Updated on 05/27/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Cartagena travel guide, which offers a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Cartagena. Enjoy reading it!
Helicopter charter flights offer an incredible way to explore the Colombian coast, from the Caribbean Sea to historic cities and natural parks. In this blog, I’ll highlight the heliports, companies, helicopters, and services available for charter flights along the Colombian coast, focusing on the top destinations from Cartagena and Santa Marta, the region’s most popular tourist cities.
Overview of Helicopter Charter Flights on the Colombian Caribbean Coast
Helicopter charter flights along the Colombian Caribbean coast offer:
- Flexibility and personalization, allowing you to reach any destination on your preferred schedule.
- High demand from the oil, mining, and energy industries to access remote or hard-to-reach areas.
- Certain restrictions due to prohibited or restricted zones like military bases, prisons, volcanoes, and indigenous territories.
- Special permits required for landing on private property, including coordinates, photos, and the landowner’s authorization.
Helicopters Used for Charter Flights on the Colombian Coast
Several companies provide helicopter charter services along the Colombian coast, offering different types of helicopters and services. Some of the helicopters include:
DYNALI H3 SPORT
- Type: Twin-engine
- Max speed: 87 mph (140 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 375 lbs (170 kg)
ROTORWAY A600
- Type: Twin-engine
- Max speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 432 lbs (196 kg)
MOSQUITO XET TURBINE
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 81 mph (130 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 313 lbs (142 kg)
BELL 206-L3
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: 4 to 6 passengers – 992 lbs (450 kg)
BELL 206- B
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 134 mph (215 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: 4 to 5 passengers – 992 lbs (450 kg)
ROBINSON R-66
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 117 mph (189 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 899 lbs (408 kg)
ROBINSON 22
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 117 mph (189 km/h)
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 899 lbs (408 kg)
AGUSTA WESTLAND 139
- Type: Four engines
- Max speed: 193 mph (310 km/h)
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 15 passengers – 882 lbs (400 kg)
BELL 212
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 139 mph (223 km/h)
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 13 passengers – 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
BELL 414
- Type: Single-engine
- Max speed: 161 mph (259 km/h)
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 13 passengers – 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg)
Heliports on the Colombian Coast
Heliports are where helicopters take off and land. Along the Colombian coast, several heliports are located in major cities and tourist spots, including:
Rafael Núñez Heliport
Located at Cartagena’s international airport, with a 12,917 square foot (1,200 square meters) platform and a control tower. Offers fuel, security, maintenance, and customer services for charter flights.
Marina Santa Marta Heliport
Located at the Santa Marta marina, with an 8,611 square foot (800 square meters) platform and a waiting room. Provides fuel, security, maintenance, and customer services for charter flights.
These heliports feature modern, safe infrastructure and meet international quality standards. Flight restrictions are minimal, mainly depending on weather conditions and airspace availability.
Top Helicopter Charter Destinations on the Colombian Coast
The Colombian coast is a region full of beauty and diversity, which you can explore from the air with helicopter charter flights. Here are some destinations you can visit:
Cartagena and the Rosario Islands
Enjoy a helicopter tour of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site with historic walls, castles, churches, and squares.
Then, fly over the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of 27 islands with coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Land at Hotel Las Islas in Barú for a relaxing beach getaway.
- Duration: 6-hour tour, 40-minute flight.
- Max occupancy: 5 people.
- Departure: Rafael Núñez Heliport, Cartagena airport.
Santa Marta and Tayrona Park
Explore Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest city, with its colonial buildings, museums, and monuments. Then, fly over Tayrona Park, a natural reserve with white-sand beaches, tropical forests, and archaeological ruins.
Land in Tayrona Park to explore its nature and culture with an expert guide.
- Duration: 4-hour tour, 30-minute flight.
- Max occupancy: 5 people.
- Departure: Marina Santa Marta Heliport.
Barranquilla
Visit Barranquilla, the largest and most important city on the Colombian coast, accessible from Cartagena or Santa Marta. Barranquilla has a bustling commercial and financial center, museums, theaters, and vibrant cultural expressions like its carnival, music, and cuisine.
It also boasts a vibrant and lively culture, showcased in its carnival, music, and cuisine. You can visit notable landmarks such as the Pumarejo Bridge, Metropolitano Stadium, Caribbean Museum, and the Magdalena River.
- Duration: 20 minutes.
- Max occupancy: 5 people.
- Departure: Ernesto Cortissoz Heliport, Barranquilla airport.
La Guajira
If you want to visit La Guajira, the northernmost part of Colombia, you can do so from Santa Marta or Riohacha. La Guajira features desert landscapes, dunes, salt flats, and lagoons, offering a chance to appreciate the region’s biodiversity and natural beauty.
On a helicopter charter flight, you can explore the culture and traditions of the Wayuu indigenous people, who have lived here for centuries. You can also visit Cabo de la Vela, a sacred place for the Wayuu and a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
The flight lasts about 40 minutes, and you can see attractions like Macuira National Natural Park, Cerro de la Teta, Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, and the Tatacoa Desert.
Special Considerations for Helicopter Charter Flights on the Colombian Coast
According to Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority, certain areas in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla are restricted or prohibited for helicopter flights due to safety, heritage, or environmental reasons:
In Cartagena: The historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, requires prior authorization from the mayor’s office for overflights. Avoid military zones like the Naval Academy, ARC Bolívar Naval Base, and Bocachica Fort.
In Santa Marta: Avoid the Simón Bolívar Air Base and the High Mountain Battalion.
In Barranquilla: Avoid the ARC Barranquilla Naval Base and Combat Air Command No. 3.
Book your charter flight or helicopter tour with us easily, quickly, and safely. Also, check out our blogs on helicopter charter flights in Colombia. Don’t miss out!
More about Helicopter Charter Flights in Colombia
- Charters Flights and Helicopter Tours in Colombia – Destinations & Tips
- What Charter Flights Are and Why Choose Them for Your Next Trip
- Types of Helicopter Charter Flights and Helicopter Tours in Colombia
- Helicopter Charter Flights in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Helicopter Charter Flights in Cali, Colombia – Travelers Guide
