Hey it's Keith Kravitz and this is Helicopter Weekend Update!
We are deep into spring and the Canyon is absolutely beautiful. Plants are blooming. The weather is ideal for flying. The river is at full-flow. Yes, indeed, if you're thinking of a trip to the National Park, now is the time!
The days are definitely starting to warm up so dress accordingly. True, mornings still have a bit of a chill to them, but things start to warm up around 9 a.m. these days. Thus if you have a morning departure, dress in layers.
Do enjoy the temperate weather because once May is here, summer is on.
Bear in mind that it's still spring break time for kids and families and that many tours are selling out. To get the best departure times and prices, always book in advance and online.
And please: avoid purchasing your tour when you arrive at Las Vegas or the South Rim. Prices will be at a premium and in many cases the best flight times will be sold out.
Las Vegas, NV
The most popular tour at this time is the Champagne helicopter package. I don't expect that to change. Especially consider how good of a value it is. The basic bottom-landing trip includes 30-minutes at the base, a picnic, and free hotel transfers.
There's a deluxe Champagne picnic, too. Personally, I think this is the better value but it costs more than the basic. What makes it so special? First, it comes with a Vegas Strip flyover (top to bottom). Second, it includes free hotel transfers by limousine.
Then there's the air-only (no-landing) tour. This is a grea toption if you have limited time or limited budget. It flies over all the key landmarks and sights. If you want to super-size it, go with the deluxe air-only, which
adds on a Vegas Strip flyover and limo transfers.
Canyon on your Bucket List? Try the 4-in-1 Mega tour! This is the one that goes top, bottom, boat and Skywalk. You do all this in 7 hours. If there's one tour where you can say, "Been there, done that," this is it. I find the descent to the bottom and the ascent to the top to be mind-blowingly fun.
Weight Limits
There are no weight limits on helicopter tours. Just weight surcharges, and they kick in on any guest who weighs more than 300 lbs. Further, the weight surcharge only applies to Las Vegas departures. There is no weight surcharge at the South Rim. Relatedly, there's a weight surcharge of $100 if you take a plane tour from Las Vegas. Read more...
South Rim/Tusayan, AZ
Consider trying one of our special helicopter and jeep combos. In a nutshell, the most popular one includes a 30-minute helicopter ride combined with a 2-hour Jeep tour inside the Park. Frankly, this air-ground tour is the ultimate way to experience South Rim...if it's still available.
(I also have a 50-minute helicopter + 2-hr. Jeep tour but it's super limited and only available over the phone. If you want it, call me at 702-530-8687. Ask for Keith).
Then there's the 50-minute deluxe flyover (South Rim helicopters do not fly below the rim and land. That's only available from Las Vegas). This is the best all-air tour on the planet. Covers South Rim, East Rim and North Rim in one package. By the time you've done it, you'll have seen up to 75 percent of the Park!
NEED A TOUR?
Reply back to this message if you need to buy a tour by telling me:
*From Las Vegas or South Rim?
*Day and month you want to do a tour
*The kind of tour you want
I reply to EVERY email.
Have a great day!
