Who doesn’t dream about this? A helicopter tour is on many travelers and tourists bucket and wish list. In recent years we have been lucky enough to be able to experience a helicopter flight at a number of beautiful places, like the Grand Canyon, the Niagara Falls and New York City. Another destination we had on our wish list for a helicopter tour was Dubai.
Traveltomtom has traveled multiple times to Dubai and experienced this ultimate Dubai activity himself. Recently Traveltomtom team member Ashley also traveled to Dubai again and wrote this article about her helicopter flight experience with HeliDubai. Both, Tom and Ashley, agree separately that this experience is one of those must do activities when visiting Dubai!
Here is a reel video about Traveltomtom's flight.
About HeliDubai
Since 2005, HeliDubai is Dubai’s premier helicopter services company providing luxury helicopter flights within the United Arab Emirates.
They offer a range of sightseeing tours that takes in both the historical sights of the city, as the modern buildings and islands as well. From Dubai Creek and its souks to Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab and Palm Jumeirah.
They have earned a worldwide reputation because of their pilots' vast and varied skill set, professional and competent attitude, their fleet of well-maintained helicopters and their latest photography equipment.
In addition to leisure, private and business tours, they also specialize in aerial filming and photography services.
Location
HeliDubai is located at the Dubai Police Academy. Honestly, a pretty special place to take off for an experience of a lifetime. It’s located very close to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, which makes it easily accessible with public transport. Their location is very central within Dubai, so wherever you stay, you can reach them within about 20-30 minutes max.
Tours
HeliDubai offers a number of different tours, varying in duration and cost. The shortest and cheapest option you can go for is the 12 minutes Iconic Tour, it includes views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, followed by views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Canal. During this shortest tour of them all you get a glimpse of the highlights of Dubai.
The most popular of them all is the second tour, the 17 minutes Palm Tour. This is the tour we did and we will explain next, so keep reading.
Maybe the 22 minutes Vision Tour is more your thing, you get to see everything the 17 minutes Palm Tour offers, but goes a little further into Old Dubai, Dubai Creek Heritage Village and the Trade Souks.
The 30 minutes Grand Tour offers even more, you will see everything the Vision Tour offers, but you will start flying towards Bluewaters Island and Dubai Marina to see this amazing part of Dubai as well.
Last but not least they also offer the 40 minutes Odyssey Tour, the helicopter package that simply offers it all. Extra compared to the previous 30 minutes tour is the addition of the Palm Jebel Ali, the second, and much larger palm in Dubai. It goes without saying that this is also the most expensive tour of them all.
On Traveltomtom you can find multiple articles about cool things to do in Dubai from an Old Dubai Walking Tour to a high tea in Burj Khalifa and from an Overnight Dubai Desert Safari to a boat tour along Dubai's skyline with Yellow Boats, Edge Walk Dubai.
Our 17 min Palm Ride
We chose the 17 minutes Palm Ride, as it covered all the highlights we wanted to see from a birds eye view. You start your journey with checking in at the check-in desk. You must check in 45 minutes prior to your flight and must bring valid identification.
Once you are checked in you will be taken into a separate room for a safety instruction and safety video. Please pay attention to this safety instruction, these are important! Just before these safety instructions everyone is also weighed. This determines the helicopter seat assignment.
After the safety instructions you’re taken to the next room. Here you can leave all your bags and belongings behind in lockers. You are also provided with a life vest and then pretty much ready to go. From here it’s just waiting for you to be called for your flight. You’re allocated your seat before boarding, so no worries.
I was super lucky, as I was given the front seat, right next to the pilot. The front seat offers the best seats of the tour, and truly an even better experience.
This tour takes you to the impressive and amazing Palm Jumeirah. Absolutely unique to see this man made Palm Island from above. After that you make your way to Downtown Dubai with Burj Khalifa and Museum of the Future. Make sure to keep an eye out for the World Islands as well as the Dubai Harbour. And try to spot the Seahorse Island, yes it exists!
This tour includes more extensive views of Palm Jumeirah, as you will fly all the way to the top near Atlantis the Palm. You will then continue towards the World Islands and Burj Al Arab, flying your way along the coastline towards Old Dubai.
You will also have exclusive views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. After Downtown Dubai you make a U-turn and make your way back along the beautiful coastline. You will also pass Burj Al Arab here, before making your way back to the helipad.
Photo packages
There is a photo and video team onsite to capture every move before take-off and after landing. They capture your full experience in photo and video before take-off and after landing. Once you’re landed and have taken all your belongings, you can check these images and videos at the photo booth. You can purchase these, but they are rather expensive in our opinion.
For us reason not to purchase them. You can take up to 2 devices up in the air per person during the helicopter flight: DSLR, phone, GoPro, etc.
We highly recommend a helicopter tour in Dubai with HeliDubai. There simply is no better way to see Dubai and its many unique and special buildings and islands. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands from above, extremely impressive and breathtaking.
Enjoy your trip to Dubai!