Grand Canyon: Helicopter Tour & Colorado River Kayak or Raft

Summary

Helicopter views, river paddling, and desert silence in one wild day

You’ll fly high over Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon West Rim by helicopter before floating or paddling down the Colorado River with a local guide. Expect moments of total silence above ancient rocks, cool water against your hands as you kayak or raft past wildlife, and easy hotel pickup from Las Vegas — all in one wild day.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, my hands were sweating before we even left the Las Vegas Strip — I’d never been in a helicopter, and suddenly there I was, headset on, squinting through the glass as we lifted off toward the Grand Canyon West Rim. The pilot cracked a joke about turbulence (not helpful), but then we were gliding over Hoover Dam and that crazy-wide Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Bridge. The sun bounced off Lake Mead like someone had spilled silver paint everywhere. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared; you can’t really capture that feeling anyway.

We swooped past Fortification Hill — it’s this old volcano, kind of lumpy and brownish-red, not what I expected at all. Our guide pointed out weird rock shapes and told us stories about how old everything is here (like, millions of years). When we dipped below the rim of the Grand Canyon itself, it got quiet in my headset for a second. Even the pilot went silent. You see those layers stacked up like cake slices, all those colors… I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

After landing (my legs wobbled getting out), we switched gears for the river part — I picked kayaking from Willow Beach because I wanted to see Emerald Cave. Our guide handed out paddles and sunscreen, grinned at my poor attempt to tie a bandana (“Desert chic,” he said). Paddling along the Colorado River was way calmer than I thought it’d be; water so clear you could see fish darting under your boat. We spotted bighorn sheep on a ledge — they didn’t care about us at all. Someone else did the raft float from Hoover Dam instead and said they got to swim near Black Canyon. Either way, you end up sunburned and happy.

I guess what surprised me most was how close everything felt — sky above, river below, canyon walls right there beside you. It’s not just another “day trip Grand Canyon from Las Vegas” thing; it’s more like dropping into another world for a few hours before someone drives you back to reality.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon helicopter and river tour

• Hotel pickup in Las Vegas
• Board helicopter at VIP terminal
• 90-minute scenic flight over West Rim
• Fly past Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge
• Fly over Fortification Hill volcano
• Descend over Colorado River and canyon
• Choose river raft or kayak tour
• If rafting, board raft at Hoover Dam Lodge
• Float and swim in Black Canyon
• Finish rafting at Willow Beach
• If kayaking, drive to Willow Beach
• Paddle 4 miles to Emerald Cave
• Spot wildlife along riverbanks
• Return to Las Vegas hotel

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour?

The scenic flight lasts about 90 minutes round-trip from Las Vegas.

Is lunch included with both river options?

Lunch is included with the raft float but not with the kayak tour from Willow Beach.

Where does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup is included from most Las Vegas hotels; confirm your location when booking.

Can beginners do the kayak part?

The kayak route is about 4 miles (around 3 hours) and suitable for people with moderate fitness; guides help beginners.

Do you see Hoover Dam during both river options?

No—only the raft float starts at Hoover Dam's base; kayaking starts downstream at Willow Beach.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

You might spot desert bighorn sheep, osprey, mountain goats, or even bald eagles along the Colorado River.

Is there an age limit for kids?

The minimum age is 2 years old for this tour experience.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, hats—and valid government ID for boarding the helicopter.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your Las Vegas hotel by deluxe van, a 90-minute scenic helicopter flight over landmarks like Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West Rim, all taxes and fees covered, bottled water throughout (plus boxed lunch if you pick rafting), plus either a guided Colorado River float or kayak adventure—then they drive you back to your hotel when it’s all done.