Some Grand Canyon helicopter tour packages are expensive. If you're looking to experience the canyon from the sky, while still sticking within your budget, a basic air flight from Las Vegas or the South Rim would be perfect for you.
The reason basic flights are less expensive is that they use slightly older helicopters. Options are the Bell Ranger or the AStar. Don't get the wrong impression that these aren't safe or a pleasure to fly in, because even basic helicopters are regularly maintained and have impeccable safety records.
However, both of these helicopters lack the large wraparound windshield and stadium layout seating that is used in the Deluxe EcoStar 130 helicopters.
Taking Flight
Grand Canyon helicopter tours leave from both Boulder City on the outskirts of Vegas, and Tusayan Arizona at the South Rim.
Vegas tours usually include a free shuttle service between your hotel and the helipad at Boulder City. The shuttle service uses a bus or large passenger van, which saves on the cost when compared to the deluxe tours that use a limousine service.
If you're in Vegas but want to see the South Rim, you will need to take a short plane flight out to Arizona. Flights are around an hour from Vegas to Tusayan. If you're already in Arizona, you will need to provide your own transportation to the departure point, and there are plenty of economical taxi services available.
Landing and Air Tours
From Las Vegas you can choose from basic landing or air only tours. They both take the scenic route to the Grand Canyon, flying over the Boulder Dam and Lake Mead. Landing tours don't only fly over the Canyon, but can drop you off at the bottom, or at the Canyon's rim.
I love the landing tour that sets you down inside the canyon for a champagne picnic. It's perfect for romantic getaways, and can be upgraded to give you a riverboat ride along the Colorado River, as well as a ticket to step out on to the Skywalk at the top of the Grand Canyon.
If you're not familiar with the Skywalk, it's a transparent glass and steel platform that extends 70ft along the rim at the top of the Canyon. You will literally be walking 4000 ft. above the river below, which is truly an experience.
Flights from Arizona
If you're setting off from Arizona to see the South Rim, the tours are all air only. Landing tours are not permitted in this area, but the benefit of an Arizona tour is that you get to see more of the Grand Canyon. The cheapest 30 minute flight will take you to the North Rim, and back to the South Rim. However, I recommend the 50 minute tour that will take you on the same route, except it will detour to the end of the eastern boundary of the park. This will allow you to see up to 75% of the Grand Canyon. How many people can claim to have done that?!
Conclusion
Travelling on a budget doesn't mean that you can't see the Grand Canyon from some of the best seats available. Basic Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer almost everything that you can get on a deluxe tour, with only some small concessions to make. If you can afford to upgrade, then of course this is the best option. The extras like better seating, better viewing from the helicopter, and additional shuttle services are worth the ticket price. Book early to ensure you secure your flights for a front row seat to one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Martin Wynn
