Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter and Boat Tour by Luxury Car

Discover the Ultimate Grand Canyon Adventure with Helicopter and Boat Excursions

The Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter and Boat Tour by Luxury Car offers an exhilarating way to see one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Priced at $450 per person, this 7-hour experience combines scenic drives, a 14-minute helicopter flight, and a 15-20 minute pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. Starting from Las Vegas, the tour ensures a seamless day out with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it accessible and convenient.

This tour stands out with its unique highlights: a helicopter landing on the canyon floor, breathtaking views from above, and the chance to float close to the canyon’s walls. The journey is perfect for those who want an immersive experience that balances adventure with comfort, thanks to the luxury Mercedes Sprinter transportation. While it offers many unforgettable moments, keep in mind that admission to the Skywalk is not included, and the tour is non-refundable, so planning ahead is wise.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic helicopter flight over and into the Grand Canyon West Rim
• Pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River provides close-up views of the canyon walls
• Stops at Hoover Dam and Joshua Tree Forest offer scenic and photographic opportunities
• Luxury transportation from Las Vegas in a Mercedes Sprinter ensures comfort
• Tour duration is approximately 7 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• No refunds once booked, so careful scheduling is recommended

Starting Point and Convenient Pickup in Las Vegas

The tour departs from the Bellagio Hotel & Casino at 6:30 am, providing a prompt start for a full day of exploration. The hotel pickup service is included, removing the hassle of arranging transportation and allowing you to relax from the moment you leave Las Vegas. The luxury Mercedes Sprinter transports guests comfortably through the scenic desert landscapes of Arizona and Nevada.

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll enjoy the drive through Joshua Tree Forest, an area notable for its striking, otherworldly trees and desert scenery. This stops adds a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the region before reaching the canyon.

Scenic Drive Over the Hoover Dam Bypass with a Photo Stop

The tour’s first highlight is crossing the Hoover Dam bypass bridge, where a 15-minute photo stop offers perfect views of the dam below. This iconic structure, known for its impressive engineering and historical significance, provides an excellent photo opportunity for capturing the Nevada-Arizona border and the river below. The stop is brief but memorable, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.

This part of the journey emphasizes the scenic route and the impressive landscapes that surround the Grand Canyon area. The drive through the desert landscape offers views of rugged mountains and expansive skies, enriching the overall experience.

The Unique Experience of the Joshua Tree Forest

Driving through Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest is a highlight for lovers of unusual plant life and striking scenery. Known for its spiky trees and stark beauty, this landscape creates a surreal backdrop for the journey. The forest offers a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the canyon, and travelers often appreciate the chance for photographs amidst these distinctive trees.

It’s a quiet, scenic area that enriches the overall appeal of the tour, giving a sense of the diverse terrain within Arizona’s desert regions.

Arriving at Grand Canyon West for Helicopter Excursion

Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon West Airport, the real adventure begins. This tour is distinctive because it includes a helicopter landing on the canyon floor, a feature only available in this part of the canyon. The helicopter ride lasts about 5-7 minutes, during which you soar 4,000 feet above the canyon, then descend 2,500 feet to see the walls up close.

This helicopter experience offers spectacular aerial views of the canyon’s layered rock formations and vast scale. It’s an exhilarating way to witness the canyon’s grandeur from both above and below, providing perspectives impossible to get from the rim alone.

The Pontoon Boat Ride on the Colorado River

Following the helicopter flight, you’ll float between the canyon’s massive stone walls on a 15-20 minute pontoon boat ride along the Colorado River. This water journey offers a tranquil, immersive experience, giving close-up views of the canyon walls from the water level. The boat ride is smooth and provides a contrasting perspective to the aerial flight, emphasizing the sheer size and beauty of the canyon.

This part of the tour is a highlight for those seeking a serene moment amidst the adventure, with the opportunity to appreciate the canyon’s geological features from a different vantage point.

Exploring the Grand Canyon West Area and Optional Activities

After the boat ride, guests have the chance to explore the Grand Canyon West area further. The tour includes a visit to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures Ranch, an 80-acre property just outside the canyon. Here, guests can enjoy lunch and relax before heading back to Las Vegas.

Additional activities like a scenic guided horseback ride or ATV tour can be added for those seeking more adventure, though these are not included in the base package. Plus, there is an option for a horse-drawn wagon ride through the desert landscape, and an admission fee for the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is not included in this tour.

Return Journey Through Scenic Arizona Landscapes

After completing the canyon activities, the tour retraces its route back to Las Vegas in the luxury Mercedes Sprinter. The drive takes you through Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest once again, allowing you to enjoy the scenic desert scenery and reflect on the day’s adventures.

The return trip offers a relaxed end to a day packed with breathtaking sights and unique experiences, with an estimated drop-off back at the Bellagio in the late afternoon or early evening.

Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free option for visitors staying in Las Vegas. All admission fees and taxes are covered, except for optional activities like the Skywalk or horseback riding. It also features a self-guided miniature animal petting zoo with buffalo viewing, adding a family-friendly element to the day.

Guests enjoy lunch at the Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures Ranch, a convenient way to refuel after a busy morning of sightseeing.

What’s Not Included and Important Considerations

This tour does not include admission to the Skywalk, so if that’s a priority, it requires separate planning. The optional horseback riding and ATV tours each last about an hour and can be booked separately. The tour is non-refundable, so it’s crucial to confirm your plans accordingly.

The total weight per passenger is limited to 299 lbs, which is something to keep in mind for larger guests. The group size is capped at 28 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience without overcrowding.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour appeals most to those seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim with highlights like helicopter flights and boat rides. It’s ideal for travelers who want a luxury experience with convenient logistics and the chance to see the canyon from multiple perspectives.

Adventure seekers will appreciate the added optional activities like horseback riding and ATV tours, while those interested in scenic drives and photo stops will find the journey through Joshua Tree Forest and over Hoover Dam particularly engaging.

Final Thoughts on the Grand Canyon West Rim Tour

The Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter and Boat Tour by Luxury Car offers a well-rounded, exciting day that showcases some of the most stunning aspects of the canyon. The helicopter landing on the canyon floor, combined with the water float, provides unique vantage points that make the experience memorable.

While the non-inclusion of the Skywalk may disappoint some, the tour’s scenic stops, luxury transport, and adventure elements compensate with a rich, immersive experience. It suits those who want a professional, comfortable tour that balances aerial views, waterside serenity, and scenic drives through iconic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? Yes, the tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off from Las Vegas, making transportation easy and comfortable.

How long does the helicopter flight last? The helicopter ride lasts approximately 5-7 minutes, soaring 4,000 feet over the canyon and descending 2,500 feet to the canyon floor.

What activities are included in the base tour? The core experience includes the helicopter flight, pontoon boat ride, drive through Joshua Tree Forest, and lunch at the ranch.

Can I visit the Skywalk? No, admission to the Skywalk is not included in this tour, and it must be purchased separately if desired.

What is the return time to Las Vegas? The tour typically concludes in the late afternoon or early evening, returning to Las Vegas in the luxury Mercedes Sprinter.

Are there optional activities? Yes, guests can add guided horseback riding or ATV tours, each lasting about an hour, for additional adventure.

Is this tour suitable for large guests? The maximum weight per passenger is 299 lbs, so this should be considered when booking.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a camera for photos are recommended. The tour provides all necessary equipment and transportation.

Can I cancel or change the booking? No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

What makes this tour special? The opportunity to land inside the canyon, float on the Colorado River, and enjoy scenic drives in a luxury vehicle makes this tour stand apart from typical canyon trips.