Top 5 Grand Canyon Helicopter & River Tours: Reviews & Tips

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Well, a Grand Canyon helicopter tour combined with a Colorado River boat ride is that unforgettable way to experience the grandeur. So, you get to soar over the majestic landscape and also cruise along the famous river, which is, of course, two adventures in one. Actually, in this article, we’re checking out the five best tour options available, highlighting what makes each one unique so, you can pick that perfect fit for your travel style and budget. Very many visitors find the mix of aerial views and ground-level exploration absolutely spectacular, that truly delivering a complete perspective of this natural wonder. In a way, that blending gives you those incredible photo opportunities and those memories that will last a lifetime, which is exactly why these tours are very popular. I mean, who wouldn’t want a birds-eye view and a relaxing river adventure all rolled into one?

1. Grand Voyager Tour: Air & River Combo

The Grand Voyager Tour that combines that helicopter flight with a boat ride, well, that’s arguably one of the most comprehensive options. Arguably, it usually starts with a scenic flight from the South Rim over to the canyon’s deepest and widest parts so, that includes views of the Colorado River winding below. Very much depending on the tour operator, so, you might even get a chance to fly over the Las Vegas Strip. Next, after that helicopter descent to the canyon floor, where you hop aboard a pontoon boat for a smooth cruise on the Colorado River and enjoy those views from a new angle is that experience. After that river tour, then, you hop back on the helicopter for a return flight, or the so called ascent, offering a completely different perspective on that scenery, is that. Actually, it’s typically a full-day experience, allowing time for stops at observation points so, for that is you get great photos and that chance to soak in all the views, yet that does sound heavenly! Often, lunch is provided, which is just so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own so that adds convenience for anyone on a tight schedule or simply wanting to relax all day. More or less, that tour is perfect for those seeking that efficient yet really amazing Grand Canyon adventure with minimum hassle and maximum scenery.

2. Deluxe Sunset Helicopter Tour with Colorado River Float

Picture this: golden light paints the canyon walls as the sun begins to drop below the horizon – now, that’s the Deluxe Sunset Helicopter Tour. It offers the amazing views, yet it times them perfectly for that stunning sunset display. Typically, this tour kicks off with that flight from the terminal out to the canyon, which in this case might be Las Vegas, showcasing the Mojave Desert and, if so, Lake Mead along the way. Arguably, when you land near the Colorado River, where, finally, a boat awaits for that lazy, downstream cruise while, I mean, what could be better. Almost, that river portion is that calm contrast to that excitement of that helicopter flight so that truly allows you to appreciate that vastness of that canyon at water level. By the way, often, dinner is part of that package so, that lets you dine al fresco while, literally, taking in that spectacular sunset view, and that alone is well worth it. As a matter of fact, that tour option is especially appealing to couples seeking that really romantic experience or frankly anyone wanting that slightly unique spin on that Grand Canyon visit, for that is not your everyday thing at all. Arguably, seeing that canyon bathed in gold while floating on the river and also dining in the open air might just create memories that last well beyond your trip. Really, for any celebration this one seems great as this moment is magical!

3. Indian Adventures: Helicopter and River Rafting Expedition

Now, for something with a cultural spin, there’s the Indian Adventures: Helicopter and River Rafting Expedition. Usually, what is slightly special about this option is that it gives you those insights into that Native American culture that’s integral to the area’s history, anyway so many miss on regular tours, don’t they. Often, you might see that tour operate in cooperation with the Hualapai tribe. Therefore it incorporates traditional storytelling and some learning about that canyon’s spiritual significance, so, something many tourists don’t consider is the traditional element of the attraction, like the canyon. In this case, the rafting part isn’t just some leisurely float trip because actually, it’s more of that real rafting adventure down that Colorado River, yet not something too difficult so, beginners should be OK. Very, very commonly you have knowledgeable guides that give some natural and geological facts plus a dash of history as you float. Basically, if you enjoy learning while experiencing, that is the kind of thing that this expedition will offer: both that awesome helicopter trip and a connection with the area’s cultural heritage too it’s almost everything you might hope for from this excursion. It is very worth remembering too it’s almost really really great, to be honest and as an absolute cultural adventure.

4. Over The Edge: Helicopter Tour & Smooth Water Float Trip

“Over The Edge” seems like such a dramatic title, isn’t it? That’s kind of why this tour might sound good to all those daring ones among you! In a way, that trip offers that balanced mix of scenic thrills and so it also includes that relaxing exploration so, that can be the recipe for many visitors’ happiness. First comes that scenic helicopter flight to give those awesome bird’s eye views over that massive scale of the canyon which is, obviously, a real hit. That flight usually touches down near that Colorado River at which time is that smooth water float trip takes over for a more grounded perspective. That type of river cruise focuses less on excitement but then is that chance to drink in that beauty of those canyon walls from way down at that water level so, very worth considering. Often you might expect that some light refreshments provided and maybe that stop at a scenic viewpoint for some photos which would then be, in some respects, be an awesome moment. As a matter of fact, this tour tends to be suited best for people looking for those relaxed but remarkable experiences; so very little to no rafting which will be an advantage if, say, there’s small children that need consideration. Therefore, taking some amazing photographs without being too tiring might just make this whole thing even more appealing but then you must come and experience an adventure like no other.

5. Black Canyon Helicopter Flight with Colorado River Rafting

Finally, a different spin, the Black Canyon Helicopter Flight with Colorado River Rafting because really, if you’ve seen that regular Grand Canyon, then this is a change for you. Just a little something: actually, that Black Canyon is created by the Colorado River way below the Grand Canyon, near Hoover Dam and so is it known for its dramatic, dark cliffs. Seemingly, beginning with that helicopter tour is not only something efficient to reach that remote area but, in a way, is quite an unforgettable view to take in, even more impressive if seen from up there! Actually, that whitewater rafting experience down parts of the Colorado River takes you through some seriously steep canyon walls that offer some really amazing viewpoints you just wouldn’t see any other way so very special as it is. In particular, these types of trips may stop at secluded beaches for hikes and perhaps even swimming, so remember to bring a swimming suit if that suits. At the end of the day, that option is more for people seeking something different from that “typical” Grand Canyon experience but, as always, depending on the agency this may include added benefits which some people might appreciate and very often they will. Anyhow, if it suits you this is perhaps exactly what you might expect to give yourself or your closest friends and family, which I have no doubt you will completely adore.