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A variety of companies offer helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, with many options departing from Grand Canyon National Park Airport (located in Tusayan) and most Las Vegas hotels. Read on to discover the top-rated options based on recent traveler reviews. All of the recommended tours have at least 100 reviews and a rating of 4 or higher.
- Best from Grand Canyon: Maverick Helicopters – Canyon Spirit
- Best from Las Vegas: Maverick Helicopters – Wind Dancer
- Best with Skywalk: 5 Star Helicopter Tours – Grand Canyon Helicopter Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour
- Best for Families: Papillon Private North Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Note: Companies may impose a fuel surcharge on top of the regular rate. Also, there are passenger weight restrictions for most helicopter tours; an additional fee may apply for those who exceed the weight limit.
Best from Grand Canyon: Maverick Helicopters – Canyon Spirit
| Departure point | Grand Canyon National Park Airport |
| Starting price | $349 |
| Tour duration | 45 minutes |
| Weight limit (per person) | 300 pounds |
Departing from the South Rim, this Grand Canyon helicopter tour flies over the Kaibab National Forest, the Colorado River, the North Rim and the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the canyon. Along the way, passengers will soar above Marble Canyon and Point Imperial, among other landmarks. Reviewers rave about Maverick’s professional, informative pilots and say the views of the canyon are outstanding.
Flights depart multiple times daily. Note that the company does not provide transportation to or from the airport.
Best From Las Vegas: Maverick Helicopters – Wind Dancer
| Departure point | Las Vegas |
| Starting price | $599 |
| Tour duration | 4 hours |
| Weight limit (per person) | 300 pounds |
Departing from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, this half-day tour takes you over Lake Mead, one of the most impressive lakes in Arizona; Fortification Hill; the Hoover Dam and more before stopping to land 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon. Once you land, you’ll be served beverages (including sparkling wine) and light snacks.
On the way back to the city, you’ll take in epic views of the canyon’s rock formations before descending past the glittering lights of Vegas and its famous attractions. According to reviewers, the flight is exhilarating and well worth the money. Many have called it the highlight of their Vegas vacation.
Flights depart several times daily.
Best With Skywalk: 5 Star Helicopter Tours – Grand Canyon Helicopter Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour
| Departure point | Las Vegas |
| Starting price | $599 |
| Tour duration | 4 hours |
| Weight limit (per person) | 250 pounds |
This helicopter journey includes pickup and drop-off from Vegas hotels, live commentary from an expert pilot and stellar views of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. The flight also goes below the West Rim.
At Eagle Point Rim, you’ll have about 30 minutes to admire the scenery and the option to explore the Grand Canyon Skywalk for an additional fee. On the way back, you’ll see the Las Vegas Strip from above. Reviewers enjoy the tour, with many citing the fun and informative pilots as a highlight of the trip.
Tours depart multiple times daily.
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Best for Families: Papillon Private North Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
| Departure point | Grand Canyon National Park Airport |
| Starting price | $420 |
| Tour duration | 30 minutes |
| Weight limit (per person) | 299 pounds |
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of both the South Rim and North Rim on this family-family helicopter tour, which accommodates up to six guests. In addition to the canyon’s towering rock formations, you’ll see the lush Kaibab National Forest and Colorado River from above.
Previous tourgoers describe this experience as “unbelievable,” noting that the views are outstanding. They also say they felt safe and enjoyed the music played during their journey.
Tourgoers have the option to upgrade to an EcoStar helicopter for a more environmentally friendly – and quieter – ride. You can also add a two-hour Hummer excursion to the tour.
This article originally appeared in U.S News Travel.
Contact My Journey Begins Travel to build your customized Grand Canyon trip, with optional helicopter flightseeing.