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When it comes to air tours at the Grand Canyon, Papillon Helicopters stands out. This sightseeing company has over 50 years of experience and a fleet of safe and efficient aircraft specially designed for capturing the magnitude of the Grand Canyon.
We took our first tour with Papillon a few years ago, and it was such a fantastic experience that we immediately knew we would be back. Since then, we’ve taken two more heli-tours and plan to take another one when we return to Las Vegas.
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters review
If you’re unfamiliar with Papillon or want to know more about them before booking an excursion, you’re in the right place. I’ll tell you everything you should know about this company, including their tour options, prices, and my honest Papillon Helicopters review.
I’ll tell you upfront that I wholeheartedly recommend Papillon for Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Nowhere else can you get expansive views of the Grand Canyon, all at a great price. So, keep reading to learn more about this reputable company and find the perfect tour for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
- Papillon helicopters overview
- Papillon helicopter tours
- Papillon’s prices & discounts
- Papillon helicopter reviews
Also, don’t forget to check out our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon so you can make the most of your trip.
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters overview
Papillon Helicopters is the oldest Grand Canyon helicopter sightseeing company, in business since 1965. The fleet of Papillon helicopters and aircraft is extensive, featuring spacious EcoStar helicopters that have reduced noise and improved fuel efficiency.
The company also stands out for its strict safety measures, surpassing those set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to extra emergency communications equipment in all aircraft, Papillon is certified by the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS).
Papillon’s prices are all-inclusive, meaning there aren’t any hidden fees for things like reservations and bookings. The company allows cancellations up to 72 hours before departure and will issue a credit voucher valid for up to one year from the original purchase date. If you’ve added cancellation protection to your purchase, you can reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before your departure.
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters overview
Besides, several of Papillon’s airplanes can store wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, while the helicopters can store collapsible wheelchairs. Motorized wheelchairs can fit on some airplanes but not helicopters.
Your flight includes a headset with narration, and flights from Las Vegas include transportation from several Vegas hotels. Papillon serves over 250,000 customers annually with tours to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Page, Arizona. Plus, Papillon has Grand Canyon helicopter terminals at the South Rim and West Rim and three exclusive landing sites on the canyon floor, so you’re guaranteed a worry-free and excitement-filled adventure.
Most popular Papillon helicopter tours
Papillon has many great tour options, including some of the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. Below are the most popular tours from Vegas, the Grand Canyon South Rim, West Rim, and Page, Arizona.
Papillon helicopter from Las Vegas airport
Some of Papillon’s most popular packages are the Las Vegas helicopter tours. These include flights that fly exclusively over the Strip and helicopter tours from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. These types of excursions are super convenient, as Vegas is a top tourist destination with proximity to several incredible natural areas.
One of our favorite tours, the Celebration with Strip, is a top-rated Papillon helicopter tour from Las Vegas. Not only does it soar over the Vegas Strip, but it includes a helicopter landing at Grand Canyon West. We chose the upgraded option to fly back to Vegas at sunset, and it was 100% worth it.
Papillon helicopter from Las Vegas airport
When booking your ride with Papillon, double-check the departure point since the company has terminals both in Las Vegas and Boulder City, right outside Sin City.
- Strip Highlights, Las Vegas Strip by 🚁 (10-15 min) | from $124
- Golden Eagle, Grand Canyon West by 🚁 (3.5-4 hours) | from $449
- Celebration with Strip, Grand Canyon West with landing + Las Vegas Strip by 🚁 (3.5-4 hours) | from $729
- Grand Voyager, Grand Canyon West with landing, Colorado River cruise, and West Rim lookouts ✈️🚁🛥️🚌 (7 hours) | from $594
- West Rim Highlights, Grand Canyon West by ✈️ (4 hours) | $269
- Deluxe Tour, Grand Canyon South by ✈️🚁🚌 (10-10.5 hours) | $929
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters from the South Rim airport
There are many exciting Grand Canyon South Rim tours, although it’s hard to beat an aerial excursion. Several of Papillon’s Grand Canyon helicopter tours depart from the South Rim, the main feature of Grand Canyon National Park. This is where you can see this natural wonder’s most famous viewpoints and rock formations.
Keep in mind that below-the-rim landings aren’t permitted at the South Rim, so if you’re looking for that, check out the Papillon helicopter rides to the West Rim. On the other hand, since aircraft don’t land here, the area is better preserved and absolutely stunning, making for wonderful photo opportunities.
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters from the South Rim airport
The first time we flew with Papillon, we took the Grand Discovery airplane tour. It was a quick and cheap flight that gave us a taste of flying over the canyon. A few years later, we opted for the Imperial with EcoStar excursion, which cost more but provided even better views. Without a doubt, it was one of the best things we did at the South Rim.
- Imperial with EcoStar, Grand Canyon South by 🚁 (40-50 min) | from $399
- North Canyon tour, Grand Canyon South by 🚁 (25-30 min) | from $269
- Grand Discovery, Grand Canyon South by ✈️ (40-45 min) | from $179
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters from the West Rim airport
As I mentioned, the West Rim is where you can enjoy a canyon floor landing by Papillon helicopter. Descending below the rim means you’ll get a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon. Also, helicopter tours to Grand Canyon West are cheaper than most of the South Rim tours. So, if you’re on a budget, this is the best way to see the West Rim.
Papillon Grand Canyon helicopters from the West Rim airport
Another advantage of taking one of these Grand Canyon West Rim tours is that you’ll have time before and after the excursion to explore some of the area’s lookouts on your own. Some of the tours also offer an upgrade option that includes admission to the Skywalk.
These are the two most popular Papillon helicopter tours to Grand Canyon West:
- Flight of the Condor, Grand Canyon West by ✈️ 🚌 (20 min) | from $169
- Over the Edge Helicopter & Boat tour, Grand Canyon West by 🚁🛥️ 🚌 (1 hr) | from $289
Papillon helicopter tours from Page, AZ
Finally, if you’re planning to visit Antelope Canyon, you’re in luck because a few Papillon helicopters depart from Page, AZ. These thrilling tours soar over some of the area’s most spectacular rock formations, giving you a unique perspective of the canyon, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and other beautiful landmarks.
First, you’ll fly over the lovely Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam, then you’ll see Horseshoe Bend, an intriguing geological curve in the Colorado River. It’s an amazing sight to see from the ground, and in a Papillon helicopter, you’ll be able to snap one-of-a-kind photos of the overlook.
Papillon helicopter tours from Page, AZ
You’ll also get aerial views of Alstrom Point, Navajo Canyon, and the Gunsight and Tower Buttes. There is also an upgrade option that includes a helicopter landing on Tower Butte, where you’ll get panoramic views of Glen Canyon and Lake Powell.
Currently, this is the top Papillon helicopter tour from Page:
- Horseshoe Bend tour, Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell by 🚁 (10-12 mins) | $199
- Tower Butte Landing with Horseshoe Bend, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell & Tower Butte with landing by 🚁 (45-50 mins) | $299
Papillon’s prices & discounts
There are many great tour options, so I’d like to share a comparison table showing the prices for the Papillon helicopter excursions I mentioned above.
Remember, the price of a Papillon ride depends on several important factors, including the departure point, flight duration, and whether you’re flying in an airplane or helicopter.
Fortunately, Papillon has the lowest rates and will even match the cost if you find the same tour at a better price.
TOUR | PRICE FROM | DURATION | DEPARTS FROM | TRANSPORT | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$124 | 10-15 mins | Las Vegas | 🚁 | • Las Vegas Strip at night |
|
$449 | 3.5-4 hrs | Las Vegas | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$729 | 3.5-4 hrs | Las Vegas | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$594 | 7 hrs | Las Vegas | ✈️🚁🛥️🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$269 | 4 hrs | Las Vegas | ✈️ | • Hoover Dam |
|
$929 | 10-10.5 hrs | Las Vegas | ✈️🚁🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$399 | 40-50 mins | Grand Canyon South | 🚁 | • Grand Canyon South & North |
|
$269 | 25-30 mins | Grand Canyon South | 🚁 | • Grand Canyon South & North |
|
$179 | 40-45 mins | Grand Canyon South | ✈️ | • Grand Canyon South |
|
$169 | 20 mins | Grand Canyon West | ✈️ 🚌 | • Grand Canyon West |
|
$289 | 1 hr | Grand Canyon West | 🚁 🛥️ 🚌 | • Grand Canyon West |
|
$199 | 10-12 mins | Page | 🚁 | • Colorado River |
|
$299 | 45-50 mins | Page | 🚁 | • Colorado River |
|
PAPILLON HELICOPTER PRICES |
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Papillon helicopter discount codes
There aren’t any hidden costs or booking fees with Papillon, and the prices are already cheaper than the other helicopter companies operating in the Grand Canyon. That said, you can always check the Special Offers section on the website to see Papillon helicopter discount codes and deals.
Papillon helicopters review – My honest opinion after 3 chopper rides
The first time we took a Papillon air tour was a few years back, during our 10-day road trip along the West Coast. We opted for the Grand Discovery tour because it was a cheap flight. It ended up being one of the most magical experiences of that trip, and we immediately knew we wanted to fly with Papillon again.
During the Grand Discovery tour, we got incredible aerial views of the Grand Canyon South Rim, the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, the Kaibab Plateau, and the Colorado River. If you’re looking for a South Rim helicopter excursion, I highly recommend it!
A couple of years later, we returned to try another Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Papillon: the Grand Celebration flight from Las Vegas. We chose this tour because we wanted to experience a helicopter landing at the bottom of the canyon. It was even more fantastic than I imagined, and we got a different perspective of the West Rim. On the way back, we were treated to another delightful sight: a glowing sunset and the glittering lights of the Vegas Strip.
My Papillon helicopters review after 3 chopper rides
Finally, just last year, I took the Grand Voyager excursion with my family when they visited. What an amazing adventure to share with my loved ones! We flew out of Las Vegas and soared over Grand Canyon West. Then, we took a helicopter below the rim and enjoyed a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. Hands down, it was one of the best day trips from Vegas that we could’ve chosen.
After taking three chopper rides with Papillon, I can wholeheartedly recommend them. Even on the shorter flights, you get unbeatable views you can’t get from the ground-level lookouts. There are excursions for all budgets and schedules, and we felt totally safe with the pilots, who try to give customers as much airtime as possible.
Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it; there are other great Papillon helicopter tour reviews from other happy clients, which you can read below.
Other Papillon reviews
Various reviewers, business sites, and media publications have recognized Papillon for its excellent service, safety record, and expertise. For example, USA Today listed Papillon Helicopters as the second-best helicopter tour company in the country and the best one in the Grand Canyon area.
On TripAdvisor, there are over 2,200 Papillon reviews. The company has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, with most customers citing Papillon’s safety measures, smooth rides, knowledgeable pilots, and large sightseeing windows.
Other Papillon reviews
The Papillon Grand Canyon helicopter reviews on Yelp are also overwhelmingly positive. The company has 4 out of 5 stars based on over 300 reviews. Reviewers highlighted the spectacular views, the staff, and the headset narration.
To be fair, not everyone prefers Papillon. The business has the worst reviews on Trustpilot, with a rating of 2.5 out of 5. However, there are fewer than 20 reviews on this website, and most of the bad reviews look like they result from customer errors like not reading the fine print.
Is a Papillon helicopter flight worth it?
If you ask me, a Papillon helicopter tour is 100% worth it. I love flying with Papillon so much that I’ve taken three of their air tours and can confidently say that their prices are competitive, and the staff goes above and beyond (no pun intended).
Even if you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, it’s worth taking a Papillon helicopter to the skies to appreciate the canyon’s immensity and the sweeping aerial views. You definitely can’t get that kind of perspective from the ground.
Is a Papillon helicopter flight worth it?
Soaring over ancient rock formations, gorges, and crevasses is exhilarating and one of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon. It’s beneficial if you’re short on time since quick flights are available. Plus, if you’re passing through Sin City, you can take advantage of Papillon’s Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Vegas, as you’ll get a bird-eye view of the Strip, the Mojave Desert, and one of the world’s natural wonders.
If cost is the only thing holding you back, remember that Papillon’s prices are some of the lowest available, and the website is always sharing new deals and special offers.
Best Papillon Grand Canyon helicopter alternatives
Papillon isn’t the only company offering helicopter excursions at the Grand Canyon, but it’s our favorite. If you’re wondering about an alternative to Papillon, the next best option is Maverick.
Maverick Helicopters is another popular Grand Canyon helicopter tour company. It uses EcoStar helicopters and offers many of the same tour options as Papillon. Although Maverick is a younger company, it has a solid reputation and adheres to FAA safety standards.
Best Papillon Grand Canyon helicopter alternatives
I recommend Papillon over Maverick, especially since Papillon’s prices are better overall. Maverick has tours in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Southern California, and Hawaii, which is impressive. However, this means the company has less experience flying over the Grand Canyon.
On the other hand, Papillon operates exclusively in the Grand Canyon area, so they know the absolute best routes for you to get amazing views. They also have their own terminals in Las Vegas and at the Grand Canyon and exclusive landing areas below the rim. This makes Papillon the authority on Grand Canyon helicopter excursions, so you’re guaranteed the best experience possible.
FAQs – Papillon helicopters
To finish up this Papillon helicopters guide, I want to share the answers to some common questions:
What can you see during a Papillon helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon?
During a Papillon helicopter ride, you’ll see the full magnitude of the canyon with all its ancient rock formations and layers of strata. You can also see the surrounding desert landscape, ponderosa pine forests, and the Colorado River. If you take a Papillon helicopter from Vegas, you’ll also fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
When is the best time to take a Papillon helicopter tour?
The best time to take a Papillon helicopter tour is in the morning before it gets too hot and hazy. Alternatively, the late afternoon and early evening hours are lovely since you can take a sunset tour.
How long are the Papillon helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon?
It depends on which tour you choose. Some are just 20 minutes, while others include various activities and last a few hours.
Are Papillon helicopters safe?
Yes. Papillon Helicopters has an excellent safety record and has been operating for over five decades. The company has a staff of knowledgeable and experienced pilots and a fleet of safe and well-maintained aircraft.
Which is the best Papillon helicopter tour?
The best Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Papillon depends on your preferences and expectations. The most comprehensive option is the Grand Voyager excursion. Our favorite tour is the Grand Celebration flight with sunset upgrade.
How much does a helicopter tour with Papillon cost?
The price of a Papillon helicopter to the Grand Canyon depends on factors like duration, departure point, and any included activities. The flights range from $124 to $929 or more.
Do Papillon helicopters land on the canyon floor?
Yes, some of the tours include a canyon floor landing. However, this feature is only available on the helicopter tours to Grand Canyon West.
Do Papillon helicopters fly over the Las Vegas Strip?
Several Papillon helicopters fly over the Las Vegas Strip, but you should double-check that your tour includes this feature.
Is booking a Papillon tour worth it?
Absolutely! We’ve flown with Papillon Helicopters several times and can’t wait to get back to Vegas to book another tour.
That’s it from me, but don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any other questions about Papillon’s helicopters to the Grand Canyon. Also, if you’ve flown with this company, I’d love to hear your Papillon helicopter review.
Safe travels!
