Santa Barbara’s stunning coastal scenery, majestic mountains, and lively city streets make it a natural for helicopter tours. Seeing this area from above offers a unique perspective — you’ll spot the picturesque harbor, the sandy beaches, and the Ynez Mountains all at once. Whether it’s your first time in Santa Barbara or a return visit, a helicopter flight adds a memorable dimension to your trip. The variety of options available lets you choose between quick scenic rides or more immersive private tours, perfect for celebrating special occasions or just adding a thrill to your vacation.
While the region’s natural beauty is well-known, flying over Santa Barbara also reveals its vibrant downtown, the rugged coast, and distant Channel Islands in incredible detail. These tours are designed to suit different interests and budgets, from affordable short rides to deluxe private excursions. Planning your helicopter adventure is easier than you think with options that cater to first-timers and seasoned flyers alike.
Quick Overview of Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours
In this guide, you’ll find a selection of top-rated helicopter experiences. Options range from a 12-minute downtown tour to an 18-minute mountain flight, with prices from $69 to $300 per person. Some tours include private flights with personalized routes, while others focus on coastline vistas or mountain scenery. Each offers a different way to enjoy Santa Barbara’s varied landscape, and all have received strong reviews for their safety, professionalism, and stunning views.
Now, let’s explore each tour in more detail so you can find the one that best matches your interests and schedule.
1. Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara
This private helicopter tour offers a personalized 12-minute flight along the California coastline and over downtown Santa Barbara. You can learn more about this experience here. It’s perfect if you want a quick but comprehensive glimpse of the city from above, with the sparkling harbor, downtown sights, and mountain backdrops all in one flight.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on capturing Santa Barbara’s most iconic sights in just a short time. The pilot navigates over the city’s downtown area, with a clear view of the harbor’s crystal waters and the mountain ranges that frame the skyline. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable pilot Holly, who made the experience feel relaxed and informative. At just $149 per person, this tour provides excellent value, especially if you’re pressed for time but want a memorable aerial view.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a private, customizable experience without a lengthy commitment. It’s ideal for celebrating a special occasion or first-time visitors wanting a quick overview of Santa Barbara’s highlights.
Bottom Line: A short, private flight that covers Santa Barbara’s most photogenic spots, with great reviews and an affordable price point.
2. Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
For around $69, you can enjoy a 6-minute ride that takes you along the California coast, offering sweeping views of the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches. Check availability and start times here. This short flight is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a quick, affordable introduction to the area’s natural beauty.
During this flight, you’ll see the coastline’s rugged cliffs, the distant Channel Islands, and the sandy beaches that stretch along the coast. Though brief, many passengers find it incredibly rewarding for its panoramic vistas and the chance to see Santa Barbara from a different perspective. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time or those who want to combine a helicopter ride with other activities.
While it doesn’t include a lengthy tour or stops, the price-to-value ratio is excellent for a quick thrill and a memorable photo opportunity. It’s best suited for first-timers or those wanting a taste of aerial sightseeing without a big investment.
Bottom Line: A quick, budget-friendly coast-hugging flight that offers breathtaking views of Santa Barbara’s beaches and Channel Islands.
3. Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight Santa Barbara
At around $300, the Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight is the most comprehensive tour on our list, lasting approximately 25 minutes. Find out more about this experience here. It’s designed for those who want to fully soak in Santa Barbara’s diverse landscape, from the city streets to snow-capped mountains.
This tour begins with a flyover of downtown Santa Barbara, offering clear views of the harbor and beachfront. It then takes you through the Ynez Mountains, with highlights including the stunning Cachuma Lake and Lizard Mouth Rock. The route follows the Ynez River canyon, providing a detailed look at the area’s varied terrain.
Many find this tour offers exceptional value—it combines city sights with mountain vistas and lakes, all in one flight. During the ride, the pilot shares insights about the region’s geography, making it both a scenic and educational experience. Reviewers note the smooth ride and the breathtaking scenery as key highlights. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see Santa Barbara’s natural and urban beauty in one go.
Bottom Line: A longer, well-rounded private flight perfect for those who want a detailed view of Santa Barbara’s mountains, lakes, and city.
4. Private Mountain Helicopter Flight above Santa Barbara
For those seeking an adventure over the mountains, this 18-minute private flight costs $215 per person. Learn more about this mountain-focused experience here. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Lake Cachuma, Lizard Mouth Rock, and the Santa Ynez Mountain chain from above.
This flight involves passing over Lake Cachuma, with breathtaking views of the Ynez Mountains, and flying into the Santa Ynez Valley. The route emphasizes the region’s rugged beauty and provides vistas of tranquil lakes and towering peaks. The tour can accommodate up to three people, making it a semi-private experience.
While there are no reviews available yet, the tour’s focus on mountain scenery and lakes makes it perfect for nature lovers and those interested in the outdoors. It’s a longer flight that offers a more immersive experience compared to shorter rides, ideal for travelers with a bit more time who want to see Santa Barbara’s mountain terrain.
Bottom Line: An exhilarating mountain flight that combines the rugged beauty of the Santa Ynez Mountains with lakes and valleys, suitable for small groups.
5. Downtown Santa Barbara Helicopter Tour
At 12 minutes and $149 per person, this tour focuses on giving you a bird’s-eye view of downtown Santa Barbara and its surroundings. More details here. It’s an excellent choice if you want to see the city’s urban core, beaches, and nearby Channel Islands in a short, scenic flight.
This tour highlights downtown Santa Barbara, the beaches, and Ynez Mountains—all seen from an exciting vantage point. Many travelers appreciate how it captures the essence of Santa Barbara in just a brief flight, making it ideal for maximizing sightseeing in a limited timeframe. It’s perfect for those who want a focused city tour with a quick overview of the coast and mountains.
The reviews point out the smooth ride and the amazing view of the beaches and city. It’s priced competitively and offers a well-rounded glimpse of Santa Barbara’s landscape for first-timers or visitors with limited time.
Bottom Line: A compact, city-centered helicopter tour that offers sweeping views of Santa Barbara’s beaches and downtown in a short time.
How to Choose Your Santa Barbara Helicopter Tour
Choosing the right helicopter experience depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after a quick, private overview, the Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara is a top pick. For those wanting an affordable coast flight, the Beach and Coastline Tour offers a short but memorable ride. If you want to combine city, mountain, and lake views, the Private Mountain and City Flight provides a comprehensive experience. For mountain enthusiasts, the Ynez Crossing Flight emphasizes rugged scenery, while the Downtown Santa Barbara Tour is perfect for a quick city overview.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend airborne, and whether you prefer private or group flights. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara offers a variety of helicopter tours that cater to different interests and budgets. From quick coastal rides to private mountain adventures, you can choose an experience that suits your travel style. For those looking for a short, affordable introduction, the Beach and Coastline Tour is hard to beat. If you want to learn about the region’s diverse landscapes, the Private Mountain and City Flight offers an excellent balance of scenery and comfort.
No matter which tour you select, booking in advance and confirming weather conditions will help ensure your aerial adventure is a highlight of your Santa Barbara trip. With these options, you’ll get to see this stunning area from a whole new perspective—an experience worth every penny.