If you’re planning a trip to Dubai form Mumbai, a helicopter tour is one experience you shouldn’t miss. Seeing the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina from the sky transforms your understanding of this extraordinary city. This guide covers everything you need to know to book the best helicopter tour in Dubai.
Table of Contents
Why Take a Helicopter Tour in Dubai?
Dubai’s skyline is best appreciated from above. A helicopter tour gives you:
- Unmatched aerial views of iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah
- Time efficiency – see major attractions in 12-30 minutes versus days of ground travel
- Photo opportunities you can’t get anywhere else
- A unique perspective on Dubai’s incredible architecture and urban planning
Top Helicopter Tour Operators in Dubai
1. Helicopter Dubai (helicopterdubai.com)
Starting from AED 710 | Dubai Marina Helipad | ⭐ 4.8/5 (1,000+ reviews)
Helicopter Dubai stands out for its prime Dubai Marina location, competitive pricing, and professional service. They’re GCAA certified with pilots having 10,000+ combined flight hours.
Tour Options:
- 12-Minute Tour – AED 710: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina
- 17-Minute Palm Tour – AED 850: Extended Palm views + Atlantis
- 22-Minute Vision Tour – AED 1,299: Includes Old Dubai and Dubai Creek
- 30-Minute Grand Tour – AED 1,770: Complete Dubai experience covering all major landmarks
Why Choose Them:
- Most convenient location (Dubai Marina, near Mall of Emirates)
- Best price guarantee – they’ll match competitors + give 10% off
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Special packages for proposals, anniversaries, and birthdays
- Professional photo/video packages available (AED 200-700)
2. HeliDubai
Starting from AED 710 | Dubai Police Academy Helipad
Long-established operator with departures from Dubai Police Academy. Known for smooth operations and experienced pilots.
Tour Options:
- 12 min Iconic Tour – From AED 710
- 17 min Palm Tour – From AED 1,045
- 22 min Vision Tour – From AED 1,399
3. Falcon Heli Tours
Starting from AED 920 | Atlantis The Palm
Departs from the iconic Atlantis Hotel, offering spectacular Palm Jumeirah views right from takeoff.
Which Tour Duration Should You Choose?
12 Minutes (AED 710-810)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, first-timers, those with limited time
- You’ll see: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, distant Burj Khalifa views
- Honest take: Feels a bit rushed. You’re just getting comfortable when it’s time to land.
17 Minutes (AED 850-1,045) ⭐ MOST POPULAR
- Best for: Most visitors – perfect balance of price and experience
- You’ll see: Extended Palm views, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai coastline, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
- Honest take: Sweet spot for value. Enough time to relax and enjoy without breaking the bank.
22 Minutes (AED 1,299-1,399)
- Best for: Photography enthusiasts, comprehensive sightseeing
- You’ll see: Everything from shorter tours + Old Dubai, Dubai Creek, Dubai Frame
- Honest take: Worth it if you want to see traditional and modern Dubai in one flight.
30 Minutes (AED 1,770+)
- Best for: Special occasions, complete Dubai experience
- You’ll see: All major landmarks including World Islands, Dubai Canal, comprehensive city coverage
- Honest take: The ultimate experience but comes at a premium. Book this for anniversaries or proposals.
What You’ll See: Landmark Breakdown
Depending on your tour duration, here’s what you’ll fly over:
| Landmark | 12 min | 17 min | 22 min | 30 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Jumeirah | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Burj Al Arab | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dubai Marina | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Burj Khalifa | Distant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Atlantis Hotel | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Downtown Dubai | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Old Dubai & Creek | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| World Islands | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Dubai Canal | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Pricing Breakdown (2026)
Budget Options:
- Helicopter Dubai: AED 710 (12 min) – Best value
- HeliDubai: AED 810 (12 min)
Mid-Range (Most Popular):
- Helicopter Dubai: AED 850 (17 min) – Recommended
- HeliDubai: AED 1,045 (17 min)
- Falcon Tours: AED 920 (15 min)
Premium:
- 22-30 minute tours: AED 1,299-1,770
Indian Rupee Conversion (approximate):
- AED 710 ≈ ₹16,000
- AED 850 ≈ ₹19,000
- AED 1,299 ≈ ₹29,000
- AED 1,770 ≈ ₹40,000
Best Time for Helicopter Tours
Early Morning (9-11 AM):
- ✓ Best visibility
- ✓ Cooler temperatures
- ✓ Less crowded
- ✗ Harsh sunlight for photos
Sunset (4-6 PM): MOST POPULAR
- ✓ Golden hour lighting – spectacular photos
- ✓ Romantic ambiance
- ✓ Cooler than midday
- ✗ Books up quickly
- ✗ Slight premium pricing
Midday (12-3 PM):
- ✓ Usually available
- ✗ Harsh light, potential heat haze
- ✗ Can feel very hot
Pro tip: Book sunset slots 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for weekends.
How to Book from Mumbai/India
Option 1: Book Direct (Recommended)
Visit operator websites directly:
- Helicopter Dubai: helicopterdubai.com (often cheapest + best cancellation policy)
- HeliDubai: helidubai.com
- Pay in AED or INR via credit card
Option 2: Through Booking Platforms
- Viator.com – Easy interface, pays in INR, sometimes includes hotel transfers
- Klook.com – Regular discounts, earns travel credits
- GetYourGuide – Good for package deals
- Headout – India-friendly payment options
Option 3: Indian Travel Agents
- MakeMyTrip, Yatra.com can add helicopter tours to Dubai packages
- Usually 10-15% more expensive but convenient if booking entire trip
Booking Tips:
- Book online in advance – typically 10-15% cheaper than walk-in
- Compare prices across platforms but check cancellation policies
- Weekday flights sometimes offer better availability
- Group bookings (4-5 people) can get discounts
Safety & Requirements
Safety Standards
All major operators are:
- GCAA Certified (General Civil Aviation Authority – UAE)
- Using modern, well-maintained helicopters
- Staffed by pilots with thousands of flight hours
- Following strict maintenance protocols
Helicopter tours in Dubai have an excellent safety record. Weather-related cancellations are handled professionally with full refunds or reschedules.
Age & Weight Restrictions
- Minimum age: 2 years (must be accompanied by adult if under 12)
- Maximum age: None (mobility to board required)
- Weight limit: Maximum 115 kg per passenger
- Group weight limits apply – inform operator of accurate weights
What Happens in Bad Weather?
- Tours cancelled for safety get full refunds or free rescheduling
- Operators monitor conditions closely
- You’ll be notified in advance if possible
What to Wear & Bring
Clothing:
- Comfortable, not too loose (wind from rotors)
- Closed-toe shoes mandatory (no sandals/flip-flops)
- Sunglasses recommended
- Light jacket for sunrise/sunset flights
- Tie back long hair
What to Bring:
- Valid photo ID/passport
- Camera or smartphone (bring your best one!)
- Don’t carry: Large bags, loose items, hats
What’s Provided:
- Safety briefing
- Headset for pilot communication
- Safety equipment
- Complimentary refreshments (at some operators like Helicopter Dubai)
Arrival & Check-in
Arrive 45 minutes before your flight for:
- Check-in and ID verification
- Safety briefing (15-20 minutes)
- Weight verification
- Group assignment and boarding
Parking:
- Dubai Marina helipad: Easy parking available
- Atlantis: Use hotel parking
- Dubai Police Academy: Designated visitor parking
Photography Tips
During the Flight:
- Sit by the window (request when booking)
- Use burst mode – helicopter vibrates slightly
- Shoot without flash
- Ask pilot to point out landmarks
- Clean your phone camera lens beforehand!
Photo Packages: Operators offer professional packages:
- Basic (AED 200-300): Edited photos from flight
- Premium (AED 500-700): Photos + video + green screen images
- Worth it? Yes if it’s a special occasion; your own photos will be good otherwise
Special Occasions
Proposals
Helicopter Dubai and other operators offer packages including:
- “Will You Marry Me?” banners visible during flight
- Champagne service
- Professional photography/videography
- Flower arrangements
- Extended flight time at perfect moment
- Book 1-2 weeks in advance
Birthdays & Anniversaries
- Special banners available
- Champagne service
- Cake arrangements
- Group bookings for family/friends
Cancellation Policies
Standard Policy (most operators):
- Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours before flight
- 24 hours or less: 50% fee
- No-show: Full charge
- Weather cancellations: Full refund or free reschedule
Helicopter Dubai offers the most flexible policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take photos? Yes! Encouraged at all operators. Some windows open slightly for clearer shots.
Can children fly? Yes, from age 2+. Infant seats available on request. It’s safe and kids love it.
How many people per helicopter? 5 passengers + pilot typically. Private charters available.
Is it scary? Most people find it smoother than expected – like a gentle ride. Pilots are experienced at making first-timers comfortable.
What if I’m afraid of heights? The enclosed cabin feels secure. Many people with height fears enjoy it. Sit away from windows if very nervous.
Do they fly at night? No – Dubai operators fly 9 AM to 6 PM only due to regulations.
Can I book same-day? Possible but not guaranteed, especially for sunset slots. Online advance booking recommended.
Mumbai to Dubai: Complete Trip Planning
Flight from Mumbai:
- 3-3.5 hours flight time
- Multiple daily flights (Air India, Emirates, IndiGo, SpiceJet)
- Round-trip from ₹15,000-35,000
Best Time to Visit:
- November-March: Pleasant weather, peak season
- April-May: Hot but fewer crowds
- June-September: Very hot, lowest prices
Where to Stay for Helicopter Tours:
- Dubai Marina area: Closest to Helicopter Dubai (walking distance)
- Downtown Dubai: Central location, easy access to all helipads
- Palm Jumeirah: Near Atlantis departure point
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Value: Helicopter Dubai’s 17-minute Palm Tour (AED 979)
- Great balance of price, duration, and landmarks
- Most convenient location
- Excellent reviews and service
Budget Pick: Helicopter Dubai’s 12-minute tour (AED 715)
- Lowest price from reputable operator
- Still covers major highlights
- Good for first-timers unsure about helicopters
Premium Experience: Any operator’s 45-minute Grand Tour
- Complete Dubai experience
- Worth it for special occasions
- Book sunset slot for magical experience
For Proposals/Special Occasions: Helicopter Dubai’s private charter
- Customizable experience
- Special arrangements included
- Worth the premium for once-in-a-lifetime moments
How to Book with Helicopter Dubai
- Visit helicopterdubai.com
- Select your preferred tour and time slot
- Enter passenger details
- Pay securely online (accepts international cards)
- Receive confirmation via email
- Arrive 45 minutes before flight at Dubai Marina Helipad
Bottom Line
A helicopter tour is one of Dubai’s most worthwhile experiences. The 17-minute tour offers the best value for most visitors – long enough to see major landmarks without feeling rushed, and priced reasonably.
Quick Booking Checklist:
- ☐ Choose duration (17 min recommended for first-timers)
- ☐ Book sunset slot if possible (book 2-3 weeks ahead)
- ☐ Book direct through operator website for best price
- ☐ Check weather forecast 24 hours before
- ☐ Wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunglasses
- ☐ Arrive 45 minutes early
- ☐ Charge your phone/camera fully!
Dubai looks incredible from the ground, but from the sky? It’s absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting from Mumbai or anywhere else, make this one of your must-do experiences in Dubai.
Ready to book? Visit helicopterdubai.com to secure your spot and experience Dubai like never before.
