Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting worth booking?
Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting is a 10-hour experience in Las Vegas, United States, from $714 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 17 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (17)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $714 per person
Experience the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure on this full‑day combination tour from Las Vegas. Fly by helicopter over the Nevada and Arizona desert to Grand Canyon West, where you’ll descend 4,000 feet to the canyon floor for a champagne toast, light picnic, and unforgettable photo opportunities along the Colorado River. Then journey to the base of Hoover Dam for an 11‑mile motorized rafting trip through the scenic Black Canyon, complete with historic insights from your guide and a relaxing stop at a sandy beach. With transport from Las Vegas, this tour blends aerial thrills, river exploration, and breathtaking Southwest landscapes into one unforgettable experience.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure on this full‑day combination tour from Las Vegas. Fly by helicopter over the Nevada and Arizona desert to Grand Canyon West, where you’ll descend 4,000 feet to the canyon floor for a champagne toast, light picnic, and unforgettable photo opportunities along the Colorado River. Then journey to the base of Hoover Dam for an 11‑mile motorized rafting trip through the scenic Black Canyon, complete with historic insights from your guide and a relaxing stop at a sandy beach. With transport from Las Vegas, this tour blends aerial thrills, river exploration, and breathtaking Southwest landscapes into one unforgettable experience.
What's included
Included
- Boxed lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels
- 30-minute landing on Canyon floor
- Aerial Views of Hoover Dam
- 11-mile motorized raft trip on the Colorado River
- Champagne & a light picnic at bottom of the Grand Canyon
- Transfer by Van to base of Hoover Dam.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Private Tour
What you'll see and do
Hoover Dam
Soar high above the Southwest for breathtaking aerial views of Hoover Dam, the shimmering blue waters of Lake Mead, and the winding path of the mighty Colorado River. From your helicopter window, take in the sheer scale of these engineering and natural marvels, framed by the rugged desert landscape. This unforgettable flight segment offers the perfect opportunity for stunning photos before you descend into the heart of your Grand Canyon adventure.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Canyon West
Descend 4,000 feet by helicopter to the very floor of the Grand Canyon, where towering red rock cliffs surround you in breathtaking beauty. Step out near the banks of the Colorado River and savor a chilled champagne toast paired with a light picnic. With plenty of time to explore, soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture unforgettable photos in one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Colorado River
Drift peacefully along the Colorado River on an 11‑mile motorized raft journey through the stunning Black Canyon. Surrounded by towering canyon walls and crystal‑clear waters, you’ll soak in incredible views and fascinating commentary from your guide. Midway through the trip, you'll stop on the riverbank to enjoy a light meal.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Willow Beach Marina
Your rafting journey concludes on the scenic Arizona side of the Colorado River, where the tranquil waters meet breathtaking desert landscapes. Step ashore and take in the area’s natural beauty, marking the perfect end to your Black Canyon adventure.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- de, pt, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Papillon Helicopters
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During the months of December and February, the rafting portion is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Infant children are considered a lap child if they are under the age of two and have proof of age, such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate
- All passengers 18 years of age and older must present government-issued photo ID
- For comfort and weight/balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing 300 lbs or greater will be required to purchase an additional seat. This is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect , ask for Jimmy to be your pilot , he’s the best !
We did the helicopter flight over hoover Dam & lake mead , landing in the Grand Canyon just above the Colorado river . This was the most fabulous experience of my life . Can highly recommend. Jimmy was our pilot . He was just lovely ! Witty , funny and informative & interesting. Absolutely made the trip what it was & a glass of champagne was the perfect accompaniment.
via Tripadvisor
An exceptional morning
An amazing experience landing in the Canyon for a champagne picnic. I was very nervous as I suffer with motion sickness but the flight was so smooth. Duncan who flew the helicopter was brilliant! He gave us a guided tour along the way of what we were flying over/ looking at. The ladies at the check in counter were all lovely, and one of them helped put me at ease with my nervousness. I chose this trip as a 40th birthday celebration, and I’m so glad I did.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and celebrating your 40th birthday with us! We’re delighted to hear that landing in the Canyon for a champagne picnic was such a memorable highlight, and that Duncan made the flight smooth and informative. It’s also wonderful to know our check-in team helped ease your nerves and made you feel comfortable. We’re honored to have been part of your special day and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Great company
Fabulous trip, champagne lunch, great pilot with great personality, not cheap but would definitely do it again, top class company
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting, the champagne lunch, and the company of your pilot. Your kind words about our team mean a lot, and we’re thrilled to know you’d join us again. We look forward to welcoming you back for another top-class adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing views! Champagne in the Grand Canyon!
This is the second time I have done this tour with Papillon (the first for my husband) and we LOVED it. When booking, we sought advice on timing and were given good advice about avoiding the later timeslots due to the heat. So we took the 7am flight (5am pick up). The whole experience was amazing - our pilot was informative, giving us information about what we were seeing but allowing us some quiet time to simply enjoy the sights. We landed on the floor of the Grand Canyon where we had time to look around and take some photos before enjoying a breakfast snack box and some champagne. Our pilot also took photos of us near the helicopter and overlooking the Canyon. We paid extra for the pleasure of sitting in the front - well worth it as the views are better and as they allocate seating, you may find yourself sat in between 2 strangers in the back.
Response from the operator: We're honored that you chose to fly with us again—and thrilled that your husband loved his first experience just as much as you did. It’s great to hear that our team was able to provide helpful guidance when booking and that the early morning flight delivered both comfort and breathtaking views. Your kind words about your pilot mean a lot. We’re so glad they struck the perfect balance between informative narration and allowing quiet moments to truly take in the awe of the Grand Canyon. And what better way to celebrate than with champagne on the Canyon floor! Thank you also for sharing your thoughts on the front seat upgrade—it really can make the views even more unforgettable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you both back again for a third adventure someday!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience but frustrated
Lovely experience and happy having selected Vegas to Gran Canyon with landing in the canyon. Long flight, good pilote, nice time for the first flight in the morning. Good pickup and back in the hotel. Sad not being with my wife to the front after booking this option 3 months in advance, accepting to pay more for this, and leaving one seat free at the front. Excuse is not acceptable. Otherwise, all good. Safe flight.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for joining us on the Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting. We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the overall experience, from the scenic flight and safe landing in the canyon to the smooth hotel pickup and return. It’s especially meaningful that this was your first flight of the day, and we’re happy it was a memorable one. That said, we sincerely apologize for the disappointment regarding the front seating. We understand how important it was for you and your wife to share that experience, especially after booking in advance and opting for that upgrade. Seating arrangements are made with strict safety and weight distribution requirements in mind, which can occasionally affect front seat availability—regardless of booking preferences. Still, we regret that this impacted your special day and appreciate your understanding. Thank you again for flying with us and for your kind words about the tour itself.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $714 to $749
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Papillon Helicopters, who run 14 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.6.
See everything Papillon Helicopters runsWhy this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Las Vegas.
How much does Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting cost?
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Prices start at $714 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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Las Vegas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting?
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Around 6 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting 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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting?
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Included: Boxed lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels; 30-minute landing on Canyon floor; Aerial Views of Hoover Dam; and 11-mile motorized raft trip on the Colorado River. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenir photos (available to purchase); and Private Tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Las Vegas. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch. 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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting?
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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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infant children are considered a lap child if they are under the age of two and have proof. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting 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 Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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