Because Walking is Overrated When You Can Fly Over the Grand Canyon (or Spot Nemo from the Sky)
For those seeking unforgettable views and extraordinary adventures, helicopter sightseeing tours provide a unique way to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. According to the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, travelers picked from soaring above the lush landscapes of Kauai and the dramatic cliffs of the Norwegian Fjords to marveling at the vibrant coral formations of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
These experiences promise awe-inspiring perspectives. Whether you’re flying over iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon or taking in the rugged beauty of Sedona’s red rocks, these helicopter tours have been celebrated by travel enthusiasts for their ability to turn any journey into an unforgettable memory.
Top destinations for helicopter tours are:
- Maverick Helicopters, operating in multiple locations, offers a range of experiences, including flights over Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii.
- Island Helicopters Kauai in Lihue, Hawaii: Renowned for providing aerial views of Kauai’s lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks.
- Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours in Las Vegas, Nevada: Offers flights over the Grand Canyon, showcasing its immense size and unique geological formations.
- Guidance Air in Sedona, Arizona: Features scenic flights over Sedona’s red rock formations and special tours to the Grand Canyon.
- Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours in Niagara Falls, New York: Offers aerial views of Niagara Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.
- Black Hills Helicopters in Keystone, South Dakota, offers flights over Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the unique geology of the Black Hills.
- Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours in Key West, Florida: Offers flights ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, showcasing Key West’s landmarks and marine life.
- Air Kauai Helicopter Tours in Lihue, Hawaii: Offers unobstructed 180-degree views of Kauai’s landscape, geology, and history.
- Charm Aviation in New York City, New York, offers flights over the city’s iconic landmarks, including romantic flights for two.
- Vertical Ventures Aviation in Whitefield, New Hampshire: Showcases New Hampshire’s natural beauty, including the Franconia Notch and the White Mountains.
- Norwegian Fjords, Norway: A helicopter flight over Norway’s fjords offers breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes, including iconic sites like Pulpit Rock. These tours from Stavanger provide a unique perspective of the country’s natural beauty.
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef allow visitors to witness the vast expanse of coral formations and marine life from above. Departing from locations like Cairns, these flights offer an unforgettable aerial experience of one of the world’s natural wonders.
These destinations offer unique and unforgettable aerial experiences, showcasing some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes.
TIPS: When choosing a helicopter company, use online resources and the Aviation Safety Network.
Did you know?
One fascinating tidbit: Some helicopter tours, like those over the Norwegian Fjords, offer “silent flights” using electric helicopters. These eco-friendly choppers reduce noise pollution, making it a serene way to take in nature’s grandeur—perfect for those who want to feel like they’re gliding through the clouds in near silence!
A little history:
Helicopter tours began taking off in the 1960s with the advent of reliable, commercial helicopters like the Bell 47, initially used for industrial and military purposes. Destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Hawaii were pioneers, offering aerial views of their stunning landscapes that were otherwise difficult to access.
By the 1980s and 1990s, helicopter tourism boomed as technological advancements introduced quieter, safer aircraft with panoramic windows, enhancing the passenger experience. Over time, the tours expanded beyond natural wonders to include urban skylines like New York City, combining adventure with luxury.
Today, helicopter tours are a hallmark of modern travel, offering unparalleled perspectives from the sky.
