Las Vegas Helicopter Tours to The Grand Canyon – My Favorite Picks

Thanksgiving is creeping up, and before you know, it will be here. If you want to break away from the usual feasting and drinking, then there's nothing quite like a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. Helicopters are the best way to see the Canyon, and there are plenty of options from Las Vegas. Just know that tickets will sell out fast, so you'll need to book in advance to get the best deals and ensure your holiday plans are confirmed.

Tours fly directly to the West Rim, but there are no helicopter tours flying to the South Rim from Vegas. Instead, you'll fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before arriving at the most popular area of the Canyon. Whether you perform a flyover only, or choose to land, is entirely up to you. Landing tours cost a little bit more, but the added adventure is quite worth it, as you'll see with my top tour picks.

Landing at the Grand Canyon

My personal opinion is that a landing tour is the best way to see the Grand Canyon, and my all-time favorite is the one that lands at the bottom, and includes a Champagne picnic and some time to explore the area. I'm definitely not alone in my love for this particular package, as it's also one of the most popular for tourists visiting the canyon, and it is regularly sold out three days in advance.

If you do choose this package, you can upgrade your ticket to include a Colorado River boat ride. This provides some extra sightseeing opportunities, and is a popular add-on. If that's not quite enough, then you could also include a top landing tour with the package, which will allow you to experience the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. If you haven't heard of it, it's an impressive transparent platform that extends 70ft over the edge of the Canyon. Through the reinforced glass you will be looking at 4000ft of pristine air between you and the Canyon bottom.

Choosing Helicopters

After choosing your type of tour package and selecting any desired add-ons, you'll need to choose what kind of helicopter you want to fly in. There are both standard and deluxe tours, and I'll go ahead and explain the difference. Standard tours operate from AStar and Bell Ranger helicopters. These are popular helicopters, but they are no longer state of the art. While still sturdy and offering great views, you can have a premium experience if you go for the deluxe option.

Deluxe tours use EcoStar 130 helicopters. These are designed for sightseeing, and that is evident as soon as you step inside. They are 20% larger than the older helicopters, and they're also quieter inside. Most importantly, the EcoStar models have a huge windscreen that covers a full 180-degree panoramic view. Combined with the stadium style staggered seating, everybody inside gets a 'front row seat'.

Additional Perks

Standard tours fly from Boulder City, which is just outside of the city of Las Vegas. If you're staying near The Strip, it will be a 30-minute shuttle ride to the helipad. Choosing Deluxe means that you will fly directly from The Strip, and instead of a minibus shuttle you will be treated to a Limousine service. This is a full VIP experience, and for many, that's exactly what Las Vegas is all about. Deluxe tours also include a flyover of The Strip and its impressive collection of hotels and casinos.

Booking Early for the Best Price

I mentioned that these popular tours will sell out fast, and that's something that you really need to take into consideration. I recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, to avoid any disappointment. Not only will this ensure that you get seats, but it also means you'll enjoy discounted rates. To lock in those special prices, make sure that you book online and confirm everything with your credit card. The best deals can be up to 35% less than the regular ticket prices, which means you can get more sightseeing for your dollar.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a holiday worth celebrating, and you should do it in style. Choosing a helicopter tour from Las Vegas will provide you with a memorable experience at one of the most scenic places on earth – The Grand Canyon! Remember to book early, and book online. The landing tour is my absolute favorite, but choose what suits your budget, and you can be sure that you're going to have an unforgettable adventure.