Spring Break Grand Canyon Helicopter and Airplane Tours

Spring Break is coming up in April, so it's time to start thinking about vacation ideas. If you're going to be in Las Vegas, there are fantastic tours on offer, like helicopter and airplane tours to the Grand Canyon. But remember that you'll need to book soon, because advance tickets are selling out fast.

Helicopter Tours

Helicopters fly at the South Rim and the West Rim. The West Rim is closest to Las Vegas, and helicopters fly direct. If you want to take a helicopter ride at the South Rim in Arizona, there's a connecting airplane flight from Las Vegas.

All tours take you over Lake Mead and the monumental Hoover Dam. Airplanes take an hour to reach the South Rim, while helicopters make it to the north rim in under 45 minutes.

You can choose from air-only and landing tours at the West Rim. Air-only will complete a sightseeing tour, before heading back to Vegas. Landing tours are preferred, because they get you right into the action.

There's a tour that lands at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and allows you to experience a Champagne picnic, or even a boat ride on the River. There's also a top landing tour, where you can take one of the many walking tracks to reach scenic lookout points. At the top you can also purchase tickets for the Skywalk. This special glass platform is transparent, and will give you the ultimate thrill as you stand 4000ft above the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

South Rim Helicopter Tours

If you fly to the Grand Canyon South Rim, you will transfer to a helicopter for the sightseeing tour. There are two options available. One is a 30 minute trip, and the other is a 50 minute extended tour. The shorter tour goes to the North Rim, before heading back to the town of Tusayan. The longer tour, which I recommend, follows the same path but also goes all the way out to the eastern boundary. The extended tour is the best option because it will fly you over the top of 75% of the National Park. The small increase in ticket price is worth every penny.

South Rim helicopters don't land inside the Canyon itself, but there are ground tours available by Jeep or bus if you really want to experience everything that the Canyon has to offer.

Airplane Tours

Airplanes fly directly to both rims. If you're looking for the most cost effective tours, these are your best option. Even if you fly to the West Rim, you could still purchase a landing helicopter tour to the bottom of the Canyon. At the South Rim, the airplane tour covers the same route as the longer helicopter tour.

It's important to note that airplanes fly at higher altitudes, but they do have an advantage in that they can seat more people. If you're in a group, the 19 seats in an airplane may be more suited to your needs. However if it's pure sightseeing that you're aiming for, helicopters provide a lower flying route, as well as large front facing viewing windows. If you purchase deluxe helicopter tickets, you will fly in a newer EcoStar helicopter that features a huge 180 degree windshield, and 6 stadium style seats. Helicopters are also quieter and fly smoother.

Conclusion

Spring Break calls for a special adventure, and there's no place that offers more adventure than the Grand Canyon. Flying from Las Vegas, you will have a number of options, with something that will suit any budget.

Book soon to avoid disappointment. I recommend booking once you've already confirmed your Vegas accommodation. When you book online and pay with your credit card, you will receive the best prices, as you avoid added travel agency fees.

A trip to the Grand Canyon remains memorable for a lifetime. Do it in style with an airplane or helicopter tour, and experience all that the National Park has to offer.