About
As beautiful as the Central Coast is at ground level, imagine what it looks like floating in the clouds. If this sounds captivating, you can experience this bird's eye view of Santa Barbara and Carpinteria with Sky High Helicopters!
No matter your age or flying experience, Sky High Helicopters has a tour that will appeal to your crew and your pocketbook.
Rest assured that the company's fleet is top-notch, state-of-the-art helicopters, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. Equally important, the crew and pilots consider your safety "job #1 while making each tour fun, exciting, and breathtaking.
With the Central Coast's diverse geography, Sky High Helicopters' tours cover the gamut from coastal trips to tours over the Santa Ynez Mountains to nighttime excursions over the bustling city.
With its location at the airport, it is also easy to visit other area landmarks, like the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, in a day.
When looking for a unique adventure you'll be talking about long after your vacation, visit Sky High Helicopters.
Sky High Helicopters: Fun Facts & Cool Features
What makes Sky High Helicopters so appealing are their diverse tours. One of the more popular adventures is the Ultimate Excursion, which they praise as a "Captivating Aerial Odyssey." This 25-minute tour whisks along the coast, over Stearns Wharf, towards downtown Santa Barbara. You'll zip inland to soar over the Santa Ynez Mountains, hover over Lake Cachuma, and then pass Lizard Mouth Rock. This package is open to all ages and accommodates three people.
For the ultimate sunset experience, book the Santa Barbara Night Flight! This 18-minute flight is a photographer's dream, as the chopper floats into the heavens as the sun dips over the Pacific, casting varying hues over the water and cityscape. Add the Romance Package, which includes a basket of champagne, and the Photography Package to make it the ultimate date or proposal setting.
Your kids will want to sign up for the Co-pilot Experience! They'll get to walk the helicopter with the pilot for a "mini preflight inspection, " sit in the cockpit and learn about the controls and gauges. Next, they get their photo taken beside the pilot along with the first flight certificate, also signed by the pilot. The Co-Pilot Experience follows the 6-minute long Beach Tour and takes up to three people.
For the ultimate flying experience, opt for the Private Santa Barbara Grand Adventure. You'll soar over the best of the Central Coast, including the stunning coastline, Santa Ynez Mountains, Lake Cachuma, and mountains rising over 6,000 feet. The flight is an hour, can take up to three people, and is one of the more expensive tours.
With many outstanding restaurants nearby, consider celebrating your amazing flight at Finney’s Crafthouse-Santa Barbara. It's the perfect ending to a magical time soaring above the California coastline.
Sky High Helicopters add an extraordinary element to any Central Coast getaway. Whether a photographer, thrill-seeker, or a family, the combination of professionalism, commitment to safety, and stunning views makes this experience truly unforgettable.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions to Sky High Helicopters from Santa Barbara:
- Head north on State St toward E Anapamu St.
- Turn right onto US-101 N.
- Merge onto US-101 N and continue for approximately 12 miles.
- Take the exit toward Carpinteria Ave.
- Turn left onto Carpinteria Ave and continue for about 0.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Casitas Pass Rd, then take a left onto Santa Claus Ln.
- Follow the signs to Sky High Helicopters.
Local Tips
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early for safety procedures.
- Light clothes are best on hot days.
- If taking photographs, dark clothing is better; less reflection in the glass.
- While
- To help with costs, they fill all seats on a tour.
