When it comes to experiencing the world from a new perspective, nothing beats a helicopter tour. The thrill of soaring above some of the most iconic landscapes offers a sense of adventure and a bird’s-eye view that’s simply unmatched. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, gliding over glaciers, or taking in the vastness of a city skyline, a helicopter tour can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one. Here are some of the best destinations to book a helicopter tour, ensuring your next vacation is unforgettable.
The Grand Canyon, USA
Let’s start with a classic: the Grand Canyon. Carved by the Colorado River, this natural wonder stretches as far as the eye can see, with dramatic cliffs and gorges that are simply awe-inspiring. A helicopter tour here allows you to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the canyon, something that’s hard to grasp from the ground. You’ll glide over the Kaibab National Forest and dip into the canyon itself, with views of the Colorado River snaking through the rugged landscape. Companies like Papillon and Maverick Helicopters offer a variety of tours, some even combining a visit to the iconic Skywalk.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban sophistication, and there’s no better way to appreciate this mix than from a helicopter. A tour here will take you over the stunning Table Mountain, offering views of the city and the surrounding coastline. You’ll also get to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the lush vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Cape Town Helicopters and NAC Helicopters Cape Town are top choices, offering various routes to showcase the best of this beautiful city. I personally loved my trip to Cape Town, read all about my highlights here!
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
One of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, is an unforgettable sight from the air. A helicopter tour over this vast expanse of coral reefs, turquoise waters, and white sand cays provides a perspective that’s impossible to get from a boat. You’ll fly over heart-shaped reefs, spot marine life from above, and possibly even see whales in season. Companies like GBR Helicopters and Nautilus Aviation offer tours that often include a stop on a secluded beach or a pontoon for snorkeling.
The Alps, Europe
For those who love dramatic, snow-capped peaks, the Alps offer some of the most breathtaking helicopter tours. Whether you’re in France, Switzerland, or Italy, the views of jagged mountain peaks, shimmering glaciers, and picturesque alpine villages are nothing short of magical. A tour might take you around Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, or the Eiger, with opportunities for heli-skiing or a scenic landing for a gourmet meal. Companies like Air Zermatt and Mont Blanc Helicopters are top choices for these stunning aerial adventures.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
One of the most powerful and expansive waterfall systems in the world, Iguazu Falls is a sight to behold from any angle, but from a helicopter, it’s truly mesmerizing. The roar of the water, the mist rising from the falls, and the lush surrounding jungle create a dramatic and unforgettable scene. Helisul and Helitours Iguazu offer tours that give you a bird’s-eye view of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls, ensuring you capture the full majesty of this natural wonder.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is a playground for thrill-seekers, and a helicopter tour here is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll fly over the Remarkables mountain range, the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, and the pristine Lake Wakatipu. For an added dose of luxury, some tours include a landing on a glacier or a remote mountain peak for a gourmet picnic. Over The Top Helicopters and Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters are renowned for their exceptional service and breathtaking routes.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Known as the “Smoke that Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. A helicopter tour, often referred to as the “Flight of Angels,” offers a breathtaking view of the falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding landscape. The sheer scale and power of the falls are truly awe-inspiring from the air. Companies like Zambezi Helicopters and Bonisair provide tours that capture the full splendor of this magnificent site.
The Hawaiian Islands, USA
Hawaii’s diverse landscapes – from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to active volcanoes and pristine beaches – are best explored from the sky. Each island offers something unique: Oahu has the bustling city of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Kauai is known for the stunning Na Pali Coast, and the Big Island boasts the active Kilauea volcano. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Maverick Helicopters provide comprehensive tours that cover the highlights of these beautiful islands, often with options for landing in secluded spots for a bit of exploration.
