The World’s 15 Best Sightseeing Helicopter Tours

1.Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5,826 reviews · from $299Our pick

Fly over Manhattan in a modern helicopter with large convex windows, Bose headsets, and room for up to six people. Your English-speaking pilot points out Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and major skyscrapers. Check your departure point carefully, since some flights leave from New Jersey and Sunday Manhattan departures are unavailable.

“This was such a beautiful view of NYC and an experience you truly can’t get anywhere else. I would highly recommend! The pilot had lots of fun facts and info about NYC for us. My friend and I really enjoyed this helicopter tour and if you’re looking for another way to view the city, this is it!”

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2.Sightseeing Helicopter Ride from The Palm

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,109 reviews · 12 - 25 minutes · from $195

Fly with Falcon Aviation from Atlantis The Palm in a six-seat helicopter, with an English-speaking pilot pointing out Dubai’s major sights. Choose a 12, 15, 17, or 25 minute route, and expect views of the Palm, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, coastline, World Islands, and Dubai Marina on longer flights.

“It was good actually, it was a fun experience. We feel like 12 minutes is not enough, we should definitely get those 30 mins I think.”

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3.NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing (Heliport fees Incl)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,110 reviews · 17 to 20 minutes (approx.) · from $354

HeliNY’s shared helicopter flight gives you about 17 to 20 minutes above Manhattan, with live pilot commentary, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Yankee Stadium, and more. Flights hold up to six passengers, and pilots such as Olivia and David have earned praise for their calm, friendly approach.

“Felt safe and helicopters were brand new. We were quite nervous but it was unnecessary. Pilot was experienced and gave good info.”

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4.Dubai Helicopter Experience with Sightseeing Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 713 reviews · from $198

Meet HeliDubai in Al Sufouh for a small-group helicopter flight over Dubai. Depending on your selected option, fly for about 12 to 40 minutes past Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Port Rashid, Jumeirah Beach, and Old Dubai. Live commentary and light refreshments are included. Bring a camera, but lenses must be under 400mm.

“Really well organised. Checked in early as was already in area. Really nice waiting area which was clean and spacious. There are plenty of lockers to leave belongings in. The 12 minute flight takes you round or over some great views. Came away with some great photos.”

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5.Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $202

Spend about 10.5 hours exploring Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Pickup, lunch, admission, and narration are included. An optional helicopter flight adds nearly an hour of views over craters, coastlines, waterfalls, and lava country.

“Lucky to see Kileau active. Dexter was a great guide and gave wonderful insights about the history of the island.”

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6.From Lihue: Kauai Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 292 reviews · 1h 30m · from $369

Fly from Lihue with Safari Helicopters on a 90-minute small-group tour for up to six people. See Jurassic Park Falls, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast, then land in Olokele Canyon. Pilots such as Micah, Max, Steve, and Dali provide commentary, while the all-glass cabin gives clear views from every seat.

“This was pricey, but we were happy we decided on the splurge. The tour was incredible and Micah was a fantastic pilot/guide. An experience not to be missed!”

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7.City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 282 reviews · 14 - 15 minutes · from $160

Take a 14 to 15 minute helicopter ride from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, with three passengers and a window seat for everyone. Choose a shorter downtown route or a longer 35-kilometer flight, then listen to your pilot through an interactive headset as the helicopter traces a figure eight above the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Rogers Centre, and Toronto Harbour.

“It was really fun! All of the safety protocols were introduced many times by the staff and from an educational video before the ride. The staff were all very kind and patient. The waiting area was comfortable, clean, and very welcoming. Overall, 5/5 pleasant experience!”

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8.Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 159 reviews · 12 to 15 minutes (approx.) · from $259

Fly from 6 East River Piers on a 12 to 15-minute Manhattan helicopter tour for up to six people. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Times Square, Central Park, and more, with recorded landmark commentary in English when available. Check in 45 minutes early and budget an extra $40 heliport fee per person.

“Great value for money, and very easy to walk to from subway station . Modern helicopters with audio of landmarks and history”

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9.Miami Sightseeing Helicopter Tour Ride things to do Miami Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 141 reviews · from $170

Take a private 20-minute Robinson R44 helicopter flight over Miami’s skyline, beaches, Biscayne Bay, islands, Wynwood, Brickell, and more. Your pilot provides headset commentary, and pilots such as Mike and Michael have been praised for friendly, clear guidance. Routes can change with weather and airspace limits, so not every sight is guaranteed.

“Great service , pilot very friendly, we had a blast, recommending to everyone who would like to have fun activities and see Miami from helicopter 🚁 unforgettable birthday”

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10.Miami Helicopter Tour: Best Sightseeing Adventure in Miami

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $189

Fly privately from Miami Executive Airport in a new air-conditioned Robinson R44. Your pilot points out Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Brickell Key, Vizcaya, Tahiti Beach, and Biscayne Bay. Every passenger gets a window seat, Bose noise-canceling headset, and clear city views. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring photo ID, and expect a $19 facility fee.

“Zia was our pilot and he made our helicopter experience amazing with funny commentary and just overall making it a comfortable and enjoyable experience.”

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11.City and Coastline Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 97 reviews · 10 min · from $235

Meet at Torre VTS, near Lisbon’s city center by taxi, for a 10-minute helicopter flight over the coast and Tagus River. With a maximum of three passengers, you’ll see Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the 25th April Bridge, and Christ King Monument from above. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

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12.45-Minute Volcano Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 45 reviews · from $624

From Reykjavik Airport, a pilot guides you over the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the 2021 to 2022 Fagradalsfjall eruptions and Sundhnúkahraun from March 2024. The 45-minute flight carries up to five people and may reveal glowing lava, though volcanic activity and weather can change.

“Everything was perfect. Spectacular!!!. Couldn’t be better and great value for money. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience”

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13.Private 1-Hour Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 1 hour · from $620Top rated

Fly from Van Nuys with a professional pilot, including Peter, on a private helicopter tour over Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Downtown LA, and the Hollywood Sign. Headsets let you follow the commentary, and the small cabin holds up to three passengers plus the pilot. Bring ID and closed-toe shoes.

“Top survol de LA et de ses environs. Notre pilote professionnel et sérieux nous a permis d’immortaliser paysages et points d’intérêts le tout agrémenter de commentaires. Adresse à recommander sans hésitation.”

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14.35 minute London Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 35 minutes (approx.)

Fly from Redhill Aerodrome with a commercial pilot, crossing Surrey and the M25 before following the Thames from Barnes past central London and the Shard. Your pilot provides commentary while speaking with Air Traffic Control. Allow an hour for the full visit, including the briefing and flight. Private groups of up to three share the aircraft.

“This experience is definitely one for life! You learn a lot about the city through a pilot of the very sympathetic team, you see all things from above and the aspect of flying over London by helicopter, madness! Can only recommend!Auto-translated”

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15.Miami Beach: Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · from $170

Take a private 20-minute Robinson R44 flight from Embassair FBO at Opa Locka Airport. With a pilot guide, noise-canceling headset, and views toward Miami, South Beach, Brickell, Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables, you get a fast, memorable look at the city from above.

“A fantastic new experience for me and my wife. We are delighted!!! Beautiful views!!! Highly recommended!!!”

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