
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 268 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak worth booking?
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak is a 11-hour experience in Las Vegas, United States, from $699 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 268 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (268)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $699 per person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour combined with either a peaceful river raft float or an exhilarating kayak tour on the Colorado River. Enjoy a 90-minute scenic flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon's West Rim before exploring Black Canyon or the breathtaking Emerald Cave with a knowledgeable guide. This incredible day tour includes round-trip transportation to your Las Vegas hotel for a seamless and exciting experience. Please note: The order in which you do the activities may differ.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour combined with either a peaceful river raft float or an exhilarating kayak tour on the Colorado River. Enjoy a 90-minute scenic flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon's West Rim before exploring Black Canyon or the breathtaking Emerald Cave with a knowledgeable guide. This incredible day tour includes round-trip transportation to your Las Vegas hotel for a seamless and exciting experience. Please note: The order in which you do the activities may differ.
What's included
Included
- 90-minute (approx.) round-trip flight in a state-of-the-art helicopter
- Round-trip transportation by deluxe van
- All taxes and fees
- Bottled water and boxed lunch
- Colorado River Float OR Kayak Trip
Not included
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Hoover Dam
After hotel pickup, board your state-of-the-art helicopter at the VIP Helicopter terminal, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip for a 90-minute (round-trip) scenic air tour of Grand Canyon's West Rim. Enjoy panoramic, 180-degree views of the impressive Hoover Dam, the Bypass Bridge and Black Canyon, while flying past the vibrant and extinct volcano, Fortification Hill.
Pass by without stopping
Hoover Dam Bypass
Fly around the iconic Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge on this unforgettable helicopter tour. Experience breathtaking aerial views of this engineering marvel as you soar above the Colorado River and the stunning landscape surrounding the dam.
Pass by without stopping
Fortification Hill
Fly over the extinct volcano known as Fortification Hill during your Grand Canyon helicopter tour. Marvel at the unique geological features of this colorful, ancient volcanic formation as you soar above the landscape surrounding the Colorado River and Hoover Dam.
Pass by without stopping
Colorado River
Descend beneath the rim of the Grand Canyon as you fly over the mighty Colorado River, passing awe-inspiring, million-year-old geological rock formations. Experience the grandeur of the canyon from a unique perspective, with breathtaking views of the ancient rock layers that tell the story of Earth's history.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Canyon West
Make sure to have your camera ready, as every turn unveils cathedral-like buttresses and towering pillars adorned with vibrant natural colors. After departing the Grand Canyon, continue your journey with stunning aerial views of other remarkable natural wonders nestled within the rugged Mojave Desert.
Pass by without stopping
If you choose the River Float option, after landing in Las Vegas, you'll be transported to the Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City to board a comfortable river raft at the base of the iconic Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the Black Canyon, spot wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep and osprey, and take a refreshing swim or paddle in the Colorado River before finishing your adventure at Willow Beach, where you can shop for souvenirs before returning to your Las Vegas hotel.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Willow Beach
If you choose the Kayak option, your adventure begins with hotel pick-up, followed by a scenic drive to Willow Beach on the Colorado River, just downstream from Hoover Dam. Paddle 4 miles (approximately 3 hours) along the riverbanks, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like mountain goats, bald eagles and desert bighorn sheep, before reaching the stunning Emerald Cave. Please note: lunch is not included in this option. After your kayaking trip, you'll soar through the skies on an unforgettable helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Las Vegas
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Helicopter and Kayak Option
Duration: 9 hours: Includes 3-hour Emerald Cave Kayak tour and 90-minute Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight Pickup included
Helicopter and Rafting Option
Duration: 9 hours: Includes 4-hour Colorado River Float by Raft and 90-minute Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
- Physically challenged passengers must be accompanied by an able bodied person capable of lifting the physically challenged passenger 42 inches into the helicopter
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 267 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
267 verified traveler reviews for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must do
Please read- if you’re wanting to view the Grand Canyon please book 5Star helicopters. From the moment I booked they have been on top of everything, very honest, professional and reliable. Our pilot and tour guide Michael was just phenomenal, so knowledgeable, very funny, personable and just passionate about what he does. Each member of the business the coach pick up driver, the reservation staff, desk staff have just been everything that you’d want your business to represent.. all great ambassadors for their business. Thank you team for ALL you did for me and my family who flew with you 30th September am. Holidays and family times are precious, you’ve just given us one of those lifetime memories that we will be forever talking about. We wish you all the very best. Claire Ratcliffe & family
via Viator
Could Have Been Better
Really enjoyed the River Rafting (Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures) and this was the highlight and get 10/10 from us. Sadly, the helicopter element did not meet our expectations. We were crammed into the helicopter - 6 passengers is too many to allow for comfort and there was restricted vision to fully see the sights (which were amazing). The helicopter had a lot of vibration, the narration from the pilot was o.k. but faint (I did highlight), music being played over headphone was unnecessary and also irritating as it kept glitching. Would have been severely disappointed if we had purely booked the helicopter. The high ratings are down to the rafting experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We will pass your comments relating to the glitching irritating music played by the Pilot. Our David Clark headsets are configured with a volume control button. To avoid discomfort in flight, we strongly suggest that passengers provide accurate body weights. Our Airbus helicopters are configured with stadium style forward facing seats for 180 degree panoramic views. We recommend that passengers look directly forward during their flight to get the maximum photo and video footage of their Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Day, Highly Recommended
The kayaking was beautiful and suitable for beginners. Andrew was an excellent guide. He was engaging and kept us feeling safe and informed. The emerald cave was not a compelling destination so we would not feel that we had missed anything if it had been missed. But now we can say that we have been there. The helicopter tour was memorable. Views were great. Loved seeing the Grand canyon but also Las Vegas and Hoover dam. The pilot was very safety conscious. Gloria was great at working out operational challenges on her end ensuring that our day was not adversely impacted. And we appreciated Joe's enthusiastic descriptions of places we saw while commuting in the van. Lunch was highly appreciated. We were given a choice of sandwich type in advance and it was delicious. What a great experience and a needed break from the strip.
via Viator
Take a day off of the strip, SO beautiful!
Convenient hotel pickup, helicopter ride was a great length & facility. A small 10 person group for 2 helicopters and the kayak tour was a good size. Guide DON on the kayak tour was great! He was helpful, chill, & friendly. He even took pictures of everyone and sent you your batch of personal photos later that night. Kayak was about 3 hours and was an easy paddle up river & back. Great scenery and water was so clear! Negative- When I booked I thought we were taking the helicopter to a location then getting shuttled to kayaks then riding helicopter back to strip. Instead it is two very separate tours. You get picked up, go to helicopter business, do that tour, go back to helicopter business, take shuttle to kayak business in boulder city, get into their shuttle to go to river, then kayak, then go back via shuttle to strip.
via Tripadvisor
Great adventure
Be sure to take everything you'll need whether kayaking or rafting (sunscreen, sunshirts, hat, towels if wanted, water bottles). Rafting got us up close and personal to Dam.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 94
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours, who run 15 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.
See everything 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Las Vegas.
How much does Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak cost?
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Prices start at $699 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Las Vegas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Las Vegas is not rushed.
Is Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 268 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Las Vegas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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Around 94 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Las Vegas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Las Vegas and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Las Vegas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
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Las Vegas sells two trips at once: the Strip after dark, and the red-rock desert that starts twenty minutes past the last casino. Helicopter runs to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam half-days and Red Rock Canyon drives all leave early, while show tickets, speakeasy crawls and high-roller dining fill the evening. Outty Ranking weighs operator reliability heavily here, because the gap between a well-run desert tour and a coach-and-queue version is enormous. On Outty we rank every Las Vegas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group: Valley of Fire Half Day Tour from Las Vegas, Small Group Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains VIP Tour, Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop, Breakfast, Lunch & Skywalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
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October to April. Summer highs above 105F make midday outdoor tours punishing. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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Included: 90-minute (approx.) round-trip flight in a state-of-the-art helicopter; Round-trip transportation by deluxe van; All taxes and fees; Bottled water and boxed lunch; and Colorado River Float OR Kayak Trip. Not included: Gratuities (Optional); and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 209 listed pickup locations in and around Las Vegas. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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Across 268 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Helicopter and Kayak Option, Helicopter and Rafting Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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