Cape Town Helicopter Tour FAQ’s to help you be prepared for your tour.
Few cities in the world have a setting as dramatic as Cape Town. It’s a city literally tucked between the iconic, flat-topped Table Mountain and the massive expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s this incredible geography that makes a helicopter tour here so spectacular.
From the ground, you can explore the city, hike the mountain, or visit the beaches, but it’s from the air that you truly understand how it all fits together. You see how the city bowl is cradled by the mountains, how the coastline snakes its way down to the famous Cape of Good Hope, and how two different oceans meet.
A helicopter flight here is all about perspective. I’m here to walk you through the different kinds of flights available and answer all the common questions to help you choose the perfect aerial adventure.
More Than Just a City—Mountains, Oceans, and Wildlife
All the tours take off from the bustling V&A Waterfront, which means you get amazing views right from the start. The kind of flight you choose will determine just how much of this incredible peninsula you get to see.
Shorter flights will give you a fantastic overview of the city itself, with a stunning flight around Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, and a look at the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Longer tours will continue down the coastline, flying along the rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range.
The most popular flights take you on a full loop of the entire peninsula. This is where you really get to see the dramatic contrasts of the Cape. You’ll fly all the way down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, and you’ll witness the difference between the cool Atlantic waters and the warmer False Bay on the other side. Along the way, you might spot whales during the season (June-November), see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and get a unique aerial view of the historic Robben Island.
For something extra special, you can also arrange private flights for a sunset tour over the ocean or even a trip out to the beautiful Cape Winelands for lunch at a vineyard.
45 Cape Town, South Africa Helicopter Tour FAQ’s
1. Question: What are the must-see landmarks on a Cape Town Helicopter Tour?
Answer: A Cape Town Helicopter Tour offers breathtaking views of the city’s natural and man-made wonders. Key sights include the iconic Table Mountain, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the stunning beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Lion’s Head, and historic Robben Island.
2. Question: Where do the helicopter tours depart from?
Answer: The vast majority of scenic Cape Town Helicopter Tours depart from the V&A Waterfront. This central and scenic location allows for immediate, spectacular views as soon as you lift off.
3. Question: What are the different tour routes available?
Answer: Operators typically offer several options. A short ‘Hopper’ tour flies over the city and Table Mountain. The ‘Atlantico’ tour extends down the scenic Atlantic coastline past the Twelve Apostles. The popular ‘Two Oceans’ tour circles the entire peninsula, showing the contrast between the Atlantic and False Bay coasts, often flying as far as Cape Point.
4. Question: How long are the flights?
Answer: Flight times vary based on the route. A quick city tour is about 12-15 minutes. A coastal tour down the Atlantic Seaboard is around 16-20 minutes. A full peninsula tour to the Cape of Good Hope can be 45-55 minutes, and specialized tours to the winelands can be even longer.
5. Question: Is it possible to fly over the top of Table Mountain?
Answer: Yes, a Cape Town Helicopter Tour is the only way to get a true bird’s-eye view of the famous ‘table top’ and its surrounding features like the Back Table. The helicopter circles the mountain, providing incredible perspectives of this Natural Wonder of the World.
6. Question: Can I see Robben Island from the helicopter?
Answer: Yes, most tours include a flight over Robben Island, offering a unique aerial perspective of the historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. However, helicopters are not permitted to land on the island.
7. Question: What is the best time of day for a Cape Town Helicopter Tour?
Answer: Late afternoon is often considered the best time for photography, as the ‘golden hour’ light beautifully illuminates the mountains and coastline. However, mornings typically have less wind. Any time on a clear day provides a spectacular experience.
8. Question: Are sunset helicopter tours available?
Answer: Yes, private sunset flights are a very popular option for a romantic and unforgettable experience. Watching the sun dip below the Atlantic Ocean from the air is a major highlight. These tours must be booked in advance as a private charter.
9. Question: What should I wear for the flight?
Answer: Wear comfortable clothing. It’s best to wear dark colors to reduce reflections in the windows for better photos. Even on a warm day, a light jacket or windbreaker is a good idea as it can be cooler in the air.
10. Question: Are there any doors-off helicopter tours in Cape Town?
Answer: Yes, some operators offer specialized doors-off flights, which are primarily aimed at professional photographers seeking completely unobstructed shots. These must be booked specifically and may have stricter safety requirements.
11. Question: Can I see whales and dolphins from the helicopter?
Answer: Yes, there is a very good chance, especially during whale season (June to November). The aerial perspective is fantastic for spotting Southern Right Whales, dolphins, and even Great White Sharks in the waters around False Bay and the Atlantic coast.
12. Question: What happens if the weather is bad (e.g., strong wind or clouds)?
Answer: Cape Town is known for its strong ‘Cape Doctor’ wind. Safety is the top priority, and flights will be canceled if wind, clouds, or rain are deemed unsafe by the pilot. If the company cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
13. Question: How far in advance should I book my Cape Town Helicopter Tour?
Answer: It is highly recommended to book several days or even weeks in advance, especially during the peak summer season (December to February). These tours are very popular and have limited availability.
14. Question: Are there weight restrictions for passengers?
Answer: Yes, for safety and proper balancing of the aircraft, there are weight restrictions. There is a per-seat limit (often around 125-135 kg or 275-300 lbs) and a total passenger weight limit. Passengers are discreetly weighed before the flight.
15. Question: Which helicopter tour companies operate in Cape Town?
Answer: Several reputable companies operate from the V&A Waterfront. Some of the most well-known include Cape Town Helicopters, NAC Helicopters, and Sport Helicopters, all with excellent safety records.
16. Question: Is a helicopter tour a good way to see Cape Point?
Answer: It’s the ultimate way to see Cape Point. A full peninsula Cape Town Helicopter Tour allows you to appreciate the dramatic scale of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, see the lighthouse from a unique angle, and witness the meeting point of the two oceans in a way that’s impossible from the ground.
17. Question: Can children fly on a Cape Town Helicopter Tour?
Answer: Yes, tours are generally suitable for all ages. Children will be provided with headsets and must occupy their own seat. It’s a safe and incredibly memorable experience for families.
18. Question: What can I bring with me on the helicopter?
Answer: You can bring your camera and smartphone. However, large bags, backpacks, and purses are not allowed in the cabin and must be stored in secure lockers at the heliport before you fly.
19. Question: Will I get a window seat?
Answer: Seating is assigned by the pilot and ground crew based on the weight of all passengers to ensure the helicopter is perfectly balanced. While you can’t request a specific seat, all seats on modern tour helicopters offer excellent views.
20. Question: Do pilots provide commentary during the flight?
Answer: Yes, you will be provided with a headset that allows you to hear the pilot’s live narration. They will point out landmarks and share interesting facts about Cape Town’s history and geography.
21. Question: Are private tours or charters available?
Answer: Yes, all operators offer private charters. This is a fantastic option for special occasions like proposals and anniversaries, or for customized itineraries, such as a flight to the Cape Winelands for lunch.
22. Question: Can you do a helicopter tour to the Cape Winelands?
Answer: Yes, this is a very popular luxury experience. A Cape Town Helicopter Tour can fly you over the stunning wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Constantia, often landing at a wine estate for a tasting or lunch before flying you back to the city.
23. Question: How early should I arrive for my flight?
Answer: It is recommended to arrive at the heliport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time. This allows for the check-in process, a safety briefing, and passenger weighing.
24. Question: Is the flight noisy or turbulent?
Answer: You will be provided with high-quality headsets that significantly reduce the noise of the helicopter. Flights are generally very smooth, though some light turbulence can be expected depending on wind conditions, especially near the mountains.
25. Question: Is a Cape Town Helicopter Tour worth the cost?
Answer: Cape Town’s geography is defined by its dramatic mountains and coastlines, a landscape that is best appreciated from above. Visitors consistently rate a helicopter tour as the most spectacular and unforgettable way to experience the city’s beauty, making it well worth the investment.
26. Question: What are the ‘Twelve Apostles’?
Answer: The Twelve Apostles are a series of stunning mountain buttresses that extend along the back of Table Mountain, stretching from Kloof Nek to Hout Bay. An aerial view is the best way to appreciate the full, dramatic chain of these peaks.
27. Question: Can I see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach from the air?
Answer: Yes, the full peninsula tour, often called the ‘Two Oceans’ flight, flies down the False Bay coastline and provides a wonderful aerial view of Simon’s Town and the famous African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
28. Question: Will I fly over Chapman’s Peak Drive?
Answer: Absolutely. The full peninsula tour includes a flight along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. From the air, you can appreciate the incredible engineering of the road as it’s carved into the sheer cliff face.
29. Question: What is the ‘Cape Doctor’?
Answer: The ‘Cape Doctor’ is the local nickname for the strong, dry southeasterly wind that blows in the summer. While it clears away pollution (hence the name), it can sometimes be too strong for helicopter flights, which is a key reason flights can be canceled for weather.
30. Question: What is the ‘Two Oceans’ tour and what does it show?
Answer: The ‘Two Oceans’ tour is a comprehensive flight around the entire Cape Peninsula. It showcases the dramatic contrast between the cool, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the warmer, deeper blue waters of False Bay (part of the Indian Ocean) on the east coast.
31. Question: Can a helicopter land on Table Mountain?
Answer: No, helicopter landings are strictly prohibited on Table Mountain itself as it is a protected National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flights provide spectacular aerial views but do not land on the summit.
32. Question: Will I see any shipwrecks?
Answer: Yes, on the longer peninsula flights that go towards Cape Point, you can often spot the shipwreck of the SS Kakapo on the stunningly beautiful Noordhoek Beach.
33. Question: Is it possible to see Great White Sharks?
Answer: While it’s not guaranteed, the False Bay coast is known for its Great White Shark population. The clear water and aerial perspective on a helicopter tour give you a very good chance of spotting them, especially near Seal Island, a major feeding ground.
34. Question: Can I combine a helicopter tour with a safari?
Answer: Yes, this is a premium, full-day experience. Private charters can be arranged to fly you from Cape Town to a nearby private game reserve for a safari drive, allowing you to experience both the city and the bush in one incredible day.
35. Question: What is Constantia and can I see it from the air?
Answer: Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region, nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain. Most peninsula helicopter tours fly over this beautiful, lush valley, providing a great view of the historic vineyards.
36. Question: Will I fly over the Cape Town Stadium?
Answer: Yes, the Cape Town Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is a prominent landmark in Green Point. All city-focused helicopter tours provide an excellent aerial view of its unique architecture.
37. Question: Is the flight bumpy?
Answer: Flights are generally very smooth. Some light turbulence can be experienced when flying near the mountains due to wind, but the pilots are extremely skilled at ensuring a comfortable and safe ride for all passengers.
38. Question: What is the difference between flying in summer vs. winter?
Answer: Summer (Dec-Feb) is dry and offers clear, sunny skies but can be windy. Winter (Jun-Aug) is the ‘green season,’ when the landscape is at its most lush and vibrant. Winter is also the best time for whale watching.
39. Question: Can a helicopter tour be used as a transfer to my hotel in the Winelands?
Answer: Yes, for the ultimate luxury arrival, many high-end hotels and wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have helipads. You can book a private charter to transfer you directly from the V&A Waterfront or Cape Town International Airport.
40. Question: Will I fly over Hout Bay and Seal Island?
Answer: Yes, the ‘Atlantico’ and longer peninsula tours fly over the beautiful fishing harbour of Hout Bay and provide an aerial view of Duiker Island (often called Seal Island) with its dense colony of Cape Fur Seals.
41. Question: What is the ‘Table Mountain tablecloth’?
Answer: The ‘tablecloth’ is a famous weather phenomenon where a thick layer of clouds spills over the top of Table Mountain, pushed by the southeasterly wind. While beautiful from the ground, this cloud cover can sometimes affect the visibility for a helicopter tour.
42. Question: Can you arrange a helicopter tour for a marriage proposal?
Answer: Absolutely. This is a very common and incredibly romantic request. Operators can help you arrange a private flight, often with a secluded landing on a mountain or at a wine farm, complete with champagne, to create the perfect proposal moment.
43. Question: Is tipping the pilot or ground crew customary?
Answer: Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a common and welcome gesture to show your appreciation for a safe and exceptional experience provided by your pilot and the professional ground staff.
44. Question: What happens to my belongings during the flight?
Answer: For safety, all bags, purses, and loose items are strictly prohibited in the helicopter cabin. The operator will provide secure lockers at the heliport where you can store your belongings free of charge during your flight.
45. Question: Is a Cape Town Helicopter Tour better than the cable car up Table Mountain?
Answer: They are different but complementary. The cable car takes you to the summit to explore. A helicopter tour gives you a 360-degree view of the entire mountain massif, the city, and the peninsula, providing a sense of scale and context that you cannot get from standing on top.
I hope that long list of questions was helpful! A helicopter tour in Cape Town is really all about seeing how the city’s incredible natural features all connect. It’s the best way to appreciate the sheer cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, the vastness of False Bay, and the iconic shape of Table Mountain.
To help you figure out which flight is the best fit for your trip, I’ve put together a more detailed breakdown of the different options. You can find it on the site in our guide to the Best Cape Town Helicopter Tours and reviews.
