Water adventures in Las Vegas go far beyond the famous Bellagio fountains. The standout experience combines a West Rim helicopter flight with a Colorado River pontoon ride – particularly appealing for its efficient use of time and stunning views. Back in the city, the venetian-style gondola rides offer a surprisingly authentic touch of Italy, especially during evening hours. For serious adventurers, the trifecta Grand Canyon tour (airplane, helicopter, and boat) delivers maximum impact in one day.
A Lake Mead dinner cruise provides a peaceful contrast to the Strip’s intensity, with desert sunsets and Hoover Dam views. After years of exploring these options, these well-organized tours consistently earn top marks for reliability and value.
Check out our favorite Las Vegas boat tours and cruises below.
Key Points
- The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Tour offers a 90-minute cruise on Lake Mead with a deli-style lunch and a visit to the iconic Hoover Dam.
- The Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter, and Boat Tour provides a comprehensive 7-hour experience with aerial views, a helicopter descent, and a boat cruise.
- The Las Vegas Super Saver Package combines entry to Madame Tussauds and a 15-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal at The Venetian.
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours offer a 35-minute helicopter flight with scenic views of the Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam, and Joshua Trees.
- The gondola ride at The Venetian, included in the Madame Tussauds experience, provides a scenic and memorable cruise along the Grand Canal.
Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour With VIP Skywalk and Boat Ride
The Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with VIP Skywalk and Boat Ride offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Combining a helicopter flight, pontoon boat cruise, and VIP access to the Skywalk, this tour packs a punch. Travelers will enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, Hoover Dam, and Joshua Trees.
The tour includes a helicopter landing on the canyon floor, a boat ride on the Colorado River, and front-of-the-line privileges at the Skywalk.
With a 4.2/5 rating from 75 reviews, this bucket list experience is worth the $849 price tag.
The tour’s inclusions, such as hotel transfers and a souvenir photo, make it a compelling option for Las Vegas visitors seeking an unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure.
Read our full review: Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour With VIP Skywalk and Boat Ride Review
Book now: Check availability
Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds With a Gondola Cruise
Excitement surrounds the opportunity to take in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas at Madame Tussauds.
For just $59.99, visitors can experience this iconic wax museum and take a ride on the outdoor gondola at The Venetian Hotel.
With over 80 life-size wax figures, including Marvel superheroes, the interactive displays allow guests to engage with their favorite celebrities.
The gondola cruise down the Grand Canal offers stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip, accompanied by the serenade of romantic songs.
Valued at 4.2 out of 5 stars, this package provides excellent value for money and a memorable experience in the heart of Sin City.
Read our full review: Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds With a Gondola Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds With Gondola Boat Ride
For those seeking to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds With Gondola Boat Ride offers a compelling package.
This combo ticket allows visitors to experience two top attractions – the lifelike wax figures of celebrities and superheroes at Madame Tussauds, and a scenic 15-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal at The Venetian.
With an average rating of 3.9/5 based on 1,585 reviews, the experience promises fun and memorable moments.
While the gondola ride is shared with other parties, it provides a romantic ambiance as visitors glide along the waterway.
The package is reasonably priced, starting from $59.99 per person, and offers a flexible schedule to enjoy the activities.
Read our full review: Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds With Gondola Boat Ride Review
Book now: Check availability
Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk
Soaring high above the iconic landscape, the Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk promises an unparalleled adventure.
This 7-hour experience whisks guests from Boulder City to the Grand Canyon West Rim, offering a 35-minute helicopter flight, a pontoon boat cruise, and access to the Skywalk – a glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
With live English guides and audio commentary in multiple languages, the tour caters to an international audience. Reviewers praise the pilots’ skill and the breathtaking scenery, though some note logistical issues.
Priced at $849 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers, equipment, and admission fees, making it a comprehensive Grand Canyon excursion.
Read our full review: Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk Review
Book now: Check availability
Hoover Dam Tour With Lake Mead Cruise From Las Vegas
Visitors to Las Vegas can now explore the grandeur of Hoover Dam and the serene beauty of Lake Mead with the Hoover Dam Tour With Lake Mead Cruise From Las Vegas.
The full-day excursion includes a 90-minute cruise on Lake Mead aboard the Desert Princess paddle-wheel steamboat and a visit to the Hoover Dam Visitors Center. Guests can enjoy scenic views from the Observation Deck and capture photographs at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
The tour provides a deli-style lunch on the cruise and features an expert guide to share information along the way. With a maximum of 30 travelers, this tour offers a more personalized experience.
Read our full review: Hoover Dam Tour With Lake Mead Cruise From Las Vegas Review
Book now: Check availability
Vegas: Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter and Boat Tour
Exploring the grandeur of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas has never been easier with the Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter and Boat Tour. Priced from $569 per person, this 7-hour adventure offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of the canyon, a helicopter descent, and a tranquil boat cruise.
Highlights include breathtaking views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, a 3-hour sightseeing excursion along the Grand Canyon West Rim, and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a comprehensive Grand Canyon experience from Vegas.
While long wait times for the helicopter ride have been noted, the overall experience earns a stellar 4.8/5 rating from past guests.
Read our full review: Vegas: Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter and Boat Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Las Vegas offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to explore the surrounding natural wonders. From helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon to gondola cruises and Hoover Dam tours, visitors can enjoy diverse experiences that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these tours provide an opportunity to make the most of your time in Las Vegas.