Cape Town Helicopter Tour Atlantic Coast with Harbour Cruise

Summary

Atlantic views, Table Mountain peaks, city buzz and sea breeze

You’ll lift off from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a helicopter tour along the Atlantic Coast — think Clifton Beach coves, Table Mountain’s shadow, and Hout Bay’s working harbour beneath you. With live commentary from your local guide and hotel pickup included, plus a relaxing harbour cruise after landing, you’ll leave with more than just photos (and maybe some windblown hair).

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Lion’s Head,” our pilot said, pointing out the window just as we lifted off from the V&A Waterfront. I was so distracted by the whir of the blades and my own heartbeat that I almost missed it — but there it was, sharp against the sky, with Table Mountain hulking behind. The city shrank fast. You could see people walking along the promenade at Camps Bay if you squinted, tiny dots on white sand. My friend nudged me when we flew over Cape Town Stadium — apparently it looks like a spaceship from above, which I never noticed before. The air smelled faintly salty even up here.

I didn’t expect how smooth it would feel gliding above those famous beach coves — Clifton looked unreal, all turquoise and pale sand edged by rocks. The guide (I think her name was Sindi?) kept up this steady stream of stories about each spot: why Llandudno Beach is popular with surfers, how the Twelve Apostles got their name (there aren’t actually twelve peaks, which made us laugh). When we reached Hout Bay and did that sharp 180-degree turn, my stomach dropped for a second — in a good way. There’s something about seeing Cape Town stretched out like that, with clouds skimming Table Mountain and fishing boats heading out below.

The flight back felt shorter somehow. Maybe because I kept trying to memorize every angle — Signal Hill’s flat top, sunlight flashing off windows downtown, that wild curve of coastline. We landed and someone cracked a joke about our “helicopter hair” in the group photo. Afterward there was a harbour cruise included; honestly I’d forgotten about it until they handed us tickets at check-in. Sitting on deck with sea spray in my face and seagulls yelling overhead felt like a nice reset after all that adrenaline. I still think about that view over Camps Bay sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour along Atlantic Coast

• Board helicopter in Cape Town
• Fly over Cape Town Stadium
• View Clifton Beach and beach coves
• Fly along Camps Bay promenade
• See the Twelve Apostles peaks
• Reach Hout Bay fishing harbour
• Pilot performs 180-degree turn
• Return flight along same route
• Enjoy complimentary scheduled Harbour Cruise

Top questions

How long does the Cape Town helicopter tour last?

The flight covers the Atlantic Coast route to Hout Bay and back; exact duration depends on conditions but is typically under an hour.

Is hotel pickup included for this helicopter tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your booking for convenience.

Which landmarks will I see during the helicopter ride?

You’ll fly over Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Cape Town Stadium, Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, Twelve Apostles mountains, Llandudno Beach and Hout Bay.

Is there commentary during the flight?

Yes, your pilot or guide provides live commentary throughout the helicopter tour.

What is included besides the helicopter ride?

Your booking includes hotel pickup and a complimentary scheduled harbour cruise ticket after your flight.

Are infants allowed on board?

Infants from 3 months to 1 year are permitted on board; ID verification is required for infants.

Is this Cape Town helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Can I bring my camera or binoculars?

You can bring personal cameras or binoculars on board; handbags or carry-on bags are not allowed but lockers are provided free of charge.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup right from your door in Cape Town, your seat on a shared helicopter flight with live local commentary along the Atlantic Coast route to Hout Bay and back again (with all major sights), plus complimentary tickets for a scheduled harbour cruise after you land—so you get both sky-high thrills and time out on the water before heading home.