This paper focuses on finding exact soliton solutions and further examining the qualitative characteristics of these solutions for a nonlinear partial differential equation known as the (3+1)-dimensional integrable Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation that portrays a unique dispersion effect. The (3+1)-dimensional integrable Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation models the evolution of weakly nonlinear dispersive waves in three spatial dimensions “x,y,z” and time “t”. It balances nonlinearity and dispersion, leading to solitary wave solutions that are stable and localized. This equation is crucial in understanding complex wave phenomena in fields like fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and optics. Initially, the traveling wave transformation is employed to convert the nonlinear partial differential equations into the non-linear ordinary differential equations. Then, we use the Riccati equation approach to find solitary wave solutions for the resulting ordinary differential equation. To better comprehend the physical significance of these derived solutions, we illustrate them using various visual representations. Diverse novel collections of solitary wave solutions are obtained such as bright solitons, dark solitons, and dark singular solitons. Second, we convert the nonlinear ordinary differential equation into a linear dynamical system using the planar dynamical transformation. Then, we undertake a qualitative analysis of the dynamical system to study its chaotic characteristics and bifurcation phenomena. Phase portraits of bifurcation are observed at the equilibrium points of the planner dynamical system. We discuss various tools to identify the chaos (random and unpredictable behavior) in dynamical systems. Graphical visualization of qualitative analysis of the system is also depicted in 3-D phase portraits, 2-D phase portraits, Poincaré mapping, and time series. Additionally, the Runge–Kutta technique is used to do a thorough sensitivity analysis of the dynamical system. Using this analytical procedure, it is verified that the stability of the solution has negligible impact while there is little change in the beginning circumstances. This paper aims to provide vital views to scientists and researchers seeking to advance their experimental operations. Furthermore, this research might be expanded by incorporating solitons and situations and investigating wave dynamics. The methods employed provide a direct and uncomplicated approximation of all solutions when compared to the previously established techniques. Various combinations and values of the physical parameters are utilized to explore the optical soliton solutions of the resultant system.