Best Helicopter Tour Guides & Tips
Helicopterstour.com
Hawaii: Lush Landscapes and Volcanic Views
Hawaii is one of the most popular places in the world for helicopter tours. From the emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the lava flows of the Big Island, every flight offers unmatched natural beauty. Helicopter tours in Hawaii often include doors-off options, and many routes give you a full view of waterfalls, volcanoes, and rainforests. Flights usually last 45 to 60 minutes, with prices starting around $250 and climbing based on duration and route.
- Best for: Tropical scenery, active volcanoes, dramatic cliffs
- Flight time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Average price: $250 to $400
- Best season: Year-round, especially spring and fall
Why you should take a Helicopter tour in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most breathtaking places in the world to see from the sky. A helicopter tour here gives you front-row views of volcanic craters, black sand beaches, plunging waterfalls, and lush rainforest landscapes that are often unreachable by foot. On the Big Island, you can fly directly over active lava flows in Volcanoes National Park. In Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” you’ll soar over the iconic Napali Coast and into the deep, emerald-colored Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
What makes Hawaii especially great for helicopter tours is the sheer variety of terrain you’ll experience in a short flight. From the ocean to volcanic peaks to hidden valleys, no two minutes of the ride are the same. Many tours include narration from experienced pilots who provide cultural and geological insights. For travelers looking for an unforgettable, tropical adventure with dramatic views and cinematic beauty, Hawaii is hard to beat.
New York City: Iconic Skylines from Above
Flying over Manhattan is a short but stunning way to experience the city. In just 15 to 30 minutes, helicopter tours in New York cover landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park. These tours are ideal for visitors on a tight schedule who still want a dramatic perspective. Prices typically range from $150 to $300.
- Best for: City lovers, short tours, skyline views
- Flight time: 12 to 30 minutes
- Average price: $150 to $300
- Best season: Year-round, with great photo lighting in late afternoon
Why you should go on a helicopter tour in New York City
Few experiences match the thrill of flying above the world’s most iconic skyline. A helicopter tour of New York City gives you a unique perspective on famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. These tours offer a fast-paced, visually stunning overview of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs, making them perfect for first-time visitors or even locals looking to see the city in a new light.
Check out our guide on helicopter tours for families and children to learn about safety tips, age requirements, and how to make the experience enjoyable for every family member.
Grand Canyon: Depth, Scale, and Desert Beauty
The Grand Canyon delivers a vast and unforgettable aerial experience. Many helicopter tours take off from Las Vegas or the South Rim and feature routes that fly into the canyon or include a landing. Options include champagne picnics or short walks at the base. Flights vary in length from 25 minutes to over an hour, and prices generally start at $250.
- Best for: Desert landscapes, canyon depth, adventurous sightseeing
- Flight time: 25 to 60+ minutes
- Average price: $250 to $500
- Best season: Spring and fall offer ideal weather and visibility
Why the Grand Canyon is perfect place for a helicopter tour
The Grand Canyon is one of the most majestic natural wonders on Earth, and seeing it by helicopter is an experience that words can hardly do justice. Aerial tours provide panoramic views of the canyon’s massive scale, layered red rock formations, and the Colorado River carving its way through the landscape below. Unlike viewing from a single lookout point, a helicopter lets you grasp the full depth and scope of the canyon in motion.
Alaska: Glacier Adventures and Remote Wilderness
Alaska’s helicopter tours are for travelers who want to see glaciers, snowfields, and remote wildlife. These tours often include landings, guided hikes, or dogsled rides. Flights are more expensive due to the remote locations and experiences included. Prices range from $350 to over $600 depending on the length and type of tour.
- Best for: Rugged scenery, glacier landings, wildlife viewing
- Flight time: 30 to 90 minutes
- Average price: $350 to $600+
- Best season: May through September
What makes Alaska one of the best locations for a helicopter tour?
Alaska offers a helicopter tour experience unlike any other, especially for those looking for rugged wilderness, glaciers, and remote beauty. From the sky, you can witness towering ice fields, snow-covered mountains, and wildlife such as moose and bears roaming through untouched terrain. Many helicopter tours also land on glaciers, giving passengers the rare chance to walk on ancient ice and explore in total solitude.
Top Helicopter Tour Destinations – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Destination | Scenery & Sights | Flight Time Range | Avg Cost (Per Person) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (Oahu/Kauai) | Waterfalls, cliffs, beaches, volcanoes | 30 – 60 min | $275 – $450 | Nature lovers, photographers, families |
| New York City | Skyline, bridges, Statue of Liberty | 12 – 30 min | $175 – $275 | First-time flyers, city views, short trips |
| Las Vegas | Strip skyline, night lights, Red Rock Canyon | 10 – 20 min | $150 – $250 | Budget travelers, quick thrills |
| Grand Canyon | Deep canyons, desert cliffs, Hoover Dam | 30 – 50 min | $300 – $500 | Adventure seekers, nature fans |
| Alaska | Glaciers, snowfields, landing options | 40 – 60+ min | $400 – $650 | Epic scenery, bucket-list explorers |
| Iceland | Volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers | 30 – 90 min | $350 – $600+ | Remote views, extreme nature experiences |
| Cape Town | Table Mountain, coastlines, city + ocean views | 20 – 60 min | $200 – $350 | Urban + nature mix, couples, sunset flights |
Choosing the Right Tour for You
| You Should Choose… | If You Want… |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | Jaw-dropping natural beauty, tropical views, family-friendly |
| New York City | Iconic skyline shots in a short, thrilling ride |
| Las Vegas | Budget option with dazzling night lights |
| Grand Canyon | Epic scale, layered landscapes, and nature |
| Alaska | Land on glaciers and see places you can’t reach any other way |
| Iceland | Remote, surreal terrain you won’t see anywhere else |
| Cape Town | Urban + coastal mix with mountain backdrops |
Each of these destinations offers something unique. Hawaii is ideal for breathtaking nature. New York delivers a fast-paced city view. The Grand Canyon offers scale and impact, while Alaska is perfect for adventurers seeking something off the beaten path. Your best choice depends on your travel goals, budget, and interest in nature versus city sightseeing.
Helicopter Tour Locations Compared – FAQ
Question: What’s the best destination overall for a helicopter tour?
Answer: It depends on your interests. Hawaii offers dramatic natural beauty, New York delivers iconic city skylines, and places like Iceland, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon provide stunning wilderness views and landings. All are unforgettable for different reasons.
Question: Which location is best for nature lovers?
Answer: Hawaii, Alaska, and Iceland are top picks. They offer views of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and remote beaches or valleys that can’t be reached by road. These tours often include landings on glaciers or lava fields.
Question: Which destination is best for city views?
Answer: New York City is unmatched for urban sightseeing. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and more—all from the air. Las Vegas and Dubai are also great options for dazzling night cityscapes.
Question: Where can I do a romantic helicopter tour?
Answer: Las Vegas, Hawaii, and New York all offer sunset flights, private charters, and even wedding or proposal packages. A private flight with champagne over the Strip or a remote beach is perfect for special occasions.
Question: Which helicopter tour is the most adventurous?
Answer: Alaska and Iceland are ideal for thrill-seekers. Tours often include glacier landings, dog sled rides, and volcanic crater flyovers. Doors-off tours in Kauai or volcano flights on the Big Island are also great options for adventure.
Question: What’s the most affordable helicopter tour location?
Answer: Las Vegas and Cape Town typically offer the lowest prices, with flights starting as low as $99–$150. These short tours are perfect for first-timers or budget travelers.
Question: Which destination offers the most variety in helicopter tours?
Answer: Hawaii leads in variety, with tours on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Each island offers unique scenery—from lava flows to rainforests to rugged cliffs—plus both doors-on and doors-off options.
Question: Where can I do a helicopter tour with a glacier landing?
Answer: Alaska, Iceland, and New Zealand are known for glacier landing tours. These flights let you walk on ancient ice, explore crevasses, and even enjoy dog sledding in the summer months.
Question: Which destination is best for first-time flyers?
Answer: Las Vegas, New York, and Oahu offer shorter, smoother, and more accessible tours, making them perfect for first-timers. These tours provide amazing views without the need for long flights or landings.
Question: Can I compare destinations before booking?
Answer: Yes. Use Helicopterstour.com to explore top tours by location, read tour breakdowns, and compare options for budget, scenery, duration, and experience before you book.
