Take your photography to new heights with specialized aerial flights over Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. Capture unique perspectives from the sky that few photographers get to experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Santa Barbara's coastal aviator legacy dates back to early 20th-century flight pioneers who advanced piloting and photography techniques here.
Conservation
Flights minimize environmental impact by following regulated flight paths that avoid disturbing wildlife and sensitive habitats.
Sky High Helicopters
Take your photography to new heights with specialized aerial flights over Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. Capture unique perspectives from the sky that few photographers get to experience.
Sky High Helicopters offers scenic helicopter tours over Big Bear, Holcomb Valley, the San Bernardino Mountains and select coastal routes and specialty ghost tours in Hilo.
With a focus on dramatic aerial perspectives, the company presents a range of curated flights—from express loops over Big Bear Lake to extended canyon descents and coastal panoramas.
Flights highlight local landmarks including Big Bear Lake and its dam, Butler Peak, Bear Creek Canyon, Pine Knot Village, Jenks Lake, Holcomb Valley, Van Dusen Canyon, Bluff Lake, Castle Rock, Cedar Lake, Baldwin Lake, and views of San Gorgonio Peak and the Mojave Desert. Coastal departures reveal UCSB, Campus Lagoon, Goleta Beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains, while the Hilo After Dark experience explores historic hotels and haunted sites with guided storytelling and paranormal equipment.
Tours are designed for photo opportunities, sightseeing and memorable celebrations, accommodating first-time flyers and experienced adventurers alike. Safety and clarity are emphasized through preflight briefings and experienced pilot guidance to ensure comfortable, informed flights. Clear itineraries and distinct tour descriptions help guests select the right route for their interests, whether seeking waterfalls, mountain ridgelines, ski area views or shoreline vistas.
Sky High Helicopters appeals to visitors and locals who want a fast, elevated way to see regional highlights. Advance booking is recommended for popular flights, especially during peak seasons. The variety of tour lengths and scenic focuses ensures options for casual sightseeing, photography sessions, and special-occasion flights. Gift certificates and group packages are available for special events and celebrations year-round online.
Tours Offered
10 Tours
Curated routes for every interest
Regions Served
Big Bear & Hilo
Mountains, lake, coast and island
Typical Duration
40–90 min
From express loops to long flights
Scenic Highlights
Lake, Canyon, Coast Views
Waterfalls, peaks and shoreline vistas
Secure seats on signature tours like Alpha, Bravo, Echo, Tango or the Beach Tour — limited availability.
Schedule flights during golden hour
Book your aerial session near sunrise or sunset for softer light and dramatic shadows enhancing your shots.
Charge all camera batteries
Ensure your batteries are fully charged since flights can be brief and you want every shot possible.
Dress in layers inside the aircraft
Temperatures can drop at altitude; wearing layers keeps you comfortable during your flight.
Secure camera gear
Use wrist straps or harnesses to prevent accidental drops when shooting out of windows or doors.
DSLR or mirrorless camera
High-quality camera for capturing sharp aerial shots.
Polarizing filter
Reduces glare from water and glass for clearer images.
Extra memory cards
Allows storage of many high-resolution photos during flight.
Protective camera strap
Keeps your camera secure while in-flight.