A High Level Examination Of Helicopter Flights Hovering The Grand Canyon

Posted on | October 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

People who have not been hammered too hard in a tough economy are looking for more creative options for their fun and general enjoyment. As you consider options for your next exciting vacation, perhaps you’ve been weighing the prospect of a helicopter tour.

If you’re trying to decide among the many Grand Canyon helicopter tours, keep reading for an overview of some of the most popular tour operators in the region.

Grand Canyon All-American Helicopter Tour
Rating: 4.2/5

The Grand Canyon All-American Helicopter Tour starts at the Las Vegas airport and treats guests to a 3.5 hour trip that includes a lunch on the floor of the canyon, champagne, limo transfer to and from your hotel and a guided tour through some of Vegas and Nevada’s sites on the way.

The cost of these tours are $300, but may include a $40 fuel surcharge applied on the day of your tour. Considering that the price of fuel is likely not to decrease, this company should just combine the prices instead of surprising passengers with an additional $40 fee on the day of their tour.

Phoenix Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventure Tours
Rating: 2.8/5

Though these Grand Canyon helicopter tours leave from Phoenix, Arizona, travelers should know that the majority of the trip is done on a bus. The total trip time is about 13 hours and includes the amount of time it takes to drive from Phoenix to the airport close to the Grand Canyon.

Admittedly, the bus tour lets you see views like the red rocks of Sedona, the Oak Creek and other sites on the way, but it can be a long day for children, older people or those who don’t want to sit on a bus for a lengthy period of time. The pricing for this tour starts at about $289.

Papillon West Rim Combo
Rating: 4/5

Papillon is one of the biggest helicopter tour companies operating in and around the Las Vegas and Grand Canyon area. Their West Rim Combo tour is also one of the most popular Las Vegas departures for Grand Canyon sightseeing.

Customers travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim in a luxury SUV. Upon arrival, they are ferried by helicopter to the bottom of the canyon where they take a boat down the Colorado River. There will be stops along the way at Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.

The full day is a great value at around $345, particularly since it includes lunch. That said, the tour makes a stop at the now-open SkyWalk, but its $30 SkyWalk admission cost is not included in your tour fee.

Maverick Helicopter Tours
Rating: 4.8/5

Maverick has two departure locations – Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon airport. Their Canyon Spirit trip costs just $245 and is one of the few Grand Canyon helicopter tours that actually takes you through the canyon and over the Kaibab National Forest.