Grand Canyon West Rim by Plane With Optional Helicopter & Skywalk

The Grand Canyon’s West Rim offers a captivating aerial tour that provides unparalleled views of the natural wonder. Passengers can experience the grandeur of the canyon from the sky, with the option to descend to the floor by helicopter and explore the Colorado River by pontoon boat. For the truly adventurous, the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk presents a thrilling and unique perspective. This comprehensive tour encompasses round-trip flights, hotel transfers, and a personalized experience with a small group size, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest. What awaits those who embark on this extraordinary journey is a testament to the power and beauty of nature.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Las Vegas.

Key Points

• This tour provides aerial views of the Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead, with optional helicopter and pontoon boat add-ons.
• Travelers can choose to visit the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk as an additional activity.
• The tour includes round-trip flights from Las Vegas and hotel transfers, but gratuities and certain activities are excluded.
• Passenger weight requirements and restrictions apply, with additional seats required for passengers over 300 lbs.
• The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring better service and more opportunities for exploration and photography.

Tour Overview

This Grand Canyon West Rim tour by airplane provides visitors with a unique aerial perspective of the iconic natural wonder, allowing them to admire the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River from above.

Travelers can upgrade their experience with a helicopter ride to the canyon floor and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River, offering an up-close encounter with the spectacular geology.

The tour also includes stops at the Guano Point and Eagle Point overlooks, where visitors can capture breathtaking photos.

For those seeking an extra thrill, there’s an option to visit the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, which extends out over the edge of the canyon.

Inclusions

The tour includes a 35-minute (approximately) fixed-wing airplane flight each way to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim from the Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines Terminal in Boulder City, Nevada.

Travelers can also upgrade their experience to include a helicopter flight to the floor of the canyon and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River.

Hotel transfers are available from select Las Vegas hotels, making it easy for travelers to get to and from the meeting point.

However, gratuities, the helicopter flight (if not selected), and the Skywalk ticket (if not selected) aren’t included in the tour price.

With these inclusions, adventurers can soak in the stunning aerial views and explore the canyon from multiple perspectives.

Exclusions

Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price. The helicopter flight to the floor of the Grand Canyon is also not included unless travelers select that option. Similarly, the Skywalk ticket is excluded unless specifically purchased.

While the tour provides a comprehensive aerial experience of the West Rim, these additional activities have separate costs that must be considered by participants.

The exclusions for this tour include:

1. Gratuities
2. Helicopter flight to the floor of the Grand Canyon (if not selected)
3. Skywalk ticket (if not selected)
4. Any other personal expenses or activities not mentioned in the inclusions.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can meet the tour at the Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines Terminal in Boulder City, Nevada, with hotel transfers available from most Las Vegas Strip and Downtown hotels. Passengers must check-in 45 minutes prior to the tour’s departure.

Meeting Point	Pickup Location	Check-in Time
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines Terminal	Most Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Hotels	45 minutes prior to tour
Boulder City, Nevada	–	–
–	–	–

The meeting location and pickup options provide convenience for travelers, ensuring they arrive at the starting point on time and ready to embark on the Grand Canyon West Rim adventure.

Confirmation and Booking

Confirmation for the tour is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Individual passenger weights, including infants, must be advised at the time of booking. Passengers over 300 lbs are required to purchase an additional seat.

The booking process is straightforward:

1. Provide all necessary passenger information, including weights.
2. Confirm availability and secure your reservation.
3. Receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.
4. Arrive at the meeting point 45 minutes prior to the tour departure.

This tour has limited capacity, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, ensuring flexibility for guests.

Passenger Requirements

Passengers must provide their individual weights, including infants, at the time of booking.

Those over 300 lbs will need to purchase an additional seat.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the flight.

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per tour. This is to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.

The airplane can accommodate a variety of body types, but the helicopter portion has stricter weight limits.

Passengers are advised to disclose any relevant information when booking to avoid any issues on the day of the tour.

Flexibility and understanding are key, as the tour operator must follow safety protocols to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Tour Group Size

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per excursion to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants. This small group size allows for a more personalized and intimate experience during the tour.

Some key benefits of the limited group size include:

1. Easier navigation and exploration of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim.
2. Better access to the helicopter and pontoon boat for those who’ve selected the optional add-ons.
3. More attentive and tailored service from the tour guides.
4. Enhanced opportunities for photo ops and to appreciate the stunning natural beauty without feeling overcrowded.

This carefully curated group size creates an enjoyable and memorable adventure for every traveler.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their Grand Canyon West Rim tour by plane up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure. This flexible cancellation policy allows for changes in plans or unexpected circumstances without financial penalty. Refunds are processed promptly, providing peace of mind for those booking the tour.

Cancellation Policy
Timeframe	Refund
Up to 24 hours before	Full refund
Less than 24 hours	No refund

This straightforward cancellation policy gives travelers the confidence to book the Grand Canyon West Rim tour, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change. The 24-hour window provides ample time to adjust schedules without incurring any costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details state that only the inclusions listed are provided, and any additional items like food and drinks are the responsibility of the passengers.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. However, infants must sit on laps. Passengers under 300 lbs can participate without purchasing an additional seat.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is for human passengers only, and no animals are permitted to accompany guests. Airline and tour policies prohibit the transportation of pets on this type of excursion.

Can I Request a Specific Seat on the Airplane?

Passengers can’t request specific seats on the airplane. Seat assignments are made by the airline and depend on factors like weight distribution. However, guests can let the operator know if they have any special seating needs when booking the tour.

Is There a Discount for Booking as a Group?

Yes, there may be group discounts available for this tour. Travelers booking in groups of 2 or more can inquire about potential savings at the time of booking. Group size and availability can impact the discount offered.

Recap

This aerial tour offers a breathtaking look at the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, with the opportunity to explore the canyon floor by helicopter and pontoon boat, as well as visit the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk.

With round-trip flights, hotel transfers, and a small group size, it’s a seamless and personalized experience.

Advance booking is recommended, and flexible cancellation policies provide peace of mind.