Long Beach: Private Helicopter Tour with Catalina & Queen Mary Views

Private helicopter flight over Long Beach Catalina and Queen Mary with live guide

You’ll fly high above Long Beach on a private helicopter tour with live commentary from your pilot. See iconic sights like the Queen Mary and Catalina Island from above, hear local stories through your headset, and feel the rush as LA’s coastline unfolds beneath you. It’s an experience that sticks with you long after landing.

What’s included

Your day includes a private helicopter ride with clear headsets for live pilot commentary, all taxes and fees covered upfront, plus fuel surcharges already handled so there are no surprises at check-in—just show up fifteen minutes early to get set up before takeoff.

Traveler reviews

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour over Long Beach sights

• View the Queen Mary
• See Long Beach Waterfront
• Fly over Aquarium of the Pacific
• View Belmont Shore Pier
• See Battleship USS Iowa Museum
• View Vincent Thomas Bridge
• Fly over Shoreline Village
• See Downtown Long Beach
• View Naples area

The Experience

I almost missed the check-in because I got distracted by the salty wind coming off the tarmac — honestly, nerves and excitement mixed together. The guy at Anthelion Helicopters just grinned and handed me a headset, like he’d seen this a hundred times. Our pilot, Jesse, had that easy California way about him. He asked if we’d flown before (nope) and then ran through safety stuff without making it feel scary. I could smell engine oil and sunscreen — weird combo, but it kind of fit.

Once we lifted off, everything changed so fast. Downtown Long Beach shrank under us, all those little boats in Naples looking like toys. Jesse pointed out the Queen Mary, her decks catching the late sun — he told us a story about her WWII days that I’d never heard before. At some point my partner squeezed my hand so hard I almost dropped my phone (she hates heights). The city noise faded until all you could hear was the rotors and Jesse’s voice in our ears.

We skimmed past the Battleship IOWA Museum and over Shoreline Village — people waving up at us, or maybe just shielding their eyes. Flying out toward Catalina Island was something else; clouds drifting low, water changing color every few seconds. There was a moment where everything felt oddly quiet up there, even though you’re in this loud machine — hard to explain unless you’ve done it. I still think about that view over Belmont Shore Pier when the light hit just right.

Top questions

How long is the private helicopter tour over Long Beach?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but plan for around 30-45 minutes including check-in time.

What landmarks will I see during the flight?

You’ll see downtown Long Beach, Naples canals, Queen Mary, Battleship IOWA Museum, Aquarium of the Pacific, Belmont Shore Pier, Vincent Thomas Bridge, Shoreline Village, and views toward Catalina Island.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes—individual seat limit is 300 lbs (R44), group total must be under 580 lbs; R22 limit is 220 lbs per seat.

Are children allowed on this helicopter tour?

Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to arrive at Anthelion Helicopters for check-in 15 minutes before your flight.

Do I need to sign a waiver before flying?

Yes—a liability waiver must be signed upon arrival or you won’t be able to fly.

Can I bring a stroller for my child?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller before boarding but must sit on an adult’s lap during flight.

Will there be commentary during the flight?

Yes—the pilot provides live commentary via headsets so you can hear clearly throughout the tour.