Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon Rafting
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up is available from select Las Vegas hotels
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(12)
Fabulous trip, champagne lunch, great pilot with great personality, not cheap but would definitely do it again, top class company
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!
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.
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.
We had a fantastic time Robin our pilot on the helicopter was super fun very informative had a great time. Highly recommend flying with this young man outstanding job. Bob are river raft guide down the Colorado outstanding individual as well. Very informative. Had a great time. Highly recommend doing this excursion. my wife and I can’t thank this team enough for the great time, and Frank a bus driver back outstanding individual had a great time with him as well. Thanks again everyone.
The helicopter tour was amazing! Ryan our pilot was awesome at easing my wife’s fears, and made the ride a life long memory.
Absolutely brilliant day! Early pick up ( 5.15am) for 7am helicopter. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and friendly, views amazing. Onto the rafting absolutely fantastic experience. Sarah our guide was also amazing. Well worth the money, wouldn't hesitate to book it again.
The helicopter tour was very cool. We had 4 people on our flight along with the pilot. We were asked if we wanted to upgrade for $60 each to sit in the front, which we opted to do. The pilot played a music soundtrack throughout the flight, which enhanced the trip. We had excellent views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Colorado River into the Grand Canyon. We landed inside the Canyon for around 30 mins for photos and a champagne break with snacks. This was my favorite part! After, we returned to the airstrip and were shuttled by van to the rafting company. The rafting part was interesting—motorized and a bit slow. We were given a boxed lunch that we could eat at our leisure. I would bring a jacket for this portion. It was sometimes windy and water would spray up at the boat and a bit cool.
I had a great time with papillon helicopter touring around gran canyon. Spectacular and memorable moments are offered with this company. Sebastien from France
Thank you for flying with us, and for your support! We would love to fly with you again! Sincerely, Papillon Management
We took the sunset tour and were not disappointed. We had a wonderful experience. Chris our Pilot was awesome- he provided bits of history and information on the sites. There was only four passengers plus the Pilot so we had plenty of room & unobstructed views. Excellent way to experience the Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam. Beautiful scenery and pictures do not do justice.
Thank you for taking time to post a review, we're happy to hear how much you enjoyed the tour! Thank you for flying with us! Sincerely, Papillon Management
Had the best day .. what an experience! Would definitely recommend. Well organized and views were amazing
Thank you for flying with us, and for your support! We hope you enjoyed the rest of your vacation. Sincerely, Papillon Management
Our tour with Papillon was amazing! The folks we dealt with on the ground before our flight were friendly, professional, and informative. The pilot was very professional and was great with explaining the history of the area, details about the terrain, and answering any questions we had along the way. Our next trip to Las Vegas will most definitely include an excursion with Papillon. #iflypapillon
We're happy to hear how much you enjoyed the tour and the service your pilot provided. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit. Thank you for flying with us! Sincerely, Papillon Management
