Sky High Helicopters: Santa Barbara Aerial Tours - Los Angeles

Sky High Helicopters: Santa Barbara Aerial Tours

Los Angeleseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

15 minutes to 1 hour

Fitness Level

No specific fitness level required; suitable for all ages and abilities.

Overview

Experience Santa Barbara like never before with Sky High Helicopters’ captivating aerial tours. From shimmering beaches to mountain ridges, take in iconic landscapes with expert pilots guiding every memorable moment.

Details

Santa Barbara, California offers a coastline where sheer cliffs meet cerulean Pacific waves, framed by the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains. Amid this stunning geography, Sky High Helicopters delivers a distinct vantage point, transforming the familiar into a breathtaking aerial adventure. Operating multiple tour options—from the intimate Private Santa Barbara Grand Adventure to the vivid Santa Barbara Night Flight—this company tailors the aerial experience to suit diverse interests and moods. Whether it’s a daytime cruise over the iconic beaches and marine life or a sunset tour revealing city lights flickering beneath the dusk, each flight heightens appreciation of this unique region.

The Santa Barbara coast is alive with natural landmarks visible only from above: offshore kelp beds, rocky promontories sheltering sea lions and California sea otters, and the golden arc of East Beach. Inland, the Santa Ynez Mountains rise sharply with patches of chaparral and oak woodlands marking the rugged terrain. These helicopter trips offer a close-up look at the intersection of land, sea, and urban life that defines Santa Barbara’s character.

Safety and professionalism are hallmarks of the Sky High Helicopters experience. Pilots like Cole, praised for their care and expertise, guide passengers thoughtfully through the flight, ensuring comfort and awe without apprehension. Packages range from classic sightseeing to romantic excursions featuring champagne, making this accessible adventure a favored choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or a unique date experience.

Sky High’s presence enriches Santa Barbara’s outdoor scene by offering a dynamic, elevated perspective unavailable on foot or by water. The company’s emphasis on tailored customer service, combined with the breathtaking geography of southern California’s coast, makes it a standout aerial tour provider. For visitors seeking to witness this diverse landscape from a remarkable vantage, these helicopter tours provide an unforgettable way to connect with Santa Barbara's expansive natural and cultural mosaic.

Adventure Tips

Book Flights Early

Reserve your helicopter tour well in advance to secure preferred dates and times, especially during weekends and holidays.

Dress Comfortably

Wear layers and comfortable shoes since temperatures can vary between takeoff and landing times.

Bring a Camera or Smartphone

Pilots often assist with photos, so having your device ready ensures you capture stunning aerial shots.

Check Weather Conditions

Ensure good visibility for the best experience; tours may be rescheduled if fog or rain impairs flying conditions.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The offshore Channel Islands visible on clear days
  • Remote coves accessible only by air or boat

Wildlife

  • California sea lions
  • Pacific bottlenose dolphins

History

Santa Barbara’s air tours honor its long history as a luxury travel destination, extending the legacy of connecting with this coastal enclave’s natural charm.

Conservation

Sky High Helicopters operates with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact, following strict aviation guidelines to protect local wildlife and habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (sunset and sunrise)
Mid-morning for clear light
Twilight during night flights

Best Viewpoints

  • Coastal cliffs above East Beach
  • Santa Ynez Mountain ridges
  • Downtown Santa Barbara skyline

What to Photograph

Ocean waves and marine mammals
Mountain ridgelines and valleys
City lights and harbor reflections

Recommended Gear

Windbreaker or Light Jacket

Essential

Protects against cool breezes at altitude during flights.

spring specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Essential for capturing the panoramic vistas and wildlife.

Sunglasses

Reduces glare from the sun reflecting off the ocean and land.

summer specific

Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes

Essential

Helps with safe boarding and exiting the helicopter.