Best of · ISLAND & COASTAL HELICOPTER TOURS

Where to Fly the Coastline: the 15 Best Island & Coastal Helicopter Tours Worldwide

55 flights  ·  from $42 a seat

Sea cliffs, reefs and islands with one road going the wrong way. These 15 flights cover Na Pali, Molokai, the Great Barrier Reef and the Cape coast, compared on air time, seat price and how much of the route is actually over water.

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight - The 35-metre Evolution makes the crossing easier
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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

1.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,003 reviews · 8h 30m · from $279Our pick

Spend a full day aboard the 35-metre Evolution, visiting Saxon and Hastings reefs for snorkelling or scuba. A 10-minute helicopter flight adds a sweeping view of the reef, while onboard guides, a BBQ lunch, and return wine make this a well-rounded Cairns outing.

“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Very well organised and staff very helpful and knowledgeable. The snorkelling was out of this world and the helicopter trip was sensational. Thank you all again for a fantastic day x”

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West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour - Leaving Kahului for the West Maui Mountains
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West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour

2.West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $332Top rated

Board a six-passenger A-Star helicopter at Kahului Heliport for a narrated flight over West Maui and Molokai. You’ll see rainforest valleys, waterfalls, beaches, and Molokai’s 4,000-foot sea cliffs. Pilots such as Cameron, Drew, Kirk, and Vince are praised for calm flying and clear commentary. Dark clothing helps with photos.

“This was a really fun and stunning experience! It’s one of those once in a lifetime type experiences that was truly worth every penny!! It was fun, safe, and beautiful!! The pilot and entire staff were kind and helpful! 10/10!!”

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Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour - Taking off from Kahului Airport
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Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour

3.Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45 minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 487 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $388

Take a 45-minute doors-off flight from Kahului over West Maui and Molokai. Your pilot points out sea cliffs, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches, and whale sightings when conditions allow. The cabin holds six passengers, with goggles, jackets, and a phone lanyard provided for safer photos.

“amazing tour with stunning views of the water, cliffs, and waterfalls! the open door experience was hands down the best way to view these scenic islands! would recommend this experience to everyone and anyone!”

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1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour - Arriving at Gananoque Heliport
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1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour

4.1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 412 reviews · 10 minutes - 1 hour · from $93

Fly above the Thousand Islands from Gananoque Heliport in a small helicopter limited to six people, with no more than three passengers per aircraft. Pick a 10, 20, or 30-minute route for views of Gananoque, Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, bridges, beaches, and rocky islands.

“It was fabulous and would like to return for a longer time tour forsure. Staff were exceptional in customer service and made our minimal wait enjoyable.”

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Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight - The 7:15 check-in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
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Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight

5.Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 340 reviews · from $283

Cruise from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, with up to five hours for snorkeling or scuba, a BBQ lunch, and a 10-minute helicopter flight over Hastings Reef. The friendly crew, including team member Eddie, keeps the busy day safe, clear, and fun.

“It's a long lineup at check in as they only have 2 counters checking in ~100 passengers. Once checked in, we boarded Evolution which is a very nice boat and we have the same assigned seats for the whole trip. The big problem is the organization with the 10min helicopter ride. We paid an extra $260 for this option. We were Group 3 of the helicopter ride and were told not to snorkel before the ride as there would be lots of time afterwards for snorkelling. NOT TRUE! By the time we came back from the helicopter ride, they were already announcing that people should get back to the boat…”

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Deluxe Helicopter Tour of Molokai and Maui - Leaving Kahului and crossing the Pailolo Channel
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Deluxe Helicopter Tour of Molokai and Maui

6.Deluxe Helicopter Tour of Molokai and Maui

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $375

Fly from Kahului over Maui and Molokai in an Airbus EC130 helicopter. Your pilot points out 3,000-foot sea cliffs, Kahiwa Falls, Halawa Valley, ancient fishponds, Iao Valley, and Honokohau Falls. Flights carry up to seven passengers, with seating assigned for weight and balance.

“This is our second time go with maverick helicopter come many . Great professional company. They have amazing helicopter lots of glass so you can clearly see outside. We had an amazing young pilot who was very knowledgeable, he had a very nice music playing while we were in flight as well. Music matched with the views fantastic experience.”

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Cape Town Helicopter Tour: Atlantic Coast - Llandudno, Karbonkelberg, and Hout Bay
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Cape Town Helicopter Tour: Atlantic Coast

7.Cape Town Helicopter Tour: Atlantic Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 310 reviews · from $211

Fly from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront above the working harbor, City Bowl, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Llandudno, and Hout Bay. The 20-minute shared flight includes hotel pickup, live commentary, and wide coastal views.

“Amazing service! Everyone was so friendly and made it such a wonderful experience! Great views of Cape Town and the pilot explained what everything was! Highly recommend”

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New York City Grand Island Helicopter Tour - The return past bridges and riverfront landmarks
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New York City Grand Island Helicopter Tour

8.New York City Grand Island Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 285 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $389

Fly for about 25 to 30 minutes from Pier 6 at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, passing the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Yankee Stadium, and more. Flights carry up to six passengers, with seating assigned for aircraft balance.

“From the moment we arrived attendants and staff were very courteous and helpful. The pilot was friendly and the flight was amazing. Highly recommend taking the flight.”

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Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour - Three Seats, Headsets, and a More Personal Flight
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Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

9.Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 255 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $171

Take a small-group helicopter flight from Gananoque over the Thousand Islands. You will cross above the Canadian-American bridge, Boldt Castle, and 1000 Islands Tower, with headsets and several departure times. Each helicopter carries no more than three passengers.

“Beautiful views and professional service at all times. A. Very nice experience for thousand islands .”

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South Beach Miami Aerial Tour : Beaches, Mansions and Skyline - Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay from above
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South Beach Miami Aerial Tour : Beaches, Mansions and Skyline

10.South Beach Miami Aerial Tour : Beaches, Mansions and Skyline

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 244 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Take a private 30-minute Cessna 172 flight from Miami Executive Airport over South Beach, Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and downtown Miami. Your pilot provides live commentary, answers questions, and helps you get clear photos from the air.

“Sergio was awesome dude. Luv it and I would do this again. Just make sure the day you book it's not raining or they won't fly.”

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Complete Island 60-Minute Helicopter Tour - What the six-seat cabin is really like
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Complete Island 60-Minute Helicopter Tour

11.Complete Island 60-Minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 194 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $443

Fly from Kahului with Air Maui for about 60 minutes over East and West Maui, Haleakala Crater, Hana waterfalls, the Wall of Tears, and Molokai. Pilots such as Kirk, Drew, and Vince provide narration. The shared helicopter holds six passengers, with routes shaped by weather.

“Drew was a great guide and pilot. Would definitely recommend. Saw a lot of beautiful waterfalls and scenery”

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Hilton Head Island: Scenic Helicopter Tour - Choosing between Ocean View, Beach Cruiser, and Beach Bum
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Hilton Head Island: Scenic Helicopter Tour

12.Hilton Head Island: Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 174 reviews · 3 - 10 minutes · from $42Best value

Fly over Hilton Head Island from Hilton Head Airport on a 3, 6, or 10-minute helicopter ride. Your English-speaking pilot points out beaches, waterways, and wildlife, with longer routes reaching Coligny Beach, Parris Island, and views toward Savannah.

“We completely enjoyed our ride. At first, we were a bit apprehensive (not ever being in a helicopter before) but our guide was very professional and it was smooth and enjoyable ride throughout, including the take off and landing. He was very knowledgeable about the island and pointed out interesting landmarks. He even was able to point out schools of fish in the water (Maybe even a shark and manta ray or two).”

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Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai - Molokai’s sea cliffs and Kahiwa Falls
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Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai

13.Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 165 reviews · 55 min · from $369

From Kahului, fly 55 minutes over Maui and Molokai in a small helicopter carrying up to six passengers. See Kahiwa Falls, Halawa Valley, Elephant Rock, Honokohau Falls, Iao Valley, and possibly whales or the Wall of Tears. Pilots such as Eddie, Jake, Tone, and John have been praised for clear narration and calm safety briefings.

“The flight was excellent. Our pilot, John, was entertaining and informative and had a great playlist! He explained all of the safety features and in my opinion went above and beyond to make all of us feel safe and comfortable. He was great and the views were stunning!”

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Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight - Starting at the Sea World Helicopters terminal
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Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight

14.Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 151 reviews · from $109

Join Sea World Helicopters for a 10-minute flight over the Gold Coast, Broadwater, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and South Stradbroke Island. Your English-speaking pilot provides live commentary from an air-conditioned Airbus. The small group holds up to six people, with flights usually offered morning and afternoon.

“Best fun in Gold Coast. Second to the DC rivals Hypercoaster”

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Miami Sightseeing Helicopter Tour Ride things to do Miami Beach - Biscayne Bay, dolphins, and marine life
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Miami Sightseeing Helicopter Tour Ride things to do Miami Beach

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

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

Fly privately over Miami in a Robinson R44 with pilot commentary, headset audio, and views of downtown, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, Brickell, Key Biscayne, Wynwood, and more. Flights run morning through evening, with routes shaped by weather, airspace, and the selected flight length.

“My experience was wonderful, it would have been extraordinary if it had not been delayed from the time I scheduled, I wanted it to be in the sunset time but there were other customers at the same time as us, but everything else was super, the pilot was showing us the places during the tour and the view at that time was very especial”

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