Embark on an unforgettable aerial adventure with Papillon Helicopter's Grand Canyon tours, offering breathtaking views of one of the world's natural wonders. From the comfort of their state-of-the-art helicopters, experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon's West and South Rims, including the iconic Skywalk. With tours tailored to every preference and a legacy of excellence since 1965, Papillon is your gateway to the skies above this majestic landscape.
Papillon Helicopters, established in 1965, has grown to become the largest helicopter sightseeing company in the world, transporting approximately 600,000 passengers each year to the Grand Canyon National Park. Their expansive fleet of 48 aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge features designed to enhance the sightseeing experience. These include wrap-around vista windows for unobstructed panoramic views, stadium-style seating for an elevated vantage point, and multilingual pre-recorded narratives to enrich the journey for international guests.
For aviation enthusiasts, Papillon's fleet boasts a variety of models, including the Bell 206L, 206B, Bell 407, A-Star 350B, BA B2, MD900, and the EcoStar (EC130). These helicopters are fitted with a two-way communication system, allowing passengers to converse with the pilot and each other while soaking in the stunning aerial vistas.
Papillon's helicopter tours commence from the Boulder City heliport, conveniently located a short distance southeast of McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The company provides a comprehensive service that includes hotel pickup approximately 1.5 hours before departure and drop-off after the tour. For excursions that include a landing, guests are treated to a light snack or lunch, adding to the overall experience.
Papillon offers tours to both the West Rim, situated 120 miles from Las Vegas, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The most popular West Rim tour is the "Grand Celebration," while "The Majestic" is the preferred choice for South Rim explorers.
West Rim helicopter tours typically span about four hours and feature flyovers of the historic Hoover Dam, the azure waters of Lake Mead, the impressive Grand Wash Cliffs, and ancient volcanic formations. Upon reaching Grand Canyon West, options include a return flight to Las Vegas, a landing at the Rim's summit, or a descent to the Canyon's floor. For those opting for a bottom-landing tour, there's an opportunity to enhance the adventure with a river rafting experience.
Flights to the South Rim take off from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, a quaint town just minutes from the Park's main entrance. Direct helicopter flights to this rim are not available; instead, guests can choose from bus/heli or airplane/heli combination packages, such as the "Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter." The helicopter portion of the tour showcases the expansive Kaibab Plateau and the Dragoon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Canyon, before circling back via the remote North Rim.
Papillon Helicopters offers competitive pricing, with significant savings available for those who book online. The company's website is user-friendly, secure, and frequently provides discounts of up to 40 percent. For current pricing and special offers, visit Papillon Helicopters' official website.
While Papillon's tours are widely known, some lesser-discussed statistics include the environmental impact of their EcoStar helicopters. The EcoStar (EC130) model, which features a Fenestron tail rotor, is approximately 50% quieter than conventional helicopters, making it a more eco-friendly option for touring sensitive natural areas like the Grand Canyon. Additionally, the Grand Canyon itself is home to over 1,000 caves, with only 335 recorded and even fewer explored, adding a layer of mystery to the already awe-inspiring landscape.
In conclusion, Papillon Helicopter Tours offers a unique and comprehensive way to experience the Grand Canyon's splendor from the skies. With a fleet of advanced helicopters and a variety of tour options, Papillon provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders.
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A Comprehensive Review of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Embarking on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is an experience like no other, and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers one of the most memorable ways to witness the natural wonder. Recently, my family and I had the opportunity to take to the skies with Papillon, and I'm eager to share our impressions of this breathtaking adventure.
