Helicopter tours have transformed the way travelers experience breathtaking landscapes, iconic cityscapes, and unforgettable natural wonders. Whether it’s gliding over volcanic terrain in Hawaii, sweeping past the skyscrapers of New York City, or crossing rugged wilderness in New Zealand, these aerial journeys offer a unique perspective that few other experiences can match. As the global helicopter tourism market continues to expand, certain companies stand out for their exceptional service, safety standards, and memorable itineraries.
Maverick Aviation Group — Luxury Sightseeing in Iconic Destinations
Maverick Aviation Group has become synonymous with premium helicopter tourism experiences, especially in the United States. Known primarily through its Maverick Helicopters brand, this operator delivers luxury aerial tours in destinations, such as Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Southern California, and Hawaii. Maverick prides itself on its strong safety record, high level of customer service, and top-tier aircraft fleet.
Maverick’s widely recognized tours include scenic flights over the Grand Canyon’s dramatic landscape, VIP shuttles from Las Vegas hotels, and immersive island tours in Maui. Many of the company’s helicopters feature spacious cabins and panoramic windows designed for optimal sightseeing and photography. Frequent partnerships with hotels and travel providers help elevate the vacation experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters — Exploring Paradise from Above
In the Hawaiian Islands, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers some of the most scenic aerial tours on the planet. Operating since 1985, this company has built a reputation for providing authentic, aloha-spirited experiences that showcase Hawaii’s lush rainforests, coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Blue Hawaiian uses modern aircraft, such as the Airbus EC130 Eco-Star and AS350 A-Star, both optimized for sightseeing with large windows and comfortable seating. Pilots are highly trained and often serve as certified tour guides, narrating each journey and highlighting points of cultural or geological interest. From Kauai’s dramatic Napali Coast to the volcanic vistas of the Big Island, Blue Hawaiian’s tours are an unforgettable way to experience the islands.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters — History and Immersive Canyon Tours
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is one of the oldest and most established helicopter sightseeing companies in the world, continuing to operate tours since 1965. It specializes in aerial experiences of the Grand Canyon and surrounding Southwest landscapes, including multiple exclusive landing sites on the canyon floor.
Papillon’s extensive fleet is designed for comfort and visibility, with oversized windows to enhance panoramic viewing. Their tours depart from locations like Las Vegas and Arizona hubs, giving travelers options ranging from short scenic flights to full-day canyon explorations with ground activities. Multilingual narration services are often available, making these tours accessible to international visitors as well.
Liberty Helicopters — Skyline Adventures in New York
For those drawn to urban aerial sightseeing, Liberty Helicopters is one of the best-known providers in the United States. Based in New York City, Liberty specializes in helicopter tours above Manhattan and the greater New York skyline, offering views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and more.
Operating since the early 1990s, Liberty has built a reputation as the region’s largest and most experienced helicopter sightseeing service. Its fleet of Airbus helicopters carries visitors on short but spectacular tours that highlight the city’s unique architectural and geographic beauty from above.
Air Maui Helicopters — Doors-Off Adventures in Hawaii
Another standout in Hawaiian helicopter tourism is Air Maui Helicopters, known for its thrilling doors-off flights that allow unobstructed views and sensational stock photography. Airmaui emphasizes proximity to nature, flying close to majestic sea cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest valleys, and remote coastal terrain.
Tours are typically narrated by expert pilots and range from quick scenic hops to more immersive flights that land at private locations, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore and capture stunning imagery. This combination of adrenaline and natural beauty makes Air Maui an exciting choice for adventurous travelers.
Sydney Helicopters — Australian Icons from Above
Down under in Australia, Sydney Helicopters offers both scenic flights and private charters that celebrate one of the world’s most recognizable harbors. Guests can soar over Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the rugged coastline, capturing dramatic views of city and sea alike.
Whether it’s a quick aerial photo flight or a longer excursion out to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley wine region, Sydney Helicopters provides flexible experiences tailored to a variety of interests and group sizes.
Glacier Helicopters — Alpine Thrills in New Zealand
Glacier Helicopters brings aerial adventures to New Zealand’s rugged South Island, where visitors can witness snowy peaks, deep valleys, and glacial formations from the sky. This operator is a favorite for tourists seeking wilderness tours, heli hikes, or glacier landings, blending natural wonder with heart-pumping exploration.
Alpine Helicopters — Scenic Flight Services with Heritage
In Canada and Australia, Alpine Helicopters provides a range of services that include scenic tours, charter flights, and aerial photography. With decades of experience and a focus on safety and operational excellence, Alpine appeals to travelers who value personalized service and versatile flight options.
Cape Town Helicopters — South African Coastal Vistas
Located at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Helicopters offers breathtaking tours along the Atlantic Seaboard, over Table Mountain, and down to Cape Point. Options range from quick harbor hops to extended flights along the Cape Peninsula and winery tours, all designed for panoramic viewing and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Accretion Aviation — Luxury Helicopter Services in India
Accretion Aviation stands out in the Indian market by combining helicopter charters with luxury aviation services such as private jets and yacht rentals. Beyond tourism flights, Accretion supports helicopter transportation for religious pilgrimages, such as Char Dham and Vaishno Devi, as well as personalized charter services across major Indian metros.
Conclusion: A World of Perspectives from the Sky
From the Grand Canyon’s vast canyon walls to the shimmering skyline of Manhattan and the lush volcanic terrain of Hawaii, helicopter tourism opens up perspectives that ground-level travel simply can’t match. Whether your aim is luxury, adventure, photography, or a fresh look at a favorite destination, the companies above represent some of the best in the industry for safety, experience, and unforgettable aerial experiences.
