5 Best Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tours to Soar the Sierras

Searching for the ultimate Lake Tahoe helicopter tour to see the whole lake from above?

Most people know Lake Tahoe as a haven for outdoor folk, surrounded by mountain vistas, clear blue waters, and a pristine wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see. But, being so massive, there’s no way you can fully appreciate all of Lake Tahoe from the ground alone. I took flying lessons for over a year, and there’s no perspective like the one from the sky.

I’ve been lucky to visit Lake Tahoe twice, in summer and winter. Hikes in Emerald Bay, skiing, and kayak rides made the trips unforgettable, but what would have made it even better? To see it from the air.

Just want to pick the best? This is my top choice. Reserve this Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls with a perfect 5-star rating that gives you 30 minutes around the southern shoreline!

Otherwise, take off to some of the other best Lake Tahoe helicopter tours below – all operated by experienced pilots and thoroughly reviewed by us.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Lake Tahoe Helicopter Rides

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls

✔️ 30 Minute Flight

✔️ Best Value for Time

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#2 Pick

Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

✔️ 10-12 Minute Flight

✔️ South Tahoe Attractions

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#3 Pick

Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Circle the Lake

✔️ 45 Minute Flight

✔️ Fully Circle the Lake

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Top Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tours

1. Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  0.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!

This Lake Tahoe chopper tour starts from South Tahoe Airport, and in my opinion the best bang for your buck. You’ll fly high above the scenic Emerald Bay and glide past the towering Mount Tallac, right along the calm shoreline of Fallen Leaf Lake.

Next, head west and look down at the cascading Glen Alpine Falls while ascending towards Pyramid Peak. The view is dotted with lakes and waterfalls that are sure to impress. You’ll also pass over the gorgeous Lake Aloha and see the impressive Horsetail Falls, which drops 500 feet!

As you fly over these beautiful sites, your pilot will give live commentary about the area’s exciting past and geography. And with noise-reducing headsets, you can easily hear every detail.

This 30-minute tour is limited to 3 passengers with a weight limit of 500lbs for a stable flight.

2. Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  10-12 Minutes| 😍 Book it!

Take this helicopter ride over Lake Tahoe’s striking natural scenery for a tour that covers beautiful locations such as Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, and Pope Beach before heading towards the impressive Emerald Bay. Recognized for its green waters enclosed by high granite structures and the noteworthy Eagle Falls, Emerald Bay is definitely worth seeing.

This is one of the cheapest options around, but as the total flight time is 10-12 minutes, you may be left wanting more. 

The maximum weight per passenger is 250 lbs, and the total weight of all passengers cannot exceed 500 lbs. This tour is restricted to a maximum of 3 persons to ensure the best views and experience for everyone.

3. Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Circle the Lake

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  45 Minutes | 😍 Book it!

This ultimate copter tour gets you a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire lake! See all the deep blue and green colors of the lake, framed by towering mountains and tree-lined shores on a full-length 45-minute ride. 

Get ready for some incredible views of Emerald Bay, lovely marinas, charming villages, and famous ski resorts, all from a viewpoint few get to enjoy. The experienced pilot will be your guide, providing live commentary about the wonderful sights you’ll see on this exciting trip.

Your tour starts at the Lake Tahoe Airport, covering the lake’s south shore. Then, following its untouched shoreline, your route will trace the entire 72-mile shoreline before heading back to the airport. 

4. Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Join this 20-minute ride to the sky that covers the entire south shore, beginning with a flight up the east shore into Nevada. Enjoy the sight of the deep blue waters and green shorelines from above. 

Next, fly over Zephyr Cove, known for its lively summer atmosphere. They also take you west along the south shore to see Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake, leading up to Emerald Bay, a true gem of Lake Tahoe. 

Learn about Lake Tahoe’s history and geography through live commentary during your flight. Like the trips above, this tour is also limited to 3 people.

5. Tahoe’s Sand Harbor Helicopter Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

See Lake Tahoe from above with this aerial journey over some of the most captivating sights of Lake Tahoe, including the much-loved Sand Harbor, recognized for its clean sandy beaches and colorful waters.

The flight takes you over Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor, and Chimney Beach, places locals love. These hidden spots along the east shoreline are real treasures, giving views that many often overlook. On reaching Sand Harbor, we climb higher to give you a clear view of Marlette Lake, perched at 7,841 feet above sea level.

The flight comes with live commentary from noise-reducing headsets so you can focus on the scenic views without any disturbances. This special tour is kept small, limited to only three people.

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide and FAQ

Why is Lake Tahoe so famous?

Lake Tahoe is famous for its turquoise clear waters surrounded by enchanting mountainscapes. It’s one of North America’s largest lakes, with an impressive blue color due to its clean air and water. The area’s also filled with ski resorts and hiking trails for all seasons.

When’s the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination. Winter sports enthusiasts often prefer the snowy months, while summer has beautiful weather with lots of outdoor recreation opportunities, especially in Emerald Bay.

What area of California is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Are helicopter tours worth the money?

We all know a helicopter tour is not the cheapest activity. Some people find the unique perspective and experience to be priceless, while others might prefer more budget-friendly activities. 

How much does a tour helicopter cost?

The cost of a helicopter tour can vary greatly depending on factors like duration, location, and included services. The intro tour on this list starts at $110 but increases relatively linearly, depending on the flight time.

Final Thoughts: Best Helicopter Tours in Lake Tahoe

Between a Lake Tahoe boat trip and a chopper tour, it’s a tough call to make as to which is the best experience. Or, F it, do both. The area is so beautiful that you might as well come back in the winter for skiing or hiking in the summer.

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

• See Lake Tahoe’s southern lake destinations and waterfalls; join this best-value aerial tour.
• To get a little intro on what it’s like to be a bird, sign up for this shorter 10 to 12-minute helicopter ride.
• Go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure; circle the entire Lake Tahoe on this excursion.

If you’ve decided to explore this breathtaking lake on your own, check out my comprehensive Lake Tahoe day trip guide.