Discover the Grand Canyon in its full glory with a helicopter tour that offers a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. While many visitors limit their experience to a couple of viewpoints, a helicopter ride over the 9,000-square-mile national park reveals the true scale and beauty of the landscape. This article will guide you through the best deals and tips for a South Rim helicopter adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Helicopter tours from the South Rim operate daily, including holidays, departing from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, just a short drive from the park's main entrance. Currently, three tour operators offer these sky-high adventures.
Due to strict airspace regulations over the Grand Canyon National Park, helicopter tours follow a standard route. Departing from the Kaibab Plateau, helicopters zoom at 200 miles per hour into the Dragoon Corridor, the canyon's broadest and deepest section, before circling back at the North Rim.
For the clearest views, book an early morning tour. However, sunrise and sunset flights are also available for those seeking the most picturesque lighting conditions. If possible, upgrade to an EcoStar 130 helicopter, which boasts stadium-style seating, expansive 180-degree windshields, and quieter Fenestron tail rotors for an enhanced viewing experience.
Seating arrangements are based on weight distribution for safety, and each passenger is provided with a headset. This allows for communication with the pilot and fellow passengers, with optional multilingual narrations available.
Remember to charge your digital camera, pack extra batteries, and bring additional memory sticks. You'll want to capture every moment, from the Kaibab Plateau and North Rim to the Colorado River and Grand Canyon Village. Special flights during sunrise, sunset, and the Monsoon season offer unique photographic opportunities.
For those in Las Vegas, direct helicopter flights to the South Rim are not available. Instead, you can opt for a bus/helicopter or airplane/helicopter combination tour. The luxury bus journey and the airplane flight take approximately 5.5 hours and 45 minutes, respectively. The airplane package includes a bus ride to Grand Canyon Village, a hub for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
The most competitive prices for South Rim helicopter tours are found online, with discounts up to 35 percent off. It's advisable to book directly through the tour operator's website for secure transactions and the best rates. Grand Canyon Helicopters provide an unparalleled perspective of the canyon, and booking online can lead to significant savings.
When planning your Grand Canyon adventure, consider taking to the skies for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical lookout points. With careful planning and online booking, a helicopter tour can be the highlight of your visit, providing panoramic views and a deeper appreciation for this iconic landscape.
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