If you are cruising from Port Canaveral, there are a variety of things to do on the Florida Space Coast that make it worthy of spending a few extra days in the area before or after your cruise. If you have limited time in Port Canaveral, perhaps before heading back home, we share our top reasons why you should take a Port Canaveral Helicopter Tour.
Top Reasons to Take a Port Canaveral Helicopter Tour
Located Close to the Port
Cocoa Beach Helicopters is located very close to the cruise terminals in Port Canaveral. In fact, it is right across the way from the Exploration Tower.
A Port Canaveral helicopter tour makes for a great option for those looking to kill some time before heading to the cruise ship on embarkation day or before heading to the airport after disembarking the cruise ship.
These Robinson R-44 helicopters are air-conditioned and typically fly from 9 am until sunset.
Regardless of when you are visiting the Space Coast, you can book a Port Canaveral helicopter tour 7 days a week, year round. Of course, weather is a large factor in flying, so tours may be altered or canceled at any time for guest safety.
A New Perspective of Your Cruise Ship
If you are looking to get a whole new perspective of Port Canaveral, then a helicopter tour is a perfect option. There are a number of tours of varying lengths and prices that give you a bird’s eye view of areas including the Port with all the cruise ships and the Canaveral Locks.
You can soar above your cruise ship and the other ships in port to grab some great photos and videos to add to your cruise vacation memories.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Cruises from Port Canaveral!
Plenty to See
With large clear windows and a head-to-toe front bubble canopy, there is not a bad seat in the helicopter. Depending on which tour you book, your helicopter flight will not only take you over the cruise port but also places like Cocoa Beach, the Thousand Islands, and even Kennedy Space Center.
You can often spot dolphins, sharks, stingrays, surfers, and more. Some tours even include a Space Shuttle runway pass.
A Variety of Tour Options
Speaking of tour options, Cocoa Beach Helicopters offers six different tours. While the company does take “walk-ups” when availability permits, reservations are strongly recommended for most tour options.
The Classic Tour is the most popular option. This tour includes approximately 17-20 minutes of flight time for $99.99 per person. This option gives you the opportunity to see the port along with extended time over Cocoa Beach and the Thousand Islands.
Other tours include:
- Beachside Special – Port Canaveral & Locks: $19.99 per person for 3-5 minutes of flight (walk-in only)
- Flight Experience Tour – Port Canaveral: $39.99 each for 6-9 minutes of flight time
- Flight Adventure Tour – Port to Pier: $69.99 each for 12-14 minutes of flight time
- Extended Tour – Space Coast: $169.99 each for 30-35 minutes of flight time
- See-It-All Tour – $229.99 each for 45-50 minutes of flight time
Upgrades Available
In addition to the standard Port Canaveral helicopter tours offered, you can also opt for a number of upgrades for an even more memorable experience.
For all the thrill-seekers out there, you can go doors-off for an even more exhilarating ride. If you are looking for a romantic evening, Cocoa Beach Helicopters also offers sunset rides. Further, you can take the ride home with you. No, not the helicopter, but a video of your flight.
The helicopter is equipped with a Go-Pro, which can either be positioned to record the scenery or your family’s reactions in the cabin.
Expert Pilots
You can rest assured that these Port Canaveral helicopter rides are safe. Cocoa Beach Helicopters is the leading provider of aerial sightseeing tours in Central Florida.
All pilots hold FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificates. Further, all pilots and mechanics participate in a rigorous drug test program. Their backgrounds vary from flying for major airlines, to crop dusting and banner towing, and some are ex-military fighter pilots.
Additionally, the helicopters have an intercom system that allows two-way communication between the pilot and the passengers throughout the flight. The pilot will provide expert knowledge and narration during the tour. You can also ask any questions you want during the flight.
A Family Fun Activity
A Port Canaveral helicopter ride is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Though, the helicopters do only accommodate three passengers at a time (one in the front beside the pilot, and two in the rear).
There is an individual weight limit of 300 pounds per passenger and a combined passenger weight limit of 600 lbs. Children under the age of two can sit on an adult’s lap, while 2 and older must occupy their own seat.
These helicopter tour are also more budget-friendly than other rides we have taken in Alaska and Hawaii, making it more affordable for families.
BOOK NOW: Cruises From Port Canaveral on Sale!
Recap of Our Port Canaveral Helicopter Ride
Prior to our recent 5-day Mariner of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral, we enjoyed an afternoon of flight on the Classic Tour.
Upon arriving for our reservation, we needed to sign a liability waiver and participate in a safety briefing. There are scales for weigh in, and all participants will need to don a life jacket pouch around their waists during the flight.
During our helicopter tour, we soared over the cruise ships where we got up-close to Carnival Mardi Gras. We were also treated to views of Cocoa Beach and the Thousand Islands where we saw a large group of stingrays.
Our pilot was ex-military and very professional. He made our flight enjoyable, along with dodging some rain clouds so we got the most of our airtime. He provided narration along the way and even circled notable areas making sure we each had views of the wildlife and landscapes.
The rear of the helicopter had adequate room for two adults and was temperature controlled. We were able to take photos and videos during the flight. Though, do be mindful of what you are wearing, as certain items will reflect in the windows.
We enjoyed our tour and certainly wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip with Cocoa Beach Helicopters in the future when cruising from Port Canaveral.
Are you ready for your own helicopter adventure on the Space Coast?
Comments
Have you taken a Port Canaveral Helicopter Ride? What are some of your favorite activities on the Florida Space Coast? Drop us an anchor below to share your top things to do when cruising from Port Canaveral.
