Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak
Badge of Excellence
Las Vegas, USA
- 11 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Escape Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon and the cool waters of the Colorado River on this 2-in-1, full-day adventure. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon's West Rim before either floating through the Black Canyon on a river raft or exploring the Emerald Cave by kayak. Round-trip transit from your hotel makes your day totally hassle-free.
- Admire views of the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon from above
- Choose a smooth raft ride or a kayak trip down the Colorado River
- Relax with hassle-free Las Vegas hotel transfers
- Bottled water and a boxed lunch are provided along the way
What's Included
- 90-minute (approx.) round-trip flight in a state-of-the-art helicopter
- Colorado River Float OR Kayak Trip
- Round-trip transportation by deluxe van
- Bottled water and boxed lunch
- All taxes and fees
- Gratuity is optional
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
Your Colorado River and Grand Canyon sightseeing tour begins with a hotel pickup in Las Vegas. Head to the helicopter terminal for your round-trip flight through the Grand Canyon's West Rim.
After boarding the helicopter, pass over sights such as the famous Hoover Dam, a modern marvel of engineering; the aqua waters and sandstone shorelines of beautiful Lake Mead; and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano. Then, follow the winding path of the mighty Colorado River and into the incredible landscape of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
From there, if you chose the river float option when booking, take a short drive to the Colorado River launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. Meander peacefully along the river through the Black Canyon. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, osprey, and great blue herons in their natural setting. Then stop at a secluded beach to take an optional dip in the clear water, and enjoy a picnic box lunch.
Alternatively, if you selected the kayaking option, drive to Willow Beach on the Colorado River, just downstream from the Hoover Dam. Paddle for several miles along the river until you reach the Emerald Cave.
Note that the order of activities may differ, depending on option selected.
The trip concludes with a Las Vegas hotel drop-off.
After boarding the helicopter, pass over sights such as the famous Hoover Dam, a modern marvel of engineering; the aqua waters and sandstone shorelines of beautiful Lake Mead; and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano. Then, follow the winding path of the mighty Colorado River and into the incredible landscape of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
From there, if you chose the river float option when booking, take a short drive to the Colorado River launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. Meander peacefully along the river through the Black Canyon. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, osprey, and great blue herons in their natural setting. Then stop at a secluded beach to take an optional dip in the clear water, and enjoy a picnic box lunch.
Alternatively, if you selected the kayaking option, drive to Willow Beach on the Colorado River, just downstream from the Hoover Dam. Paddle for several miles along the river until you reach the Emerald Cave.
Note that the order of activities may differ, depending on option selected.
The trip concludes with a Las Vegas hotel drop-off.
Hoover Dam (Pass By)
Hoover Dam Bypass (Pass By)
Fortification Hill (Pass By)
1
Colorado River
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Grand Canyon West (Pass By)
2
Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
3
Willow Beach
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 250 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age is 2 years
- Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 250 Lbs (112 kg/17.9 stones) will be required to purchase an additional seat. This is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.
- Please note if you choose the Kayak Tour it does not include lunch and you will start from Willow Beach not the base of the Hoover Dam and will not see the Hoover Dam from the river.
- We recommend you bring sunglasses, sunscreen, towels & hats
- Valid Government ID is required to board the flight. ID must match the names on the ticket. It is a Federal crime to board an FAA Approved air carrier with a fraudulent ID
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (24)
Q:Are there any special requirements for pregnant women on the Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight?
A:We recommend pregnant women consult a medical professional, however, we have safely flown thousands of pregnant women.
Mar 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Peter_H
Really excellent trip. All the guides and staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The helicopter tour was just what we were hoping for and the rafting was a unique experience with fantastic views. truly and great day
Reviews
4.6
based on 245 reviews
Christine_M, Mar 2026
Thank you for making this tour a most memorable experience! Our go to guy Joe got us to where we needed to go and answered all our questions, and even ones unrelated to the tour! Our rafting guide, Kathleen, did a phenomenal job! She was very informative and pointed out a lot of interestings points of interest along the way! Our pilot, Mike showed us a side of the Grand Canyon we haven't seen before! Thank you again to the entire staff for this truly memorable experience!
Elizabeth_G, Mar 2026
Great experience. Loved the helicopter tour-breathtaking views and then had a blast kayaking down the Colorado River. Great time
Sara_L, Mar 2026
They have to occupy six people or they will cancel your tour. They do set people by body weight. Unfortunately my husband is 6 foot and we were sitting in the backseat behind the passengers where the wall was, and we could not move our knees at all.. we both had severe leg cramps by the time we landed. I was also in the back middle and could not get any pictures. My husband is not wanting to take pictures so to me I probably would never do the experience again however it was nice to see once.. had we have had the seat upfront it would’ve been an amazing experience however, the two shortest people on the flight we’re sitting in the front
Jie_B, Nov 2025
Our pilot is both professional and funny. He flew into the canyon and passed by the mountain in a very close distance. Definitely recommend if you want a fast and easy way to admire the Grand Canyon in half of a day.
Jason_K, Oct 2025
Fantastic experience, highly recommend it. Helicopter tour was amazing and the kayaking experience was great as well.
simon_b, Sep 2025
Well-guided, safe and hugely memorable. Both the helicopter flight pilot/guide (Sam) and raft pilot/guide were excellent - knowledgeable and personable.
We had a long wait between the two experiences as our bus driver forgot to collect us! But that didn’t spoil things in the end.
Jodie_B, Sep 2025
Amazing experience and highly recommended. Staff were amazing and very experienced. The whole day was really well organised and we felt safe during the full trip! Highly recommend booking with this company!
Peter_H, Jul 2025
Really excellent trip. All the guides and staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The helicopter tour was just what we were hoping for and the rafting was a unique experience with fantastic views. truly and great day
Barbara_C, Jul 2025
Awesome! Would do it again! The staff was well trained and I felt safe taking my grandsons on the Helicopter! My Son- In - Law said it was a well made Helicopter! He knows about planes and things!
Mary_L, Jun 2025
Go in the morning during the summer speak close to the mic or the pilot can’t hear you yet others can throughout the scratchy noise
Stephen_T, May 2025
I truly memorable experience throughout the day. Started with the helicopter over the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead and the Strip before the river raft along the Colorado River.
Our guides Sam (helicopter) and Kyle (raft) were both very knowledgable about the area and pointed out key sights.
Would highly recommend doing this tour when in Vegas
Mike_B, May 2025
It was awesome
Staff great
Pilots great
Bus driver exceptional
Me and my family had fun and look. Look forward to coming there again thank you.
Caroline_M, Jan 2025
Very well organized and beautiful experience. Kayak team very kind and helpful. An excellent way to visit the area. Even had a lovely swim!
Sam_S, Oct 2024
The overall tour was great but the ‘emerald cave’ which you have to queue for over an hour to get in to, was so disappointing. To call it a cave is a joke, it’s an alcove at best and the have to queue for such an underwhelming experience was ridiculous, we could have had an hours more kayaking down the river - which our guide told us was way nicer to look at beyond the point we visited.
Lyndsey_B, Oct 2024
Amazing g experience ce would highly recommend.
The colorado river raft was amazing our tour guide Eugine was hilarious and very knowledgeable.
We had opportuboty to swim, an experience i will never forget.
Claudiu_E, Aug 2024
The helicopter experience was great, but hoover dam “rafiting” was a disaster in fact is a trip with a engine boat in sun over 3 hours, without roof top! It was a torture!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your feedback on your helicopter tour. The Hoover Dam river raft float experience is the most highly rated tour that commences from the base of the Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge. Viator clearly provides images of these incredible raft that carry 20 passengers down the majestic Black Canyon. Viator recommends that you bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Complimentary water is provided during the whole river raft float experience. We recommend guests read all information before booking any tours.
Louise_C, Jul 2024
The helicopter trip was good but the kayaking was even better. Amazing guide and beautiful scenery - great to be able to get in and have a swim on a couple of occasions ignore the heli guide who said it’s too cold just the perfect thing to do when it’s 40 degrees plus. Amazing!
Chin_Y, Jul 2024
Pilot was great.
The staff were great.
Cockpit was a little cramped especially with hefty person right next to you but once the flight took off we were all wowed.
Totally worth the time and effort.
Sonya_H, Jun 2024
Great people. We had the best time! One of the best days ever. Everyone including the drivers were very accommodating and attentive. The ride was incredibly breathtaking and river experience unforgettable
Patricia_W, May 2024
Just do it!! Had an amazing flight over the GC and then an awesome raft trip down the Colorado River from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach.
Christopher_R, Apr 2024
Absolutely amazing day, bucket list stuff! Staff amazing and very accommodating, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend this joint trip, both parts completely complement each other ☺️
Necole_A, Apr 2024
We LOVED every minute of this excursion! Pilot Mike was excellent and knowledgeable on the helicopter ride. Colorado float was so relaxing and fun. Captain Ron kept the tour going with his key points and was friendly to our needs along the way. Highly recommend this tour!
Peter_G, Nov 2023
Breathtaking experience of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Colorado river. An early clear morning hotel pickup and straight to the airport for a flight out over the desert, over the Hoover Dam then on to the Grand Canyon. The flight went down into the canyon flying under the rim with spectacular views of the cliffs, gullies and formations. Ray, our pilot, was giving a great commentary of what we were seeing adding to the excellent experience. Going up the canyon, doing a full turn so we could see the light and shadows from different angles in the canyon adding to the spectacle. Then we were flying back out across Lake Mead seeing the spectacular scenery of the desert all around in the early morning sun and Las Vegas in the distance. The flight lasted about 90 minutes with a flight over/down The Strip before landing back at the airport.
We were then taken by coach down to the Hoover Dam Lodge to pick up the rafting trip for the rest of the day. After a quick pitstop to use the facilities (the trip lasts about 3.5 hours before the next available toilet!) we were off to the base of the dam to board the raft. The raft is big has plenty of seating, a hard floor and an engine so this is a sit back, listen to the skipper (Matt in our case, 5*) for all the details of the trip and relax. The trip was about 14 miles starting at the base of the dam, with a stop on a beach to eat the lunch provided and another stop to get up close with a 'small' side canyon. Finishing at Willow Beach Marina (toilets here!). Another bus ride back to Vegas for a rest! All the staff and guides were amazing, courteous and friendly. Recommended!
Bjorn_K, Oct 2023
The helicopter flight was crammed. I paid $1100 AUD and was expecting a helicopter with just 2 passengers but there were 6 of us crammed in like sardines. Great pilot, great experience but uncomfortable and being crammed in the middle of the chopper views were hard. I thought they would do more turns etc so everyone got a great view. Don’t get me wrong it was still amazing but a 7/10 at best and the emerald cave is simply a cut out in the rock, not what I would class as a cave. I believe at $600 AUD it would be value
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Bjorn,
Thank you for your feedback. Airbus helicopters have been specifically selected for sightseeing tours based on this seat configuration. If you want to be guaranteed seats 1, 2 or 3, then we recommend that you book a private Las Vegas Strip helicopter flight. For the safety of the pilot and passengers, seat assignments are based on actual passenger body weights. In the interests of safety and the performance of the helicopter. You did not purchase the private flight for your tour package. We recommend that all passengers read Viator's important information regarding the tour they have booked.
Jane, Sep 2023
Sarah was a great guide and very knowledgable, the raft was comfortable and spacious, the scenery stunning and to see the Hoover Dam so close was a memorable experience
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Jane,
Thank you for your feedback. I will share this with Sarah who I agree is very knowledgeable. We hope to see you on future excursions.
John_S, Aug 2023
The helicopter ride was out of this world. The pilot was very informative. Felt safe at all times, just amazing from start to finish.
The same is to be said for the raft on the Colorado river, would highly recommend
Michelle_R, Aug 2023
We had a great time everyone that we incounter was very knowledgeable and nice.. would do it again. Fun & beautiful
Michelle_G, Aug 2023
As birthday treats go this was an awesome one. What an experience flying over Las Vegas, The Hover Dam and the gran canyon. Breath taking views and an excellent pilot with lots of knowledge about the area. This then was only topped off with a tour on the Colorado River with Bob who was funny and again a great guide.
Sandra_S, Aug 2023
The helicopter experience with Captain Mad Dog was exceptional, his knowledge and the views were outstanding.
Steve the driver to and from the venues was brilliant. He put everyone at ease. Lunch was delicious!
The kayak experience was fabulous, however, we are complete novices and was very nervous and at times found ourselves at the back completely on our own whilst both guides were at the front. We felt one guide should have stayed at the back to ensure everyone’s safety.
saluja_g, Jul 2023
great service, punctual, great tour guide, explains everything with enthusiasm..just an amazing experience.
From $699.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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