Tour operator
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Grand Canyon air tour company flying daily since 1965, with helicopter tours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West, canyon-floor landings and a Strip night flight.
Maverick Helicopters
Helicopter tour operator with a terminal on South Las Vegas Boulevard, flying Strip night flights and Grand Canyon tours that land on a bluff above the Colorado River.
At a glance
- Type
- Helicopter tours (Grand Canyon and Strip)
- Area
- South Strip (Las Vegas Terminal), Las Vegas, United States
- Official site
- maverickhelicopter.com
Good to know
- Grand Canyon landing tours
- Strip night flights
- Airbus 130 fleet
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours
Why we recommend it
Maverick Helicopters is one of the best-known helicopter tour companies in Las Vegas, and a flight with them is the quickest way to see the Grand Canyon on a short trip. The company says it operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus 130 helicopters, and its Las Vegas Terminal is on South Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the main Strip. It also has a terminal at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Arizona.
The signature tour from Las Vegas is Wind Dancer. It lasts about 2.3 hours in total, with roughly 45 minutes of flying each way and around 30 minutes on the ground. After leaving the Strip, the route crosses the Hoover Dam with views of Lake Mead, the Mojave Desert, Temple Rock and Fortification Hill, then flies for more than ten miles through the Grand Canyon to Grand Canyon West. The helicopter lands about 3,500 feet below the rim on Hualapai land, on a private bluff around 300 feet above the Colorado River, where champagne, drinks and light snacks are served. The return passes the Bowl of Fire and finishes with a flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Strip.
For a shorter experience, Vegas Views is a flight over the city that departs from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal. It is a good choice for couples or anyone celebrating who does not have time for a full day trip.
Helicopter tours are expensive, so they suit special occasions, travellers short on time and anyone who wants the most dramatic view of the canyon. Book ahead, especially for sunset and evening departures, and check the terms: Maverick offers free cancellation up to 72 hours before the flight, and routes can change because of weather or other circumstances. Weight limits and seating rules are common on helicopter tours, so read the conditions on the booking page and be ready to give passenger weights.
Wear comfortable layers and closed shoes, as the landing site is outdoors and can be hot in summer and cool in winter. Bring sunglasses and a camera with a strap, and keep luggage to a minimum. The Las Vegas Terminal is a short drive from the Strip resorts; check your booking for transport details and arrival times before the day.
Maverick Helicopters FAQs
Where does Maverick fly from in Las Vegas?
From its Las Vegas Terminal at 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd.
How long is the Wind Dancer tour?
About 2.3 hours in total, with around 45 minutes of flying each way and 30 minutes on the ground.
Does the Grand Canyon tour land?
Yes, Wind Dancer lands about 3,500 feet below the rim on a bluff above the Colorado River.
Is food or drink included?
Champagne, drinks and light snacks are served at the landing site on Wind Dancer.
Does the flight pass the Hoover Dam?
Yes, the Wind Dancer route flies over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation is available up to 72 hours before the flight.
Is there a shorter flight?
Yes, Vegas Views is a flight over the city from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal.
What aircraft are used?
Maverick says it operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus 130 helicopters.