"Grand Canyon Airplane Tour With Helicopter & Boat"

There's a lot of choice when it comes to picking a Grand Canyon Airplane tour to the West Rim. For me, the one that stands out from the crowd lets you take a helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon and raft the Colorado River. Now that's what I call an awesome air tour!

Grand Canyon West Rim by Airplane

Flights depart daily from Las Vegas. Takes less than half an hour to reach the West Rim. En route, you'll fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. The approach to Grand Canyon West, a.k.a. the West Rim, is stunning.

These are commercial-grade aircraft. The Vistaliner, which flies this route, is a 19-seater that's captained by two FAA-approved pilots. These planes come with spacious cabins, ample legroom, and oversized viewing windows.

Touch down is at Grand Canyon West's new landing strip. There you transfer to a helicopter and start the 4,000-foot descent to the base. The next 10 minutes is a spectacle of pre-historic buttes, spires, and rock formations.

Helicopters land on private helipads near the Colorado River. This is where you'll deplane and enjoy a Champagne picnic. Make sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding area. I recommend asking your pilot-guide for a mini-tour.

Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

It's a short walk to the area where the pontoon boats are docked. These are adventure-ready watercraft. They come with two out-board motors and can seat up to 19 people. This is a no-rapids trip. Kids four years of age and older can do this smooth-water float ride. Suggestion: Pack sunscreen, a dry pair of clothes, a brimmed hat, and some water (usually supplied).

Why Canyon Airplane Tours Rule!

I'm a big fan of this canyon air tour. It lets you explore the canyon from the ground up. There are not a lot of trips out there that can do this. Here are some more key reasons why this air tour is terrific:

1. Large groups and families can do them. Helicopters can only seat up to six people. Airplanes can handle up 19. The benefit? All of you fly together.
   
   
2. Airplanes are comfortable. I talked about cabin space earlier. It's true. There's plenty of personal space and legroom. So kick back, lower the meal tray, and relax!
   
   
3. Airplane rides are smoother. Planes fly at a higher altitude than helicopters so the air is smoother. Take this airplane ride if you get jitters about air travel.
   
   
4. They're cheaper. It's called "economy of scale." Simply put, it costs less to operate an airplane than a helicopter because more people can fly. Why not take advantage of this and save yourself money?!?!
   
   

Let's Fly!

The Grand Canyon Airplane Tour with helicopter and boat is fun for travelers of all ages. It's also the most efficient way to enjoy the most canyon is the least amount of time. I'm still amazed that visitors can pack all this in and still get back to The Strip for an evening performance of the Blue Man Group. Hey, it's a Vegas vacation. Why settle for anything less!

Have a Grand day,

P.S. This canyon air tour comes with pre-recorded trip narration in up to 10 languages! It's very informative and, IMHO, enhances the flight. More information about this Grand Canyon airplane tour with helicopter and boat can be found here.