Costa Rica quickly became one of my favorite countries, and one of the best parts of my time there was the adventurous activities. One of the top ways to see the country is with one of the Costa Rica helicopter tours.
No matter what you want to see from the air, from lush rainforests to beautiful beaches, there are some great helicopter tours in Costa Rica.
Keep reading for some of the best helicopter tours in Costa Rica and alternative tours that are just as fun.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Published: February 17, 2024
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Costa Rica Helicopter Tours: Overview
Ready to book now? My top choice is the Private One Hour Helicopter Tour. The tour has good reviews, and you can fly over the Poas volcano during your one-hour flight.
Best Costa Rica Helicopter Tours
Taking a helicopter tour of Costa Rica is one of the best ways to see the country.
Here are two of the best Helicopter tours in Costa.
1. Helicopter Tour Over Poas Volcano
Best for: Travelers who want to see Costa Rica’s volcanoes and waterfalls from above.
The best helicopter tour in Costa Rica is the Helicopter Tour Over Poas Volcano. You will spend one hour on a helicopter ride with just your group.
One of the biggest benefits of this tour is that you can bring up to six people on the trip, and the pilot will tell you all about the sights.
Here are some of the things you’ll see on this tour:
- Poas Volcano National Park
- Blue volcanic lagoon
- Waterfalls
- Rainforest
You will also conveniently be picked up at your hotel in San Jose or the surrounding area and dropped off after the tour.
2. Helicopter Tour Over Rain Forest & Beaches
Best for: Travelers who want to experience Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline and rainforest.
Another great option is the Helicopter Tour Over Rain Forest & Beaches.
This tour is also one hour long but will take you to see different parts of the country from above.
Here are some of the highlights you will see from the sky on this tour:
- Tilara Mountains
- Pacific Coast
- Tarcoles River
- Rainforest
You will spend one hour on the helicopter with your pilot and group. Your pilot will explain the sights you see along the way.
One of the benefits of this tour is that they will pick you up from any hotel in San Jose.
How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Costa Rica
While there aren’t many helicopter tours available in Costa Rica, each offers a unique perspective of the country’s volcanoes, rainforests, mountains, and coastline. The best tour for you depends on what you’d like to see from the air.
Choose the Scenery You Want to See
Some helicopter tours fly over active volcanoes, waterfalls, and cloud forests, while others focus on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline and rainforest. Think about which landscapes interest you most before booking.
Consider Your Departure Location
Most helicopter tours depart from the San José area and include hotel pickup and drop-off. If you’re staying elsewhere in Costa Rica, make sure to factor travel time into your itinerary.
Book in Advance
Because there are only a handful of helicopter tours in Costa Rica, availability can fill up quickly, especially during the busy dry season. Booking ahead gives you the best chance of getting your preferred date and time.
What to Expect on a Costa Rica Helicopter Tour
Most helicopter tours begin with a short safety briefing before you board the aircraft. Once you’re in the air, your pilot will point out major landmarks and share information about the areas you’re flying over.
Depending on the route, you may see volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, rivers, beaches, and mountains from a perspective that’s impossible to experience from the ground. Flights typically last around one hour, making them an easy addition to your Costa Rica itinerary.
Remember to bring your camera, as the aerial views are one of the highlights of the experience.
Alternative Tours to Take in Costa Rica
Since helicopter tours are limited in Costa Rica, many travelers choose other aerial adventures that offer incredible views for a lower price. If you’re looking for another way to experience Costa Rica from above, these activities are worth considering.
Paragliding
First, consider paragliding, which also gives you great views of Costa Rica from above at a lower cost. This is also a great option if you want more of an adrenaline rush than a helicopter ride gives you.
Here are some of the top paragliding tours in Costa Rica:
Ziplining
Another great activity, and one of my favorites, is ziplining. You can book ziplining tours all over Costa Rica.
Here are some of the best ziplining tours in Costa Rica:
Ready to book your Costa Rica Helicopter tour?
Costa Rica’s helicopter tours offer amazing views you won’t forget. I’d also recommend ziplining or paragliding, which gives you an adrenaline rush and great views of Costa Rica from above.
Don’t miss your chance to make unforgettable memories from the sky, and book one of the tours now.
Are you looking for more help planning your trip to Costa Rica? Here are some more travel guides on Costa Rica:
- Costa Rica Trip Review
- Costa Rica Helicopter Tours
- Costa Rica IG captions
- Costa Rica Packing List
- Costa Rica Snorkeling Tours
- Monteverde Bungee Jump Tours
- Monteverde Coffee Tours
- Solo travel in Costa Rica
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