Helicopter Tours Over Santa Barbara with Sky High Helicopters

Santa Barbara, California, stretches along the Pacific coast as a sun-drenched playground where ocean waves meet rugged hills dotted with live oaks and chaparral. Sky High Helicopters offers visitors an unparalleled way to take in this coastal jewel’s vibrant landscapes, delivering aerial tours that lift you above the city's Mediterranean-style architecture, sweeping shoreline, and the Santa Ynez Mountains beyond. The company’s fleet takes off from an airstrip near Santa Barbara, providing flights that range from quick, scenic loops to immersive excursions like the Ultimate Excursion and Private Santa Barbara Grand Adventure. Each trip delivers distinctive perspectives — from spotting dolphins and seals slicing through the blue waters to cruising high enough to witness sunset paint the sky orange over downtown and the harbor.

Sky High Helicopters stands out in California’s outdoor adventure scene for its combination of safety, professionalism, and personalized service. Pilots like Cole receive praise for their expert handling and warm hospitality, guiding flights with a careful hand so passengers can relax and take in dramatic views without hesitation. Special touches such as onboard photos and customizable packages — including champagne and romance upgrades — elevate the experience beyond a typical tour, making it popular for celebrations and intimate outings alike.

The landscape visible from these flights features striking geological contrasts: volcanic rock formations on the Channel Islands, the fertile Santa Ynez Valley vineyards inland, and the Pacific’s endless horizon. This area evokes Santa Barbara’s rich history as a former Chumash territory and a Spanish colonial crossroad, offering not just natural beauty but cultural depth. Whether you book an evening spotlight flight or a daytime tour across the coast and farms, Sky High Helicopters delivers a thrilling viewpoint unique to this corner of California’s outdoor recreation offerings.