The Outer Banks (OBX) is renowned for its pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and historic landmarks. While exploring this beloved destination by land and sea is a popular choice, there’s another, more thrilling way to experience its beauty—from above. Aerial tours, including helicopter rides and plane tours, offer an unparalleled perspective of the OBX, showcasing breathtaking views of the coastline, lighthouses, wildlife, and more. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, exploring the Outer Banks from the sky is an unforgettable adventure that lets you truly appreciate this stunning area.
Why Choose an Aerial Tour on the Outer Banks?
There's something meaningful about being able to see the Outer Banks from above, soaring over the rolling dunes and gorgeous houses. Here are some of the reasons that you should book an aerial tour of the Outer Banks during your next vacation.
Unparalleled Views of the Coastline
We've all seen the pictures of the Outer Banks from above - the wide stretches of sand, gorgeous blues and teals of the waves, the colorful swatches of neighborhood landscapes. Exploring the OBX by air allows you to see this all for yourself, catching a glimpse of the dunes and the winding waterways from a perspective unlike any other. You'll be able to see how the sandbars and dunes create the area's features, with portions of the coast jutting out into the water.
Wildlife Sightings
In addition to seeing the beautiful design of the landscape, you'll also get a rare glimpse of the wildlife from above! Get the chance to see dolphins hopping through the waves or wild horses running across the sand on the northern beaches. Keep an eye open for birds and turtles, as well as the wildest creature of them all: humans!
Unique Perspectives of Historical Landmarks
There's no question that the Outer Banks is known for its history and there is no shortage of incredible landmarks. But what if you got the chance to see them from above, in all their glory? Fly over the Wright Brothers National Memorial or catch sight of an iconic lighthouse with the ocean or the sound in the background. Few things are more beautiful than the opportunity to see these treasured pieces of history from the sky!
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours can be a fun and engaging way to see the Outer Banks from above! There are a variety of different tours to look into, from lighthouse tours to wildlife sightings. Get ready to explore the best of the Outer Banks landscape where every seat is a window seat for your enjoyment!
What To Expect
Depending on your budget, helicopter tours can last from 10 minutes to a couple of hours, with options to fit all your party's interests and needs! Tours often include a ride out to the oceanfront at Jennette's Pier, a full beach tour of Jockey's Ridge and the Wright Brothers Monument, and a tour of Ocracoke or Corolla!
Top Providers
Coastal Helicopters, Inc.
The most well-known helicopter tour company in the area is Coastal Helicopters, Inc.. With a reputation for providing an educational and exciting tour, Coastal Helicopters offers several helicopter tour packages that cater to both quick trips and longer explorations of the Outer Banks. Tour options include:
Discovery Tour: Approximately 10-12 minutes
This introductory tour takes you out to Jennette's Pier on the oceanfront for a glimpse of the beach before heading back to Roanoke Island.
Beach Tour: Approximately 20 minutes
With this tour, we give you a choice of heading south towards Wanchese Fishing Village, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet OR go north to Jockey's Ridge and the Wright Brothers First Flight Monument with the chance to see shipwrecks. Both routes include a stretch along the ocean with the chance to see marine life including dolphins, turtles and schools of fish!
Deluxe Tour: Approximately 30 minutes
This approx. 50 mile tour includes both the northern and southern routes of the Beach Tour above with an extended cruise along the oceanfront - more opportunities to spot marine life and shipwrecks along the way.
Wild Horse and Lighthouse Tours: Approximately 1.1 hours
This premium deluxe tour offers you a choice of heading north to Corolla to see the wild horses and the Corolla Lighthouse including the four wheel drive villages of Swan Isle and Carova OR head south to view two lighthouses (Bodie Island and Hatteras), beautiful Hatteras Island beaches, several shipwrecks (the Oriental and Richmond) and the chance to see plenty of sea life.
Ocracoke Island Tour: Approx. approximately 1.7 hours
This premium deluxe tour heads further south past Hatteras, and includes a third lighthouse and a view of the wild ponies of Ocracoke! See where Blackbeard the pirate was captured! Continue a bit farther and check out the ghost village of Portsmouth Island, an abandoned fishing village if you like.
Plane Rides and Plane Tours
While helicopter tours offer a unique, close-up experience, plane rides provide a different way to view the Outer Banks from above. Plane tours generally cover a wider area and can offer a more extensive look at the Outer Banks' diverse landscape.
What To Expect
Airplane flights can usually range anywhere from 5 minutes upwards to an hour or more depending on your price range, number of passengers, and desired locations. Most Cessna and Bi-Plane flights on the Outer Banks can accommodate 3 passengers. Enjoy overhead views of Roanoke Island, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey's Ridge, shipwrecks off the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, lighthouses, and more! For more about the Wright Brothers and their significance in aviation history, check out this related blog post: 10 Things You Probably Don't Know About the Wright Brothers. You can also book customized tours and charters or sunrise/sunset tours for the experience of a lifetime!
Top Providers
Kitty Hawk Kites: Aero Adventures
Gain a new perspective of the Outer Banks with one of Kitty Hawk Kites' aero adventures! Take an 8-minute discovery flight around the town of Manteo and over the Elizabeth II – a replica of a 16th-century sailing vessel – in an original WWII bi-plane trainer. Alternatively, fly a bit longer with 20-minute and 35-minute flights that provide the opportunity to see sites such as the Wright Brothers Monument, Jockey’s Ridge, Oregon Inlet, or even the Bodie Island Lighthouse in the open-air cockpit bi-plane. Looking for something more traditional? You can take a Cessna Airplane Tour for either 30 minutes or 60 minutes with unforgettable views of Roanoke Island, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey's Ridge, and more!
Outer Banks Aviation
Whether you're looking to explore Carova or the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks Aviation has a little something for everyone. They offer personalized tours of the area as well as private characters, concierge-level service, and tours covering all of the area's top attractions. You can choose from a 30-minute or 60-minute tour in a Cessna 172 for an unforgettable OBX vacation experience.
OBX Airplanes
OBX Airplanes offers Cessna Air Tours, Bi-Plane Rides, and Flight Lessons! Take a quick 5-minute whip around Jockey's Ridge and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, an Inlet Tour focusing on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse, or a Custom 1-Hour Tour of your choosing! And if you're looking for something truly unforgettable, or perfect for that special occasion, a Sunrise/Sunset Tour is truly a dream!
Tips for Booking an Aerial Tour of the Outer Banks
Aerial tours are a MUST for your next Outer Banks vacation, but there are some things to keep in mind before your next aerial adventure.
Research Tour Companies
Take a look at the companies we've listed and decide which one best fits your personal vacation goals. Consider style of plane, airport departure location, and pilot personality and experience. The more you know about your pilot and the company you're flying with, the more comfortable you'll be during your trip.
Consider Your Interests
Think about what you want to see during your trip. Are you a lighthouse fanatic? A history buff? Or are you looking for wildlife and beautiful scenery? All of these things can come into play when deciding which tour to take and customizing your trip so that you get the most out of your adventures.
Plan for Your Budget
We all know that planning for your budget is essential, even when you're on vacation. If you're looking for a quick experience, consider a shorter trip. If you've been saving up for a while, splurge on the longer adventure that's sure to give you memories to last a lifetime. Budget planning can also come in handy when thinking about who to take with you! When the price of the tour is split between the people on board, it can make it much more affordable for everyone.
Consider the Weather
While booking in advance can be helpful for ensuring the trip you want during peak seasons, also consider the time of year that you're hoping to fly. Weather can significantly impact your overall experience, so keeping an eye on the weather and planning your tour for a clear day can definitely make things more memorable.
Book in Advance
That being said, if you're planning to visit during the summer, it's wise to book ahead as soon as you are comfortable. There are only a few companies that offer aerial tours here on the Outer Banks and they can fill up quickly in the summer months. So if this is something that you know you want to do during your trip, it's wise to take the leap and book now. Regardless of the weather, it'll be a great experience!
Be Comfortable & Prepared
You want to have the best experience possible, so it's important to think about what to bring! Definitely bring a camera or smartphone, and don't forget to charge it! Also, be sure to bring extra storage space if you think you'll need it. Sunglasses are a must to help with glare reduction while you'll also want comfortable clothing and shoes with a secure fit. Avoid loose hats or scarves and be sure to bring a small bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. Consider bringing something for motion sickness if someone in your party is sensitive and get ready to have a blast!
Make the Most of Your OBX Vacation
An aerial tour is a truly unique way to explore the Outer Banks, providing stunning views, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation of this beautiful area. Whether you choose a thrilling helicopter ride or a scenic plane tour, this experience will undoubtedly be a highlight of your OBX vacation. So, don’t just see the Outer Banks—soar above it!
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
