4 Best Helicopter Tours in Houston

The city of Houston is the fourth largest metropolis in the United States of America. It has a lot to offer visitors, from the NASA Space Centre and Hermann Park to the Museum District and the Theatre District. All of these attractions are definitely worth visiting, but if you want to enjoy the city from a different angle, an excellent way to do so is with an aerial tour.

On board a helicopter, you will have the opportunity to see every inch of the city from above, with an unbeatable panoramic view of all the tourist attractions. Houston also has more than 70 skyscrapers, which you can see from above. If you're interested in what I've told you so far, keep reading, because here's everything you need to know about taking a helicopter tour in this incredible Texas city. This is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Houston.

This exclusive tour is unique in that it only takes place at sunset. The tour is perfectly coordinated so that, after flying over the city's most iconic landmarks, you can watch the sunset in the heart of Houston, where its famous skyscrapers are located.

In this helicopter, you will fly past the Williams Tower, which will amaze you with its immensity and beauty. You will also fly over other tourist attractions and landmarks such as the Houston Zoo, NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park and the Downtown Aquarium. All these sites are ideal for taking a good panoramic photo or simply enjoying the views of Houston in a unique way.

This is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Houston, and the sunset tour adds a romantic touch to the experience, making it ideal as a plan to share with your partner.

Details of interest:

• Price: from £395 per person.
• Duration: the itinerary lasts 35 minutes in total.
• Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation are not included. The tour is aboard a modern helicopter.
• Advantage of this option: complimentary drinks are included.
• Disadvantages of this option: if the weather is not suitable, the tour will be cancelled and rescheduled for another day.

This is a quick tour of the most important sights in Houston and can be taken at any time of day, subject to availability. With a touch of elegance and the beautiful spectacle of the city lights, this tour is truly one of the best things to do at night in Houston.

The tour begins at the meeting point, West Houston Airport, one of the most modern and beautiful airports in the region. The helicopter will then take you to the heart of Houston , where you will see Minute Maid Park from above, before flying over the city's commercial district, home to its five largest shopping districts. Afterwards, you will be taken to the southern part of Houston, where you will fly over the Texas Medical Centre, which is very dear to the city's residents.

You will also fly over NRG Stadium, the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, the Autodrome, the prestigious Rice University and Greenway Plaza. Nothing will be left out of this tour, which will show you the best of Houston.

Details of interest:

• Price: from £360 per person.
• Duration: the itinerary lasts 30 minutes in total.
• Means of transport: ride aboard a modern helicopter.
• Advantage of this option: complimentary drinks included.
• Disadvantage of this option: it does not include transfers to the meeting point or back to the hotel or place of stay.

This is an experience only for the most daring. If flying a helicopter is on your bucket list, here in Houston you'll have the opportunity to tick it off.

The tour, known as the "Bucket List Ride", consists of a short flight over the city of Houston where you'll have a brief helicopter flying lesson, and for about 10 minutes you'll be in charge of the aircraft. Of course, you will always be supervised by a professional pilot.

The time is enough to get a taste of what it's like and decide whether you want to take helicopter flying lessons in the future or discover that it's something you never want to experience again in your life.

On this adrenaline-filled ride, you will fly over the city's surroundings, downtown Houston, NRG Stadium, Memorial City, and many other sights. A truly unique experience that you cannot miss for anything.

Important details:

• Price: starting at £479 per person.
• Duration: the general itinerary lasts 30 minutes. You will have 10 minutes to take the controls and fly yourself.
• Transport: ride aboard a modern helicopter.
• Advantage of this option: individual and personalised experience.
• Disadvantage of this option: no transfers to the meeting point or back to your hotel or place of stay.

The Williams Tower was the first skyscraper built in the city of Houston and is currently one of the tallest in the region. On the helicopter tour known as the "Galleria-Uptown Loop," you will see it up close.

This tour will take you straight to this iconic architectural landmark. The helicopter departs from West Houston Airport and heads directly to Williams Tower. Once there, the aircraft will circle around it so you can see all its sides, and then you will be returned to the departure site.

On the round trip, you will have the opportunity to see other iconic sites, such as Energy Stadium, the city's shopping centre, Memorial City, the outskirts of the city, and Addicks Reservoir.

Details of interest:

• Price: from £379 per person.
• Duration: the itinerary lasts between 20 and 25 minutes.
• Transportation: does not include pick-up or drop-off at your accommodation. The tour is aboard a modern helicopter.
• Advantage of this option: this is an ideal experience for architecture lovers, as this tour allows you to appreciate the charm of the Williams Tower in detail like no other.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not include transfers to the meeting point or return to your hotel or accommodation.

Below, I will tell you about the most frequently asked questions that arise when taking a helicopter tour, and the answers to all these questions.

How safe is it to travel by helicopter?

Helicopter tours comply with all regulations to ensure maximum passenger safety. The probability of an accident in a helicopter is very low, even lower statistically than on board an aeroplane.

Does the weather affect a helicopter flight?

Yes, this is an important point, as helicopter flights require certain specific weather conditions in order to be carried out safely. For this reason, the tour may be cancelled and rescheduled if these conditions are not met. You should pay attention to the weather forecast when making your reservation, as well as the dates of your stay in Houston, so that you do not have to reschedule your helicopter flight. If you are no longer in the city on the date the flight is rescheduled, the cost of the flight will be refunded in full.

Can children travel by helicopter?

Yes, people of all ages can take a helicopter flight, but if you are travelling with children, those aged 2 years and older must have their own seat in the helicopter. Please bear this requirement in mind when making your booking to avoid any last-minute inconveniences. This activity is really great fun and is one of the 10 best things to do with children in Houston.

Can pregnant women travel by helicopter?

Pregnant women should avoid travelling by helicopter specifically during the first trimester of pregnancy and after the 36th week of pregnancy. Outside of these specific periods, women who are pregnant can travel by helicopter without any problems, unless specifically advised otherwise by a doctor.

Can a person who uses a wheelchair travel by helicopter?

Of course, but they must clarify this when booking their ticket so that the necessary space and assistance can be provided at the time of the tour.

If I am afraid of heights, can I go on a helicopter ride?

Yes, you can, and it is actually a fascinating experience. However, the decision is up to you and whether you are ready to face your fear. We recommend that you do some relaxation and breathing exercises beforehand to prepare yourself properly for the experience.

Can people who suffer from dizziness or vertigo go up in a helicopter?

Flying in a helicopter can cause dizziness or vertigo in people who suffer from this condition, as these aircraft change direction suddenly or descend steeply. However, if this is the case, you can talk to your doctor beforehand to take the necessary precautions and not miss out on this experience.

What is the weight limit for a helicopter?

Generally, the helicopters used in the city of Houston for sightseeing tours are small aircraft, and like all helicopters, they have a limited weight capacity, which in this case is usually around 254 kilograms, not including the pilot. Therefore, the maximum number of passengers on these tours is three, and people weighing more than 130 kilograms are not accepted for safety reasons.

Are there different prices for helicopter tours?

Prices for the experience of flying over Houston in a helicopter may vary and be reduced if the flight is shared. Most flights have a fixed price that does not vary whether it is for one person or three tourists. In the latter case, the cost is obviously divided among the participants, making the flight much more economical.

What happens if I decide to cancel my helicopter flight?

If you wish to cancel your helicopter ride, you can do so up to 48 hours before the booked date. Rescheduling the flight is completely free of charge, but cancelling it may incur a cancellation fee of approximately 10% of the total flight price.

If you are interested in helicopter tours in Houston, you probably like adrenaline or are a lover of aeronautical activities. That's why I'm telling you about two other activities that you can't miss if you plan to visit the city of Houston

Indoor skydiving at the Houston Memorial

This activity is perfect if you've always dreamed of jumping out of a plane with a parachute but never dared to do it because you were afraid. At FLY Houston Memorial, there is an indoor skydiving facility that gives you the opportunity to experience the same sensation as jumping out of a plane, but with the complete assurance that you will come out unscathed.

The simulator consists of a vertical wind tunnel that replicates the speed of free fall. You will first receive a brief instructional class from a professional, and then, accompanied by the same instructor, you will experience indoor skydiving.

No previous experience is necessary to participate in this activity, and you will receive a nice certificate attesting to your participation. Without a doubt, this activity is only for the bravest.

Important details:

• Price: from £104 per person, which includes two flights.
• Duration: between the preparation, instruction and the experience itself, the activity lasts between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes.
• Transport: this activity does not include transport, as it takes place indoors.
• Advantages of this option: it is a fun and safe experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not offer transfers to the centre or back to your hotel or place of stay.

Feel like a pilot in the F-18 Super Hornet flight simulator

If you've ever wanted to fly a warplane, like in the action movies, or want to feel like a professional navy pilot, this is the activity for you. At the OptiFly flight simulation centre, you can fly a Super Hornet F-18 in a totally realistic way.

The flight simulator offers multiple options, such as choosing any airport in the world to take off or land your aircraft, landing on a ship in the middle of the ocean, flying in different weather conditions and even piloting in aerial combat.

This activity is suitable for children and can also be done in groups, with family or friends.

Details of interest:

• Price: from £63 per person.
• Duration: the flight simulation lasts 35 minutes in total.
• Transport: transport not included.
• Advantage of this option: accessible by public transport.
• Disadvantages of this option: no transfers to the city centre or back to your hotel or place of stay.