Best Helicopter Tours in Dubai

Dubai is considered a multi-dimensional city, as it has monuments and locations that are best seen on foot, while others are best seen on a Marina cruise or a camel ride. Of course, considering its unparalleled skyscrapers, scenic helicopter tours are a must, as they allow you to marvel at the vastness of its desert and urban areas.

This metropolis can also be seen by gyrocopter, a mode that allows you to fly over at lower altitudes. There are also experiences that include aerobatics, which will redefine your concept of Dubai, while you get a first glimpse of places like Atlantis. Additionally, you'll have the chance to see Burj Khalifa from above, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.

Dubai is an awe-inspiring city, especially from above, so consider a helicopter ride. You'll inevitably be tempted, as the views from the main vantage points will pique your curiosity. You'll discover that it's possible to soar safely with 12, 15, 17 or 25 minute flight options. This type of panoramic tour allows you to appreciate the most emblematic points such as the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa from above and the famous Atlantis.

It is not for nothing that this is a luxury activity, ideal for an unforgettable holiday or romantic getaway. You'll fly over urban panoramas, exploring the man-made islands and towering skyscrapers. You'll also appreciate the domes of Dubai' s finest mosques and marvel at the desert's radiance. I recommend choosing clear days for an enriching experience, and you should arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the tour.

Useful details

• Price: from €216 per person.
• Flight time: You can choose from 12, 15, 17 or 25 minute flights.
• Pros: You'll get to see Dubai's best neighbourhoods and other top attractions from a unique perspective.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart conditions or pregnant women more than 3 months pregnant. Additionally, children under 2 years of age are not allowed to fly.

One of our tips for visiting the Dubai desert is to combine the helicopter experience with a hot air balloon flight, as these are two activities that pass over the area from completely different perspectives. By helicopter you can get a glimpse of the entire city and fly over the glittering yellow sand. Ballooning, on the other hand, allows you to soar slowly as you admire the vastness of the desert at sunrise.

While many people choose to explore Dubai by camel or walk across the desert, on hot days it can be a nightmare. Instead, this is a way to get around the city without being subjected to high temperatures. You can admire the sand dunes, diverse animal species and people taking advantage of the desert sports, while the dry breeze blows gently.

Note that you can book the tours separately so you don't burn out, especially if you plan to be in Dubai for at least 5 days. But if you're short on time in the city, you may be able to find a customised tour with the activities of your choice. In the desert you can also take advantage of other experiences:

• A quad biking adventure.
• A sandboarding experience in the dunes.
• Sleeping in the desert.
• A buggy excursion.

Details of interest

• Price: from €610 per person.
• Duration of the trip: the duration of the helicopter flight is your choice, balloon experiences take between four and five hours.
• Benefits: breakfast can sometimes be included after the balloon ride. You can also get to witness a natural falcon show, plus the more luxurious experiences include a camel ride.
• Disadvantages: Transport to the desert is not usually included.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Dubai, you might want to consider a helicopter ride combined with a cruise around the Marina. There are guided tours that take care of everything, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying yourself, as well as maximising your time and budget. Typically, you'll be immersed in an unforgettable 17-minute journey through the metropolis' skies, taking in the most important buildings and landmarks such as Atlantis Aquaventure, Burj Khalifa and the beauty of the desert area.

After an adrenaline rush, you may want to relax by the Marina before sunset, or even stay for dinner. This perspective gives you the best views of Dubai at night and takes you on a stroll along the waterfront harbours. The best thing is that it's usually accompanied by a buffet dinner, which takes you on a gastronomic tour of dishes with unforgettable aromas based on red meat, vegetables and condiments.

Please note that in Dubai, Mulsumans are forbidden to eat pork, but tourists can enjoy this dish without any inconvenience. It is advisable to respect beliefs and cultures and to be cautious when communicating such requests.

Useful details

• Price: from €445 per person.
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
• Advantages: You can enjoy two of Dubai' s best activities for the same price.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for short itineraries.

It's time to enjoy a bird's eye view of Dubai's buildings. Dive into a thrilling adventure to see the major landmarks of this imposing metropolis at lower altitudes. Gyrocopters are smaller aircraft and a cross between a plane and a helicopter, so during the tour only the pilot and one traveller are involved, flying at an altitude of about 460 metres, allowing for a more up-close and personal perspective.

It's a route that usually passes along the coastline where the marina is located, the place where it all began. What is now known as one of the most important cities in the world was established in the 18th century as a pearl fishing port. It's one of the best things to do in Dubai, as you'll also see the Dubai Eye (the world's largest Ferris wheel), Palm Jumeirah and other iconic sights. You won't have to worry, as it's a completely safe experience, as long as it's done with reliable agencies.

To listen to the captain's instructions and informative commentary, you'll probably be given noise-isolating headphones, which protect your ears. You will also have a life jacket and parachute on board, as well as a pre-flight safety briefing.

Details of interest

• Price: from €470 per person.
• Flight time: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Pros: Usually includes eye protection goggles and free lockers to store your belongings during the flight, as you need to be light on your feet.
• Disadvantages: Please note that you must be at least 17 years old to fly, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. Also, you're not allowed to bring a mobile phone or camera, although some packages include a photo souvenir.

Good things are best enjoyed as a family, so a great alternative is a small group helicopter tour, which allows you to see many of Dubai's special sights with your loved ones. They are generally designed for a maximum of 6 travellers, so large families will need to hire more than one helicopter. For safety reasons, in case the weight of all passengers exceeds 460kg, a second flight is also required at an additional cost.

These types of experiences are very comprehensive and last longer than traditional sightseeing tours, as you will be in the air for around 25 minutes. The pilot will be able to guide you with interesting facts about the beautiful palm islands, surrounded by luxury and splendour. You will also be able to view state-of-the-art hotels, landmarks of architectural innovation and stunning views of the sea. Definitely a highly recommended activity if you plan to spend at least 3 days in Dubai.

Details of interest

• Price: from €1220 per person.
• Journeytime: 25 minutes.
• Advantages: The weather must be fine for the tour to be possible.
• Disadvantages: only for 6 passengers.

The adventurous ones probably prefer an extra adrenaline rush, so instead of flying a traditional gyrocopter, get ready to take a ride on an aerobatics experience. Generally, the activity starts with a training session, where you will be briefed on everything you need to do to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Dubai in these micro helicopters, passing iconic locations, while enjoying the sudden twists and turns that will get butterflies in your stomach. Plus, you can choose between gyrocopters with or without doors, depending on how comfortable you feel. Keep your eyes peeled as you are likely to be able to see Burj Khalifa from above and pass extremely close.

Interesting details

• Price: from £315.
• Journeytime: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Pros: Usually includes photographs and an edited video of your experience, as well as a pre-flight safety training session.
• Disadvantages: It's a riskier flight than a traditional gyrocopter tour, so you'll probably have to sign a liability waiver form outlining the risks of the flight. Because of the movement during the acrobatics, it is not recommended for people with neck, shoulder and back problems.

Of course, there's nothing better than enjoying Dubai at night, with its illuminated skyscrapers and a picture-perfect panorama. When the skies are clear it's possible to go out after sunset and get panoramic views for around thirty minutes, to see the transition between day and night. Get ready to see the most important neighbourhoods from a different perspective.

You'll pass by famous land marks such as Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island and Emirates Hills. Later, you can head out in search of the best places to eat in Dubai and enjoy a dinner based on the most exotic flavours of Emirati food.

Interesting details

• Price: from €350.
• Duration: around 30 minutes.
• Pros: A unique experience, perfect for seeing the other side of Dubai.
• Disadvantages: Some monuments are not so easy to see at night, it all depends on what you want to see.

The best option for booking is to book online, to secure the experience and build your itinerary in advance. I recommend booking with a reputable online site, generally the steps to follow to consolidate a booking are:

• Step 1: choose the type of experience, considering that each one offers different times and experiences. Generally you will find 12, 15, 17, 25 or 30 minute flight options.
• Step 2: select the date and time, as well as the number of travellers.
• Step 3: enter your personal details.
• Step 4: add your preferred language and contact information. Please note that your email or mobile phone will receive the booking confirmation.
• Step 5: check the cancellation policies, I recommend you prefer the tours that allow you to get a full refund with a cancellation of the service at least 24 hours before the departure time. This way, in case of any inconvenience, you will not lose your money.
• Step 6: make the payment, receive confirmation and enjoy!

When you arrive in the city, you can also book a helicopter flight and other highlights of Dubai, but you run the risk of not being able to find a seat that matches your stay. In any case, it's advisable to book through a reliable hotel or agency, as although it's a safe metropolis, you may encounter scammers trying to lure tourists with suspiciously low prices.

There are different types of flights and the price varies according to the number of minutes, if it's your first time on this type of experience or you're afraid of heights, it's advisable to start with short flights. In general, you will find options of 12, 15, 17 or 25 minutes. Of course, spending more time in the air allows you to see more attractions and get a full tour of the city.

On the other hand, a longer flight allows you to appreciate locations such as:

• Burj Khalifa from above, the world's tallest skyscraper.
• Dubai Creek, where some of the city's best activities are concentrated.
• Dubai Downtown, the most touristy area.
• Jumeirah Palm, an island shaped like a tree.
• Burj Al Arab, one of the most iconic hotels in the UAE.

• The best months to fly, if you want to enjoy cool weather and clear views, are December to March.
• Choose a tour that suits your health, preferences and budget.
• Plan the experience in advance to get good prices and secure your place.
• Respect the instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Dubai is an excellent destination for a helicopter tour because of its infrastructure. Plus, from the air you can take amazing pictures, see many sights in a short period of time and get the most out of the city. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, while exploring the history of this important city. Indeed, it is an exclusive and luxurious experience, perfect for special occasions or to make your trip more memorable.

Take advantage of the best prices, as many people wonder whether it is better to take part in a helicopter flight in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, both are great destinations and if you have the opportunity to do so in both metropolises, don't think twice! However, in terms of price Dubai has cheaper flights than the capital. Overall, it is one of the most recommended destinations in the world to take advantage of this experience, as the flights are operated by modern, well-maintained helicopters.