From headlining Table Top Mountain National Park to bucolic winery estates, Cape Town is one of the most handsome cities in the world. For the best views, take to the skies on a helicopter tour.
The 12-minute scenic helicopter tour (Photo: Get Your Guide)
Cape Town boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes: rocky mountains, pristine beaches and rolling valleys. You could explore them on foot, but to experience the dramatic beauty of the Cape peninsula in all its glory, we recommend a helicopter tour. Most helicopter tours depart from the V&A Waterfront Helipad and last for anywhere between 15 to 50 minutes. Most pilots are trained guides too, so you’ll get to combine postcard-perfect views with insights into some of the city’s most famous landmarks. With hundreds of helicopter tours to choose from, we’ve selected and compared five of the best Cape Town helicopter rides based on value for money, itinerary and customer reviews.
12-minute scenic helicopter tour
This 12-minute tour is the cheapest helicopter tour trip we’ve found online. Trips take off from the V&A Waterfront and soar high above the city’s most iconic sights, taking in views of Cape Town Stadium, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, as well as the cliffs and beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. The pilots are trained guides who will provide a running commentary of the sights you pass via Bose headphones. Prices include the helicopter trip and headphones, but do not include tips. From $120.39 per person
Camps Bay and Houts Bay helicopter tour
Camps Bay and Houts Bay helicopter tour (Photo: Get Your Guide)
Marking a celebration or in the mood to celebrate? This 20-minute helicopter tour includes a complimentary glass of bubbles for a sky-high toast. Trips depart from V&A Waterfront and fly high above the Atlantic coastline, offering sweeping views of the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. Your pilot will provide fun and informative insights into the city and the sights you see along the way too. Prices include the helicopter trip, a glass of sparkling wine and live commentary. From $146.72 per person
Robben Island by air scenic helicopter flight
This 20-minute helicopter tour combines birdseye views of Cape Town’s spectacular coastline with a trip around Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The tour offers sparkling views of the peninsula and then circumnavigates the island for 360-degree aerial views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A knowledgeable pilot guide shares insights into the former prison and points out the best views of the prison and village. On the way back, travellers can enjoy postcard-perfect views of Cape Town and Table Mountain, with Lion’s Head and Camps Bay in the distance. From $180.59 per person
Two oceans helicopter flight with boat tour ticket
Two oceans helicopter flight with boat tour ticket (Photo: Get Your Guide)
At 25 minutes, this helicopter tour is longer than most. After clambering aboard the helicopter, travellers are treated to breathtaking views of Cape Town Stadium, Signal Hill, Camps Bay and Clifton Beach. A pilot guide will point out the luxurious coastal homes and provide insights into key landmarks like the mountains of the Twelve Apostles. Then, it’s onwards to historic Hout Bay and across the Cape Peninsula to see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at False Bay. You might even spot some great white sharks on the way back. From $231.76 per person
Cape Peninsula scenic helicopter flight
This scenic helicopter ride is more expensive than most, but at 50 minutes it’s almost double as long as the average ride. After taking off from the V&A Waterfront Helipad, helicopters glide over Cape Town Stadium, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay to Karbonkelberg Mountain. Visitors are treated to eye-popping views over the Cape Nature Reserve, before returning via the other side of Table Mountain for sublime views over the vineyards of Constantia Valley. Prices include a city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus ticket, as well as a helicopter ride. From $451.48 per person