View Tenerife from above: its shores, gorges, cliffs, and urban expansion. This is the offering by Helidream Helicopters, the sole company providing leisure flights to visitors and residents in the Archipelago since 2012.
“While most flights are directed to various spots around Tenerife, we adjust to customer preferences; some even request us to fly to La Palma or La Gomera, as well as other islands,” explained Aneta Wallsova, spokesperson for the company, in an interview yesterday.
Located in the Las Torres industrial estate within the Adeje municipality, the firm will celebrate its 12th anniversary this Christmas since it first took tourists on a journey to witness the Island from a bird’s view. Over the years, the aircraft has been involved in search operations for missing persons, airport transfers, services contracted by real estate agencies for clients before purchasing properties, as well as filming for movies and television shows.
Throughout these 12 years, there has been no shortage of romantic flights for those who have declared their love high above. “Since our inception, we have facilitated more than 40 marriage proposals. Every single one has said yes, thus our success rate stands at 100%,” Wallsova chuckled, recalling a day when a colleague dedicated to this activity in Iceland mentioned witnessing a rejection during a flight. “That must have been quite uncomfortable,” she remarked.
In addition to romantic gestures, a segment of their clientele seeks the thrill of flying to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or mark special occasions such as Father’s or Mother’s Day. In this context, the spokesperson notes, “You don’t need to leave the Island to do something exceptional; that’s why we strive to ensure that our clientele includes not just tourists but also residents, allowing them to enjoy remarkable views during the holidays, for instance.”
With room for four passengers alongside the pilot, the company provides five types of aerial excursions: Costas del Sur, Playas y Barrancos, Los Gigantes, Isla Baja, and an exclusive tour that circumnavigates the entire island. The company makes it clear that it refrains from flying over protected natural areas, as it is prohibited, including locations like Teide National Park, Anaga, and Masca.
Prices start from 98 euros per passenger (the most affordable route) to 495 euros, with an option to “hire the helicopter for an hour where the client can choose their desired sights,” adds the spokesperson, who emphasises that they not only offer flights for specific dates but also provide gift vouchers valid for three months.
“Some passengers board the helicopter with a hint of trepidation, imagining they’re in a Top Gun-style adventure (laughs), but ultimately, they confess they loved every minute of it,” Wallsova commented. “What brings us the most joy is witnessing the happiness expressed by people with disabilities; some who, even without the ability to speak, convey their emotions entirely through their faces,” she included warmly.
The company, which maintained a base on Gran Canaria until the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, operates six days a week (Monday to Saturday) as well as every holiday, and enables customers to book their services via its website.
On January 5, three passengers named Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar have already reserved a unique flight, which will take them across various municipalities of the Islands aboard the aircraft stationed in Adeje.
