Most likely going to Vegas and hunting for a wonderful excursion? Try the trip that mixes the fun of smooth-water floating down the Colorado River with the thrill of a heli flight to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Do this trip and you will have seen two of the West's finest icons in ways that would make Indiana Jones envious.
This thrilling package kicks off with a 120-mile helicopter ride from Vegas to Grand Canyon West, home of the Sky Walk. Here you'll drop over the edge and make a 4,000-foot plunge to the base. On the canyon's ancient floor, you'll toast your accomplishment with cold Champagne before setting off to discover the surrounding area.
Within the chopper, you will make a remarkable ascent past imposing cliffs, knife-edged escarpments, and some of the most ancient uncovered rock on the planet before popping over the rim. Next you'll switch to a luxury motor coach which will take you to the bottom part of Hoover Dam's 726-foot retaining wall for the beginning of your 11-mile smooth water float tour on the legendary Colorado River.
First up is the unique Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This structure, the second highest bridge in the U.S., rises 840 feet above the river and ranges 1,900 feet in order to connect Nevada with Arizona. Onward, your pontoon raft quietly glides down the river, passing caves, bubbly waterfalls, and fresh water springs before anchoring at Willow Beach (AZ) where one can swim, explore, or shop for souvenirs.
River guides are your answer to unlocking the secrets of the area. These expert boatmen know the river like the back of their hand, and have an encyclopedic knowledge of the area's creatures, historical past, and geology. Be on the alert: A lot of visitors report viewing secretive big horn sheep. It's common practice to tip your guide if his services are outstanding.
This smooth water raft tour with helicopter is all-inclusive and contains drinks, box lunch and free hotel shuttle service. Tours leave each morning and last 10 hours. Kids 4 years old and up are allowed. Life jackets are supplied, and each raft includes U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment. I strongly suggest your bring a lot of sun screen lotion, a hat, a bathing suit, and loose-fitting clothing.
For what you get, this tour is an definite bargain. However, if you order it on the net, you'll get this package much cheaper - often up to 35% off! Personally, I buy all my river-helicopter excursions on the Internet and have never had any issues. Pontoon rafts seat between 15 and 19 people. During summer season, trips sell out fast. It's a wise idea to RSVP ahead of time. If you purchase this tour the day of departure, expect to pay a King's Ransom for it.
In my opinion, this is among
Las Vegas' best smooth-water float tours. Combining it with a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon just makes it more desirable. Just imagine, in a day, you will have experienced an area that took past explorers several months. That's the magic of this trip. And it's why I'm awarding this tour two thumbs up. Way up! I'll see you on the river.
