If you've been wondering what the most inexpensive way to see the Grand Canyon from a Helicopter is, then wonder no more. If you're happy to take the early bird flights from Nevada, then you could save up to $20 per head in your tour group.
The early bird deals aren't for everyone, but if you're willing to depart at 7AM then they're well worth the savings. Pickup times are much earlier for these morning flights, so beware that the shuttle service will come around 1.5 hours before you're set to depart. This means that you'll need to be ready for your tour at 5AM.
These tours leave from Boulder City, which is just on the outer border to the south of Las Vegas. There are early bird deals available from the Las Vegas strip, but they are not as common.
As with any Nevada Grand Canyon helicopter tour, the route to the canyon offers plenty to see. The helicopters will pass over the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before reaching the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.
Landing Tours vs Flyovers
Flyovers will head back after making scenic passes of the canyon and the Colorado River, however if you can find an early bird landing tour then you will be in for some extra adventure.
The first landing tour will take you to the bottom of the Canyon where you can enjoy an early morning champagne picnic. Seeing the canyon from within the basin is truly unique, and this tour can also be extended to include a Colorado River boat tour.
There's another landing option that goes to the top of the Canyon, dropping you off to take a walk out on the world famous Skywalk. The Skywalk is an impressive glass and steel structure that allows you to walk out 70ft past the canyon's rim, suspending you 4000ft above the river below. It's the perfect way to round off a helicopter tour!
Remember, booking online is the only way to ensure you get the VERY best deals available. Also remember to book early. Two, or even three weeks in advance is recommended. You don't want to end up disappointed when you can't get a helicopter during your stay in Nevada!
Getting up Early
Early bird flights are in high demand during the summer, especially considering that flights later in the day can mean facing temperatures over 100 degrees. Visibility on the way to the canyon will sometimes be limited in the morning, because most flights catch the sun as it's coming up over the horizon. At the same time, many enjoy the beauty of a sunrise over the Grand Canyon.
Early bird flights are available in basic and deluxe packages. Deluxe packages cost a little more (although you still get the early bird saving), but they mean that you will fly in an updated EcoStar helicopter. With a huge panoramic viewing windscreen and stadium style seating, the EcoStar is the best helicopter currently operating over the Grand Canyon. Deluxe flights also have the advantage that they leave from the Las Vegas strip, so you can cut down on the travel time compared to flights that leave from Boulder City.
Conclusion
I wrote this article so that you would know exactly how you can get the best deals at the Grand Canyon. Of course, booking online helps keeps prices down, but going for an early bird deal will enable you to enjoy even bigger savings. If you're travelling in a group, the $20 or so that you save per head can be quite significant. Remember that you'll have to be up early for an early bird Grand Canyon helicopter tour, and also be aware that for the first leg of the trip you may be flying in to the sunrise. If you're good with these minor tradeoffs for the best air tour deals, then go ahead and book online today.
Martin Wynn
