Best Helicopter Tours in the World: Scenic Flights Worth Taking

Helicopter tours let you see the world from a breathtaking perspective — soaring above landmarks, natural wonders, and coastlines that look even more spectacular from the air. Below are some of the most remarkable helicopter experiences every traveler should consider:

• Grand Canyon, USA – dramatic cliffs and the Colorado River
• New York City, USA – iconic skyline and Statue of Liberty
• Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays, Australia – coral reefs and turquoise lagoons
• Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe – the legendary “Flight of Angels”
• Hawaiian Islands, USA – volcanoes, cliffs, and hidden beaches
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
• Alps, Switzerland – snow-capped peaks and glaciers
• Cape Town & Table Mountain, South Africa – rugged coastlines and mountains
• Dubai, UAE – Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah from above
• Amalfi Coast, Italy – pastel towns, Capri, and Mount Vesuvius

Each of these destinations offers something unforgettable, from wild landscapes to modern skylines. Let’s explore them in more detail.

1. Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, and a helicopter flight is the ultimate way to appreciate its scale. From the air, the red sandstone cliffs stretch endlessly, while the Colorado River winds its way through the canyon below. Some tours even land on the canyon floor, giving you the chance to step out and experience this natural wonder up close. Sunset flights are particularly popular, painting the cliffs in gold and crimson hues.

2. New York City, USA

A helicopter tour over New York City transforms the world’s busiest city into a breathtaking panorama. From above, you can admire the Statue of Liberty, soar past the Empire State Building, circle around One World Trade Center, and enjoy the sight of Central Park stretching like a green oasis among the skyscrapers. Tours are available both during the day and at night — when the glittering lights of Manhattan make the view even more magical.

3. Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the few natural wonders that is best admired from above. Helicopter flights showcase the kaleidoscope of colors in the coral formations, the turquoise lagoons, and the sweeping sandbanks of the Whitsunday Islands. The highlight of many flights is Heart Reef, a naturally formed coral reef in the shape of a heart—one of the most photographed spots in the world. Some operators also combine helicopter tours with snorkeling stops for a full adventure.

4. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Known as the “Flight of Angels”, a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls is an experience that leaves every traveler in awe. From the air, you can witness the sheer power of the Zambezi River as it crashes over the cliffs, creating mist that rises hundreds of feet into the air. The combination of rainbows, spray, and jungle scenery makes this one of the most dramatic helicopter tours in Africa.

5. Hawaiian Islands, USA

Hawaii offers some of the most diverse helicopter experiences in the world. On the Big Island, you can fly over active volcanoes and see glowing lava flows. In Kauai, the rugged Na Pali Coast reveals sheer cliffs, hidden beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Meanwhile, Maui offers a mix of rainforests, valleys, and volcanic craters. Helicopter tours in Hawaii often take passengers to places inaccessible by road or foot, making them a must-do activity for adventurers.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is already one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but from a helicopter, it’s unforgettable. Flying past Christ the Redeemer feels surreal, and the aerial views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay highlight the unique mix of ocean and mountain that makes Rio so special. For travelers visiting during Carnival, helicopter flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the festivities and crowds below.

7. Alps, Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are synonymous with breathtaking beauty, and a helicopter tour reveals a side of them that trains and ski lifts never could. You’ll see towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine glaciers stretching for miles. Some tours land directly on a glacier, allowing you to step onto untouched snow surrounded by silence. This is also a popular choice for adventure seekers combining scenic flights with heli-skiing or mountaineering.

8. Cape Town & Table Mountain, South Africa

In Cape Town, a helicopter ride allows you to experience the rugged coastline where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Circling Table Mountain gives you a full appreciation of its sheer cliffs and unique flat top, while the tour continues along the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope. The combination of ocean, mountain, and city makes Cape Town one of the world’s most scenic places to enjoy from the sky.

9. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a modern marvel, and from the sky, it looks even more futuristic. Helicopter tours showcase architectural icons such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the incredible man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah and The World. Many tours also sweep over the sparkling coastline and desert landscapes beyond the city, offering an unforgettable mix of urban and natural sights.

10. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is famous for its colorful cliffside towns and dramatic coastline. From the air, you can admire the pastel shades of Positano, the elegant villas clinging to the cliffs, and the endless sparkle of the Mediterranean. Many helicopter tours also include Capri, with its blue grotto and rugged cliffs, or even extend to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that looms over Naples and Pompeii. It’s one of the most romantic and memorable flights in Europe.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are seeking natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Victoria Falls or iconic skylines such as New York and Dubai, helicopter tours give you something unique: the chance to see the world from a new angle. Each destination offers not just a flight but a story — moments of awe, adventure, and beauty that stay with you long after you land.

If you’re ready to add one of these unforgettable experiences to your travel plans, explore our helicopter charter directory and find trusted operators around the globe.