Top 5 Central Valley Helicopter Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
So, are you dreaming of seeing California’s Central Valley from above? I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t be? The sprawling farms, the snaking rivers, plus those distant mountain ranges – it’s all very much just begging to be admired from a bird’s-eye view. We, just like you, have always felt there’s something incredibly special about taking to the skies, feeling that sense of freedom mixed with a breathtaking spectacle. Now, after doing a fair bit of research and even taking a couple of spins ourselves, it’s almost time we shared our list of five standout helicopter tours that let you soak in the Central Valley in all its glory.
1. Fly High Helicopter Tours: The Yosemite Adventure
Fly High Helicopter Tours offers some quite amazing aerial experiences, yet their Yosemite Adventure stands out for sure. I mean, imagine flying from the heart of the Central Valley all the way to the majestic Yosemite National Park. That granite wonderland really looks different when you see it from above. The tour begins with a smooth lift-off, gently floating over the patchwork quilt of agricultural land that, by the way, defines much of the Central Valley landscape. You’ll soon find the terrain begins this gradual transformation, that is, into rolling foothills. Then, those towering, majestic granite cliffs come right into view.
What’s so cool about this tour? It provides, in some respects, like, this exclusive vantage point of iconic landmarks. You see El Capitan’s sheer face and also Half Dome’s distinctive silhouette. Those views can definitely spark this real sense of wonder. Plus, the experienced pilots at Fly High Helicopter Tours, in other words, are so clued-up and love to share insightful commentary, actually making the whole experience even more meaningful. So, keep an eye out for all kinds of wildlife! That’s right. You could possibly spot deer, bears, or even the rather elusive Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. The duration can typically be around 3-4 hours, it turns out, giving you, arguably, ample time to fully absorb the splendor of Yosemite. It is priced in such a way as to start from around $500 per person. Bear in mind, too it’s almost that these adventures depend on the weather. This might mean you’ll want to book in advance, plus checking their rescheduling policy. Don’t pass up this unique perspective on one of America’s greatest natural treasures. Read our full review: Yosemite helicopter tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Fly High Helicopter Tours)
2. Valley Air Adventures: The Delta Breeze Tour
Want something closer to the water? I mean, are you craving a cool breeze and views of the California Delta? Then, Valley Air Adventures’ “Delta Breeze Tour” can sometimes provide that just right escape. What’s the Delta? Oh, you know, it’s this sprawling network of waterways and islands that are east of the Central Valley. What’s super nice about that scenery, it is just perfect to glide over it. As a matter of fact, as you take off, watch below for the farmland that becomes this maze of rivers, channels and seemingly random little islands. Also, this creates, more or less, like a natural paradise for various birds and aquatic creatures.
This particular tour is arguably the best option for folks who love birdwatching or those who are simply fascinated by wetland ecosystems. The pilots here really know what they are doing; that is, pointing out spots that will make sure you spot migratory birds. Plus, they have great info about the Delta’s past. They also chat about how this area helps farming in California. Trips tend to last between 60-90 minutes or so, generally, at prices around $300 a person. Oh, by the way, the best time to do this thing tends to be during sunrise or sunset! It’s true. At that point the light reflects beautifully right off water. To book, and if you’d like to know if this will fit schedule wise, have a peep at Valley Air Adventures. Read our full review: California Delta helicopter tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Valley Air Adventures)
3. Sierra Skyways: The Wine Country Experience
Ready to combine incredible scenery with the taste of amazing wines? So, Sierra Skyways has this “Wine Country Experience” which lets you visit some of the Valley’s stunning vineyards right from high in air. Right after lifting from, like, that agreed meeting point, look as sprawling vineyards appear beneath your rotor blades. This whole district actually enjoys fantastic weather that makes award-winning grape production probable. It just goes without saying that you’ll soon get amazing panoramas covering lush, green grapevines up near rugged hills and mountain slopes.
What can be great regarding Sierra Skyways? What comes to mind is that the operator can often lay on ground based tasting after you touch ground. Also it lets you, virtually, sample many nearby local vintage varieties. This operator goes ahead also including transportation too so you will get safe ride in vineyards. Tours happen between 2-3 hours for roughly $450 or higher per person. Make certain however ahead checking if some tasting room has age requirements but booking well. It’s this great choice for those who’re celebrating some special time as well. Read our full review: Central Valley wine country helicopter tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sierra Skyways)
4. Golden State Helicopters: The San Francisco Bay Tour from the Valley
How might experiencing San Francisco Bay from the Central Valley sound to you? If such entices people, then this service is for sure fantastic! Golden State Helicopters comes along so they launch Central Valley that brings this amazing sight! I’m trying show folks precisely city sights as, seemingly, this operator flies all around those iconic spots so wonderfully well known right throughout SF.
Imagine yourself sailing above Golden Gate while, as a matter of fact, watching Alcatraz off not faraway. So, this tour goes together featuring lots main things as that allows watchers taking stunning scenes! You know well there’s pilots aboard there just stuffed full stories too pertaining area and just all landmarks it brings to viewers? Typical tours should happen almost about four hrs around then; such typically get charged by people on averages, or so $600 at minimum value each. Checking out schedules including any availability as those Golden State Helicopter services is absolutely really quite useful one takes part! See this cool tour offering amazing city looks. Read our full review: San Francisco Bay helicopter tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Golden State Helicopters)
5. Sky River Aviation: Custom Central Valley Tour
Thinking customizing something exclusively fitting anyone’s fancy actually sounds appealing much does such seemingly get possible? Yes then! I say, I bet Sky River Aviation provides just perfect plan! With any tour it gives Central Valley, such lets everyone tailor where even exactly each, or everyone likes visit!
Have you considered places with historic importance along main towns where each prefers time mostly checking while soaring over fields around area so, too it’s almost it gives great scenes or possibly viewing family-holding’ land coming from sky so clear above mostly while flying about easily almost freely as such will satisfy them so well? You will discover a good many Sky River pilots knowing much region as thus help those easily plan what happens through trip route very effectively. It goes between like two to even 5 hours at cost-starting perhaps at $550 dependent mainly about just what plan means so far; its totally quite wise really exploring anything ahead whenever actually possibly selecting tour package suiting anyone! Experience flying custom Central landscapes. Read our full review: Central Valley custom helicopter tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sky River Aviation)
