5 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In New Orleans (With Prices)

Exploring New Orleans from the air offers a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground. With its historic French Quarter, the mighty Mississippi River, and iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and the Superdome, the city’s skyline is memorable at any hour. Helicopter flights let you see these sights from above, providing a thrilling and often breath-stealing view of the Big Easy. Whether you want a quick overview, a romantic night flight, or an extended adventure over swampy waters, New Orleans has a helicopter tour tailored for your interests—and your budget.

What makes New Orleans stand out is how distinct the aerial perspectives are. During a daytime flight, you’ll notice the city’s grid pattern, the lush greenery of City Park, and the river’s curve. At night, the city’s lights sparkle across the skyline, casting a different kind of magic. To help you navigate these options, we’ve compiled the five best helicopter tours in New Orleans, each with its own flavor, duration, and price point. Ready to soar? Here’s what’s on the list.

1. New Orleans Helicopter City Tour

At number one, the New Orleans Helicopter City Tour is a quick but memorable introduction to the city’s top sights. Priced at around $114.42 per person, this 7 to 9-minute flight is perfect for first-timers who want a bird’s eye view without a big time commitment. It’s offered from the heart of the city, and the tour includes flying over Jackson Square, the French Quarter, City Park, and the Mississippi River—some of the most recognizable landmarks.

What makes this tour special is the ultra-small group experience, limited to just three passengers—giving you an intimate, personalized flight. Your pilot provides commentary via headsets, sharing interesting facts and pointing out landmarks as you fly. You can opt to upgrade to a private flight over the French Quarter for an even more exclusive experience. With mostly glowing reviews praising the friendly staff, breathtaking views, and smooth ride, you’ll quickly see why this tour has a perfect 5.0 rating based on 162 reviews.

Bottom Line: A compact, affordable, and highly rated option ideal for quick, unforgettable views. It’s a great choice for travelers who value personalization and a hassle-free experience.

2. New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour

For an unforgettable nighttime experience, the New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour offers a spectacular view of the city illuminated against the dark sky. Priced at about $152.22 per person, the tour lasts roughly 10 to 20 minutes, flying over Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Superdome—all beautifully lit up.

This tour stands out because it skips the daytime crowds and offers a different perspective—seeing the city’s iconic landmarks glow in the night. With a window seat and noise-canceling headphones, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the glittering skyline. The included onsite parking simplifies logistics. Reviewers love this tour for its smooth ride and the opportunity to see the city in a new light. Several mention that the pilot’s commentary adds depth to the experience.

If you prefer your sightseeing with fewer people and a dash of romance, this night flight is a top pick. The reviews highlight how well-organized and scenic the experience is, making it a memorable highlight of any trip.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a romantic or peaceful view of New Orleans at night, with great visibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

3. New Orleans: Daytime City Helicopter Tour

The Daytime City Helicopter Tour offers a more extended exploration, lasting between 8 and 20 minutes, with some options for longer flights. Starting from Lakefront Airport, this tour provides a comprehensive look at the city’s landmarks, including the French Quarter, City Park, and the Mississippi River. With every seat being a window seat, you’ll have excellent views of the skyline and the surrounding areas.

The pilot shares engaging facts about New Orleans during the flight, adding an educational layer to the adventure. It’s suitable for those who want a flexible experience, with options to combine city and swamp flights. The reviews praise the smooth ride and the knowledgeable pilot, with many noting the friendly staff and memorable views. The cost of about $160 per person makes it a good value considering the duration and scope.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a more in-depth aerial overview during daylight, especially if they want to see the city from multiple angles or combine it with other tours like the swamp helicopter adventure.

Bottom Line: A versatile, engaging option for daylight sightseeing, perfect if you want to learn about New Orleans from the air.

4. New Orleans City and Swamp Helicopter Tour

For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the New Orleans City and Swamp Helicopter Tour offers a 30-minute private flight blending city sights with the unique swamp landscape. Priced at $233.22 per person, it’s a bit of an investment but provides a personalized and in-depth view of the region.

This tour takes you over the same landmarks as the city-only flight—such as the Superdome, Jackson Square, and City Park—but adds a fascinating element: aerial views of the bayou and swamp areas nearby. Pilot narration highlights the water-based surroundings, making this a rich, educational experience. The private nature of the flight makes it ideal for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. The review from a happy customer notes how professional the pilot was and how much fun they had sharing a personalized experience.

If you’re intrigued by the combination of urban and natural scenery, this tour offers a unique perspective that other options don’t. It’s a chance to see how New Orleans is built around water, providing a more diverse visual feast.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a customized experience that combines city sights with scenic swamp views in a private setting.

5. New Orleans: City Lights Helicopter Night Tour

Rounding out our list is the City Lights Helicopter Night Tour, priced at around $165 per person. With a duration of 10 to 20 minutes, it offers a scenic flight over the luminous cityscape. Flying from Lakefront Airport, this tour includes aerial views of landmarks like the Superdome, Crescent City Connection, and the French Quarter.

This flight emphasizes the beautiful lights of New Orleans at night, with every seat providing a good view. The pilot shares insights about the city’s sights, making the experience both scenic and educational. Reviewers describe the ride as smooth, and many appreciate the high-quality service and the chance to see the city’s skyline in a different setting.

Ideal for travelers who want a romantic, less crowded way to see New Orleans after dark, this tour combines scenic beauty with informative commentary.

Bottom Line: A great option for a memorable, illuminated view of the city that’s perfect for couples or those seeking a relaxing evening aerial tour.

How to Choose Your Perfect Helicopter Tour

When selecting the best helicopter experience, consider your budget, time, and what kind of sights you’re most eager to see. If you want a quick, affordable glimpse, the City Tour is hard to beat. For a romantic evening, the City Lights Night Tour offers stunning views after dark. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive experience, the Daytime City Tour provides a longer, more detailed flight.

For those who want a mix of city and natural scenery, the City and Swamp Tour combines both worlds in a private, customizable flight. Remember to check reviews and consider booking early, especially for popular night and private flights, to secure your preferred time slot.

Final Thoughts

The variety of helicopter tours in New Orleans means there’s something for every taste and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a quick thrill, the City Tour is a perfect choice. For a romantic evening with unforgettable views, the City Lights Night Tour delivers. And for those craving a full, immersive experience, the City and Swamp Tour offers a rare perspective on how the city is intertwined with water.

No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance is wise, especially during peak seasons. These flights fill up quickly, and a little planning guarantees you’ll get the aerial perspective that completes your visit to the Big Easy.