Helicopter tours in Cape Town – prices, duration, timings

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. 

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 – 

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. 

Important to know:

Kids younger than two can sit in their parent’s lap and don’t need tickets.

The tour cost mentioned applies to all passengers two years and above.

For a full refund, you can cancel the recommended tour tickets at least 24 hours before the experience.

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 the helicopter follows:

Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 25 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm

Cost of the tour: $193 (R 3,100)

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 the helicopter follows:

Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 45 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm

Cost of the tour: $405 (R6,500)

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 the helicopter follows:

Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 20 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm

Cost of the tour: $144 (R 2,300)

Hopper Flight over Cape Town

If you are short of time, we highly recommend this heli tour. 

You get to see the coast and the Table Mountain Nature Reserve and also toast a glass of Champagne in the air.

If you want, you can opt for a free pickup and transportation to the helipad.

Route the helicopter follows:

Departure: NAC Helicopters Cape Town, E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 15 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: NAC Helicopters
Tour timings: Take offs start at 8 am and continue till 5.30 pm

Cost of the tour: $275 (R 4,400)

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. (Google Map)

Duration: 3-4 hours
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 11 am

Cost of the tour: $975 (R 15,500)

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 the helicopter follows:

Departure: V&A Helipad, Breakwater Edge, 220 E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 20 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: Cape Town Helicopters
Tour timings: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm

Cost of the tour: $ 160 (R 2,600)

Three Bays Helicopter Tour

The Three Bays Tour is the best way to see Table Mountain – from the front, the flank, and the back.

You also get to see aerial views of the coastline, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, etc. even as you keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins. 

From Noordhoek Beach, the helicopter changes direction and heads towards False Bay villages of Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg.

Route the helicopter follows:

Departure: NAC Helicopters Cape Town, E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 40 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: NAC Helicopters
Tour timings: Take offs start at 8 am and continue till 5 pm

Cost of the tour: $550 per group of 3 (R 8,800)

Cape Point Scenic Helicopter Tour

The Cape Point chopper tour is yet another perfect way to explore the entire Cape Peninsula from the comfort of your helicopter seat. 

Route the helicopter follows:

Departure: NAC Helicopters Cape Town, E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. (Google Map)

Duration: 40 minutes
Narration: Live Commentary
Tour Operator: NAC Helicopters
Tour timings: Take offs start at 8 am and continue till 5 pm

Cost of the tour: $1105 per group of 3 (R 17,700)

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