEX and he assured me it would. I returned home from Iceland and allowed 2 weeks to pass, but no refund was issued to AMEX. I once again emailed and messaged through their website (I have the confirmation emails that I did) to inquire about my refund. Again, complete radio silence. Finally, I contacted AMEX and asked them to inquire about this charge and seek a refund. Two weeks later, they contacted me to tell me they received no response from Circle Air.
It seems clear that other customers had much more favorable experiences with Circle Air. I was hoping for the same. Of course, it's not their fault that the flight was cancelled for weather (I'm glad they take a safety first approach), but their communication (or lack thereof other than by phone) and apparent unwillingness to process a refund for a cancelled (by them) trip is disappointing and unacceptable. I hope other guests do not have the experience we had.
Written 23 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Oxford Tripper,
We´re truly sorry for your experience and understand entirely your feeling of non-appreciation. We had a software glitch with our homepage communication widget, which basically meant none of your communication came through to us.
We sincerely hope to be able to make it up to you. Please get in touch on circleair@circleair.is to explore your free tickets options.
Your AMEX refund should be through by now. At least it has been processed by us.
We have not yet heard from AMEX, though.
Sincerely,
Thorvaldur - Managing Director
Written 24 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WaterFishSinSan
Mississauga, Canada11 contributions
We did the glacier and into the glacier experience. The tour was superb and was a blast! Our tour guide Magus was very friendly and our pilot was very professional.
Although the trip was very expensive but is it worth every dollar.
Although the trip was very expensive but is it worth every dollar.
Written 16 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks you so much!
We truly try our best and value your time.
Kind regards
Thorvaldur
Written 24 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
irene w
Akron, OH4 contributions
My group is coming into port on a cruise ship. What r ur refund policies. For instance bad weather prohibitting us from sailing in. How bout weather is not good for you to fly but we can not reschedule because we will not be there the next day.
Phil Onions
3 contributions
When I booked with Circle Air from England corresponding by e-mail ( by the way the airport is about 5 mins from the port) the agreement was to turn up on the appointed day and agreed time and if safe to fly, we flew and paid at the end of the fantastic flight. I didn't even have to pay a deposit.
The flight and pilot were fantastic.
is it easy to get to the airport from the harbour and is it very far? I will be on the cruise ship Magellan in June/
Primavera637
3 contributions
Good morning Circle Air,
we would like to make a reservation for a 1 1/2 hour flight on 8 august 2018. We are three persons (3 adults) and we would like to have the flight in the afternoon. Is it possible to just make a reservation now? And pay on arrival at the day of the flight?
Thank you very much and happy Christmas!
Best regards from Germany
Þorvaldur Lúðví... S
Akureyri, Iceland
Dear sir/madam,
Of course. Consider your perfect flight booked. We´ll sort out the details as the time of your departure approaches.
Merry Christmas!