Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

Papillon has been flying visitors over the Grand Canyon since 1965, and it describes itself as the largest and most experienced Grand Canyon helicopter tour company in the world. From Las Vegas, it runs a range of helicopter and air tours to Grand Canyon West, along with a short flight over the city at night, and most of its tours operate 364 days a year.

The Las Vegas programme includes several well-known products. The Grand Celebration and the Grand Canyon West Freedom Tour focus on the canyon, and Papillon has three exclusive landing sites on the canyon floor, which allow passengers to step out and take in the scale of the walls from below. The Grand Canyon Deluxe With Hummer adds a Hummer element to the day, and the Golden Eagle Air Tour is listed among the Las Vegas departures to Grand Canyon West. For visitors short on time, the Strip Highlights Night Flight is a short trip over the lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Flights come with pre-recorded narration in several languages, set to choreographed music, which makes the tours accessible to international visitors. Hotel transfers are offered from Las Vegas, which simplifies the day, although some products, such as the Strip Highlights Night Flight, are sold without transfers, so check what your ticket includes. Papillon lists awards including the FAA Diamond Award, a Newsweek Readers' Choice Award and several Best of Las Vegas awards.

These tours suit travellers who want to see the Grand Canyon in a single day without a long drive, as well as couples and families marking a special occasion. They are a significant expense, so compare the options carefully, looking at total time, whether the tour lands and whether transfers are included. Weight limits and seating rules commonly apply on helicopter tours, so read the conditions when booking.

Reservations can be made online or by phone, with the reservations line open from 8am to 8pm Pacific time. Book ahead for busy holiday periods and weekends, wear comfortable layers and bring sunglasses for the canyon. Allow a full morning or afternoon for a canyon landing tour including transfers, and arrive at the meeting point on time, as departures run to a fixed schedule.