New Orleans Helicopter Tour: 30-Mile City & Swamp Aerial Experience
Difficulty
easy
Duration
18–22 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; riders should be able to climb a short step and sit for the duration.
Overview
See New Orleans from a rotor-blurred vantage on an 18–22 minute helicopter tour that sweeps over the French Quarter, the Superdome, City Park and marshy wetlands. This narrated flight compresses the city’s history, geology and wildlife into a striking aerial snapshot.
New Orleans Helicopter Tour: 30-Mile City & Swamp Aerial Experience
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You lift off from a weathered white hangar at Lakefront Airport and the city unfurls beneath you—grid turning to gumbo marsh, balconies shrinking to lacework, the Superdome a grey coin on the urban table. The rotor’s pulse becomes a metronome to a compressed, cinematic view: Bourbon Street’s neon ribbon, Jackson Square’s patch of green, and a flat, gleaming expanse where the abandoned Six Flags park sits like a staged set in slow decay.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to be at the Wedell Hangar at least 30 minutes before departure for weight checks and safety briefings.
Bring a fast lens or phone with stabilization
Windows and motion mean faster shutter speeds (1/500s or higher) get the sharpest photos; use camera straps for security.
Mind the weight policy
Operators enforce strict per-passenger and group weight limits; disclose accurate weights during booking to avoid last-minute denial.
Dress for wind and sun
Wear sunglasses and a light jacket—rotor wash and lake breezes can feel cooler in the air.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American alligator
- Great blue heron
History
The city grew where the Mississippi met coastal wetlands; aerial views make visible the engineered levees and canals that shaped New Orleans’ development.
Conservation
The wetlands you’ll see are rapidly changing; tours emphasize observation from above to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and support public awareness of coastal restoration.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mirrorless or DSLR with 24–70mm or 50mm lens
Fast zooms handle both cityscapes and close-up wildlife through the windows.
Sunglasses and light windbreaker
Cut glare and stay comfortable against lake breezes during takeoff and landing.
spring specific
Camera strap or wrist tether
Secures your gear during in-cabin movement and near window frames.
Motion-sickness remedy
Take if you’re prone to motion sickness; flights are short but can still unsettle sensitive riders.