Key Biscayne is the barrier island south-east of Downtown Miami, reached by causeway across Virginia Key. From the air it shows its outline clearly: a green, low island with beaches on the ocean side and Biscayne Bay on the other, and the city skyline back across the water. It feels far from the towers of Brickell, yet from a helicopter both fit into one view. Three private flights on the Miami hub name it on their route.
The Miami South Beach, Downtown and Islands 30-Minute Helicopter Tour is the main option: about 30 minutes in the air, about 40 minutes in total, from US$299 per person with a minimum of 2, or from US$598 for two. Along with Key Biscayne, it covers South Beach, Fisher Island, the Downtown and Brickell skyline, the Venetian Islands, Palm Island, the Port of Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Vizcaya.
The South Beach Sunset tour reaches Key Biscayne early on its route: from Pinecrest it crosses Biscayne Bay to Key Biscayne, then continues to Fisher Island and South Beach. It lasts about 30 minutes in the early evening, from US$349 per person, minimum 2. The Miami Ultimate tour includes the island in 50 minutes, from US$499 per person, minimum 2. The 20-minute South Miami flight sees Virginia Key and Key Biscayne only in the distance.
Choose by how much of the bay you want. If Key Biscayne is one part of a wider picture of Miami, the 30-minute day flight balances it with the beach and skyline. If you want evening colour over the water, pick the sunset flight. If you also want the northern beaches, take the 50-minute tour. On every option the island is a sight from the air; there is no landing, and no promise of a particular view of any one beach. The day tour also names Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Vizcaya, while the sunset tour adds Star Island and Brickell Key.
Flights are private: only your group of 2 or 3 is on board, and each guest gets a window seat. Prices are per person with a minimum of 2. Children can fly from age 2 with their own seat, though 3 and up is recommended. The same routes also include Fisher Island and South Beach, and the day flight names the Vizcaya shore as well. Flights need good weather; if bad weather cancels yours, you can pick another date or a full refund.
Check in at CR Aviation, Miami Executive Airport (Kendall-Tamiami), 14359 SW 127th St, 30 minutes before departure. Every guest needs valid photo ID, and the person who paid shows the card used. Parking is free and there is no hotel pickup. A US$19 per person airport fee, paid at check-in, is added to the tour price. Weight limits apply and differ by tour, from 250 lb (113 kg) per person on some tours; the exact limit shows when you book. For Key Biscayne with the beach and skyline, book the South Beach, Downtown and Islands tour.
Key Biscayne aus der Luft: Miami · Miami South Beach, Downtown and Islands 30-Minute Helicopter Tour.