Taking a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is one of the best ways to see the national park. Here are a few tips you should know before you book your tour. Although it seems like all the tours depart from Las Vegas, some of them actually lift off from the nearby cities of North Las Vegas, Henderson, or Boulder City. Those departure points are okay, but you can save some commute time by booking a flight that departs from the Strip in Vegas.

Lights Of Vegas

One fun reason to book a helicopter tour that departs from the Strip is that you get to see Neon Boulevard and all it's colorful lights on your return flight from the canyon. You'll see the lights twinkle in the sky as you travel from Stratosphere Tower to the famous Luxor Pyramid. Not only that you'll see the Manhattan skyline of the New York-New York, the Bellagio fountains, the Paris Eiffel Tower, and the MGM Emerald City.

As a bonus, this selection gives you free pick up from your hotel and back in a stretch limo. If it's a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday or honeymoon, this will make it even more memorable. Another benefit of the Strip departure tours is that they fly on EcoStar 130 choppers.

The EcoStar is the premium sightseeing chopper and it is ideal for touring the Grand Canyon. It features a cabin 25% larger than basic tour helicopters, climate control, and comfortable stadium seating. The aircraft has a 180-degree panoramic windshield for the best views below you, plus the chopper is designed to give you a nice, smooth flight. The other helicopters used in basic tours just don't compare.

Tour Options

The first decision you have to make is if you want to take an air-only tour or if you want to land at the canyon. Both types of tours follow the same route so you get to see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the canyon, and the Colorado River from the air, but the landing tours are the only ones that actually land at the canyon. The air-only tours take you over all the main landmarks and scenic high points in the region and the fly on back to Vegas without landing. You'll see the same sights on a landing tour but you'll also get to land on the top or bottom of the rim and get out and enjoy fun activities on foot. One tour that is really fun is one that flies down to the canyon floor where a champagne picnic is waiting for you. A Colorado River boat ride and Skywalk VIP tickets can also be added on this tour.

It is very important that you book your flight online as early as possible. Seats on Grand Canyon helicopter tours fill up fast. Plus, if you book early, you will have your flight secured and save money. You should book your room and your flight the same day. Even waiting as long as 48 hours in advance could be too long, and if the tour isn't sold out, you'll probably have to pay more.

Once tour day arrives, be sure to dress for the weather at the canyon. It's hot there in the summer and it can get up to 100 degrees easily. Wear loose clothing with breathable fabrics to keep you cool. Carry extra water with you and protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. If you take one of the landing tours wear sensible, comfortable tennis shoes with grip; the canyon floor is often rugged. Bring a salty snack to keep up your energy, there's a lot to see.

Get Ready For Some Fun

The chopper tours that depart from the Vegas Strip are convenient and offer the utmost in comfort and options. You'll get an aerial view of Vegas as well as free limo transportation. Fortunately, these tours utilize the EcoStar 130 chopper, so no matter where you sit, you'll get a great view. Since these air tours offer it all, you want to make sure to book these trips well in advance. If you delay, the tour may be sold out, and if you do get a seat, you'll probably have to pay more for it.