When it comes to Grand Canyon helicopter tours, there are basic and deluxe versions. For those with the budget, always go deluxe. And if you do, here\’s my list of the Top 3 that give you the most value for the money.

Las Vegas

First, let me clarify that ONLY Las Vegas helicopters are permitted to fly below the rim and land. South Rim helicopters do not and that\’s because the National Park Service (NPS) bans them from doing so. Further, there are no flights between the West Rim and the South and vice versa.

OK, with that out of the way, my #1 pick for best deluxe heli ride is the one that departs from the Las Vegas Strip and flies 3,500 feet to the bottom for a Champagne Picnic. Not only do you get to toast your adventure, but you also get picked up in a limo and an extended tour over The Strip is included on the way back.

The kind of helicopters used on deluxe flights are a pretty big deal, too. In this case, it\’s the EcoStar 130, a superior flying machine that\’s up to 25 percent larger than a conventional helicopter. Moreover, the EC 130 comes with a massive 180-degree wraparound windshield and stacked stadium-style seating that ensures that every seat is a good one.

MEGA Tour

My #2 pick is another Las Vegas heli ride that I call the MEGA tour. The reason is because it does everything. It includes the top, the bottom, a boat ride on the Colorado River and VIP tickets to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This tour is super limited and only departs in the morning so if you want it you\’ll have to book it fast.

Couple bits about the Skywalk. Yes, you want to do it. The views are spectacular, especially the ones of Guano Point and Eagle Point. And get ready for thrills. The bridge lets you walk some 70 feet over the edge until you are standing some 4K feet over the bottom! Cameras are not permitted but there are plenty of paid photogs who know how to get the best shots of you enjoying this attraction.

My #3 pick originates from the South Rim and the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is located in the small town of Tusayan, AZ. This is the tour that flies over the South, East and North Rims before landing. When it\’s all said and done, you\’ll have seen up to 75 percent of the National Park, including the Dragoon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Canyon.

Conclusion

I hope this article about my Top 3 deluxe Grand Canyon helicopters helped you plan activities for your vacation. Remember, deluxe tours cost more, but they also come with more perks like limo transfers, extended Vegas Strip tours, and, of course, the EcoStar 130 helicopter. Naturally, these tours sell out quick, so if you go for it, make sure to book it well in advance, like right after you get your hotel room or at least a week or two prior to flight time.

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: grand canyon, las vegas, vegas, arizona, south rim, tusayan, national parks, travel