Common Helicopter Tour Myths – Debunked

It is not surprising that many assume helicopters are reserved for the privileged classes.

However, if you're planning a vacation to California and you head onto Specialized Aviation to view the price cards - you will be delighted to know that it is absolutely affordable for you!

Helicopter travel and tours are surrounded by many myths, which will be debunked in this article!

Are helicopters dangerous? Wrong!

Some people believe that traveling by helicopter is inherently unsafe. However, that is far from the truth! Helicopters are one of the safest modes of transportation—safer than commercial planes. In the event of an engine failure, for example, the helicopter will not just plummet to the ground. Even if the engine fails, safety measures usually enable the helicopter to land softly and safely. Hence, you will embark on one of the most secure forms of transportation.

Are helicopter rides prohibitively expensive? Wrong!

As we discussed in the beginning, it's common to think of helicopter trips as a luxury, but this isn't always the case. The prices are set perfectly to keep it cost-effective for tourists as well as residents of the town. You will gain rich experience at an affordable price point.

Not recommended for children? Wrong!

When you see people in a helicopter, you're more likely to see an adult or two. Traveling by helicopter is also a terrific option for families with young children. This is an excellent way for older kids, like adolescents, to see a lot of California in a short period of time at a low cost. Pack noise-canceling headphones and a few snacks or toys to keep children happy and occupied while traveling. Children who can ride on your lap are usually exempt from the cost of a ticket.

It's difficult to book a helicopter charter? Wrong!

Helicopter tours are simple to book as they only last around an hour or so. As a result, you can pre-plan your helicopter trip or book it on short notice. Many helicopter charter businesses also provide their clients with a wide range of options. Aerial photography and videography for real estate listings or a trip across the country are two options you may wish to consider. Helicopter rental services may meet a wide range of requirements.

A family helicopter flight may be a lot of fun. They're not only more economical than you may expect, but they're also ideal for generating treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Helicopter tours in California are an excellent way to see the city from the air. Do not let any misinformation prevent you from gaining this experience. We'd love to hear from you if you have any such questions!

The Best Central Coast Helicopter Tours

Is this your first time visiting the Central Coast? An aerial view is the best way to admire its diverse landscape. It may seem extravagant, but it's hard to argue otherwise unless you've taken a helicopter tour along California’s mesmerizing coastline.

The hustle and bustle of California cities can be overwhelming. Kick back on a helicopter tour that takes you to iconic locations stress-free. Fly over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, or Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing. Learn more about the geography and excursions of Central and Northern California, from charming beaches to towering skyscrapers.

Golden Gate Tour 

A helicopter tour of the Golden Gate Bridge should be at the top of your California bucket list. This tour will take you first to the Bay Bridge, a double-decker suspension bridge that connects San Francisco to Oakland with one of the largest spans in the United States. You will then fly over the the diverse architecture of downtown San Francisco. From the bubbled window of a helicopter, you can see all of the city at once, including the massive Salesforce Tower and the busy streets of Chinatown. Finally, you will soar over the San Francisco Bay for a one-of-a-kind view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, which was once a maximum security penitentiary. Schedule a Golden Gate Tour at the right time of day, and you’ll see the city skyline backdropped by a breathtaking California sunset.

San Francisco City Tour

Experience an aerial tour over one of the most famous cities in the world. A helicopter tour is the best way to navigate through San Francisco because you can avoid traffic, car exhaust, and congested sidewalks. Take a scenic flight over the city and explore its grandiosity. This tour is one of the most popular choices amongst tourists.

Santa Cruz Tour

In this tour, you will witness a breathtaking view of the coast on your way to Santa Cruz. There is no better way to spend your time! Explore one of the best surf towns in California from a birds-eye view. Soar over gorgeous beaches, quaint Santa Cruz lighthouses, and the colorful Venetian buildings of Capitola. Departing from Watsonville airport, the flight will take approximately twenty minutes.

Big Sur Tour

Certain parts of California are inaccessible by car. The good news: a helicopter tour can provide views of all of this hidden splendor. Circumnavigate the land with ease by booking a Big Sur Tour. First, you will fly over Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, one of the largest wetlands in California. You will then pass over the gorgeous Monterey Bay, where you may be able to spot Humpback Whales depending on the time of year. Next you will view the luxurious mansions and golf links of Pebble Beach and Carmel. Departing from Watsonville, this coastal tour will last one hour. 

Wine Tours

A sensational tour around the Okanagan region with a stop at the winery of your preference- this will be the highlight of your California adventures. Stop by Donum Estate and meander through sculptures scattered about the winery, or visit Ledson Winery and taste in a stone castle. Viewing the Strip from above is a more unique experience than seeing it from the ground. If you're in the valley, you'll be able to see the stunning landscapes and fields of Central and Northern California.

Helicopter tours are no longer exclusive to the rich and famous. Everywhere in the United States, there are fascinating and affordable possibilities. Whether you're planning a vacation or want to explore your own city further, don't miss the opportunity to tour with Specialized Aviation.

Specialized Wine Tour: What to Expect

If you're seeking an experience that is unlike anything you've ever done before, a wine tour by helicopter is just what you need. Take to the skies for breathtaking aerial views before indulging in a wine tasting or winery tour. This is also the ideal present if you're seeking a meaningful experience that surpasses last year's gift. Alternatively, why not give them one of our helicopter tours for two that includes a stop at a vineyard for the ultimate day out?

What Will Your Day Look Like?

You begin your day in our hangar's lobby. Prior to coming on board, you will be welcomed warmly by our team and given a safety briefing.

This excursion includes a helicopter ride from the Monterey Coastal area directly to the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, roughly 25 miles inland from the Bay. Your view will be of Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley agriculture, and the Santa Lucia Mountain range as you travel over one of the rolling vineyards before landing at one of the region's most prominent wineries. Indulge in a guided property tour, tapas, and a wine tasting. Learn about the winery's world-class varietals and the passion and effort that go into crafting the ideal cabernet in a group of no more than six individuals. At the conclusion of your adventure, return home via helicopter.

Anna’s Wine Tour Experience
“What a remarkable experience! The wine tour and airfare were scheduled as part of my proposal to my now-fiancée. Mark ensured that everything went according to plan and satisfied my every demand. This was the first time we had ever flown in a helicopter, and our pilot did a flawless job! The exquisite wine, the warm hospitality, and the surreal experience made the day extra special. You will arrive by helicopter in VIP fashion at the winery for a customized, exclusive wine tasting hosted by professional wine connoisseurs. You will be led inside the quaint winery upon landing, where your personalized tasting will take place. As part of the epic date, you will take two bottles of wine home with you. After tasting and smelling various wine varieties and fragrances, take a helicopter tour over the bay. This exceptional date will be indelible. Combining a magnificent helicopter flight with a wine tour is the ultimate, unforgettable experience.”

Specialized Heli provides a variety of scenic flights and helicopter tours, including wine tours, around the Monterey Bay Location. What is included in each trip varies, but you are assured of a licensed and competent pilot and a pre-flight safety briefing. There will be several photo opportunities during your flight, so be sure to bring a camera. Without wine, this trip would not be complete! Some of our helicopter tour packages include airport transfers, wine tours and tastings, lunch, grazing platters, picnics, supper, tastings of beer and spirits, and so much more. You can also book a custom charter if you are looking for a more personalized experience.

Enjoy a guided tasting at the winery with our private helicopter tours, followed by a delicious snack plate and a bottle of wine. You are going to undoubtedly experience one of the greatest wine excursions by helicopter with Specialized Aviation.

The Ideal Time to Take Your Helicopter Tour

If you're going to embark on a helicopter tour, then timing is crucial. We've discovered that many visitors want to know when they should take a helicopter tour over the California coastline, which is why we have decided to curate this article. Taking a helicopter tour means that you won't have to fight traffic in a congested city. It's important to keep in mind that weather is always an integral consideration when planning a helicopter trip, regardless of the time of year. 

Broadly, helicopter trips are particularly popular in the spring and summer due to the clear weather. Hence, it goes without saying that if you wish to go on a helicopter trip in the spring or summer, you'll need to book your appointment as soon as possible. A sunrise tour may be more appealing to some, while a thrilling flight at dusk may be the perfect way to cap off a perfect day in California. When booking a helicopter flight, residents and visitors have to know the biggest takeaway from the tour, i.e., flawless photography, relishing the beauty of the aerial view, or the best time to view the coast for the first time. You may follow these suggestions to determine which time slot is perfect for your schedule.

Golden Gate Bridge

Plan your perfect timing for photographs  

The time of day has a significant impact on aerial photography. If you want to fly over the Hudson River, arrange a flight in the late afternoon. This time of year, the sun will be behind you, making it easier to get a clear photo. Aerial photography is best done between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. on a clear day when the sun is directly overhead. 

Take a look at the nightlife in the city 

When the city is bathed in lights at night, a helicopter tour over the California coastline may take on a whole new appearance. In spite of its limited availability, this night tour is a popular choice for visitors throughout the year. In the evening, you can see the buildings, the beautiful bridges, and the lights from a perspective that you couldn't obtain just by taking a walk around the city's icons.

Aerial View

Allow for Extra Experiential Opportunities 

If you're planning a trip over here, be sure to include a helicopter tour in your plans.  When it comes to the central coast, for example, many people want to be in the right place at the right time to have the best view. After your flight, you might enjoy one of our bus trips. Make sure to allow enough time to get to and from the heliport and your other locations if you have a full day of activities planned. It would be ideal to take your tour in the morning, so you have more time to do things like go to a Broadway musical later in the evening. 

In order to fulfill your fantasy of soaring over the central coast, our helicopter trips are accessible at any time of day. If you have a specific time in mind, book your trip in advance to ensure that you can fly when the stars align perfectly for your ideal journey.

Is a Helicopter Tour Worth the Money?

Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tourism has increased, and for a good reason! According to Reuters, the worth of this industry is $500 million, and it is becoming an increasingly popular vacation option. This piece will investigate if such trips are good for leisure reasons and whether you may integrate them into your next itinerary.

Many people who visit or stay in California come to our office to book one of our affordable and entertaining air excursions. Because they know they will get a magnificent view of the attractions from above. Some individuals plan the remainder of their journey from their current location. Whether you are a local or a tourist, each trip provides the opportunity to discover something new. It's an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the views without having to deal with traffic, lengthy lines, and other issues that frequently accompany other attractions.

Helicopter Tour

What do you Gain from the Helicopter Tour?

An Aerial View of the City

A helicopter trip for single or group travel is certain to be one of the most unforgettable experiences. Not only is it a novel activity (similar to a safari or a hot air balloon ride), but it is also captivating to view your city from a different vantage point. Only while observing a city's surroundings from above have we observed the expression of awe on the faces of individuals. This is not a common sight, and it is always one of the most memorable moments of a journey.

Special Moments

If you've been searching for the perfect way to spend a night out, Monterey Coastline helicopter excursions may be exactly what you need. This location is ideal for date nights, family vacations, school trips, and other occasions. In addition, we provide several tour choices. Some individuals even return to attempt a different tour during the same vacation. In fact, several of our previous visitors have joked that they have become addicted to the cheerful and extraordinary situations we can create.

An Ideal Gift for your Loved One

There may be someone you know who appears to have everything. Regardless of what you do, even if they graciously take your present, you know they were expecting something different or had already tried what you were offering. This is the reason helicopter excursions are such an excellent gift. Even if your loved one has previously gone on a different sort of helicopter trip, each one is entirely unique. Imagine their expressions when they discover they will soon be in the air and able to view the grandeur and splendor of Northern and Central California from the comfort of their seat.

Long-Lasting Memories

As we've said, helicopter trips are unlike anything you or your family have ever experienced. Here, the natural beauty and magnificence of the central coast and surrounding area will astound you. The best thing is that you will likely form relationships that will last a lifetime. The opinion is that a helicopter trip with a friendly and accommodating crew is well worth the cost!

Aerial Photography

What are the Next Steps?

Now that you've agreed to join, the first step is to choose which of our numerous fascinating excursions you'd want to experience first. Are you able to view Monterey Bay or San Francisco Bay? Perhaps you might be more interested in a Napa or Monterey Bay wine tour. On these excursions, you might also pick picture tours. Choose from those that you and your buddies find most appealing!

Our pilots and tour guides will ensure your comfort and do their best to make your trip as delightful as possible. This one-of-a-kind opportunity allows you to view the city from above and learn about it from an entirely new perspective. For this reason, a helicopter tour for your next special event, school trip, or weekend getaway is a fantastic idea and well worth the cost!