Alaska is massive—larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. Its landscapes are some of the most remote, dramatic, and untamed in the world, from towering mountain ranges and glacial valleys to glaciers, fjords, and braided river systems. Flightseeing in Alaska offers a perspective unlike any other; in our opinion there is no better way to experience this state’s vast beauty.
But how do you decide between a helicopter and a plane for this adventure? When it comes to choosing how to explore the skies, we believe helicopters offer a level of access, intimacy, and adventure that fixed-wing planes simply can’t match.
Sightseeing By Helicopter the Quick Pro’s:
- Precision and Maneuverability: Helicopters can hover and fly at lower altitudes providing a closer view of wildlife and landscapes.
- Unique Landings: Helicopters offer the chance to land on glaciers or remote locations, providing a rare opportunity to explore Alaska’s backcountry inaccessible by plane.
- Smaller Group Sizes: Helicopter tours often accommodate fewer passengers, creating a more personal and tailored experience.
Access the Inaccessible
The ultimate Alaska experience isn’t just seeing a glacier—it’s landing on one. Helicopters don’t need runways and that means we can land in the middle of a glacier, beside blue meltwater pools or high up on a mountain ridgeline, beside an alpine lake, or deep in a remote valley.
Fixed-wing aircraft are much more restricted in where they can land safely but with a helicopter, your flightseeing experience becomes a doorway to adventure.
Want to stand on 10,000-year-old glacier ice or get dropped off for a private glacier paddleboarding, trekking, hiking, packrafting or ice climbing session? Helicopters unlock unique experiences that are impossible any other way.
Hover for the Perfect View (and the Perfect Shot)
Unlike planes, helicopters can hover midair. That means your pilot can hover above a stunning icefall, or pause to give you the exact angle you need to capture once-in-a-lifetime photos of local wildlife. Photographers love our oversized windows which make it easy to take photos out of.
Bonus tip: upgrade to a doors off flight for an even easier photo taking experience
An Intimate, Immersive Experience
Our helicopters are smaller by design, seating 3–4 passengers. This creates a more personal and immersive experience, perfect for couples, families, or small groups. You’re not just a passenger — you’re part of the adventure.
Our heli experiences are fully customized, give us your bucket list & we’ll help check some boxes!
Think outside the box and beyond a normal flightseeing tour…. At Outbound Heli Adventures we offer glacier paddleboarding, ice climbing, heli-hiking and so much more. We go where the planes can’t—and create experiences.
What About Planes?
Fixed-wing aircraft have their place in Alaska. They’re great for covering longer distances as they fly faster and higher. Also, most flightseeing planes are able to transport more people at once. They’re often more fuel-efficient and, as a result, can be more budget friendly.
Because of the Alaska Mountain Range’s elevation and distance needed to travel, planes are better for flightseeing tours of Denali and for getting to the Arctic Circle. But overall we believe when your goal is access and adventure, here in Alaska, nothing compares to a helicopter.
See Alaska Like Few Ever Do
At Outbound Heli Adventures, we specialize in helicopter-based experiences that let you go beyond the beaten path. Our flights leave from Palmer to the Knik River Valley, just 50 scenic minutes from Anchorage, and take you deep into the heart of the Chugach Mountain Range and onto the ancient ice of the mighty Knik Glacier (the largest glacier in Southcentral Alaska.). Whether you’re here for the views or an adventure of a lifetime, our helicopter tours deliver an unrivaled perspective of this beautiful state. .
Ready to take off? Explore our helicopter tours and see Alaska from above — the way it was meant to be seen.
