Cape Town: Helicopter Flight & Harbour Cruise Combo

Summary

Helicopter views of Table Mountain, Clifton and the city plus a boat cruise

You’ll lift off from Cape Town for a helicopter flight along Table Mountain and Clifton’s beaches before crossing to False Bay, guided by live commentary. After landing, relax on a 30-minute V&A Waterfront harbour cruise with local stories and city views—hotel pickup included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that deep, vibrating whirr as we buckled in at the Cape Town helipad. The pilot grinned and gave us a thumbs up (I think his name was Sipho), and suddenly we were lifting off, the city shrinking away below. I caught a glimpse of Table Mountain’s flat top through the window — it looked almost unreal from above, like someone had ironed it out just for us. There was this salty wind smell even inside the cabin, mixed with something faintly metallic. For a second I forgot to take photos.

We curved along the Atlantic coastline, past Clifton’s white beaches and those geometric houses stacked up like Lego blocks. Sipho pointed out the Twelve Apostles range on our left — I tried counting them but got distracted by Hout Bay’s blue-green water flashing far below. My partner nudged me and mouthed “look!” as we crossed over Sun Valley into False Bay; you could actually see where two oceans meet, or at least where their colors shift. It’s weird how quiet it feels up there except for the headset crackle — like being inside your own little bubble above everything.

After landing (my knees still wobbly), we wandered down to the V&A Waterfront for the harbour cruise part. The boat ride felt slower, almost lazy after all that adrenaline — seagulls screeching overhead, kids waving from the docks, that briny diesel smell mixing with fried fish from somewhere nearby. Our captain told stories about Cape Town Stadium and pointed at seals lounging on buoys. I still think about that view back towards Table Mountain with the sun starting to dip behind it; not sure any photo really catches it right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight and boat cruise

• Start helicopter flight in Cape Town
• Fly over Table Mountain
• View Atlantic coastline
• Cross Cape Peninsula via Sun Valley
• See False Bay waters
• Fly past Signal Hill and Camps Bay
• End helicopter flight
• Take 30-minute harbour boat cruise

Top questions

How long is the Cape Town helicopter flight?

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

How many people can fit in one helicopter?

The helicopters seat up to 6 people per flight.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants from 3 months are allowed; adult pricing applies from age 2.

Are personal cameras allowed on board?

Yes, you can bring personal cameras or binoculars during the flight.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What documents do I need to bring?

A valid original passport is required upon check-in for all travelers.

Where does the boat cruise depart from?

The complimentary boat cruise departs from V&A Waterfront Harbour in Cape Town.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cape Town, a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight with live commentary over landmarks like Table Mountain and Clifton Beach, followed by a complimentary 30-minute harbour cruise around V&A Waterfront—plus easy access for wheelchairs and strollers throughout both experiences.