Best Helicopter Tours in Dubai

Enjoy the best views of Dubai aboard a helicopter, perfect if you want to take advantage of an exclusive experience and marvel at its desert, skyscrapers and avant-garde architecture.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

10 min read

Best Helicopter Tours in Dubai

Dubai and Tour Helicopter | ©VooTours Tourism

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

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

1. Discover Dubai from above with an unforgettable helicopter ride

Day Helicopter Tour| ©RegisD
Day Helicopter Tour| ©RegisD

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

Not in vain is it a luxury activity, ideal for an unforgettable vacation or romantic getaway. You will fly over urban panoramas, exploring the artificial islands and their imposing 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 activity.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 216 € per person.
  • Duration of the trip: you can choose flights of 12, 15, 17 or 25 minutes.
  • Advantages: you will be able to appreciate the best neighborhoods of Dubai and other outstanding attractions from an unparalleled perspective.
  • Disadvantages: Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions or pregnant women more than 3 months pregnant. Additionally, children under 2 years old cannot fly.

Book a helicopter ride

2. Combine a helicopter ride with a hot air balloon flight over the desert

View from the Helicopter| ©Rita Willaert
View from the Helicopter| ©Rita Willaert

One of the tips for visiting the Dubai desert is to combine the helicopter experience with a hot air balloon flight, as they are two activities that go 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. On the other hand, the balloon allows you to soar slowly while admiring the desert vastness at sunrise.

While many people choose to experience Dubai by camel or to travel the desert on foot, on hot days it can be a nightmare. Instead, this is a way to get around the city without subjecting yourself to high temperatures. You will be able to admire the sand dunes, diversity of 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 get exhausted, especially if you plan to be in Dubai for at least 5 days. But if you have little time in the city, you may be able to find a customized tour with the activities of your choice. In the desert you can also take advantage of other experiences such as:

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.
  • Advantages: sometimes breakfast can be included after the balloon ride. You can also get to witness a natural falcon show, and the most luxurious experiences include a camel ride.
  • Disadvantages: It does not usually include transportation to the desert.

Book a balloon flight at sunrise

3. See the city from above and later enjoy a dinner cruise

Seeing the island from the helicopter| ©Rita Willaert
Seeing the island from the helicopter| ©Rita Willaert

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 exclusively on enjoying yourself, as well as maximizing your time and budget. Typically, you will be immersed in an unforgettable 17-minute journey through the sky of this metropolis, to view the most important buildings and monuments 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, and even stay for dinner. This perspective gives you the best views of Dubai at night and takes you strolling along the coastal harbors. The best thing is that it is usually accompanied by a buffet dinner, which takes you on a gastronomic tour of its dishes with unforgettable aromas based on red meats, vegetables and condiments.

I advance you that in Dubai the Mulsumans are forbidden to consume pork, however tourists can taste this dish without inconvenience. It is advisable to respect the beliefs and cultures and to be prudent when communicating this type of requests.

Details of interest

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

Join a dinner cruise

4. Fly over Dubai at lower altitudes in a gyrocopter.

Helicopter Tour| ©RegisD
Helicopter Tour| ©RegisD

It's time to enjoy a bird's eye view of Dubai's buildings. Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure to appreciate at lower altitudes the main monuments of this imposing metropolis. Gyrocopters are smaller aircraft and a mix between an airplane and a helicopter, therefore during the tour only the pilot and a traveler participate, to fly at about 460 meters high, allowing a closer and more personal perspective.

It is a route that usually passes along the coast 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 created in the 18th century as a pearl fishing port. This is one of the best things to do in Dubai, as you will 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 is a completely safe experience, as long as it is done with reliable agencies.

To listen to the captain's instructions and informative commentary, you will 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.
  • Duration of the trip: approximately twenty minutes.
  • Advantages: usually includes eye protection goggles and free lockers to store your belongings during the flight, as you must be light.
  • Disadvantages: Please note that you must be over 17 years old to fly, it is also not suitable for pregnant women. Also, you are not allowed to carry cell phones or cameras, although some packages include a photo souvenir.

5. Enjoy a family ride from the Atlantis The Palm in Dubai

Atlantis The Palm| ©RegisD
Atlantis The Palm| ©RegisD

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

These types of experiences are very complete and last longer than the traditional panoramic tours, as you will be around 25 minutes in the air. The pilot will be able to guide you with interesting facts about the beautiful palm islands, surrounded by luxury and splendor. You will also be able to visualize avant-garde hotels, landmarks of architectural innovation and amazing views of the sea. This is definitely a highly recommended activity if you plan to spend at least 3 days in Dubai.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 1220 € per person.
  • Duration of the trip: 25 minutes.
  • Advantages: the weather must be good for the tour to take place.
  • Disadvantages: only for 6 passengers.

6. Have fun in a gyrocopter flight with aerial acrobatics included

People on the Tour| ©Dubai Private Tour
People on the Tour| ©Dubai Private Tour

The adventurous ones surely prefer an extra adrenaline rush, so instead of flying a traditional gyrocopter, get ready to go on an experience starring aerial acrobatics. Generally, the activity starts with a training session, where they will explain 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 by iconic locations, while enjoying the sudden turns that will awaken butterflies in your stomach. Plus, you can choose between gyrocopters with or without doors, depending on how comfortable you feel. Keep your eyes peeled because chances are you'll be able to see Burj Khalifa from above and pass extremely close.

Details of interest

  • Price: from €315.
  • Travel time: approximately 20 minutes.
  • Advantages: usually includes photographs and an edited video of your experience, as well as a pre-training session for safety.
  • Disadvantages: it is a riskier flight than a traditional gyrocopter tour, so you will probably have to sign a liability waiver form indicating the risks of the flight. Because of the movement during the acrobatics, it is not advisable for people with neck, shoulder and back problems.

7. Admire Dubai covered by night lights from a helicopter

From the helicopter cabin| ©K3 Yachts
From the helicopter cabin| ©K3 Yachts

Of course, there is nothing better than enjoying Dubai at night, with the skyscrapers illuminated and a movie-like panorama. When the sky is clear it is possible to go out after sunset and get panoramic views for about thirty minutes, to see the transition between day and night. Get ready to see the most important neighborhoods from a different perspective.

You will pass by the most famous spots 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 flavors of Emirati food.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 350 €.
  • Duration: about thirty minutes.
  • Advantages: it is a unique experience, perfect to see the other side of Dubai.
  • Disadvantages: some monuments can not be appreciated so well at night, it all depends on what you want to see.

How to book a helicopter tour of Dubai

Book Online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters
Book Online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters

The best option to book is to do it online, to ensure the experience and build your itinerary in advance. I recommend you to do it with a reputable online site, generally the steps to follow to consolidate a reservation are:

  • Step 1: choose the type of experience, considering that each one offers different times and experiences. Generally you will find options of 12, 15, 17, 25 or 30 minutes of flight time.
  • Step 2: select the date and time, as well as the number of travelers.
  • Step 3: enter your personal information.
  • Step 4: add your preferred language and contact information. Keep in mind that your email or cell phone will receive a confirmation of your reservation.
  • Step 5: check the cancellation policies, I recommend you to 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 the confirmation and enjoy!

When you arrive in the city you can also book a helicopter flight and other highlights of Dubai, however you run the risk of not finding places that match your stay. In any case, it is advisable to do it through a reliable hotel or agencies, although it is a safe metropolis you can find scammers trying to wrap tourists with suspiciously low prices.

Duration of Dubai helicopter tours

Watch| ©Cats Coming
Watch| ©Cats Coming

There are different types of flights and the price varies according to the number of minutes, if it is your first time in this type of experience or you are afraid of heights, it is 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 appreciate more attractions and get a complete tour of the city.

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

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

Tips for a helicopter tour of Dubai.

Person on the tour| ©K3 Yachts
Person on the tour| ©K3 Yachts
  • The best months to fly, if you want to enjoy cool weather and clear views, are from 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 make the experience safe and enjoyable.

Why is it advisable to take a helicopter tour in Dubai?

Tour in Dubai| ©VooTours Tourism
Tour in Dubai| ©VooTours Tourism

Dubai is an excellent destination for a helicopter tour because of its infrastructure. Moreover, from the air you can take amazing pictures, see many points of interest in a short period and squeeze the most out of the best 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 if it is better to participate 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 operate with modern helicopters that are well maintained.