The 10 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s sunny skies and shimmering waterfront make it a fantastic place for helicopter tours. Unlike a bus or boat, flying over this vibrant city gives you an unbeatable perspective on its beaches, luxury homes, and bustling port. With its combination of stunning coastline, celebrity islands, and tropical wildlife, Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a beach town — it’s a sky-high playground. Whether you’re after a private romantic escape, a sunset thrill, or a grand tour of Miami, there’s a helicopter adventure waiting for you.
These tours showcase Florida’s natural beauty and glitzy side. From the sleek skyscrapers of Miami to the wild expanses of the Everglades, flying gives you access to views that are simply impossible from the ground. Plus, many operators offer options with doors off for that extra adrenaline rush. If you’re considering an aerial adventure, this guide will help you pick among the best helicopter experiences in Fort Lauderdale.
Quick Overview of Fort Lauderdale Helicopter Tours
This list covers a variety of helicopter experiences, from short 10-minute rides to full-hour tours. You’ll find private flights that focus solely on your party, sunset excursions that highlight the magic hour, and even special themed tours like the Guitar Hotel or Miami Dolphins Stadium. Many tours include iconic sights such as Star Island’s celebrity mansions, Miami Beach’s art deco skyline, and the Everglades from above. For a comprehensive look at what’s available, visit the full list of Fort Lauderdale helicopter tours.
Now, let’s explore each of these top options in detail.
1. Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach Helicopter Tour
Starting at number 1, this private helicopter tour connects Fort Lauderdale with the glitz of Miami Beach in just 35 minutes. It’s perfect if you want a quick, personal view of Florida’s coast. Your pilot will point out landmarks as you fly over Port Everglades, Hollywood, Sunny Isles, and North Miami Beach. You’ll catch dolphins, sharks, and manatees in the water below, making it a lively and scenic ride.
What sets this tour apart is the private setting, meaning no sharing your experience with strangers. Customers rave about the friendly pilot and the personalized commentary, which makes the sights come alive. Many mention how calm and easy the flight feels, especially with the doors off option. For around $292.50 per person, it’s a good value for a memorable 35-minute flight that offers a bird’s-eye view of both city and ocean. This tour suits couples, first-timers, or anyone wanting a quick, high-quality experience.
Bottom line: For a personalized and scenic trip from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach, this private tour offers fantastic views and excellent reviews.
2. Sunset Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach Helicopter Tour
At number 2, the Sunset Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach Helicopter Tour also lasts about 35 minutes but adds a magical twist — watching the sunset from above. It’s an ideal choice if you want to combine the thrill of flying with the romance of dusk. The tour covers Hollywood, Sunny Isles, Haulover Inlet, and South Beach, with special focus on Miami’s luxury homes on Star Island and the skyline lit by evening lights.
This tour is all about the experience of seeing Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s coast at sunset, with the added comfort of an air-conditioned helicopter and headsets for narration. The reviews highlight how memorable and well-organized the trips are, with many mentioning the “awesome views” and the thrill of sticking their legs out the side for photos. Costing about $292.50 per person, it’s a great option for couples celebrating a special night or travelers wanting a more atmospheric view.
Bottom line: If a romantic sunset flight over South Florida’s coast appeals, this tour offers stunning visuals and a relaxed, intimate setting.
3. HARD ROCK GUITAR & BEACHES Helicopter Tour
Number 3 on our list is the HARD ROCK GUITAR & BEACHES Helicopter Tour, a 45-minute ride priced at $435. It combines a flyover of the famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, with its iconic guitar-shaped hotel, and the sun-kissed beaches of Miami. The tour takes you along the shoreline, offering views of dolphins, sharks, and luxury homes along Star Island and Miami’s skyline.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on both the cultural iconography of the Hard Rock Hotel and the natural beauty of Florida’s coast. The longer duration means more sights and a chance to see marine life, famous buildings, and beach resorts in one trip. Many reviewers mention the private experience and the chance to glimpse Miami’s mansions and ocean wildlife. For those who want a more in-depth view of Miami’s landmarks, this is an excellent pick.
Bottom line: This tour’s longer duration and focus on Miami’s iconic spots make it perfect for travelers wanting a detailed aerial overview.
4. Helicopter Tour in Miami
Number 4 is a shorter, more affordable option — the Helicopter Tour in Miami, lasting about 20-25 minutes and costing $192.50. It’s ideal if you want a quick but comprehensive view of Miami’s most scenic neighborhoods, including Golden Beach, Sunny Isles, and Oleta River State Park.
This tour is flexible and covers key sights like Gulfstream Park, the Oleta River, and Golden Beach. It’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time who still want to see the city from above. The reviews note how the ride is “amazing” and “very nice,” especially for those wanting a shorter experience. The helicopter offers a bird’s-eye view of Miami’s beaches and parks, making it a practical choice for a half-hour sightseeing trip.
Bottom line: For a quick yet scenic introduction to Miami’s neighborhoods and beaches, this affordable flight offers good value and memorable views.
5. Helicopter Tour: Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach
Next, number 5 offers a 35-minute scenic flight connecting Fort Lauderdale with Miami Beach. For $325, you’ll fly past Port Everglades, Dania Beach, Hollywood, and Miami Beach. This tour emphasizes coastal views along Florida’s Atlantic shoreline, including sharks, rays, and dolphins in the waters below.
What makes this option appealing is its comprehensive route, providing a wide perspective of both cities’ coastlines and the luxury homes on Star Island. It’s ideal for travelers who want to understand the geography of South Florida from above and enjoy a smooth, professional experience. The reviews are positive, mentioning the nice pilot and the “wonderful” views, making it a reliable choice for a mid-range budget.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded coastal tour with good reviews and a focus on both Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, this flight delivers.
6. Guitar Hotel or Miami Dolphins Stadium Helicopter Tour
For a quick 10-15 minute adventure, the Guitar Hotel or Miami Dolphins Stadium offers a mini tour of either the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel or the Dolphins’ stadium, priced at just $77. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Miami’s iconic landmarks without committing to a longer flight.
This tour is flexible—you can choose your focus on the famous hotel or the stadium, both highly recognizable sites. It’s a cost-effective way to see Miami’s skyline, especially for NFL fans or architecture buffs. The reviews mention how flying over the stadium is an exciting highlight, and the Guitar Hotel’s design makes for a striking aerial sight.
Bottom line: For a quick, affordable snapshot of Miami’s most recognizable landmarks, this tour offers a fun and memorable experience.
7. Romantic Miami Helicopter Tour with Champagne for Two
Number 7 is a 30-minute romantic tour perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion. You’ll sip champagne while flying over Golden Beach, Star Island, Fisher Island, and Miami’s skyline. It’s an intimate experience designed to create lasting memories, with optional extras available through your pilot.
Designed specifically for lovers, this tour combines luxury and scenery. Reviews praise the “breathtaking scenery” and the “unique experience,” making it ideal for anniversaries or honeymooners. It’s priced at $266 per person, making it a slightly premium but worthwhile splurge for romance.
Bottom line: If you want an elegant, intimate way to see Miami with your loved one, this tour offers a memorable champagne toast and spectacular views.
8. Helicopter Tour: Everglades, Hard Rock Guitar & Beaches
For those wanting a full hour of aerial exploration, this Everglades, Guitar & Beaches tour offers an extensive experience for $481.50. It combines views of the Everglades’ wetlands, Miami Beach, and the hard rock hotel, with a detailed focus on wildlife and landscapes.
This tour is comprehensive, flying from North to South along Fort Lauderdale’s shoreline, over the Everglades’ wilderness, and down to Miami Beach. Guests often mention the personalized service, and the ability to add champagne makes it even more luxurious. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth view of South Florida’s natural and urban beauty.
Bottom line: If you’re after a longer, more detailed aerial adventure that includes wildlife and cityscapes, this tour is a top choice.
9. Miami Grand Tour helicopter tour
The Miami Grand Tour offers a full hour to explore Miami’s most iconic sights. Although it currently has no reviews, it promises to fly over South Beach, Brickell, Star Island, and Biscayne Bay, giving a complete overview of Miami’s diverse neighborhoods and islands. The price is around $293, reflecting its extended duration and comprehensive route.
This is best suited for travelers who want an in-depth, leisurely view of Miami’s skyline, beaches, and islands. With a 1-hour window, you’ll get ample time for photos and to appreciate Miami’s luxury homes and coastal vistas.
Bottom line: For those seeking a full, detailed Miami experience from above, this extensive tour is a solid option.
10. Sunset Helicopter Tour: Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach
Last but not least, the Sunset Helicopter Tour offers a 35-minute flight to witness Florida’s coast at dusk. You’ll fly over Port Everglades, Hollywood, Sunny Isles, and Miami Beach, enjoying breathtaking sunset views and spotting the millionaire mansions on Star Island.
Many reviews mention the “awesome views” and the calmness of flying at sunset, making it a perfect end-of-day escape. The tour’s shared or private options, starting at $325, suit those wanting a scenic, relaxed conclusion to a day.
Bottom line: For a romantic, sunset finale, this tour offers unforgettable scenery and a peaceful end to your day.
How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Fort Lauderdale
When selecting your helicopter experience, consider how much time you want to spend in the air—shorter flights like the Guitar Hotel or Miami Dolphins Stadium are perfect for quick visits, while the Everglades, Guitar & Beaches offers a longer, more comprehensive experience. Budget is also a factor: while tours like the Sunset or Private Miami Beach flight are around $292, the mini tours start as low as $77.
Think about your interests, too: if you’re into wildlife and nature, the Everglades tour delivers both. For architecture lovers, the Romantic Miami with Champagne provides a romantic, scenic ride. Booking early and choosing the right time — like sunset or midday — can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale’s helicopter tours cover everything from quick scenic flights to full-hour explorations. Top choices include the private Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach tour for its personalized experience, and the Everglades, Hard Rock Guitar & Beaches for its in-depth natural and urban views. For a romantic evening, the Champagne tour is hard to beat.
No matter your style or budget, booking your helicopter tour early will ensure you get the date and time that suits you best. Taking to the skies over Fort Lauderdale is a bucket-list experience that leaves you with a fresh perspective and unforgettable memories.