Flights from Sausalito
The best San Francisco helicopter tours
A Golden Gate helicopter flight, a seaplane over the bay and a short Sausalito flight over Alcatraz: here is how to pick, with honest advice on the price, the cancellation rules and safety.
See our 3 picks
The best San Francisco helicopter tour is the Golden Gate flight if you want the bridge up close. The seaplane is cheaper and lasts longer. All three flights leave from the same base near Sausalito.
Our 3 picks for flights over San Francisco
Two helicopter flights and one seaplane, all run from 242 Redwood Highway in Mill Valley.
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from €753 per person Our top pick 30 minutes 4.8 (76) reviews on GetYourGuide
Golden Gate helicopter flight
A 30-minute flight over the bridge, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, the city and Alcatraz. Up to 4 people. Free cancellation up to 3 days ahead.
Best for Bridge fans with a big budget
Check availability: Golden Gate helicopter flight on GetYourGuide - from €311 per person
45 minutes 4.8 (24) reviews on GetYourGuide
Greater Bay Area seaplane tour
A 45-minute seaplane flight over the Marin coast, Point Bonita, the bridge and the skyline, guided by the pilot. Up to 6 people. No free cancellation.
Best for Visitors who want the most time in the air
Check availability: Greater Bay Area seaplane tour on GetYourGuide -
from €302 per person 20 minutes 5.0 (7) reviews on GetYourGuide
Short helicopter flight over the city and Alcatraz
A 20-minute flight along the Sausalito shore, over Fisherman's Wharf, the bridge and Alcatraz, with a live guide. Up to 3 people. Free cancellation up to 3 days ahead.
Best for First-time flyers who want a taste
Check availability: Short helicopter flight over the city and Alcatraz on GetYourGuide
San Francisco helicopter and seaplane tours compared
| Tour | From | Duration | Group size | Free cancellation | Who it suits | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate helicopter flight | €753 per person | 30 minutes | Up to 4 | Yes, up to 3 days before | Bridge fans with a big budget | The longer of the two helicopter flights, with 4.8 from 76 reviews. |
| Greater Bay Area seaplane tour | €311 per person | 45 minutes | Up to 6 | No | Visitors who want the most time in the air | The longest flight and less than half the price of the Golden Gate flight. |
| Short helicopter flight over the city and Alcatraz | €302 per person | 20 minutes | Up to 3 | Yes, up to 3 days before | First-time flyers who want a taste | The cheapest flight, from €302, but only 7 reviews so far. |
€753 per person30 minutes 4.8 (76)
More details
- Group size
- Up to 4
- Free cancellation
- Yes, up to 3 days before
- Who it suits
- Bridge fans with a big budget
- Why we picked it
- The longer of the two helicopter flights, with 4.8 from 76 reviews.
Greater Bay Area seaplane tour
€311 per person45 minutes 4.8 (24)
More details
- Group size
- Up to 6
- Free cancellation
- No
- Who it suits
- Visitors who want the most time in the air
- Why we picked it
- The longest flight and less than half the price of the Golden Gate flight.
Short helicopter flight over the city and Alcatraz
€302 per person20 minutes 5.0 (7)
More details
- Group size
- Up to 3
- Free cancellation
- Yes, up to 3 days before
- Who it suits
- First-time flyers who want a taste
- Why we picked it
- The cheapest flight, from €302, but only 7 reviews so far.
None of the 3 includes hotel pickup: you meet on site. Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.
San Francisco helicopter tour prices
Per minute in the air, the seaplane is the best deal: about €7 a minute, against about €15 for the short helicopter and €25 for the Golden Gate flight.
- 20-minute helicopter: from €302.
- 45-minute seaplane: from €311.
- 30-minute Golden Gate helicopter: from €753.
Seaplane tour or helicopter?
Pick the seaplane for the best value: 45 minutes in the air for about the price of the 20-minute helicopter. Pick the helicopter if you want to fly low over the bridge and the city.
For ways to see the bridge from the ground or the water, see our Golden Gate Bridge guide.
Seeing Alcatraz from the air
Both helicopter flights pass over Alcatraz. The island is closed to visitors from 26 October to 18 November 2026, but that does not stop the flights.
Tips before you book a flight
Know the cancellation rules
The two helicopter flights let you cancel for free up to 3 days ahead. The seaplane has no free cancellation, so book it only for a firm date.
Get to Mill Valley on your own
No flight includes hotel pickup. The base is at 242 Redwood Highway in Mill Valley, north of the bridge.
Pick a clear day
Summer mornings are often foggy. September and October are the warmest months, with less fog.
Helicopter tours: questions and answers
How long does a San Francisco helicopter tour last?
Do helicopter tours have free cancellation?
Where do the flights leave from?
Are San Francisco helicopter tours safe?
Is there a weight limit on the flights?
Is there a helicopter tour from San Francisco to Yosemite?
More San Francisco flights, live
More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.
Live prices and availability from GetYourGuide load here.
More views of the bay
Facts checked on 23 October 2026 against: FAA: 14 CFR 91.147 · NPS: Alcatraz Island · National Weather Service: San Francisco climate · NOAA: San Francisco climate data.
Written by the Things to Do in San Francisco editorial team.