A Mud Volcanoes tour brings together three very different stories of Azerbaijan in one trip: the oil history of the 19th century, the filming of a big Hollywood movie, and a natural wonder you won't find on this scale almost anywhere else. The trip starts in Baku and doesn't take a whole day. The main goal is the volcanoes themselves: museums and exhibitions are not part of the program, but there is the road past the oil fields, the guide's stories, and craters under the open sky. The easiest way to see it all is a mud volcanoes tour from Baku, where transport, a guide, and the off-road part are all arranged for you.
Mud Volcanoes Tour: A Martian Landscape Near Baku
From
₼215
Tour Itinerary
The first stop is Bibi-Heybat, where the world's first oil well drilled with a machine was finished in 1846. This well changed more than the history of Baku: it changed the history of world industry. The city quickly became one of the biggest oil centers in the world and attracted business people from many countries. The guide explains how wells were drilled at that time and how this one started the events that shaped modern Baku. Among Guided Tours Baku, this trip is unusual because it starts with history, not with scenery.
Next, the road goes toward Gobustan past the oil fields: working rigs stand next to open land, and the Caspian Sea is on the horizon. The Bibi-Heybat area is one of the filming locations of the Bond film "The World Is Not Enough", so this Gobustan mud volcanoes excursion also lets you see places that millions of people already know from the big screen.
The main part of the trip is the mud volcano area. About 50 craters are spread over a small space. Some bubble quietly, and others throw out mud and gas with a loud sound. The gray cones and dried mud flows look like a landscape from another planet, and this is one of the unique tours in Baku where nature looks almost unreal. Guests change to 4x4 vehicles at the Gobustan museum, which is only a transfer point, because a regular car can't reach the craters.
After the volcanoes, guests return by 4x4 to the museum and then drive to Baku. The whole trip takes 3–4 hours. Among Guided Tours Azerbaijan, this is one that leaves most of your day free for other plans.
Tour Category:
Exclusive Tours
Group Size:
1-6 people
Start Time:
09:00 -15:00
Duration:
3 - 4 hours
Pickup Location:
Baku hotels
Transport:
Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
What's Included
- A professional Russian-speaking guide for the whole route
- A comfortable car or minivan
- Guided commentary with historical details
- Photo stops at the main places on the route
- The chance to ask your guide questions at any time
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- 4x4 transfer to the mud volcanoes — 15 AZN per person
- Meals
Note
Wear comfortable shoes for the trip to the mud volcanoes.
Lunch can be arranged on request for an extra fee.
General Questions About Tours in Azerbaijan
The road to the mud volcanoes is rough, so this part of the trip is done in 4x4 vehicles, mostly old Soviet cars that work well on dirt and uneven roads.
Yes, the 4x4 transfer to the mud volcanoes costs an extra 15 AZN per person.
On average, 3–4 hours. The exact time depends on traffic and the guests' wishes.
About one hour without extra stops. The real time can change with traffic.
There are about 50 mud craters. Some of them bubble from time to time, release gas, and throw out mud. The gray cones and dried mud flows make a landscape that looks like another planet, which is great for unusual photos.
Yes, photos and videos are allowed, and photos are one of the main reasons to visit. Please follow the safety rules and stay at least 5 meters away from the craters. The mud volcanoes and the landscapes around them give great chances for memorable photos.
This can be discussed in advance when you arrange the trip. The final decision depends on the conditions on site and safety rules.
The time on site is agreed in advance, based on what the guests prefer.
Yes, there are restrooms for visitors in Gobustan.
Comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles, because the ground near the volcanoes is rocky and uneven. In summer, bring a hat and sunglasses. In cool or windy weather, take a light jacket.
No. Most of the trip is by car, and the walk at the volcanoes is short. The route has no long walks.
Depending on the size of the party, we use comfortable cars and minibuses: Mercedes Vito, Toyota, or Mercedes Sprinter. For small parties, a sedan may also be used.
Yes, guests of different ages can join. Part of the route is on dirt roads and natural ground, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Yes, it is possible. But a guided tour saves time, gives you transport to a remote natural place, and a guide with you along the whole route.
Yes, if you like, other formats are available, including the Gobustan museum and other sights. You can see the options in the similar tours section.
Check the general FAQ section in the site menu for more answers. If you still have questions, contact us through the Contacts section. We reply within 24 hours.