How much does a helicopter ride around New York City cost? — featuring Samuel Taylor Ackroyd (HeliNY)

In this video: Helicopter ride around New York City (HeliNY Ultimate tour)

Samuel Taylor Ackroyd · 3 years ago

Is HeliNY a reputable helicopter tour company?

Yes. The video creator expresses full confidence in HeliNY and recommends them as the best helicopter tour operator in New York, based on firsthand experience during the March 2023 flight.

At a glance

Length
19 min
Channel
Samuel Taylor Ackroyd
Video from
May 2023
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
First-time New York visitors and aerial photography enthusiasts seeking unforgettable skyline views

What this video answers

  • Is HeliNY a reputable helicopter tour company?
  • What areas of New York does the tour cover?
  • Can I bring a camera on the helicopter?
  • How long is a typical HeliNY tour?
  • What should I wear on a helicopter tour?
Reads the guide aloud in your browser — free, no account.

Overview of the HeliNY Ultimate Helicopter Tour Around Manhattan

This video captures a scenic helicopter tour review of New York City flown during March 2023 with HeliNY, a tour operator specializing in aerial sightseeing flights. The tour departs from a New York base and takes visitors on a flight path that covers iconic Manhattan landmarks, views across the Hudson River, and perspectives of New Jersey's skyline. The route is designed to showcase the city's geography and architecture from a vantage point most visitors never experience.

This experience suits travelers who want a memorable, high-altitude perspective of New York City—whether you're a first-time visitor wanting to understand the city's layout, a photography enthusiast seeking dramatic aerial shots, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable adventure during a NYC trip. If you prefer traditional ground-based sightseeing, this tour offers something distinctly different: an intimate, fast-paced journey that covers vast distances and reveals the scale of the metropolis in ways walking tours or observation decks cannot match.

What You'll See on This New York Helicopter Flight

  • Sweeping views of Manhattan's skyline and the dense urban landscape from directly above
  • The Hudson River running between Manhattan and New Jersey, with bridges and waterfront architecture in detail
  • Aerial perspective of New Jersey's side of the river and surrounding landscape
  • Close-up passes over iconic Manhattan neighborhoods and landmarks visible only from the air
  • The contrast between the river's natural flow and the geometric grid of city streets
Featured image for the guide to Helicopter ride around New York City (HeliNY Ultimate tour) by Samuel Taylor Ackroyd

What to Know Before Booking Your HeliNY Tour

  • HeliNY operates tours year-round; the video was filmed in March, a mild month for outdoor aerial sightseeing
  • Tour duration is sufficient to cover the Hudson River corridor, Manhattan's major sections, and views of New Jersey—expect a comprehensive circuit rather than a quick overview
  • Weather and wind conditions can affect flight schedules; flexibility with booking dates is helpful
  • Bring a camera or phone with a good lens if photography is important to you; window seats offer the best views, though all seats provide excellent sightseeing
  • Book in advance, as spots fill quickly during peak travel seasons and good-weather windows
  • Dress in layers; helicopter cabins are pressurized but the air temperature at altitude differs from ground level

Common Questions About HeliNY's New York City Tours

Is HeliNY a reputable helicopter tour company?

Yes. The video creator expresses full confidence in HeliNY and recommends them as the best helicopter tour operator in New York, based on firsthand experience during the March 2023 flight.

What areas of New York does the tour cover?

The tour flies over the Hudson River, Manhattan's various neighborhoods and districts, and New Jersey's shoreline and landscape. The route is designed to give a complete aerial overview of the greater New York City area visible from a helicopter's altitude and speed.

Can I bring a camera on the helicopter?

Yes. The video shows successful aerial photography from the flight, so personal cameras and smartphones are permitted. Window seats are ideal for capturing images without obstruction.

How long is a typical HeliNY tour?

While exact duration isn't stated in the video, the route shown covers substantial ground—the Hudson River, multiple Manhattan districts, and New Jersey views—suggesting a tour of meaningful length rather than a brief sightseeing hop.

What should I wear on a helicopter tour?

Dress in comfortable, layered clothing appropriate for the season and time of year. The video was filmed in March; weather and temperature conditions vary by season, so check current forecasts and dress accordingly for outdoor exposure during boarding and landing.

A still from the video Helicopter ride around New York City (HeliNY Ultimate tour) by Samuel Taylor Ackroyd
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Key Terms

Hudson River
The major river separating Manhattan from New Jersey, a central feature of New York City's geography.
Manhattan
The most densely populated borough of New York City, known for its iconic skyline and dense urban landscape.
Helicopter tour
A guided aerial sightseeing flight in a helicopter covering landmarks and scenic areas from above.
Aerial views
Perspectives and photographs taken from a high altitude looking down at the landscape and cityscape below.

Sources: Hudson River · Manhattan · Helicopter tour · Aerial views — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely helpful for anyone considering a helicopter tour of New York City. The creator's straightforward recommendation of HeliNY and honest enthusiasm about the experience gives potential flyers confidence in the operator and a realistic sense of what the tour delivers—stunning aerial views you simply cannot get any other way.

What stands out most is the footage itself: the visual scope of Manhattan from above, the clarity of the Hudson River dividing the landscape, and the sheer scale of the city laid out beneath the helicopter. The video answers the key question every prospective flyer has—will it be worth it?—and the answer is a resounding yes. I'd recommend booking with HeliNY if a helicopter tour is on your New York bucket list.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Samuel Taylor Ackroyd on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

During a trip to New York City in March 2023, I had a helicopter ride around the city. We flew over the Hudson river & got some amazing views of Manhattan & New Jersey! The company I had the helicopter ride with is called HeliNY & I can say with full confidence that they are the best helicopter ride company in New York! I would highly recommend giving it a try if you are ever visiting New York City!

The HeliNY website: https://heliny.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel_taylor_ackroyd/

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