If you are going to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas, make sure you read the fine print. Many depart from neighboring Boulder City, North Las Vegas and Henderson, which is fine, but if you want to lock in the best value, you\’ll want to make sure you\’re flying out from The Strip.

Neon Boulevard

Strip flights also include an extended tour over Las Vegas Boulevard. This happens on the way back from the Canyon. You go from the Stratosphere Tower to the Luxor pyramid. In between, you\’ll see Paris\’ Eiffel Tower, Bellagio\’s dancing fountains, New York New York\’s Manhattan skyline, MGM\’s Emerald City and so much more.

These packages also include free stretch limousine hotel pick up and drop off. I think this is a pretty big deal, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday or wedding. But the biggest plus in my book is the helicopter these packages use. In this case, it\’s the EcoStar 130.

There are many things that make the EcoStar extraordinary. First is the fact that its cabin is 25% larger than the aircraft used on the cheaper tours. The extra size means each Eco is outfitted with stadium-style bucket seats. In addition, this helicopter also boasts a 180-degree wraparound windshield that offers mega-views and an aerodynamic design that delivers the smoothest ride possible.

Types of Tours

There are two kinds of tours available: Air-only and landing. Both go over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River and the Canyon. The air-only flies over the National Park and heads back to Vegas, while landing tours either go to the bottom or the top of the West Rim. My favorite is the one that goes to the bottom for a Champagne picnic (it can also be upgraded to include VIP Skywalk tickets and a boat ride).

I recommend that you book these flights over the Internet and in advance in order to get the best tours at the lowest price. Remember, these trips are limited and sell out fast so getting seats locked in is paramount. Typically, I advise travelers to book their seats right after they book their hotel. And never purchase your trip within 48 hours of departure – you will pay more or you will not get seats.

It\’s summer time in Vegas and that means heat. Right now, temperatures are regularly breaking 100 degrees so please dress comfortably. This means wearing loose, comfortable clothing. I also suggest you pack a brimmed hat, sun block, sunglasses and water. If you are doing a landing tour, please wear running shoes or the like as the terrain is uneven and rocky. Lastly, consider bring a salty snack like trail mix.

Conclusion

I hope this article about Grand Canyon helicopters that depart from Las Vegas proved helpful as you plan your vacation. I strongly recommend flights that leave from The Strip because they are more convenient. Further, they include limo hotel transfer as well as an extended tour over The Strip. Most importantly, however, is the fact that these trips use the superior EcoStar 130. But book these flights soon as they are limited and regularly sell out.

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Author Bio: The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Rim helicopter, grand canyon, las vegas, grand canyon helicopters, las vegas helicopters