Helicopter rides offer a one-of-a-kind perspective of cities or areas and can be quite exhilarating and enjoyable. They are particularly useful for exploring remote locations that cannot be accessed by land. Take, for instance, the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, where 70 percent of the land is unreachable by roads.
In such cases, flying in a helicopter becomes the only way for visitors to witness the immense beauty of these secluded areas. Here is a list of some incredibly breathtaking helicopter rides around the world.
10. New York City
New York City has large skyscrapers that give the feeling of walking in concrete tunnels. To truly appreciate the size and beauty of this city, tourists should consider taking a helicopter ride.
This will allow them to fly above iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge, and the tranquil Central Park. Additionally, a helicopter tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness the famous New York City skyline.
9. Hawaii
There are several helicopter rides available for visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. These rides offer different experiences, such as flying over lava flows, volcanoes, and waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii.
On the island of Oahu, visitors can see less-known attractions like pineapple plantations, Keehi Lagoon, Hanauma Bay, and the stunning Sacred Falls. A helicopter tour is also the best way to see Kauai’s impressive 23 km of sea cliffs and its famous waterfalls.
Many of these beautiful sites cannot be reached by ground travel, so a helicopter ride is often the only way to see them.
8. Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls, situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, are known for their breathtaking beauty. Consisting of around 275 smaller falls spread over 2.5 km, they are considered one of nature’s magnificent wonders and are among the largest waterfalls globally.
To fully appreciate their grandeur, taking a helicopter tour is highly recommended. This allows visitors to witness the impressive Devils’ Throat section and the lush, green jungle that envelops the falls, providing an extraordinary aerial perspective.
7. Cape Town
Would you consider adding this to your bucket list? During a helicopter ride in Cape Town, you can witness the breathtaking view of two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, all in one tour.
In addition, lucky passengers may have the opportunity to glide through the stunning Twelve Apostles mountain range and admire the beauty of Table Mountain, which is considered as one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders.
As you soar above Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, you might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the area’s renowned and awe-inspiring great white sharks.
6. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, located in Africa, is a magnificent waterfall that stretches over the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is widely believed to be the largest waterfall in the world.
The falls span approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) in width and stand at around 108 meters (354 feet) in height, making it the largest sheet of falling water globally. Due to its massive size, the only way to fully appreciate its grandeur is by taking a helicopter tour. This allows visitors to witness the entire waterfall from above.
Moreover, there is a chance of encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife, like hippos and elephants, during the helicopter ride.
5. Fox Glacier
New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking scenery, and one of the must-see attractions is the Fox Glacier. It is a stunning 13-km long glacier found in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
On a helicopter tour, passengers will have the incredible opportunity to see the glacier and its peaks and crevasses from above, as well as the majestic Mount Cook, before landing in the snow. There is also the option of a two-glacier tour, which allows visitors to fly over both Fox Glacier and the Franz Josef Glacier.
4. Rio de Janeiro
If you’re visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city, it’s highly recommended to take an aerial view of this huge city and its surroundings. From up above, you’ll be able to see iconic landmarks like Sugar Loaf Mountain, as well as the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
You’ll even get a glimpse of the renowned Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Maracana Stadium, where the opening ceremonies for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics were held.
3. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is incredibly huge. It measures over 11 km (18 miles) wide and about one mile deep. Due to its enormous size, the best way for travelers to truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the canyon is by taking an aerial view.
By air, visitors can also witness the magnificent impact of the mighty Colorado River and its smaller rivers as they have carved through the canyon over time. Helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon National Park usually offer additional sights like flying over nearby attractions such as Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam.
2. Sydney
When you fly high above Australia’s biggest city, you’ll witness its undeniable beauty. Taking a helicopter tour will allow you to marvel at the stunning sights of Sydney Harbour, sparkling in all its glory. You’ll also get to see the famous Taronga Zoo, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may even get a chance to fly over the breathtaking coastline, catching glimpses of the popular Bondi Beach. Alternatively, some tours will take you towards the serene Blue Mountains and its picturesque Megalong Valley.
1. Everest Base Camp
If you ever get the chance to visit the Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal, it will be a unique and memorable experience that you won’t likely have again. Even if you’re not interested in climbing the mountain’s challenging height of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), this adventure is still worth taking.
On this helicopter ride, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to soar through the breathtaking Himalayan mountain range and then touch down at the renowned Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
This extraordinary place, nestled at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, is truly incomparable to anywhere else on the planet.
