A helicopter tour in Cape Town is one of the best ways to see the city.
In fact, many tourists who have been on a helicopter ride in this South African city believe that the terrain of the city is perfect for a helicopter ride.
Within 20 minutes, one can take off and experience some of the world’s most spectacular mountains, coastline, beaches, and the city’s skyline.
In this article, we share everything you must know before you book your helicopter tour in Cape Town.
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Best Cape Town helicopter tours
With so much to see around Cape Town, helicopter tours come in various flavors.
We present below our favorite eight tours, which are popular with vacationers in this South African city.
Two Oceans Scenic Helicopter Flight from Cape Town
This trip is an exciting helicopter tour where you get to see two oceans in a 25-minutes flight.
You fly around Table Mountain to see the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the Cape Peninsula and then check out the Indian Ocean on the other side.
If you are lucky – and most tourists are – you also get to see great white sharks off the coast of Muizenberg Beach.
Route of the tour:
Departure: Hotel pick up facility is available. Alternatively, you can head directly to the meeting point.
V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Get Directions)
Note: You will meet the tour operator at the Cape Town Helicopters base. First Red Building on East Pier Road, just past circle.
Duration: 25 minutes
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Cost of the tour: US$223 (R 4,223)
Cape Peninsula, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
During this tour, you enjoy the beautiful scenery of both Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
Some of the other highlights of the tour are Table Mountain, False Bay, Long Beach, Robben Island, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, etc.
Look out for the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
On the way back to Cape Town, you admire the rows of vineyards in Constantia.
Route of the tour:
Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Get Directions)
Note: Cape Town Helicopters is situated at the V&A Waterfront Helipad, just behind the Table Bay hotel.
Duration: 48 minutes
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Cost of the tour: US$424 (R 8,028)
Helicopter tour of Atlantic Coast
This trip may be a shorter chopper tour but is equally majestic.
You get to see the Table Mountain from all sides and also fly over the beautiful Atlantic coastline.
During this thrilling ride, you also get to see attractions such as Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head, Robben Island, Signal Hill, etc.
Route of the tour:
Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Get Directions)
Note: Tour operator is the red building with sign ‘Cape Town Helicopters.’
Duration: 20 minutes
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Cost of the tour: US$163 (R 3,087)
Private Heli Tour + Cape Winelands Meal and Wine
This trip is a scenic helicopter flight from Cape Town over South Africa’s gorgeous Cape Winelands terrain.
Your helicopter then lands at the stunning Groot Constantia wine estate for a session of wine tasting.
After you have tried some of the best South African wines, you start your gourmet 3-course meal which watching fantastic views of the valley and mountains.
Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Get Directions)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 11 am
Cost of the tour: US$1,442 (R 27,305)
Robben Island Scenic Helicopter Flight
This trip shows you the best of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.
You take off from Cape Town and fly over the Atlantic coast while listening to your pilot/guide’s live commentary.
Once you reach the Island, the pilot will navigate the helicopter around the Island, helping you get the best possible views of the prison, the village, etc.
Route of the tour:
Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Get Directions)
Duration: 20 minute
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm
Cost of the tour: US$163 (R 3,087)
Cape Town helicopter ride: What to expect?
A heli ride is one of the top three experiences in the city.
This video details what one can expect on such a tour –
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Cape Town.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
A valid passport is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Cape Town heli tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off and food and drinks unless stated otherwise.
Your ticket price also excludes gratuities.
Accessibility to the tour
The tours are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Recommended Reading
# How to enjoy your first helicopter tour
# What to wear for helicopter tours
# Overcome fear of flying, the easy way
# How long to wait after diving before flying
# Why helicopter tours are are excellent gifts
# FAQs about Helicopter tours