Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour in New York City: A Guide for Prospective Sight-Seers
Are you looking for an exciting way to experience all that the iconic city of New York has to offer? If you have some money to spare and are willing to invest it in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then the Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour in New York City–one of the most popular tourist attractions that the Big Apple has to offer–might be just the perfect fit for you!
A sightseeing helicopter tour of Manhattan is certainly exciting and it gives you a bird’s eye view of the city. It allows you to take in a variety of breathtaking views of famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Central Park and more. As such, it is no wonder that this tour has remained a popular tourist attraction for decades now.
In this guide, we will go into more detail about the Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour, including what you can expect from it, pricing options and where to book the experience. We’ll also tackle some frequently asked questions related to the tour and overall sightseeing experience, which will hopefully be useful when making your decision. So, without further ado, let’s get started:
What Is a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour?
As the name suggests, a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour is a sightseeing activity that allows visitors to fly over Manhattan Island. The tour usually takes between 12 to 15 minutes and covers major landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Central Park. Though the tours vary depending on the company, the helicopter typically flies from near the tip of Manhattan and up around 5th Avenue and then back down around the East River.
What Can I Expect From a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour?
Flight time for a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour typically lasts around 12 minutes. During this time, you can expect to get aerial views of various iconic landmarks in the city of New York. Here’s a brief list of some of things you can expect to see on this tour:
- The Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- Lower Manhattan Financial District
- The Empire State Building
- Chrysler Building
- Central Park
- One World Trade Center
- Brooklyn Bridge
The tour will also likely go over Governors Island, Brooklyn and Long Island. Depending on the chopper tour package you purchase, you will also likely get to see other famous city attractions as well as urban neighborhoods.
Besides these sights, you can also expect a highly professional service from your preferred chopper tour provider. Most chopper companies have experienced pilots with years of experience flying around New York. Accompanying your pilot will likely be another crew member with high-resolution cameras mounted in the chopper itself to capture photos and videos of your experience.
This being said, we highly recommend looking for a tour company with solid reviews when booking your experience.
Pricing Options for a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour
The prices for a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour vary depending on the package purchased. Generally speaking, there are five main package types offered by chopper tour companies:
- The Budget Tour: This is usually the cheapest package offered and lasts 12 minutes. It typically offers one or two aerial views of the main attractions noted above.
- The Standard Tour: This package usually lasts around 15 minutes and often includes stops at some of New York’s other famous landmarks.
- The Deluxe Tour: This option often lasts 20 minutes and offers a more comprehensive handful of attractions.
- The Private Tour: This option offers more flexibility when it comes to route and landmarks of choice. Some private tour companies even provide a champagne mimosa after your flight (many locations only!).
- The Corporate Charter Package: This package will require several weeks notice to book, but offers an unlimited amount of customization for larger groups.
Prices start at around $119 and can vary widely depending on the package type you select. At GetYourGuide, you can book a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour for €119 (approximately $140). Prices may vary by date, so we recommend checking GetYourGuide’s site to find prices for your selected dates
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve listed some common questions people usually ask when it comes to booking a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour:
Q.How long does it take to complete a helicopter tour of Manhattan?
A.Flight time for a Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour typically lasts around 12 minutes.
Q.Is this experience suitable for children?
A.Most helicopter tour companies require all passengers to be at least five years old and accompanied by someone 18 years or older. However, any child under 18 must have their written permission and accompanying signed form from parent or guardian before they can board the helicopter.
Q.Are there any age restrictions?
A.Most helicopter tour companies don’t impose any age restrictions for passengers, as long as they are accompanied by someone 18 years or older.
Q.What kind of aircraft will I be in?
A.Most companies use Bell 206 JetRanger helicopters with four passenger-seats, although some might occasionally use other aircraft models as well. All helicopters must be FAA approved and certified with all relevant safety regulations in place
Q.Is the ride noisy?
A.Helicopters are louder than regular aircrafts due to their rotor blades rotating faster so earplugs are highly recommended when going on a chopper tour of New York City.
Conclusion
Taking a helicopter tour of New York City is an incredible way to experience this historic city from above. The aerial view provides an unparalleled perspective on some iconic landmarks that you just can’t get anywhere else! Prices start at around $120 for a budget tour lasting 12 minutes up to $500 for private charters with custom routes and stops included. Whichever package you end up selecting, we guarantee you that an unforgettable experience awaits you! So what are you waiting for? Book your Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour with GetYourGuide now!.
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