The Helicopter Experience
The helicopter service to the islands of St. Mary’s and Tresco provides travelers with a hassle free, efficient transfer from Cornwall; as well as the chance to get an exhilarating first-look aerial view of the stunning islands.
The Penzance – St Mary’s route has been operated by helicopter since 1964, making it the world’s longest running scheduled helicopter service. The Tresco service was inaugurated in 1983, and British International helicopters remain the only operator to fly direct to both Islands.
The service flies daily (except Sundays) from Penzance. After a quick and easy check-in process, a member of the cabin crew escorts passengers to the impressive Sikorsky S61 aircraft. Once onboard, passengers can choose where they sit; there are single seats on the left of the cabin, and double seats on the right. Large windows ensure everyone gets a great view.
The trip lasts 20 minutes, during which time the flight attendant will answer any questions you might have. The beginning of the journey provides passengers with a bird’s eye view of Penzance, Newlyn, Mousehole, Porthcurno, and great Cornish landmarks like the Minack Theatre and the Long Ships Lighthouse. Lands End, the tip of the British Isles, then comes into view, and Cornwall is left behind as the pilot begins his descent to the beautiful archipelagos.
