Helicopter Tour Cape Town - Experiences & Recommendations

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

Best Things to Do:

Navigation:

An Unforgettable Experience: Over Cape Town by Helicopter

After four helicopter flights over Cape Town and the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula, I can tell you: a helicopter tour is one of the most impressive experiences in South Africa. The view of Table Mountain, the turquoise shimmering waters in front of Clifton, and the massive cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope look even more spectacular from the air.

In Brief: Helicopter Tour in Cape Town

There are numerous providers in Cape Town offering helicopter tours. Most have stalls at the V&A Waterfront

Try your luck and negotiate with the providers to snag a spot just before sunset

Expensive: Want a flight without doors? Grant offers these flights on Airbnb Experiences (and even has a picture of us in it)

I will show you all options and routes in this article - because we tried them all

  • There are numerous providers in Cape Town offering helicopter tours. Most have stalls at the V&A Waterfront
  • Try your luck and negotiate with the providers to snag a spot just before sunset
  • Expensive: Want a flight without doors? Grant offers these flights on Airbnb Experiences (and even has a picture of us in it)
  • I will show you all options and routes in this article - because we tried them all

Providers for Helicopter Flights in Cape Town: My Recommendations

I have tested various providers and can particularly recommend two:

NAC Helicopters - the Classic at the V&A Waterfront

If it's your first time in Cape Town, NAC Helicopters is a safe choice. The provider is located right at the V&A Waterfront - central and easily accessible. The fleet is modern, the process is professional, and the routes are clearly defined. However: All flights take place with doors. I have flown with this provider twice. Everything is top-notch!

My recommendation: Ideal for anyone wanting to get an overview of Cape Town and the surrounding area. I strongly recommend the Hopper Tour. Have a bit more time and budget? Then fly a bit further. I will cover the routes further down.

Visit NAC Helicopters' website

Without Doors & Custom - My Secret Tip on Airbnb Experiences

If you want to experience it especially intensely and avoid reflections in your photos, I recommend a flight without doors - for me personally, the absolute highlight! After some searching, I found a provider on Airbnb Experiences: here you can fly open with Grant, who also offers personalized routes.

We could even decide which places we wanted to see during our flight. The adrenaline kick and the views without panes are hard to beat - especially for photography fans.

My tip: Book early because spots are limited. The provider consistently receives excellent reviews - and I can only confirm that.

Here you can book the tour on Airbnb

Prices for a Helicopter Flight over Cape Town

The prices for a helicopter tour vary greatly - depending on the provider, route, flight duration, and whether you fly solo or in a group. It also matters whether you fly with or without doors. To help you compare better, I have put together an overview:

Price Overview (starting prices per person)

Route - Duration - Provider - Price from

Hopper Tour - approx. 12 Min - NAC Helicopters - approx. $65

Three Bays Tour - approx. 20 Min - NAC Helicopters - approx. $120

Cape Point Tour - approx. 45 Min - NAC Helicopters - approx. $220

Custom Tour without doors - 20-45 Min - Airbnb Experiences - approx. $160-250

Tip: Note whether the price is per person or per helicopter - for private tours (e.g., through Airbnb) you often pay for the entire flight.

What Affect the Price?

Route & Flight Duration: The longer, the more expensive - this is logical. However, short tours also pay off for first impressions.

Group Tour or Private Flight: A shared flight is cheaper, but a private flight is more exclusive (and quieter for photos).

Season & Demand: Prices rise in peak season (December-February). Booking early pays off!

With or without doors: Flights without doors are usually a bit more expensive, but offer a more intense experience.

My booking tip:

I prefer to book helicopter flights online in advance - e.g., through Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide. The booking is easy, and you immediately receive all info about the route and the provider. Co-author Chris spontaneously booked a flight for himself and his wife on the last day of their trip based on our recommendation. They were even able to negotiate (despite peak travel time in January) and thus save money. And that for the last flight of the day at the perfect time just before sunset.

  • Route & Flight Duration: The longer, the more expensive - this is logical. However, short tours also pay off for first impressions.
  • Group Tour or Private Flight: A shared flight is cheaper, but a private flight is more exclusive (and quieter for photos).
  • Season & Demand: Prices rise in peak season (December-February). Booking early pays off!
  • With or without doors: Flights without doors are usually a bit more expensive, but offer a more intense experience.

The Best Routes at a Glance

Depending on how much time and budget you have, you have various routes to choose from - from a quick overview to an extensive tour along the entire Cape Peninsula. I have experienced all four of the following routes myself and can tell you: each has its charm, but the tour to Cape Point takes a long time and has real lulls in between.

Hopper Tour - The Classic for Beginners

Helicopter flight over Cape Town for the famous panorama
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

This short tour is perfect if you want a quick overview of Cape Town. In just about 12 minutes, you fly over the main highlights:

Twelve Apostles

V&A Waterfront

Green Point Stadium

Signal Hill & Lion's Head

Table Mountain

Camps Bay & Clifton

For me, THIS is the view of Cape Town par excellence: The sight from the heli of Signal Hill, Lion's Head, and Table Mountain. Incredibly beautiful.

My experience:

Ideal for beginners! You get great views of the city and the sea - especially in good light in the morning. The tour is short but impressive. I really convince all my friends to at least take this tour. No one has regretted it. Everyone had a big grin on their face and was happy.

  • Twelve Apostles
  • V&A Waterfront
  • Green Point Stadium
  • Signal Hill & Lion's Head
  • Table Mountain
  • Camps Bay & Clifton

Three Bays Tour - More Coast, More Contrasts

If you have a bit more time, I recommend this 20-minute tour along the west coast to Muizenberg:

Camps Bay

Twelve Apostles

Hout Bay

Noordhoek

Muizenberg

Constantia

My experience:

Here you see the dramatic cliffs along Chapman's Peak Drive, the more rural hinterland around Noordhoek, and the surfer beaches at Muizenberg. A very varied flight with great contrasts! For many, a highlight is the "Little Lion's Head" at Llandudno Beach, which you can also see from the air here.

If you have a little more time, this is the perfect tour in my eyes.

  • Camps Bay
  • Twelve Apostles
  • Hout Bay
  • Noordhoek
  • Muizenberg
  • Constantia

Cape Point Tour - The Big Loop to the Southern Tip

This tour is the longest regular flight with all providers and lasts about 45 minutes. You fly over the entire Cape Peninsula to the famous Cape of Good Hope:

Camps Bay

Hout Bay & Noordhoek

Cape Point

Simon's Town

Fish Hoek & Muizenberg

Constantia

My experience:

A spectacular flight along rugged coasts, over the Cape of Good Hope, and back through the green hinterland. If you really enjoy flying by helicopter, it is worth it. I have done the flight once with and once without doors (with NAC and Grant). What I don't like: There's always one person who only has a view of the sea. That is a bit wasted over time if you want to take pictures.

  • Camps Bay
  • Hout Bay & Noordhoek
  • Cape Point
  • Simon's Town
  • Fish Hoek & Muizenberg
  • Constantia

Without Doors & Flexible - My Secret Tip on Airbnb

This tour is something special: without doors, with a custom route plan. You decide together with the pilot what you want to see - from Camps Bay to Cape Point a lot is possible (depending on duration and budget).

My experience:

The flight without doors is always the best experience for me. The wind blows strongly in your face, and the unobstructed view without glass - ideal for photos and adrenaline junkies. We once flew in the South African winter and once earlier in summer. Both were great, especially for photos.

Here's the link to book with Airbnb Experiences

Best Time for a Helicopter Flight in Cape Town

When is the perfect time for a helicopter flight over Cape Town? From my experience, this heavily depends on two factors: lighting conditions and weather conditions. Both significantly affect visibility and the flying experience - and make a huge difference depending on the time of day.

Morning (approx. 9-11 AM)

My favorite for clear visibility and soft light - but with some restrictions

The air is often calmer and less windy in the morning.

The view of Table Mountain and the coastline is usually clearest.

Disadvantage: You have backlighting when trying to photograph Table Mountain from the Atlantic coastline.

My experience:

I had good conditions in the morning, but the light wasn't ideal for me as I had backlighting on Table Mountain.

  • The air is often calmer and less windy in the morning.
  • The view of Table Mountain and the coastline is usually clearest.
  • Disadvantage: You have backlighting when trying to photograph Table Mountain from the Atlantic coastline.

Afternoon (approx. 3-5 PM)

For warm colors and perfect light conditions - my personal favorite

The light is softer and more golden, ideal for photos.

The sun is behind you, illuminating the city with its three distinctive hills: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill.

The west coast around Clifton and Camps Bay looks especially spectacular in this light.

Caution: In the afternoon, it can become windier - especially in the South African summer. Also, Table Mountain is more likely to be under the well-known 'tablecloth' of clouds.

My tip: If the weather is stable, the last slot of the day is my clear recommendation - the light and atmosphere are unique.

  • The light is softer and more golden, ideal for photos.
  • The sun is behind you, illuminating the city with its three distinctive hills: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill.
  • The west coast around Clifton and Camps Bay looks especially spectacular in this light.

Sunset Flights

Sounds romantic - but is rarely available.

Some providers offer sunset flights upon request.

They are exclusive, usually significantly more expensive - and harder to photograph due to rapidly changing lighting conditions.

Also, it can get dark quickly - not ideal if you want to enjoy the landscape.

Conclusion on the Time of Day:

For clear visibility and light wind, mornings are ideal - perfect for first flights or open helicopters.

However, if you're looking for the best light for photos and a magical atmosphere, the last flight of the day is unbeatable - my personal recommendation!

  • Some providers offer sunset flights upon request.
  • They are exclusive, usually significantly more expensive - and harder to photograph due to rapidly changing lighting conditions.
  • Also, it can get dark quickly - not ideal if you want to enjoy the landscape.
For clear visibility and light wind, mornings are ideal - perfect for first flights or open helicopters. However, if you're looking for the best light for photos and a magical atmosphere, the last flight of the day is unbeatable - my personal recommendation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Helicopter Flights over Cape Town

When is the Best Time for a Helicopter Flight?

I recommend the last time slot of the day, as the light is the most beautiful and the city shines in warm colors. In the morning, visibility is often clearer and the wind is weaker - ideal for open flights.

How High Do You Fly on the Tour?

The flying altitude varies depending on the route, but is usually between 300-600 meters. In good weather, it can go higher on longer tours. You'll always have a great view of the landscape.

Can I Fly with a Fear of Heights?

Many people with a fear of heights report that they feel surprisingly safe in the helicopter - due to the firm harness and smooth movement. If you're uncertain, start with a short tour (e.g., the Hopper). Friends with a fear of heights have also greatly enjoyed the flight in Cape Town.

What Camera Settings Are Suitable for the Flight?

Short exposure time (1/1000 or faster)

No flash

Polarizing filter at windows

For open flights: an additional wide-angle lens and a secure strap for the camera!

  • Short exposure time (1/1000 or faster)
  • No flash
  • Polarizing filter at windows
  • For open flights: an additional wide-angle lens and a secure strap for the camera!

How is the Flight Organized?

You must arrive at the helipad about 30 minutes before departure.

There is a short safety briefing.

Afterward, you will be weighed (for seat allocation) and might receive ear protection.

  • You must arrive at the helipad about 30 minutes before departure.
  • There is a short safety briefing.
  • Afterward, you will be weighed (for seat allocation) and might receive ear protection.

Can I Bring Everything (e.g., Camera Backpack)?

Usually just the essentials. Large bags stay in the provider's office. You can bring your camera equipment (without a backpack), but it must be securely fastened - especially for flights without doors.

Are There Age or Weight Restrictions?

Infants usually may only fly accompanied by an adult (please check directly with the providers, I have no children)

Some providers have weight limits per passenger (e.g., 265 lbs).

For private flights, the total weight of the helicopter is relevant.

  • Infants usually may only fly accompanied by an adult (please check directly with the providers, I have no children)
  • Some providers have weight limits per passenger (e.g., 265 lbs).
  • For private flights, the total weight of the helicopter is relevant.

Personal Tips for Your Helicopter Flight in Cape Town

After four tours over Cape Town, I can tell you: a helicopter flight is not only spectacular but also well organized - if you know what to pay attention to. Here are my top tips for preparation, clothing, seat selection, and photos.

Procedure & Safety

You should be at the starting point at least 30 minutes before departure (mostly at the V&A Waterfront).

Before the flight, you will receive a short safety briefing.

You will be weighed - this enables the optimal weight distribution in the helicopter.

You may receive ear protection (headphones with microphone), depending on the model.

My experience: Everything runs very professionally - especially with NAC Helicopters, I always felt I was in good hands.

  • You should be at the starting point at least 30 minutes before departure (mostly at the V&A Waterfront).
  • Before the flight, you will receive a short safety briefing.
  • You will be weighed - this enables the optimal weight distribution in the helicopter.
  • You may receive ear protection (headphones with microphone), depending on the model.

What to Wear

Especially for flights without doors, clothing is crucial:

Long, windproof clothing (even in summer!)

No loose scarves or open jackets, a hat can be helpful

Sturdy shoes (no flip-flops)

Sunglasses with a good grip (wind!)

My tip: Even at mild temperatures, it can get very cool and windy in the air - especially over the open sea. I was cold during my first open flight, even though it was pleasantly warm on the ground.

  • Long, windproof clothing (even in summer!)
  • No loose scarves or open jackets, a hat can be helpful
  • Sturdy shoes (no flip-flops)
  • Sunglasses with a good grip (wind!)

Photography Tips for the Flight

Use a short exposure time (from 1/1000 seconds) to counteract vibrations.

Try to avoid shooting through the glass (reflections!) - open flight = clear view!

Ensure that you don't lean out too far when photographing at open windows: air turbulence can cause shaking and blurry photos and videos.

If you photograph with a smartphone: deactivate HDR for quicker shooting.

Important: For flights without doors, your camera equipment must be secured with a strap - this will be checked by the provider.

  • Use a short exposure time (from 1/1000 seconds) to counteract vibrations.
  • Try to avoid shooting through the glass (reflections!) - open flight = clear view!
  • Ensure that you don't lean out too far when photographing at open windows: air turbulence can cause shaking and blurry photos and videos.
  • If you photograph with a smartphone: deactivate HDR for quicker shooting.

Which Seat is the Best?

In small helicopters, there's often a seat in the front, two or even three in the back.

In the front, you sit directly next to the pilot - great view but sometimes restricted by the cockpit.

In the back, you have more freedom to move for photos - ideal for flights without doors.

Depending on the route, it might be better to sit on the left side (flight to Cape of Good Hope)

My tip: I prefer to sit in the back by the window, especially on open flights. This way, you have an unobstructed view of the city, mountains, and coast - without annoying struts or panes. However, some prefer sitting front next to the pilot.

  • In small helicopters, there's often a seat in the front, two or even three in the back.
  • In the front, you sit directly next to the pilot - great view but sometimes restricted by the cockpit.
  • In the back, you have more freedom to move for photos - ideal for flights without doors.
  • Depending on the route, it might be better to sit on the left side (flight to the Cape of Good Hope)

My Conclusion after Four Flights

Every flight was different - and each impressive in its way. I was most impressed by the open helicopter flight, but the classic tours also offer great views. If you are well prepared, the tour will surely become an unforgettable highlight of your Cape Town trip.

Conclusion: Is a Helicopter Flight over Cape Town Worth It?

Absolutely: Yes! A helicopter flight is no longer as cheap as it was ten years ago - but worth every cent. I would do it again anytime.

A helicopter flight over Cape Town is one of the most spectacular experiences in South Africa - whether it's your first time in the city or you have been here several times before. The perspective from the air is unique and gives you a completely new view of the city, Table Mountain, and the coastal landscape.

I hope this article has pleased you and helped you answer your questions about providers and routes for helicopter tours in Cape Town. If you have ideas or questions, we would love to hear your comment here on the travel blog.

If you don't have any questions: We still look forward to your feedback and hope you share the article with friends or save it on Pinterest. That way, you'll find the tips later.

Do you want to always receive the best travel and insider tips? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads or subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates and exclusive tips.

♥ Do you like my tips? Say thanks with a coffee ☕️

My articles are the result of intensive research, personal experiences, and honest recommendations - all without AI. I write them to help you plan your travels stress-free with genuine, self-tested tips.

If you like my work and just want to say thanks, I would appreciate a small tip in my virtual travel fund. Every contribution helps me continue to create high-quality content for you with passion and independence. Thank you!

Trust is important: In some of my articles, you will find referral links (affiliate links). If you book or buy something through one of these links, it won't cost you anything extra - but I receive a small commission. This way, you can support me without any extra effort and help keep this blog alive. Thank you for being part of my community and sharing my passion for authentic travel!