Best Places for a Helicopter Tour
While you can see some great places by foot or by car, there are just some destinations that are best seen by helicopter. These types of tours give an aerial view of a location that is often immense in size. If you’ve ever considered going on a helicopter tour, consider visiting one of the following places.
There really isn’t a much better way to see Denali National Park than by helicopter. Participants can see all of the peaks as well as a 900 foot waterfall. There are also a variety of Alaskan wildlife to see which includes moose and bears. An aerial tour of the park let’s you see a lot of it without having to navigate the sometimes difficult terrain of it.
There are several amazing places to see on a helicopter tour in Hawaii. Kauai is a great helicopter tour, as you can actually look into active volcanoes and see the Waimea Canyon. Also enjoy sweeping views of Mana Waiapuna falls which were featured in the move Jurassic Park. A tour of the Na Pali Coast will allow you to see Waialeale Crater, as well as some waterfalls that are remote. In Maui take a helicopter tour for sweeping views of the mountains, deep ravines, isolated beaches & remote waterfalls. In Oahu you’ll see volcanic cliffs, white-sand beaches, and some of Hawaii’s most iconic sights, including Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapu‘u Lighthouse, Ko’olau Range, Lanikai Beach, Kāne‘ohe Bay, Mokoliʻi, and Ka‘a‘awa Valley.
The Grand Canyon, U.S. National Park
Many people have seen the Grand Canyon by foot, but not by helicopter. It’s actually a great way to see it as the canyon is so vast, it can take hours just to see a small part of it by foot. A helicopter tour allows participants to actually see it 1,000 feet lower than if they were on an airplane, so they can still see an aerial tour of it, but at a much lower altitude. Some companies also offer the option to land on the South or West rims for photos.
While you can definitely feel the intensity of these falls by hiking there, it’s hard to see the enormity of them. A helicopter tour will give you a panoramic view of the entire waterfall. Participants can also see the Zambezi River, as well as many gorges. After the falls, some helicopter tours continue along the Upper Zambezi to the National park where this is an opportunity to see wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalo and giraffes.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is large and it can be difficult to see it unless you go underwater. A helicopter tour is a great way to admire views of the Great Barrier Reef from your helicopter as you get a multi-angled perspective on one of the world’s top natural wonders. If your budget and time permits, consider a helicopter tour that also visits the rain forests and thundering waterfalls of the Barron Gorge. Spot landmarks like Stoney Creek Falls, Green Island and Arlington Reef, and snap aerial photos of the Northern Beaches and Palm Cove.
