Most people recognize the city of Cape Town by its iconic natural landmarks, including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.

The shoreline is characterized by the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as its many rocky beaches with crystal-clear bays. Experience incredible views of the Mother City from above when you book a helicopter tour in Cape Town.

Soar through the skies and appreciate the natural beauty all around you as your professional pilot provides fascinating information about South Africa’s most popular city.

Here's all you need to know about helicopter tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Cape Town.

What are the best helicopter tours in Cape Town?

Cape Point helicopter tour from Cape Town

This comprehensive, 50-minute flight over Cape Town’s city center toward Cape Point provides an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon in the Mother City.

Itinerary

Meet your pilot at the helipad at the V&A Waterfront before taking to the skies and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the city, the Atlantic coastline and all the incredible landmarks along the way to Cape Point.

You’ll have the perfect opportunity to get amazing photos of the beautiful city of Cape Town as you make your way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The 50-minute flight time ensures that you’ll have more than enough time to see all that Cape Town has to offer.

After the helicopter flight, you’ll be treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to end the tour.

Two oceans scenic helicopter flight in Cape Town

See Cape Town’s most iconic sights from above as you soar over Muizenberg, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula and where the two oceans meet!

Itinerary

Your private 25-minute helicopter experience begins at the popular V&A Waterfront in Cape Town’s city center. The first item on the tour’s itinerary is making a circle over Table Mountain, which is easily the city’s most famous landmark.

Some of the other places that you’ll see from above include the Cape Town Stadium, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Clifton Beach, Hout Bay and the Cape Peninsula among many others. Cape Town is a gorgeous city that offers a feast for the eyes!

You’ll understand the city’s layout and get to see a combination of incredible natural scenery and manmade landmarks as you learn more about Cape Town from your informative pilot.

Robben Island scenic helicopter tour

Robben Island holds immense historical significance as it is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Fly over the island, which is located just several kilometers off the mainland, as you learn more about the island’s historical role during Apartheid.

Itinerary

Before your helicopter takes off from the V&A Waterfront’s helipad, you’ll receive a safety briefing from your professional pilot. The helicopter tour begins with a circle around Robben Island so that you can see the island in its entirety.

You’ll enjoy incredible views over the ocean, and you’ll also be able to see the island’s prison and small village from above. Through informative commentary, you’ll learn more about what events took place here.

On your way back to the mainland, you’ll see Cape Town’s iconic skyline and will easily be able to spot Table Mountain, Signal Hill and other landmarks.

Huey army helicopter adventure flight in Cape Town

Fly over the magnificent city of Cape Town in a genuine Vietnam Huey Army Helicopter. This is a unique opportunity to feel the rush of soaring through the skies in an army helicopter.

Itinerary

Your expert pilot provides you with a comprehensive safety briefing before you embark on your adventure and take to the skies.

Not only will you enjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town, but your pilot will also perform exciting combat-simulated maneuvers that offer a dash of excitement and adrenaline to your tour.

This helicopter tour is unlike any other and is perfect for those looking for a thrilling excursion to commemorate their time in Cape Town. Your tour ends with a glass of complimentary champagne that you’ll enjoy on the ground after your flight.

How much do helicopter tours in Cape Town cost?

A basic, 12-minute helicopter flight in Cape Town costs around US$120 per person. If you are traveling alone, you may need to share this experience with other tour participants.

Helicopter flights that last between 20 and 25 minutes usually cost between US$180 and US$250 per person.

More comprehensive, private helicopter experiences cost anywhere between US$400 and US$1000 per person and, usually include a glass of champagne to celebrate the occasion.

What is included?

Helicopter tours include an English-speaking pilot, who will provide commentary throughout the flight. Some tour operators provide you with professionals, while others give you the option of purchasing digital photos after the flight.

Most helicopter tours in Cape Town do not include hotel transfers and you will need to make your own way to the stipulated meeting point.

Where does it start?

One of the most popular starting points for helicopter tours in Cape Town is the V&A Waterfront. Other starting points include the Cape of Good Hope and a handful of other helipads in the city.

Remember to arrive at the tour’s meeting point at least 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin so that you do not keep your pilot waiting.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a helicopter tour in Cape Town is roughly an hour, including safety briefings, with flight times ranging from 12 minutes to 50 minutes. The longer the flight time, the more you can expect to pay for the tour.

When is the best time for a helicopter tour in Cape Town?

While there are many different time slots available for helicopter tours in Cape Town, the most popular time for this excursion is around sunset.

Cape Town experiences incredible sunsets over the ocean and evening tours make for amazing photographs.

Book your helicopter tour for the beginning of your stay in Cape Town as the tour will provide you with a better understanding of the city’s somewhat complex layout.

Are there any combos available with helicopter tours in Cape Town?

Private helicopter tour with wine tasting in Stellenbosch

Start your helicopter tour at the Cape of Good Hope and fly toward the popular wine region of Stellenbosch, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting before your pilot takes you back into Cape Town.

You’ll view incredible scenery along the way and arrive at the winery in style! This is the ideal tour for those looking for an unforgettable luxury experience.

Sidecar adventure, Cape Peninsula and helicopter tour

Make the most of your time in Cape Town by experiencing three different adventures over 3 days. On the first day, you’ll hop in the sidecar of a motorbike as you explore Chapman’s Peak and surrounding areas.

On the second day, you’ll visit the beautiful Cape Peninsula and on the third day you’ll enjoy an amazing helicopter ride over Cape Town.

Helicopter flight with boat tour ticket

Your 25-minute helicopter flight starts from the popular and easily-accessible V&A Waterfront. The helicopter pilot provides interesting commentary as you soar over the areas of Constantia, Table Mountain and Clifton Beach.

After your flight, you’ll be given a boat tour ticket for Table Bay Boat Safaris, which you can use whenever you wish

Which other air activities can be done in Cape Town?

Travel tips

Book your helicopter tour in Cape Town in advance to secure your spot on your preferred tour.
Bring sunglasses with you so that your views of Cape Town are not obscured by any potential glare.
Ensure that your phone/camera is charged beforehand so that you can capture beautiful photographs of the city from above.
Wear comfortable, warm clothing for your helicopter tour.

Helicopter Tours in Cape Town