Discover eight of the most unique and unusual aerial sightseeing opportunities the world has to offer
Whether travelling in a jet, light aircraft or helicopter, a key benefit of a private air charter is the added degree of flexibility when planning the flight route and altitude.
While traditionally private jet charter is chosen for its convenience and luxury, there are travellers who take the opportunity to see some unexpected sights from an entirely different perspective.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, USA
As the largest hot spring in the USA, you might think the Grand Prismatic spring would have gained cult status in the world of tourist attractions. Its out-of-this-world colouration, caused by pigmented bacteria, matches the visible light spectrum, giving it a bizarre rainbow effect that is seen nowhere else on Earth. With a diameter of 300 feet, it’s much easier to fully appreciate the spring from above. This photograph was taken at around 2000 feet from a chartered aircraft.
The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
The Derweze Crater, otherwise known as the “Door to Hell”, is a 200 foot crater that some believe was formed after a gas drilling operation collapsed in 1971. The story goes that this incident resulted in the escape of large quantities of methane gas, posing considerable risk to the local population. A group of Soviet scientists decided that burning off the excess gas was the safest solution, expecting it to burn out within a few weeks, however, the same fire is still burning decades later. There are other theories about how the Derweze Crater came to be, but whichever you believe, it makes for an incredible aerial sight, particularly at night when the glowing hole forms a stark contrast against its desolate desert surroundings.
Fly Geyser, Nevada, USA
The Fly Geyser is truly out of this world to behold; in fact those that haven’t experienced it first-hand could be forgiven for mistaking it as the work of computer generated imagery. It is in fact real, and was accidentally created by experimental well drilling in 1964. The geyser has become a well-loved mistake that has been spewing water constantly ever since. Made up of deposited minerals, the geyser is formed of several terraces of pools that cover 74 acres, and is constantly increasing in size. The incredible coloration changes regularly and is caused by algae. Located on private land, one of the few ways to get close to the awe-inspiring sight is from the air, with many opting for a private aircraft or helicopter charter route that takes in such a sight.
Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu, China
These unique rock formations are the result of red sandstone and mineral deposits being laid down over 24 million years. These layers were then crumpled into their present form by the same tectonic plate that is responsible for Everest. The size and scope of the landform means that an aerial viewpoint is a must.
Tianzi Mountains, Hunan, China
It’s said the Tianzi Mountains were the inspiration behind James Cameron’s world in Avatar, and it’s easy to understand why. Made up of hundreds of spindle-like rock formations, some of the mountains rise up to around 4000-feet above sea level and are impossibly narrow, seemingly defying gravity and the elements to stay upright. With solitary, ancient pine trees growing atop the millennia-old outcrops, the Tianzi Mountains make for a breath-taking aerial sight.
The Wave, Utah, USA
The Wave is a sandstone rock formation near the Arizona-Utah border. Its highly unusual striped appearance is a result of differing sandstone layers, laid down over millions of years and worn into gullies by rain water. Park officials only issue 64 access permits per day, making it very difficult for anyone but locals to plan a visit. This coupled with the fact that its only means of access is a six-mile hike across open desert on unmarked trails, could account for its relative obscurity outside the USA. Of course, for those not au fait with desert survival, aerial observation by means of a private charter solves all of these problems.
Birthday Canyon, Greenland
Water from melting ice has over time worn this canyon to its 30-40m depth, resulting in an icy river of bright turquoise water. Constantly changing at the hands of climate change, and in one the most remote locations in the world, this site is different each time it is visited. Interestingly, Chapman Freeborn has previously collaborated with EYOS Expeditions to offer private jet and luxury yacht transport to the Arctic regions.
Blue Dragon River, Portugal
The Odeliete River is known by locals as the “Blue Dragon River”, which at ground level might seem like a meaningless name. It’s only when viewed from above that the river’s unusual jagged edges, blue water and tight curls are fully appreciated, culminating in a distinct dragon-like appearance. The river is just north of the Algarve and sits on potential flight paths from the popular tourist destination to major Spanish cities including Madrid, Seville, Cordoba and Valencia.
Photograph credits:
Header Image – Zhangye Danxia – Ghostdog
Grand Prismatic – Suzi Pratt
Door to Hell – Daniel Gustafson (www.danielgustafson.se)
Fly Geyser – Q Myers
Zhangye Danxia – Melinda Chan
Tianzi Mountains – William Hertha
The Wave – Larry (Pics721)
Birthday Canyon – James Cooke
Blue Dragon River – 2ilorg