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One of the best ways to take in the incredible sights of South Florida is to book one of the city’s many top-rated Miami helicopter tours.
In fact, it’s one of the most booked activities among tourists who come to Miami each year.
You’ll soar over miles of white sand beaches in search of mega-mansions, turquoise waters, and local sea life for an unforgettable experience.
Helicopter tours provide unique viewpoints of the city in addition to a thrilling ride that is perfect for adventure seekers. They are a great option if you don’t want to dedicate an entire day to an activity.
Most flights require a half-day or less with the shortest flight being 18 minutes and the longest being an hour!
Many companies also offer a range of departure times, locations, and flight durations to fit any schedule and budget.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, experiencing an exhilarating helicopter ride over the stunning landscapes of Miami, South Beach, and beyond is a must.
Below are some of the best Miami helicopter tours you can take for a truly unforgettable South Florida adventure!
Top Choice √ Best Miami Helicopter Tour
30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour Of Miami
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Best Miami Helicopter Tours
Photo Credit- Heli Air Miami
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 30 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 30 minutes
View some of Miami’s most famous landmarks as you soar above the city on this half-hour helicopter sightseeing tour.
You’ll enjoy stunning vantage points as your pilot navigates your chosen route on this private tour.
You can decide what part of the city or region you want to see including the Everglades, South Beach, downtown, or the Financial District.
Be sure to keep an eye out for unique wildlife including alligators, dolphins, manatees, and manta rays! Keep in mind that gratuities and hotel pick up and drop off are not complimentary.
What’s Included with this tour?
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All Fees and Taxes
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Professional Pilot
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Live Narration from the pilot
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Helicopter Robinson R44 model
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We had a great time on our helicopter tour! It was just the right amount of time…. Lacey M the pilot happily took a picture of us so we could remember this moment. Our wonderful vacation…!Thanks for everything!”
Quyen_M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Magic Air Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 15 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 18 to 20 minutes
Discover Miami from above on this short but exhilarating flight from Miami Executive Airport.
Along the way, you’ll take in the sights of Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables.
You’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Tahiti Beach’s pristine sandy shores, the lush Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Matheson County Preserve.
As you fly over the Preserve, keep your eyes on the waters below to spot manatees, dolphins, and more swimming below.
The tour is easily customizable and can be fit into an afternoon or day of sightseeing with multiple departure times.
This will give you plenty of time for other activities before or after the ride.
Gratuities for your pilot, food and drinks, and facility fees come at an additional price.
What’s included with this tour?
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Bose noise-canceling headsets for comfort
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Private Helicopter Robinson R44 model
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All Fees and Taxes
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Free parking at Miami Executive Airport
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“A beautiful experience. Our pilot was wonderful, knowledgeable and very friendly. The views are fantastic. I would recommend taking the flight no later than 1/2 hour before sunset, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the daylight and see the sunset as you’re finishing the flight.”
Jane_B ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Keen Fly
This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 45 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 35 minutes
This 35 minute private helicopter tour will show you the beauty of southern Florida’s coast.
Departing from Fort Lauderdale aboard a private helicopter, you’ll cruise over Port Everglades, sparkling beaches, and downtown Miami over the course of the tour.
You’ll get a bird’s eye view of famous Miami landmarks and possibly even see dolphins, sharks, manatees, and other wildlife while you fly.
This tour is a great option for those who want a more personalized experience with a smaller group.
The private pilot will provide narration and point out landmarks of interest for an educational component.
The tour company allows you to choose from several tour times and flight durations to fit your schedule and budget.
What’s included with this tour?
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Headset for communication during the flight
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Fuel surcharge
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Insurance coverage
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Bottled water before the ride
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“It was an awesome time and our pilot was absolutely amazing…. definitely recommend to others!!!! Make sure you take off the doors it makes it so much more fun.”
Stephen_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Magic Air Tours
This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 25 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 30 minutes
To escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of the city, take flight on this 30 minute helicopter ride over South Beach and Miami!
You’ll enjoy never ending views of South Beach, Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, and Miami’s Downtown area alongside commentary from the pilot.
Down below, you’ll see celebrity mega-mansions and wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and sharks in their natural habitat.
To ensure maximum comfort and a stress-free journey, you will receive a noise-canceling headset during the flight.
An extra perk of the tour is that it comes with complimentary parking, so no need to spend time searching for a parking space.
What’s included in the tour?
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All Fees and Taxes
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Noise Canceling Headsets
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Highly experienced pilot and tour guide
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Parking
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New Helicopter Robinson R44 model
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Excellent service! Everyone was really professional and the captain did an amazing job, he was super kind. Really good experience. Thank you!”
Angely_U ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Magic Air Tours
This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 20 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 30-40 minutes
During this scenic 40 minute experience, you’ll get a private birds eye view of Miami during sunset.
One of the most popular Miami helicopter tours, you will look below to enjoy panoramic views of Key Biscayne, South Beach, Fisher Island, Bal Harbour, and the Port of Miami.
During the tour, your professional guide will narrate, sharing stories and information about the city, neighborhoods, beaches, and surrounding landscapes.
Perhaps the best part of the tour is the end: a cotton candy sunset.
Prior to booking, keep in mind that gratuities and hotel pick up and drop off’s are not part of the tour.
What’s included on this tour?
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All Fees and Taxes
-
Professional Pilot and tour guide
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Live Narration from pilot
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Helicopter Robinson R44
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“The pilot was amazing, knowledgeable, and fun. Very unique experience as we got to see Miami from a different view. Absolutely beautiful and worth it.”
Michael_M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Miami Helicopter Tours FAQ’s
How Much Is A Private Helicopter In Miami?
A private helicopter tour provides breathtaking views of Miami that can only be seen from the sky and nowhere else!
These incredibly unique tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, but can be rather costly.
The total price tag depends on a few factors including the duration of the flight as well as any additional onboard amenities.
The cheapest rides last between 18 and 20 minutes and cost as low as $130USD.
Thirty minute flights typically take passengers down South Beach to view Art Deco buildings or over Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Star, Palm or the Venetian Islands.
On the 40 minute rides, you’ll view Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Fisher Island, Key Biscayne, the Seaquarium and the Intracoastal Waterway.
The longest flights range from 50 minutes to an hour and cost between $379 and $399USD.
The most expensive flights sometimes include snacks and champagne.
Regardless of the duration of your helicopter flight, you’re sure to have a magical experience.
Are Helicopter Tours Worth It?
This ultimately depends on your personal interests and the type of experiences you value while on vacation.
However, the short answer is yes, helicopter tours are worth it. The uniqueness of the tour alone makes it worth the money.
Where else can you get a bird’s eye view of an entire metropolitan area for miles?
From cityscapes to lush marshland and even sea life, you’ll gain access to breathtaking views that can’t be seen anywhere else.
The feeling of flying in a helicopter is also more thrilling than that of flying in an airplane.
Helicopters are much more agile and maneuverable, meaning you can experience tighter turns, less turbulence, and lower altitude to see things better on the ground.
How Much Is A Helicopter Ride From Miami To Key West?
Costs for a helicopter ride from Miami to Key West vary slightly depending on the number of passengers and the company.
The one-way ride through Air Key West usually takes about 45 minutes.
The cost is around $1000USD for five passengers, and $1900USD for nine passengers.
It’s slightly cheaper to fly out of nearby Naples and Marco Island locations.
Naples costs $900 for five passengers and $1700USD for nine passengers for a 39 minute flight.
Marco Island to Key West rides ring in at $800USD for five passengers and $1550USD for nine passengers for a 35 minute journey.
How Long Does A 12 Mile Helicopter Tour Last?
The entire tour for a 12 mile helicopter ride usually lasts about 20 minutes in total.
It will take 12 minutes to go through a brief training and the boarding process.
Total fly time after take off will be about eight minutes.
It’s the perfect length for passengers who may be new to helicopters and perhaps don’t want to take an extensive flight.
Shorter flights also mean a more affordable cost.
If you have a smaller group or a limited budget but still want to experience a helicopter ride, a shorter ride will be the best option.
Miami Helicopter Tours – Final Thoughts
Most tours utilize a Robinson R44 model helicopter which comes with bubble windows for optimal sightseeing.
Before booking with a flight company, make sure that your pilot tour guide is FAA-certified with plenty of hours of training and practice.
To ensure the safest and most comfortable ride possible, wear breathable clothing and shoes — no heels, short dresses, long flowing dresses, or swimwear!
Be sure to pay attention during the pre-flight training to avoid any unforeseen accidents or incidents.
Every passenger in your group will also have to sign a waiver prior to boarding the helicopter — this is very standard procedure.
Miami helicopter tours are generally family-friendly. However, some companies have age and weight limits.
Many may only allow passengers above the age of two to fly, as well as people who weigh less than 270 pounds.
Helicopter tours are also not handicap accessible, either. Plan accordingly if someone in your group is wheelchair-bound or has an injury that could cause discomfort.
While helicopter tours are one of the best ways to explore Miami and the surrounding region, it’s important to know that all tours are weather dependent and can be canceled or rescheduled at a moment’s notice.
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