Old San Juan Helicopter Flight Tours
4.7 (364 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Overview
See Puerto Rico's capital from the sky on a small-group helicopter flight over Old San Juan. Choose a short flight over the forts, La Fortaleza and the Capitol, a longer flight along the beach coast to Isla Verde, or the fullest flight that adds the metro area, Bayamon and the mountain bridge at Naranjito. Groups are small, so everyone has a clear view. Hotel pickup is not included, and the exact meeting point in the San Juan area is shown on your voucher.
Highlights
- Aerial views of Old San Juan, its colourful streets and its two great forts
- Three flight lengths to choose from, from a short loop to a long scenic flight
- Flights over the coast between Old San Juan and Isla Verde on the longer options
- The fullest flight adds the metro area, Bayamon's Science Park and the Naranjito cable-stayed bridge
- Small group with limited seats, so everyone has a window view
- Live guide in English and Spanish
- A memorable photo opportunity of the Atlantic coast and the old city walls
Full Description
Old San Juan from above
Old San Juan is the oldest part of the capital, a compact walled city on a small island at the entrance to the bay, with pastel colonial houses, cobbled streets and plazas. From the helicopter you see how the city fits between the Atlantic and the harbour, and how the old walls wrap around the streets like a stone ribbon.
A helicopter tour of Old San Juan is the easiest way to understand the layout of the old town before or after you walk it. Many visitors compare an Old San Juan helicopter flight with a walking tour, and the two combine well because the air view makes the street-level sights easier to place.
El Morro, San Cristobal and the fortifications
The two great Spanish forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, are among the most photographed sights in the Caribbean, and from the air their size and position become clear. El Morro guards the tip of the island, with grass-covered fields in front of the walls, while San Cristobal sprawls across the landward side as a maze of tunnels and bastions.
Both forts are part of a historic national site, and seeing them from above shows how they once defended the harbour. Opening hours at the forts change by season, so if you want to visit them on foot as well, check the current schedule before you plan the rest of the day.
La Fortaleza, the Capitol and the Isla Verde coast
On every flight you pass over La Fortaleza, the centuries-old governor's mansion, and the white marble Capitol, two landmarks that are hard to appreciate from the street. The longer Enchanted Shore flight then follows the coast of beaches from Old San Juan to Isla Verde, the tourist area with resorts, wide sand and the airport nearby.
These views are especially good in the morning when the light is clear and the sea is a strong blue. If you are comparing flight lengths, the shortest is a quick tour of the old city, while the eleven-minute flight adds the beach coast.
Metro area, Bayamon and Naranjito on the Green Escape flight
The longest flight, the Green Escape, adds the modern metro area of San Juan, the town of Bayamon with its Science Park, and the mountains inland, ending with the large cable-stayed bridge at Naranjito. It is the best choice if you want to see how the island changes from city to coast to green hills.
This flight lasts about twenty-five minutes, which is long enough to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Old San Juan helicopter tour operates in small groups, and the flight path can change with weather and air traffic, so the pilot may adjust the route.
Itinerary
- Meeting point in the San Juan areaArrive at the meeting point shown on your voucher and check in with the crew.
- Safety briefingListen to the short briefing about seating, seatbelts and photography on board.
- Take-off and Old San JuanFly over the old city, El Morro, San Cristobal, La Fortaleza and the Capitol.
- Coast to Isla VerdeOn the longer flights, follow the beach coast from Old San Juan to the Isla Verde tourist area.
- Metro area, Bayamon and NaranjitoOn the Green Escape flight, continue over the metro area, Bayamon's Science Park and the Naranjito cable-stayed bridge.
- LandingLand at the departure point, about six, eleven or twenty-five minutes after take-off depending on the option.
What's included
- Helicopter flight over Old San Juan
- Fort San Cristobal and Fort San Felipe del Morro seen from the air
- La Fortaleza and the Capitol seen from the air
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Not suitable for
- People with a fear of flying or heights
- Anyone who is very prone to motion sickness
- Travellers who cannot get in and out of a small helicopter without help
- Those who are not able to follow the pilot's safety instructions
Meeting point
Meet at the meeting point in the San Juan area, where the helicopter departs. The exact location and your flight slot are shown on your voucher. Hotel pickup is not included, so please plan your own transport and arrive a little early.
Important information
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in any option
- Choose your flight length when you book: six, eleven or twenty-five minutes
- Flights run in small groups, and the schedule depends on weather and visibility
- Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and secure loose items such as hats and sunglasses
- Bring a camera or phone with a wrist strap, and follow the crew's instructions about photography
- Arrive on time, because slots are short and late arrival can lose your flight
- Gratuities are not included
- Check your voucher for the exact meeting point and time
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Old San Juan helicopter tour cost?
The price depends on the flight you choose, because the options differ in length and route. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in any option. You meet at the meeting point in the San Juan area shown on your voucher.
How long is the helicopter flight?
The flights last about six, eleven or twenty-five minutes depending on the option. Add time for check-in and the safety briefing before take-off.
What is the difference between the options?
The six-minute flight covers the old city, the two forts, La Fortaleza and the Capitol. The eleven-minute flight adds the beach coast to Isla Verde. The twenty-five-minute Green Escape flight adds the metro area, Bayamon and the Naranjito bridge.
Is the helicopter tour suitable for children?
Children can usually fly with an adult, but please check the booking panel for age and weight rules. The crew will advise on seating when you check in.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and secure hats and sunglasses. Bring a camera or phone with a wrist strap.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can book when the calendar in the booking panel shows free slots. Short-notice flights depend on availability and weather.
Is the group small?
Yes, flights run with a small number of passengers, so everyone has a window view.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Helicopter flights depend on weather and visibility. If conditions are unsafe, the crew will tell you and offer another slot when possible.
Which flight is best for first-time visitors?
If you want a quick overview, the shortest flight covers the main historic landmarks. If you also want beaches and mountains, the longer flights are the better choice.