Helicopter tours are a rage with tourists seeking a thrill, and when you book a trip, you must choose a time slot.
You can opt for a sunrise helicopter tour, an afternoon tour, a sunset tour, or a night tour.
Of all the options, the sunset helicopter tours, which are also known as the Golden Hour tours, are the most popular.
In this article, we will share everything you must know before booking your sunset ride.
What’s ahead
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Why sunset helicopter tours are better
When you take off with the sun setting in the background, your aerial adventure becomes genuinely stratospheric.
The sun’s Golden hue touches everything you see around you, and when it dips below the horizon, you see unparalleled, colorful views of the city’s skyline.
If your tour operator times the take-off well and your helicopter flight is long enough, you can capture the views of the city in daylight, during sunset, and finally at night when the lights come up.
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The disadvantage of sunset tours
On a sunset helicopter tour over wildlife areas, mountains, or glaciers, there’s little to see once the sun sets, as there’s no artificial lighting.
However, in a city tour, the view transforms as the lights come on one by one, creating a spectacular and mesmerizing sight.
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How to book a sunset heli tour
In major tourist destinations, operators often offer dedicated sunset helicopter tours or Golden Hour tours that you can book.
However, in smaller destinations, this may not be available.
If you can’t find a specific Golden Hour tour, check the local sunset time and book a regular tour around that time.
Make sure the helicopter tour lasts at least 30 minutes to catch the sunset. Find out more
Since sunset tours are in high demand, it’s essential to book in advance. Waiting too long can be risky, as slots may fill up quickly.
Note: Some destinations may not offer flights after 4 pm due to safety concerns, ensuring helicopters return before sunset.
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Cost of sunset helicopter tours
The cost of a regular helicopter tour varies depending on factors like the city, time of departure, ride duration, and extras like Champagne, landings, or picnics.
Prices typically range from 150 USD to 215 USD.
For sunset helicopter tours, operators may charge a 20% to 30% premium, raising the price to between 180 USD and 280 USD.
Combining sunset tours with additional activities like picnics or other extras can increase the cost further.
Related: Experience the Thrill of Doors-Off Helicopter Tours
Best sunset helicopter tours
Some tourist destinations are more suitable for sunset helicopter tours.
That’s why most visitors to these destinations take to the air if budget permits.
We list out these destinations and their sunset tours –
Related: Enjoy Breathtaking Views with Sunset Helicopter Tours
Most popular tours in the United States
Best in New York
> New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
> New York’s City Lights Skyline Experience
Best in Grand Canyon & Las Vegas
> Grand Canyon Sunset Heli Tour from Las Vegas
> Grand Canyon Flight and Sunset Valley of Fire Landing
Find out more about sunset helicopter tours over Grand Canyon
Best in Los Angeles
> 50 Minute Hollywood & Beaches Helicopter Tour
> Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach
*These Los Angeles tours take off between 9 am to 7 pm. Once you book the tour, the operator will get back asking for your preferred time of take-off and that’s when you must tell them your preference for the ‘sunset tour.’
Best in Miami
> 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami
> Private Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach Helicopter Tour
*While booking one of the above tours, opt for the 5 pm slot to catch the sunset. If you want to fly over Miami’s pristine beaches and shoreline in an airplane, check out this sunset fly past.
Best in San Francisco
> San Francisco Sunset Flight Tour
> Champagne Flight: San Francisco Seaplane
*Even though it is not a helicopter tour, we recommend this because it is too good to pass. Opt for the 5 pm slot for sunset views.
Best in Chicago
> Chicago Helicopter Skyline Tour
*Opt for the 6 pm slot
Best in Waikiki, Hawaii
> Waikiki Sunset Helicopter Tour – with Doors Off or On
Best in Oahu, Miami
> Royal Crown of Oahu – 60 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On
> Isle Sights Unseen – 45 Min Helicopter Tour from Honolulu – Doors Off or On
Best in Maui, Hawaii
> Doors-Off West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
> West Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour with Oceanfront Landing
*Opt for Afternoon Departure, 5 pm slot
In Kauai, Miami the last helicopters take off around 4 pm, and hence there are no sunset helicopter tours.
Most popular sunset tours in Australia
Best in Sydney
> Private Sunset Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and its Beaches
Best in Melbourne
> Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Ride
*You must book the 4 pm take off
Best in Brisbane
> Brisbane City – Private Helicopter Sunset Flight
Sunset tour in South Africa
Best in Cape Town
> Cape Peninsula, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Scenic Flight
> Helicopter Tour of Atlantic Coast from Cape Town
*Opt for the 4 pm take off
Popular Golden Hour Rides in Greece
Best in Santorini
> 30-minute Santorini ‘Honeymooners’ Helicopter Flight
*Book a ride between 5 pm to 6 pm
