Santa Barbara’s stunning coastline, rugged mountains, and charming cityscape make it an ideal place for helicopter flights and tours. Whether you want a quick peek at the Pacific from above or a detailed aerial exploration of the mountains and lakes, Santa Barbara offers options for nearly every interest and schedule. Some tours focus on short, scenic rides perfect for a quick thrill, like the Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour, which gives you a glimpse of California’s iconic shoreline in just six minutes. Others, like the Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight, provide longer, more comprehensive views that include lakes, mountains, and city sights.
For those seeking an immersive experience, the Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara combines cityscapes with coastlines, all seen from a private chopper. And if you’re after a combination of mountains and beaches, the Private Mountain Helicopter Flight offers a 30-mile journey over some of the most scenic terrain around. With such a variety, Santa Barbara’s helicopter tours can suit casual visitors looking for a quick thrill or serious enthusiasts wanting a full panoramic experience.
1. Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
This 6-minute flight offers a fantastic overview of California’s famous coastline. You’ll soar from the Santa Barbara area, witnessing the sweeping beaches, the distant Channel Islands, and the city from above. This tour is designed for those who want a quick, memorable taste of the coast without breaking the bank or taking up too much time.
What makes this tour stand out is its affordability—just $69 per person—and its focus on iconic scenery. While short, it still provides panoramic views that are perfect for first-time helicopter flyers or travelers with limited time. Reviews highlight its value, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 22 visitors. Many note how the brief flight still managed to deliver a thrilling experience with unforgettable vistas. This experience is best suited for those wanting an easy, no-fuss introduction to aerial sightseeing or for families with children who might find longer flights daunting.
Bottom Line: This quick coast and beach overview is perfect if you want a cost-effective, scenic adventure that captures the essence of Santa Barbara’s coastline.
2. Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara
This 12-minute private tour takes you along the California coast while weaving through downtown Santa Barbara. Starting at the Goleta meeting point, this flight offers an intimate look at both natural beauty and urban charm. You’ll fly over the picturesque harbor, with its bustling docks and sparkling waters, and then ascend to capture views of the majestic mountains framing the city.
What sets this tour apart is its private nature—you won’t be sharing the sky with strangers—and its comprehensive itinerary, which balances cityscapes, the coastline, and mountain vistas. The pilot Holly is praised for her professionalism and knowledge, making the experience both smooth and informative. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews and a price of $149, it offers excellent value for those wanting a more personalized experience.
During the flight, you’ll see Santa Barbara from perspectives difficult to match on foot or by car. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth aerial tour that captures the city’s essence from above. The only possible downside is the brief duration, but considering its private nature and the variety of sights, it packs a punch.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those seeking a personalized, scenic experience that combines city, coast, and mountain views in a 12-minute flight.
3. Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight Santa Barbara
For around $300, this 25-minute tour ranks as the most comprehensive experience available. It’s the ideal pick for travelers eager to enjoy Santa Barbara’s diverse terrain. The flight begins with a coastline cruise, then ventures inland over the Ynez Mountains into the Santa Ynez Valley, passing notable landmarks like Lizard Mouth Rock and Cachuma Lake.
What makes this tour special is its ability to showcase the variety of Santa Barbara’s landscape—from beaches and urban areas to rugged mountains and serene lakes. The flight is smooth, and the views are expansive, giving a full sense of the region’s geography. The reviews are limited but glowing, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 2 customers who highlight the spectacular scenery and professional service.
This tour is best suited for adventure seekers or photography enthusiasts eager for a longer, more detailed look at the area’s highlights. Its higher price reflects the extended flight time and scope but offers significant value for those wanting an all-encompassing aerial experience. Keep in mind, due to the longer duration, it requires more planning and possibly a bit more stamina.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers wanting an in-depth perspective on Santa Barbara’s natural and urban beauty in one comprehensive flight.
4. Downtown Santa Barbara Helicopter Tour
This 12-minute flight concentrates on Santa Barbara’s downtown and beaches. It’s a quick yet rich way to see the city from above, with highlights including the beautiful beaches, the Channel Islands, and the Ynez Mountains.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on the urban core and immediate surroundings, perfect for visitors who want to see Santa Barbara’s lively city center and scenic coast in a short time. It costs $149 per person and is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 rating from a single review, emphasizing its “easy-to-locate” start and friendly pilot.
This experience is ideal for those who want a focused view of downtown Santa Barbara and don’t have time for longer tours. It offers a good balance of scenery and city exposure, making it suitable for first-timers or those with limited schedules. The main drawback is its brevity, but the focus on a specific area makes every minute count.
Bottom Line: A perfect short, city-centered helicopter ride, ideal for those wanting to combine city views with coastal scenery in a quick trip.
$149 per person
5. Private Mountain Helicopter Flight above Santa Barbara
This 18-minute, 30-mile flight is designed for mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll fly over the Santa Ynez mountains, passing Lake Cachuma and the Lizard Mouth Rock. The tour offers unmatched views of the city, beaches, mountains, and lakes, providing a well-rounded look at the region’s most iconic features.
This tour is quite flexible, accommodating up to three people for a minimum of two, making it ideal for small groups or couples. Its focus on the mountain chain and lakes offers a different perspective from coastal tours. The cost is $215 per person, which is reasonable given the terrain and the length of the flight.
While it currently has no reviews, its itinerary promises a thrilling experience with spectacular scenery, especially for the adventurous. It’s suited for nature lovers and photographers who want an up-close view of Santa Barbara’s mountain backbone. The main consideration is its minimum passenger requirement, so it’s best for groups.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for mountain enthusiasts seeking expansive views of Santa Barbara’s rugged terrain and lakes.
$215.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara
When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick taste of the coast, the Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour provides an affordable, scenic highlight. Those eager for a more personalized experience should look at the Private Helicopter Tour, ideal for couples or small groups.
For travelers wanting a comprehensive look at both mountains and city, the Private Mountain and City Flight offers a longer, more detailed perspective. Meanwhile, the Downtown Santa Barbara Tour is perfect if your main interest is exploring the city’s core and beaches.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, and checking weather forecasts can help avoid cancellations. Think about the experience level—shorter tours are great for first-timers, while longer, mountain-focused flights suit more adventurous spirits.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara’s helicopter tours open up a variety of ways to see this beautiful region from above. For a quick coastal overview, the Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour offers great value. If you’re after a more private, in-depth experience, the Private Mountain and City Flight is hard to beat in terms of scope. And for those who love mountains and lakes, the Private Mountain Flight is a fantastic choice.
No matter what you pick, booking in advance and choosing a tour that matches your interests and schedule will help ensure a memorable, breathtaking experience in Santa Barbara’s skies.