Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach

When it comes to seeing Southern California’s coast, few experiences beat soaring above Long Beach in a helicopter. This particular tour, offered by Anthelion Helicopters, has quickly earned a reputation for delivering a memorable glimpse of the area’s most iconic sights—all in just 15 minutes. If you’re considering adding a sky-high adventure to your trip, this tour might be just the thing.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and personalized it feels. For a relatively modest price of $199 per person, you get a private flight that offers a rundown of Long Beach’s most photogenic spots. Plus, the views of the California coast, Catalina Island, and the bustling port are simply breathtaking. The friendly, knowledgeable narration throughout helps you understand what you’re seeing—and makes the whole experience more meaningful.

That said, a potential consideration is the flight duration. At just 15 minutes, it’s a quick jaunt, which might leave some craving more. Also, weight restrictions apply, and passengers may be weighed upon arrival, so this isn’t suitable for everyone.

This helicopter tour suits travelers looking for a special, once-in-a-lifetime view of the coast, whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to see the area from a fresh perspective. It’s perfect for those who love scenic vistas, unique experiences, and a touch of adventure.

Key Points

• The tour lasts approximately 15 minutes, offering a quick but impressive aerial overview.
• It’s a private experience for your group, ensuring personalized attention.
• You’ll see iconic sights like the Queen Mary, Battleship Iowa, and Downtown Long Beach.
• The flight includes live narration, adding context and fun facts.
• Booking is usually 25 days in advance, reflecting high interest.
• The tour offers great value for the price, considering the stunning views and personalized service.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Long Beach helipad, located at 3213 Airflite Way. This is a straightforward location, near public transportation, making it fairly easy to access. Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, which allows for a more intimate experience.

You’ll check in, be weighed upon arrival, and given headsets to hear the pilot clearly during the flight. The entire process is smooth and professional, with safety and comfort front and center.

The Itinerary: A Look at the Sights

View of the Queen Mary
The tour kicks off with a view of the Queen Mary, one of Long Beach’s most famous landmarks. This vintage ocean liner, now a hotel and museum, provides a nostalgic feel from the sky. Travelers often comment on how striking it looks from above, with many noting it’s a highlight of the flight.

Long Beach Waterfront
Next, the flight skims over the waterfront, showcasing the busy port and the bustling activity that keeps Long Beach one of the largest shipping hubs in the U.S. Watching cargo ships and cranes in action from above gives you a sense of the city’s vital role in global commerce.

Belmont Shore Pier & Shoreline Village
The helicopter then glides over Belmont Shore Pier and Shoreline Village, two lively areas packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. From the air, you get a unique perspective on their layout and charm, which is often missed when exploring on foot.

USS Iowa Battleship Museum
One of the tour’s most striking sights is the USS Iowa, moored in the harbor. This massive battleship is a symbol of American naval history, and from above, its size and scale are truly impressive. Several reviews mention how the aerial view enhances the appreciation of this historic vessel’s grandeur.

Vincent Thomas Bridge & Downtown Views
The bridge connecting Long Beach to San Pedro provides a dramatic backdrop, especially as the pilot hovers for a moment over the span. The view of downtown Long Beach offers an urban contrast to the coastal scenery, with skyscrapers and busy streets laid out below.

Shoreline Village & Beyond
The final segment of the flight offers a sweeping look over Shoreline Village and the downtown core, rounding out the experience with a rundown of the city’s vibrant waterfront and urban landscape.

The Experience: What You’ll Feel and Hear

Throughout the flight, narration will highlight each site, offering insights that make the experience educational as well as thrilling. Many reviewers praise the pilot’s professionalism and friendliness, which adds to the comfort and enjoyment.

The helicopter itself is described as smooth, and many mention how surprisingly comfortable the ride is, even for those new to flying. The use of headsets makes it easy to hear all commentary, and the views are so stunning that most find the short duration more than enough for a memorable experience.

The Value for the Price

At $199 per person, this helicopter tour provides excellent value, considering it’s a private flight and includes all taxes, fees, fuel surcharges, and commentary. Compared to larger group tours, the private nature ensures a more personalized, relaxed experience.

Many reviews call it “a must-do” and rave about the quality of the views and the professionalism of the pilot. It’s an experience that fits well into a day of exploring Long Beach or as a special treat during a longer trip in Los Angeles.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a quick, memorable aerial overview of Long Beach. It’s perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just indulging in a unique adventure. Families with older children or teenagers will enjoy the sights, especially given the smooth ride and educational narration.

If you’re short on time but want to see some of the most iconic landmarks from the sky, this is a good choice. However, keep in mind the weight restrictions and the short duration—if you’re craving a longer airborne adventure, you might want to consider adding other helicopter or drone experiences nearby.

Final Thoughts

This private helicopter tour over Long Beach offers a rare opportunity to see one of Southern California’s most dynamic coastlines from a perspective that’s both exhilarating and informative. It’s a perfect blend of scenic beauty, historical sights, and urban energy, all wrapped into a compact 15-minute flight.

The experience’s true strength lies in its ability to provide a personalized, high-quality view of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The professionalism of the pilot, coupled with the stunning scenery and engaging narration, makes it a worthwhile splurge for travelers who value memorable moments and fantastic photos.

While it’s a relatively short flight, it’s packed with enough visual and emotional impact to be worth every penny. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to see Long Beach in a new way, this helicopter tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The helicopter flight itself lasts approximately 15 minutes from takeoff to landing.

What is included in the tour?
All taxes, fees, handling charges, fuel surcharge, and live narration are included. You’ll also receive headsets to hear the guide clearly.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, passengers must be under 300 lbs each, and the total weight for the group cannot exceed 580 lbs. Passengers may be weighed upon arrival.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is poor?
The flight is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 25 days ahead, due to high demand.

In summary, if you’re after a memorable, scenic, and intimate way to see Long Beach, this helicopter tour hits all the right notes. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of flying with the pleasure of discovering a vibrant coastal city from above—an adventure worth considering if it fits your schedule and budget.