Top Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tours

This is a MUST-DO whilst in Rio! I must preface this by saying the pre-flight experience left much to be desired but don't let this put you off booking. We arrived on time 15 minutes prior to our 1230pm booking, as stated in the confirmation email. The receptionist seemed surprised to see us and clearly wasn’t expecting us. She couldn’t find any reference to our booking, which was frustrating as 1) we were obviously excited about this holiday highlight event and 2) we’d travelled nearly an hour from central Rio by taxi to get there. Eventually a phone call seemed to suggest they did in fact have the booking. A different woman anrrived and said that although the booking said 12.30pm, it was actually 1pm as we had to undergo a half hour of induction. Odd as induction comprised filling in a few forms and took 5 minutes. We were left with the sense that they have somehow forgotten our booking. We ended up getting taken to the helicopter about 45 minutes after our appt time. It felt a bit micky mouse-ish and we just hopped this wasn’t going to be reflected in the quality of the helicopter and pilot. Fortunately, the actual flight itself was brilliant and we had a fabulous pilot who was determined that we would be able to see Christ the Redeemer despite the cloud cover so made quite a few attempts to get us up close. On the last attempt, the clouds parted and we got great views and photos. The flight was definitely a highlight of our South America travels so go ahead and book but maybe check ahead that your booking is expected.

Took a helicopter ride with Helicopter Rio de Janeiro, and it was a great experience. The helicopter was clean, the pilot was professional, and the staff was friendly and courteous. Karine, one of the managers, was especially great—very helpful and welcoming. Flying up to Christ the Redeemer and along the coastline of Rio de Janeiro was unforgettable. Highly recommend if you’re in Rio.

The door less helicopter tour over Rio de was, without question, one of the most exhilarating and awe-inspiring experiences of my life. From the very first lift-off to the final descent, everything about this tour was flawless. Soaring high above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean without doors on the helicopter, the warm breeze rushing in, and the city’s iconic beauty unfolding beneath us — it felt like a dream. Flying right past the majestic Christ the Redeemer, close enough to see the serene expression on his face, was something I’ll never forget. The pilot circled slowly, giving us a perfect, unobstructed view of the statue towering over the city — it felt sacred, surreal, and powerful all at once. And then there’s Sugarloaf Mountain, rising like a sentinel from the sea. As we curved around it with nothing but air between us and the earth below, the perspective was simply mind-blowing. The views stretched from the vibrant neighborhoods of Rio to the golden curves of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches — the colors, the contrast, the sheer drama of the landscape was overwhelming in the best way. The staff and crew were outstanding — professional, safety-conscious, and also incredibly warm and friendly. They made us feel at ease and totally prepared, even with the adrenaline of flying doorless. But the true magic? It’s that feeling of freedom — legs dangling out of a helicopter, ocean breeze in your face, the whole city at your feet. It’s Rio like you’ve never seen it before — wild, elegant, and alive. If you’re looking for something truly extraordinary in Rio de Janeiro, this open-door helicopter tour is it. It’s not just a tour — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will leave you breathless, humbled, and completely in love with this incredible city. 10/10 — Worth every second, every penny, every heartbeat.