Top 5 Puerto Jiménez Helicopter Tours: See Osa From Above

So, you are planning a trip to Puerto Jiménez, that little slice of heaven on the Osa Peninsula? Great choice! That area is known for its insane wildlife, pristine beaches, and thick rainforests. That said, to really experience it from a different vantage point, how about a helicopter tour? I am going to run through my top five tours that will definitely leave you in total awe.

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Puerto Jiménez?

Okay, that is a fair question. Yet, the Osa Peninsula isn’t just pretty, very pretty even; it’s actually wild, and rather inaccessible in lots of places. Now picture this: You are soaring above the rainforest canopy. Moreover, you get to witness hidden waterfalls, see those meandering rivers, and maybe get a glance at wildlife without all of those crowds. That means a helicopter tour is an amazing way to see it all, particularly if you’re somewhat pressed for time or want to treat yourself to something unforgettable. You see, I remember this one time, years ago, trekking through the jungle for hours, trying to reach a specific waterfall that I saw, just to discover when I got there that there actually wasn’t much of a view! So I just know that from the air, that same waterfall would be absolutely stunning.

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Top 5 Helicopter Tours in Puerto Jiménez

Okay, so let’s get to it, that is, the top five helicopter tours you really should think about if you’re visiting Puerto Jiménez. It’s worth noting that these tours are ranked considering both how stunning the sights are and also based on tour operator reputations.

1. Osa Peninsula Grand Tour

That first tour is the big kahuna, often. That excursion takes you to see essentially the whole Osa Peninsula. Also, you are going to glide over Corcovado National Park, seeing it’s unbelievable primary rainforest that stretches towards the coast. Now too, imagine spotting wildlife like scarlet macaws or maybe even tapirs, but from way above. So the views, in a way, are literally panoramic. I did hear from a guy last year who said his favorite part was flying over Drake Bay. Apparently, the view of that coastline really took his breath totally away. So it’s almost like he had never seen anything like that before.

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2. Corcovado National Park Expedition

Next up is the Corcovado National Park Expedition. You see, if you are really just obsessed with rainforests, then that trip might be right up your alley. Anyway you take off right from Puerto Jiménez and go straight into the park’s interior. Also the cool part is, that many parts of Corcovado are almost impossible to reach unless you really like hiking through very thick vegetation, that said the helicopter bypasses all of that struggle and it also gives you unreal views. This can let you actually see hidden lagoons and isolated beaches, and so much more. It’s nearly the most spectacular way to actually see what the Osa is truly like. And here’s something kinda’ neat: I once chatted with a photographer who told me that the light just after sunrise over Corcovado makes for really astonishing photos from up high.

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3. Golfo Dulce Coastal Adventure

Now how about some coastline? So the Golfo Dulce Coastal Adventure shows you all those beaches and waters of this serene gulf. You will probably cruise above hidden bays, mangrove forests, and also the occasional dolphin playing down in the waves. You know what else, the turquoise water meeting all that green jungle actually creates some seriously gorgeous contrasts. Oh, and word from someone who knows, sunset flights are especially really dreamy. I am thinking they look super cool! You might also want to catch that light. This could even be romantic too I think.

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4. Matapalo Waterfall & Beach Escape

Okay so if you really just want to see waterfalls, the Matapalo Waterfall & Beach Escape trip gets you right over some pretty unreal ones. Very quickly you will ascend from Puerto Jiménez towards the gorgeous Matapalo area, where there are dramatic waterfalls cascading toward secluded beaches. That vantage point is fantastic for truly admiring the sheer power and, well, beauty of those falls as they meet the ocean. In fact last winter, I talked with a couple and they went on it. And that was their reaction after they were done with the tour. Too they are actually putting together some plans to move here after that adventure.

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5. Customizable Private Tour

Then, if you want to call the shots, some companies actually offer customizable private tours. Basically, that means you get to pick exactly what you would really like to see and how long you wish to fly. Or you want a romantic tour for two? I imagine, or just focus on finding remote wildlife spots, so they could adjust the route specifically for you. Honestly, that kind of flexibility is absolutely really cool. This also means I bet it comes with a high price tag too.

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Things to Keep in Mind

Just a few things to bear in mind so you are prepared:

• Book in Advance: Helicopter tours have the potential to be wildly trendy, very trendy even, most especially during the high season. Book ahead!
• Weather Conditions: Safety, safety, safety, tours really depend a great deal on the weather. Anyway, keep your plans flexible since cancellations can happen.
• What to Bring: Bring your camera, of course. You might want to consider sunglasses and sunscreen too.
• Operator Reputation: Look for tour operators that actually have very good safety records and some very positive reviews.

So, what’s the best time to Fly?

Basically the dry season, which is generally from mid-December until April, is definitely the best time to actually visit Puerto Jiménez. You will get clearer skies, more sunlight, and honestly better flying conditions, usually! That is why all the conditions could improve from that sun coming through.