San Francisco’s stunning skyline and landmarks are best appreciated from the sky, making helicopter tours a must-do experience.
Soaring above the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the scenic Bay Area offer views that can’t be matched from the ground.
This article provides all the essential details to help you plan your perfect aerial adventure. From pricing to routes, find everything you need to know before booking your San Francisco helicopter tour.
Top tickets
# Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure
# San Francisco and Alcatraz Helicopter TourWe highly recommend booking your San Francisco helicopter tours in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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Cost of San Francisco helicopter tours
The cost of San Francisco helicopter and seaplane tours varies based on tour length, inclusions, and added conveniences like shuttle services.
The 30-minute Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure costs $339 per person, while the SF and Alcatraz Helicopter Tour offers a 20-minute experience that also comes at the same price.
Seaplane tours are similarly priced, with the 40-minute flight with champagne costing $389.
Which helicopter tour is best for you?
Choosing the right helicopter tour can make all the difference in your travel experience. Check out some of the top-rated tours.
Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure
On this 30-minute tour, gaze upon the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and the Golden Gate National Reserve with expert narration from your pilot.
Soar above the coast past Baker Beach and the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, over to the Ocean Beach.
Make your way over the Crissy Field, Downtown San Francisco, Oracle Park, and the infamous Alcatraz Island prison.
You will also get a 360-view of the historic Angel Island – the Immigrant Gateway to the West.
Timings: 11.30 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, Friday to Monday
Commentary: Yes (Audio guide in English)
Air time: 30 minutes
Cost (without shuttle): US$339 per person
Cost (with shuttle): US$376 per person (Round-trip service provided from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco)
Note that at least two passengers are required to book this experience.
Recommended
San Francisco and Alcatraz Helicopter Tour
California coast along San Francisco or the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, everything flows below you as you are on this 20-minute guided helicopter tour.
Soar over Crissy Field, downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz prison, and Oracle Park – home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
Shuttle service is available upon request. You will be picked from 288 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA.
Timings: 11.30 am, 12.15 pm, 2.30 pm, Friday to Monday
Commentary: Yes (English, by a tour guide)
Air time: 20 minutes
Cost: US$339
Recommended
Seaplane tours over San Francisco
If you prefer seaplanes over helicopters, SFO offers them as well.
Check out some of the best seaplane flights available for tourists. These seaplane trips guarantee a window seat.
Seaplane flight with Champagne
This is a 40-minute trip over SFO in an Alaskan Bush plane.
Experience the best of the city and also witness the beautiful towns of Tiburon and Belvedere Peninsula.
There is something for everyone as the Champagne will be substituted by apple cider for guests aged 20 years old and younger.
Cost of the tour: US$389 per person
Buy This TicketGolden Gate Bridge from the air
On this 30-minute Seaplane flight, you fly directly over the Golden Gate Bridge for stunning photo opportunities.
Glide over Fisherman’s Wharf and spot chic restaurants and shops down below.
Angel Island, Alcatraz, Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito never looked more beautiful!
The large windows of the Alaska Bush Seaplane make for good sightseeing.
You can choose the option for shuttle services for more convenience.
Cost of the tour
Tour with Meeting Point in Mill Valley: US$299 per person
Tour with Roundtrip Shuttle from Fisherman’s Wharf: US$336 per person
Departure point of SF heli tours
The San Francisco heli tours depart from the heliport next to Sausalito’s Richardson Bay. The tours also end at the same point.
Address: 242 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA. Get Directions
The heliport is accessible by public transportation.
There is free parking available at the heliport base.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over San Francisco. Passengers must not weigh over 240lb (109 kg) to board the flights.
Passengers exceeding the weight limit will be required to purchase an additional seat.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, the rides will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
San Francisco helicopter rides are not wheelchair accessible.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 45 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Inclusions and exclusions
Helicopter tours in San Francisco usually include a narrative either in English or as an audio guide. If selected, some tours provide a shuttle service for which you pay an additional fee.
However, the tours do not include hotel transfers and food and drinks.
Photos for souvenirs and gratuities are also excluded from your ticket.
Cancellation policy
You will get a full refund if you cancel your tickets at least three days before the tour date.
If you cancel within three days before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
