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    Compare your Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators: Papillon, Maverick & more

    Grand Canyon ToursHelicopter Tour Operators

    With so many Grand Canyon helicopter operators to choose from, it’s important to know who’s flying you. Here’s a low-down on the most popular and trusted brands that are FAA-certified, safety-focused, and known for unforgettable canyon views.

    Know your operators: The names behind your Grand Canyon adventure

    Helicopter on the Grand Canyon floor with canyon walls and river in the background.
    Maverick Helicopters Airbus EC130 flying over the Grand Canyon.
    Airplane flying over Grand Canyon West with clear blue sky.
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    Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

    ✔️ The largest and oldest Grand Canyon helicopter operator.

    ✔️ Offers the widest range of experiences, from canyon floor landings to rafting and Skywalk combos.

    ✔️ Known for affordable pricing and broad departure points: Las Vegas, Boulder City, South Rim, and West Rim.

    ✔️ Best suited for families, first-time visitors, and travelers seeking all-inclusive adventure packages.

    Maverick Helicopters

    ✔️ Renowned for luxury-focused helicopter experiences with custom ECO-Star interiors.

    ✔️ Prioritizes comfort, style, and small-group experiences.

    ✔️ Offers direct Las Vegas Strip departures, exclusive sunset flights, and private tour options.

    ✔️ Ideal for couples, premium travelers, and special occasions.

    Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines

    ✔️ A sister brand to Papillon, specializing in fixed-wing airplane tours.

    ✔️ Operates scenic flights to the South Rim, West Rim, and North Rim, often paired with helicopter, boat, or Hummer experiences.

    ✔️ Features larger cabin windows for aerial photography and panoramic sightseeing.

    ✔️ Great choice for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer airplane comfort over helicopter motion.

    Take off with the best: Your operator comparison

    Operator
    Founded
    Fleet (Helicopter type)
    Departure points
    Experience types
    Ideal for
    Book your tour
    Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
    1965
    Airbus EC130 ECO-Star, Bell 407
    Las Vegas, Boulder City, South Rim, Grand Canyon West
    Sightseeing, canyon floor landings, Skywalk & rafting combos, sunset flights
    Families, first-timers, adventure seekers
    Maverick Helicopters
    1995
    ECO-Star EC130B4 (luxury, custom interiors)
    Las Vegas Strip, South Rim
    Sightseeing, rim landings, sunset flights, private charters
    Couples, luxury travelers, photographers
    Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines
    1927
    Twin Otter Vistaliner, Cessna Grand Caravan
    Boulder City, South Rim, Grand Canyon West
    Airplane sightseeing, combo flights (air + heli + hummer), day trips
    Budget travelers, families, first-time flyers

    Departure points: Where your Grand Canyon flights will take off from

    Boulder City Terminal
    Las Vegas Strip Terminal
    South Rim Terminal
    Grand Canyon National Park Airport
    Grand Canyon West

    Address: Airport Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States | Find on Maps

    Getting there:

    • By bus: Take a Greyhound or FlixBus from Las Vegas to Boulder City, or hop on the National Park Express shuttle from the Strip. Most rides take about 45 mins.
    • By car: Drive south from the Las Vegas Strip via I-515 S/US-93 S toward Boulder City; the journey takes about 35 mins. Parking is available at the terminal.

    Recommended tours:

    • From Las Vegas: Day Trip to Grand Canyon National Park via Airplane plus Guided Hummer Tour
    • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour
    • 70- min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride
    • From Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Airplane & Ground Tour
    • From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour & Black Canyon Raft with Champagne & Picnic

    Address: 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States | Find on Maps

    Getting there:

    • By bus: Take the Deuce or RTC Route 119 to the Mandalay Bay stop, then walk 10 mins south to Maverick Helicopters.
    • By car: Drive south along Las Vegas Blvd or take I-15 S to Exit 33 for Russell Road. Parking is available at the terminal.

    Recommended tours:

    • From Las Vegas: 90-min Helicopter Tour with Floor Landing & Las Vegas Strip Views
    • West Rim Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
    • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
    • 12-min Las Vegas Strip Highlights Night Helicopter Tour
    • 40-min Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour

    Address: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps

    Getting there:

    • By bus: The Tusayan Shuttle connects Grand Canyon Visitor Center with the South Rim Terminal during peak season.
    • By car: From Grand Canyon Village, drive south on AZ-64 toward Tusayan. The terminal is just 10 mins away with free parking on-site.

    Recommended tours:

    • 45-min Grand Canyon National Park Airplane Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
    • Classic Helicopter Tour

    Address: 1542 Liberator Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps

    Getting there:

    • By bus: Take the National Park Shuttle to Tusayan, which stops near the airport entrance.
    • By car: Drive south from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center via AZ-64 S; the airport is about 7 miles (10 mins) away.

    Recommended tours:

    • Luxury Helicopter Tour with Comfort Seating
    • 45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour

    Address: 5006 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States | Find on Maps

    Getting there:

    • By bus: There’s no direct public bus to Grand Canyon West heliport. You can get here via a guided shuttle or tour transfer from Las Vegas.
    • By car: Drive east from Las Vegas via US-93 S and Pierce Ferry Rd, then follow Diamond Bar Rd to the Grand Canyon West terminal (about 2.5 hours).

    Recommended tours:

    • 15-min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing, Boat Ride with Optional Skywalk
    • 20-min Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour

    See what fits your style

    Traveler type
    Best operator for you
    Go for
    Value seeker
    Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Affordable tours with flexibility.
    Luxury traveler
    Maverick Helicopters: ECO-Star aircraft, premium interiors, direct Strip departures.
    Adventure seeker
    Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Multi-adventure combos with rafting, boats, and Skywalks.
    Photographer
    Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines: Large windows for aerial photography.
    Family or group traveler
    Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Group-friendly and affordable.
    Couples
    Maverick Helicopters: Romantic private flights with champagne upgrades.
    Short-on-time visitor
    Maverick Helicopters: Direct Strip departures.
    First-time flyer
    Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines: Smooth airplane experiences.

    Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators

    What’s the main difference between Papillon and Maverick Helicopters?

    Papillon is known for offering the widest range of Grand Canyon helicopter tours at great value, including landings, rafting, and combo experiences. Maverick Helicopters, on the other hand, focuses on premium comfort and small-group experiences, perfect for travelers who want a more luxurious flight.

    Which operator departs directly from the Las Vegas Strip?

    Both Maverick and Papillon operate select flights from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal, making them convenient for visitors staying on the Strip. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines departs from Boulder City, about 35 minutes away, but offers hotel transfers for most tours.

    Which operator offers the best value for families?

    Papillon and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines are both excellent for families, thanks to their wide range of affordable and family-friendly tours. Scenic Airlines’ airplane tours are particularly popular with parents traveling with young children, as the cabins are spacious and the flights are smooth.

    Are all three operators FAA-certified?

    Yes, Papillon, Maverick, and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines are all certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each operator maintains rigorous safety standards, experienced pilots, and modern fleets designed for sightseeing comfort.

    Do these operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off?

    Yes, most tours include round-trip transfers from major Las Vegas hotels. Papillon and Scenic Airlines generally offer shuttle service to the Boulder City Terminal, while Maverick includes direct hotel pickup for Strip departures.

    Which operator is best for first-time flyers?

    Papillon is a great choice for first-time visitors who want a classic Grand Canyon helicopter experience at a reasonable price. Maverick offers a premium, quieter ride that’s perfect for those who might be nervous about flying. 

    Which operator is best for photographers?

    Maverick’s ECO-Star helicopters are designed with wraparound glass for 180-degree views, making them perfect for photography. Papillon offers longer flight routes and more landing options, giving photographers diverse perspectives of the canyon. 

    Do any tours include the Grand Canyon Skywalk or river landings?

    Yes. Papillon offers several helicopter and combo tours with Grand Canyon Skywalk access, canyon floor landings, and even rafting on the Colorado River. 

    Which is best for budget travelers?

    Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines is the top pick for budget-conscious travelers or groups, as airplane tours are generally more affordable per person. 

    More reads

    Helicopter flying over Grand Canyon West Rim, Arizona.

    Grand Canyon tours

    Maverick Helicopter flying over the Las Vegas Strip with cityscape view.

    Tours from Las Vegas

    Two women taking a selfie at the Grand Canyon Skywalk with canyon view.

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