How Much Does It Cost to Take a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour?

It really depends on the kind of helicopter you want to do. But in a nutshell, you'll pay more for tours that land, or depart from the Las Vegas Strip or use the EcoStar 130 chopper.

Tours that land ONLY depart from Las Vegas AND Boulder City, a suburb of Vegas, and go ONLY to the West Rim (the South Rim is too far from Vegas and if you want to go there you'll have to go by plane).

Naturally, tours that land are more involved and of course cost more money. How much? You're looking at prices ranging from US$ 390 up to US$ 600. By contrast, air-only tours cost around US$ 300.

Landing Tours

By far, the landing tour with Champagne picnic is the most popular and that's the one that will start around US$ 390. Personally, I find it to be a great value. In addition to the meal, you fly over the Colorado River and Grand Cliff's Wash before landing at the bottom.

The landing tour above departs from Boulder City. If you depart from the Vegas Strip, you're paying more as the prices starts around US$ 430. Even though it's more expensive, it's worth it as the package includes hotel transfers by limo and an extended flight over the Vegas Strip. There's even a sunset version, which starts around US$ 460.

(FYI - the sunset landing tour is super limited because it leaves once a day and there are only a fixed number of helicopters dedicated to it. Rule of thumb: if you want this tour, book it at least 2 weeks in advance).

Special Helicopters

Tours that use the EcoStar helicopter also tend to drive the price up. Is it worth it? Absolutely YES! This particular chopper is the newest one in the air today and it was designed specifcially for air tourism.

For example, the ECO 130 is 20% bigger than the older, conventional helicopters. It's also equipped with comfortable, forward-facing stadium-style bucket seats (some older helis come with rear-facing bench seats). The climate control on these "birds" is incredible, and this matters especially in the summer when temps at the West Rim break 110 degrees.

The EcoStar, which is also extremely quiet and smooth, is available primarily on tours that depart from the Vegas Strip. But our fleet is being modified daily and EcoStars are starting to dominate what's available from Boulder City.

South Rim

The same can be said for the South Rim, which is located in northern Arizona 1 hour from Flagstaff and Williams and 2.5 hours from Sedona. Again, if it's an ECOSTAR, expect to pay more for the tour. For example, the 50-minute tour, which I strongly recommend, exclusively uses the ECO and starts around USD$ 299. The deluxe 30-minute ECO costs USD $249. By contrast, the 30-minute basic uses the older more conventional heli and starts at USD$ 199 per person.

I do want to point out that there are NO landing tours at the South Rim as landing flights are banned by the National Park Service (the West Rim is owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe). That said, there are some terrific air-ground tours that include 30-minute basic heli with Jeep tour, prices for which start around USD $320.

Seasonal Influence

Prices referenced in this article are averages and are subject to change. Further, prices go up based on demand. And they go up more in the summer months, which is peak Grand Canyon travel season. Prices tend to drop in fall-winter but go up a week or two prior to such holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Remember, there are flights from Vegas or the South Rim on Christmas Day.

In addition, prices are always cheaper if booked online (and in advance...if you try to book same-day or a week ahead of time you'll pay more). If you are booking outside the US, no problem as you can use your local currency booking via the website. Sure, phone bookings can be made and are welcome, but they typically cost more. It's up to you but the savings can be quite significant if you are booking for two or more people (helicopters hold 6 people).

Try a Tour?

Have a great flight!

Keith Kravitz
Grand Canyon Helicopters
(702) 530-8687
grandcanyonkeith@gmail.com