Panama City is the capital of Panama and is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, making for breathtaking views from the air.
A helicopter tour of Panama City, Panama, is the best way to experience the city’s lavish scale, stunning skyline, and nature from the air.
When you go up over Panama City, you witness one of the world’s most exciting places in the world, where the best of technology is layered against the best of pristine jungle, islands, and beaches.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your helicopter tour of Panama City in Panama.
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What to expect on a helicopter tour of Panama City
For viewing the City, the Panama Canal, and all of its majestic natural surroundings, nothing can get you closer and more intimate with the scenery than a helicopter, which affords optimum visibility and up-close detail.
Besides the skyline and nature, during the aerial experience over Panama City, travelers also see landmarks such as Americas Bridge, Centennial Bridge, Amador Causeway, Bio museum, etc.
Helicopter tour timings
Panama City helicopter tours continue to take off Monday to Sunday, 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Take-offs start at 7.30 am and happen every hour.
Helicopter take-off times are approximate and are subject to weather conditions.
Cancellation policy
Even though the helicopters and pilots are available for taking off throughout the day, the experience requires good weather.
If your air trip above Panama’s capital, Panama City, gets canceled due to bad weather, you will be given the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
You can cancel your heli tour at least 24 hours before the adventure begins to receive a full refund.
Best helicopter tour over Panama City, Panama
Before we share details about the best helicopter tour in Panama City, check out these important instructions for all travelers –
- All passengers must carry a valid photo ID
- Wear comfortable shoes
- It is better NOT to take along large bags and backpacks
- This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate
- Everything you want to carry on onboard will be searched for security reasons
Departure of heli tours
Panama City helicopter tours take off from Albrook Airport.
Voyair PTY, the tour operator, offers hotel pickups and drops.
If you want a pickup and drop, you must let them know after the booking.
The contact details get emailed to you as part of the booking confirmation.
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking unless booked within two days of travel.
If you have booked your tour close to the travel date, you will receive the confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Maximum capacity
A maximum of three passengers can go up for the ride over Panama City because the helicopters can only seat four, including the pilot.
Duration of helicopter tour
This helicopter tour comes in two flavors, both of which are available on the tour booking page.
- Panama Canal and City tour
- Ocean to Ocean tour
When you book the Panama Canal and City tour, you get 30 minutes of air time, while the Ocean to Ocean tour offers 60 minutes.
Cost of helicopter tour
The cheapest helicopter tour in Panama City, which gets you 30 minutes of airtime, costs $699 for up to three passengers.
If you want to spend up to an hour in the air, you must book Ocean to Ocean tour, which costs $1,389 for up to three passengers.
In both cases, you get the whole chopper to yourself because it is a private tour.
What’s included in the cost
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bilingual guide and photographer
- 30 or 60 minutes depending on the tour you choose
Note: Gratuities (optional) are not included in the tour cost.
Airplane flight over Panama City
On this 20-minute long charter flight, you see some of Panama’s most famous sights from above.
Take in spectacular views of the Panama Canal, Panama City’s sparkling cityscape, and Taboga Island after boarding your plane – a Cessna 182, Cessna 206, BN-2 Islander, or Piper Seneca.
There is further service to San Blas, Bocas del Toro, and other destinations.
This is a private tour, and only your group will be on the airplane.
This flight takes off from Albrook Airport.
Cost of the tour: $450 for up to 2 people
Airplane Tour to Contadora Island
On this aircraft excursion to Contadora Island, take to the skies to view Panama City from above.
A 30-minute trip aboard a Cessna 182 plane provides views of Panama City, the Panama Canal, and Taboga Island.
Then, in the Gulf of Panama, land on Contadora Island for a day at the beach.
This short trip to Contadora Island is a fantastic opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for the day.
Lunch is included in the ticket price, but passengers must pay separately for all other meals and drinks.
If you are staying in Panama City, you get pick-up and drop services as well.
The flight takes off at 8 am from Albrook Airport, so it is better to reach half an hour early.
Passengers must be 68 Kgs and less, and a maximum of two can take the flight together.
Cost of the tour: $870 for up to 2 people
If you prefer to start early, check out this 5-hour day trip to San Blas on Airplane.
Reaching Panama City in Panama and need transport? Book this private round trip airport transfer.