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Sundance Helicopter
Category: Hotels & Travel Tours Tours
McCarran International Airport5596 Haven St
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Neighbourhood: Southeast
(800) 653-1881
About This Business:
Mustang Helicopters, often called "The Spirit of Adventure" offers you an unparalleled helicopter experience to the Grand Canyon. See beautiful… read more »
27 reviews for Sundance Helicopter
27 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberly K.
Houston, TX
4/16/2012
The most amazing experience EVER! I decided to take my boyfriend on a helicopter ride over the Vegas strip at night for his 30th birthday. A limo picked us up at our hotel and then we were the last people to ride for the night. The limo ride and helicopter ride over the Vegas strip at night was the best experience ever!
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Review from Angi R.
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2/12/2012
If you're in Vegas and you're looking for a quick and easy way to see the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and the Strip, a helicopter tour is the best way to go. We took the Grand Canyon sunset tour and I still think I made the best choice.
There were only four of us in the helicopter so everyone had a great view. Our pilot, Travis, made sure we felt safe and comfortable and told the cheesiest jokes I ever heard but it was also really obvious that he loved his job.
Flying through the canyon (we were actually below the rim!) was my favorite part but I had really hoped to spend more time on the ground. I didn't check my watch but it certainly felt like fifteen minutes. But then again, can you ever get enough time in the canyon? Not me...I've been to the canyon about 10 times and this was a great new way to experience it.
(Ask for the military discount when you book and get 15% off for your group.) -
Review from Marshall C.
San Jose, CA
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fun 3 hour helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon with landing in the canyon for 30 minutes to have a catered lunch. Basic lunch box with sandwiches and champagne. I'm glad I paid a little more to land in the canyon. This made the trip. I didn't find the flight itself all that exciting. I picked up some souvenir rocks from the canyon floor.
Landed in Vegas at 8am. Had to kill some time before hotel check-in.
Friendly, colorful pilot. Kept us engaged throughout the flight with color commentary. Made some sharp turns to make the ride a little exciting. Return flight flies over vegas from the Stratosphere to Mandaly Bay.
They assign seating based on weight distribution. 2 people sit in the front and 4 in the back. Can get cramped if the riders are big. If you're small and light, you get to sit in the outer window side or front. I guess they put heavier people in the two center back seats to center the weight load.
Shared limo pick up and drop-off to/from hotel included.
Paid $300 for the ride plus $20 tip for pilot.
Worth it to try it out once, but not enticing enough to repeat. -
Review from Jill T.
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have to admit at first I thought the helicopter rides seemed over priced, but after the experience I had with Sundance I'd have to say it was totally worth it!
We went on the Grand Canyon tour. Our pilot, Derek, was wonderful. He was constantly checking on each of us to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. The view alone from the helicopter is amazing, but when you land in the Canyon for lunch it's absolutely spectacular.
The other bonus of the helicopter vs. bus trip is that you still get your day back. The tour only takes 3 hours as opposed to 6. When you're only in Vegas for a short time this is the absolute best way to see the Grand Canyon without losing your entire day in transit.
I would most definitely recommend Sundance to anyone looking for a helicopter tour. -
Review from Keila N.
9/1/2011
My date and I went on the Vegas strip tour on a Saturday night. A limousine picked us up at the hotel at 7:20 p.m. We were the first couple. The driver picked up three more couples and headed to the airport.
The helicopter ride is only about 12 minutes. The lady who answered the phone when I called to confirm lead me to believe that the tour was 2 hours. I didn't know that the tour included pick up, drop off and waiting at the airport.
The view was awesome. It was definitely something different. -
Review from Kevin M.
Dublin, CA
7/21/2011
Let me first start of saying. I loved being in the helicopter, felt safe, secure, and was so excited the whole time.
Now, the review... The limo picked us up for our 40 minutes twilight tour of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and The Strip on time. However, as it was 104 degrees outside that day, there were no refreshments in the limo. I COULD understand no alcohol due to price and overuse and the helicopter ride, but no complimentary water or juice or soda? It felt a bit cheap. But I came prepared, fortunately I don't go anywhere without a water bottle in my hand.
Watched the safety video and all that jazz, normal stuff. These things were required by law, shouldn't be reviewed. They took a picture of us with the helicopter, that we later found out would be offered for purchase at a steep 30 dollars. FOR A PICTURE.
I sat on the right window side of the helicopter. Which sounds like a prime viewing seat... it wasn't. Apparently, the helicopter comes up on all the sites on the right side, meaning the left side of the helicopter got AMAZING views, of us approaching the lake and dam. Yes, we turned around just past the hoover dam, but looking behind the helicopter as we passed it, I found it troublesome to get even a picture, let alone enjoy it for myself.
As we came up to the Strip, we first headed for Downtown Las Vegas, or the Strip. Well, as you may or may not know... when coming from the Hoover Dam towards Fremont St., The mainstay of the Las Vegas Strip is on the left side... again.. So I didn't get any of those views but I thought maybe I'll see Fremont St. and Downtown... but we flew directly over Fremont St. and no one got a good view.
Then we traveled parallel to the Las Vegas Strip. WHICH WAS AWESOME, for the people on the left side of the helicopter. I however, had a great view of highway 15 and Industrial St. (the one with all the strip clubs). Fun.. yes, but not what I paid so much money for. I still got a couple good pictures was a good experience.
Our pilot knew what she was doing, but everything she said sounded exactly like the same thing she had said 4 times already that day on the first 4 tours. There was no personal attention or attentiveness towards us.
If you take anything away from this review. WE HAD FUN, but sit on the left side if you can... -
Review from Becca C.
1/23/2011
I booked a tour through http://Viator.com. The experience was exactly as advertised, and really awesome. I loved as we decended into the canyon, landing on a scenic turning point, with a champagne lunch nonetheless. We flew right over Vegas coming back, and I wished it had been at night rather than day.
Only thing I didn't like....it was me (solo traveler), and a couple and a set of parents with a child. Add that up, and its 6 seats per helicopter. (2 in the front, 4 in the back.) Naturally, I sat in the back at a window on the way out. The couple got to sit in front going out. Then, the other 3some took the front, as well as a window seat. In case you're not following, I got a back window seat going out, and a middle back seat coming back to Vegas. For $300, I should've had the opportunity to sit in front. It wasn't even discussed; it was like, I'm by myself, and the couples deserve to experience it before me. Which sucked. Which is why you're getting 4 stars. Other than that, I felt safe, and it was pretty fun. -
Review from Gennadiy B.
Brooklyn, NY
3/26/2011 2 photos
Awesome! I booked the "All American Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight & Canyon Landing" via http://www.looktours.com and saved about $100. I don't know why it's cheaper to book tours that way, but you can always compare prices with Sundance's site. I booked over the phone one day in advance and there was a fee for that, but limo from hotel to the airport was free. Additional fuel fee of $40 and tips to pilot and driver cannot be avoided.
I was in a group with a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) and another single male. Our excellently awesome pilot Marc suggested the seating arrangements, so everyone got a chance to have a window view. Therefore, on the way back I was seating in the front and didn't feel like an idiot who spent several hundred dollars but got squeezed somewhere in the back just because he's not of certain age anymore. Anyway, there's not much room on either seat (2 seat in the front, 4 in the back, and it's tight), pilot tells you a few things here and there, but mostly a pre-recorded narration and music snippets are on. However, that only works until someone starts yammering into the microphone (please don't be that someone). Avoid bringing large backpacks and annoying little children. Though in my case, the group was awesome!
The flight was smooth, but that obviously depends on weather, especially its wind part. The flight was early, at 6 am, but it's better to get to the Canyon before noon because the colors are much better than when sun is at zenith. Breakfast consisted of a fruit, croissant, jam, champagne and probably something else, not sure; I was busy admiring the view. And I must say the view is totally worth it! In 4 hours you get to see a lot, experience a helicopter ride, walk inside the canyon... if you're in Vegas on business - don't even think about it; just do it! It's awesome!
The airport is near, almost across, from Mandalay Bay, so on the way back I asked the limo driver to drop me off there and enjoyed a lazy Sun morning walk all the way back to Bellagio. Awesome!
Marc highly recommended to book in advance, because in season all of Sundance twenty helicopters are full, zig-zagging back and forth non-stop. ...And don't ever ever ever ever touch the door handle. Ever! -
Review from Dave N.
Hicksville, NY
8/9/2010
Very cool and was a nice break from losing money at roulette.
I went with five friends and we did the helicopter tour of the grand canyon with a champagne picnic lunch. Limo picked us up from our hotel which was a nice touch. On the way there and back via the helicopter the visuals were amazing. I also got excited that I was able to use the microphone to talk to everyone else on the helicopter which annoyed everyone, but amused me.
We ended up bringing cups and ping pong balls and played beer pong at the Grand Canyon using the picnic tables. Apparently, according to the pilots, we were the first customers to ever do that (either we're degenerates or awesome..probably both). They land you in a great spot of the Grand Canyon with an awesome view.
Overall it was a great time. Really nothing to complain about except maybe the $400 that was spent on it (that included tips for the limo driver and pilot). -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
3/7/2007 2 photos
Took a couple friends on the Grand Canyon Picnic. I got the information below straight from their website. The expereince was quite amazing and unforgettable. I guess it should be for the price but luckily it was on them. I got to play tour guide and translator. Good times.
"Grand Canyon Picnic - ($364 per person + $35.00 fee) "
"Fly into the depths of this incredible wonder that nature has created. Land deep inside the Grand Canyon for a champagne picnic below the canyon rim. Tour includes low level flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, extinct volcanoes. Conclude with an exciting view of the Las Vegas strip."
(3 hrs and 30 minutes hotel to hotel) -
Review from Heather P.
San Mateo, CA
5/17/2009
All of the concierges seem to carry Maverick brochures which have a hefty markup. It turns out that Maverick pays the hotels a higher percentage to recommend them. Luckily, I do not fear finding my deals on the internet and soon realized that Sundance was offering the same tours of the Grand Canyon for $100 less!
The views were fabulous and our pilot was well informed, skilled & friendly. Even the cheaper helicopters have a decent view from all seats. -
Review from Ron L.
Covina, CA
12/19/2008
We love to check out all the things here in Las Vegas.. We love to pig out at all the fancy high class restaurants too...
Well...why not enjoy yourselves like the high rollers for a night or two...duuuuh..
Then, of course....my bright idea...I ask my friend to go on this helicopter ride... It was like trying to bathe a cat.. He finally gave in..when I said, I'd pay for it....aaaah, what are friends for...right?
That helicopter ride was cool, and we got a great tour down the strip and back...
I think we were short-changed a little...because it wasn't really that long for the money.. Shoulda deducted one star for short flight...but...Oh well......
The pilot was cool.....just our money dissappeared in thin air... -
Review from Leslie C.
Marina del Rey, CA
9/25/2011
great service, limo pick up at hotel nice little picnic in the Grand Canyon followed by a fly over The Strip. Our pilot Andre was cool. I would recommend this , very well done!!!
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Review from BETH E.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/21/2011
Absolutely loved it! took the canyon tour/w lunch. From the limousine pick up at the hotel, to the greeting at the counter, to the pilot Jon- the customer service was flawless. Everything was explained to us safety wise, the earphones w/ headsets and music were great and so was the narration. We booked through Viator and that was simple and effifient process. I definitely would use Viator and Sundance again. The lunch in the grand canyon was very nice- champagne and sandwiches. the entire experience was completely fun, very safe and an all around great time. Its a once in a lifetime memory, and I would strongly suggest taking this flight!
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Review from B K.
Henderson, NV
8/24/2009
Even with 40 mph gusts, rain and lightning, we went...it was a birthday surprise...a bumpy birthday surprise. But we were fascinated by the experience, having never ridden in a helicopter. I'm the one that's typically turbulence traumatized...he's the brave one. But somehow, I managed to be the stronger of the two of us this time.
The ride out to the Dam was bumpy and warm, fortunately about the time we all began to get a little uneasy, the pilot found his a/c button and turned it on(!), and that eased all of our nerves and our systems. After we turned around at the dam, we headed back to Vegas, to Fremont, hung a left and took in the strip from northern end to southern end. It was gorgeous at night. The rain made everything sparkle. The photographs I took, few in focus, actually felt like art shots...(it was vEr..y...Bu..mPPppyYY...) But once on the ground again, and after we got our bearings, all was right with the world.
But note, if you don't do rollercoasters well, you might make sure you've got a clear, cool, windless day to try your first flight... -
Review from Beau S.
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
It was a lot of fun and I really liked the trip. Pretty expensive but, worth seeing for sure. You really appreciate the Grang Canyon when you fly down and land in the middle. Make sure you go to the bathroom before the flight. No bathroom breaks for about 2 and half hours.
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Review from Maryellen T.
Langhorne, PA
11/25/2011
Highly recommend this for anyone who wants a beautiful tour of the Grand Canyon. The pilot we had was informative and funny. The only downside of the tour was the time spent inside the canyon. With all the awesome sights an additional 30 minutes would have been ideal. It was difficult to go everywhere we wanted in the limited amount of time we had. Other than that, I would say this is one great tour for anyone that would like to take a helicopter from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.
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Review from Alan S.
1/6/2009
Wow... this was an amazing once in a life time experience. We flew over the Hoover Dam, landed in the Grand Canyon and even buzzed the strip. The views were spectacular. You should go. Thankfully I didn't pay for it!
Sit in the front if you have the option... I got to on the way out but not on the way back. Its a much more amazing experience from the front seat! -
Review from Bill S.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2009
Maybe one day you'll find a golden ticket from Willy Wonka, then during the chocolate factory tour ingratiate yourself with the eccentric onfectionaire and be offered a ride in his Great Glass Elevator. But if that doesn't work out, or you can't wait, $200 buys you second best: a 35 minute sunset helicopter tour of Las Vegas and the Hoover Damm by Sundance Helicopters.
The feeling of helicopter flight is as delicious as anything Willy Wonka could cook up. The desert and Hoover Dam lit by the setting sun are gorgeous, and the the Las Vegas strip viewed at night from the air no less spectacular than an ever-lasting gobstopper. Sonny, our pilot, was knowledgeable, skillful, and as patient with the unending stream of questions from my five year old nephew as any of Wonka's Oompa-Loopas could be. He even pumped our music through the copter PA.
The A-Star helicopter we rode in was smooth as silk, completely stable, nearly free of vibration and quiet enough to talk without using the provided headsets. They also offer an upgrade to their slightly larger Eurocopter 130 for an extra $35/person.
Niggles
Willy Wonka had his flaws, and I'm afraid that Sundance is also not without its imperfections
* The safety video describes what to do in case of an "unplanned preventive landing in water." Sorry, guys, there's no prize for Best Attempted Euphemism. And it's OK - you can say "emergency landing" or even "ditch." We get this is an aircraft.
* When we arrived at the terminal the front desk staff was focused on some tempest-in-a-teapot booking drama and treated our presence as an interruption. They did better later, but for the $600 our party was spending they could have been a little more welcoming.
* There was a bit of confusion with flight length. Their online reservations people had told me it was a 50 minute flight. The limo driver who picked us up said 30 minutes. In fact its 35 minutes, which was fine.
Hints
* There isn't a bad seat in the house, but the back left (behind the pilot) is the best place to sit - it offers an extra view of Las Vegas on the outbound leg of the trip.
* if you are hosting your favorite sumo wrestler, be prepared to pay extra. They ask for your weight when taking the reservation, and then weigh everyone at check-in. On the A-Star helicopter you bust weight at 275 pounds, on the EC 130 its 300 pounds. In either case, the extra charge is $30.
* With Sundance you should reserve 4-5 days in advance. However, you can cancel up to 24 hours before flight with no penalty.
* If you want a longer flight, or are hankering to go to the Grand Canyon, Sundance offers a variety of packages in the $400-$500/person range, all some variation on fly to the canyon by helicopter, land inside the rim, and do an activity -picnic, rafting, hiking, and then take the helicopter back. See http://www.sundancehel... for details.
* Don't forget to tip your pilot.
Quick summary of Las Vegas air tour options
Note: There are other operators that only do longer tours (mostly to the Grand Canyon), but I think the below are it for shorter 'Las Vegas from the air' tours.
* Sundance - $200/35 minute tour, includes roundtrip transportation between hotel and hanger. They suggest reservations four or more days in advance. These can be cancelled up to 24 hours before flight time without penalty.
* Stars and Stripes Air Tours http://starsandstripes... currently offering a $99 for a 15 minute ride special (normally $120), includes roundtrip ground transport to and from hotel. Their website also mentions a 90 minute $600 'pilot training' that looks like a blast. They say same day reservations are usually OK. Confusingly, they also do business under the name Las Vegas Helicopter.
* Maverick http://www.maverickhel... $99 for 10 minutes, ground transport not included. Same day reservations usually OK.
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, but I'm bring my Sundance memories with me - I want to treasure them for a long time. -
Review from Patty J.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2011
The original helicopter company has the best landing site and the most experienced pilots. Sunset tour with champagne picnic was the best and I think the best price with a limo hotel pick up. Highly recommend.
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Review from Beverly H.
Ventura, CA
11/7/2010
During our most recent trip to Las Vegas we decided that instead of seeing a show we would do the helicopter over the strip at night tour. It was so worth it. My daughter had been wanting to ride in a helicopter and this was the perfect place to do it. The staff was professional and very nice. We paid the extra $15 per ticket for a limo pickup from the hotel which was fun. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who is looking for something different to do in Las Vegas.
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Review from Jennifer W.
Auburn, CA
11/19/2009
Loved it Loved it Loved it!!!!! While it was pricey at a little over 200 hundred for two people and only lasted about 15 minutes, it was worth every penny, and I'd do it again in a heart beat. My husband and I did the city lights tour and it was amazing. So beautiful. Our pilot was really cool and funny as well. I think he could tell I was nervous. I don't normally like to fly (in airplanes that is) or heights in general, but he put us all at ease and the flight was smooth and steady. As long as all flights are like the one we took, I think I've officially feel in love with flying in helicopters.
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Review from Super K A.
Santa Ana, CA
10/16/2010
Fantastic ride! JoAnn and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Our Pilot was gracious, the picnic lunch is bit lite, but scenery will blow you away. We flew low, and close- at one point it seemed that we could reah out and brush the canyon walls with our hands. Only caveat, there is a sneaky fuel fee that is extra- 80$ this trip-it changes as fuel prices fluctuate. All in all, don't miss it and bring extra memory cards!
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Review from Ringgo A.
Santa Ana, CA
1/3/2009
Awesoem company....great service. Flew with them thanksgiving weekend 2007....will return to use them again soon.
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Review from Kai G.
Boise, ID
6/30/2010
My wife and I had an incredible experience with Sundance doing the All-American Grand-Canyon tour, at least once we left the ground. The day started off on a bad note when our original tour was canceled for maintenance then the limo overheated bringing us to our rescheduled afternoon tour leaving us stranded next to some random apartment complex. We were rescued by a second limo and made it to the terminal with about 15 minutes to spare.
The flight was amazing. Even though he didn't look old enough to drive a car, our pilot Marcus did a great job and added a lot to the pre-programmed narration. We were on the ground in the Canyon for about 30 minutes, which was plenty for me considering it was about 115 degrees. In my opinion the South Rim is a more impressive experience, but the West Rim (the only part that allows helicopters) is still very impressive.
If you've got a half-day to kill in Vegas I highly recommend you go. You'll spend about what you'd lose in the same amount of time on a blackjack table and get a lot more for it. Book via http://looktours.com to save a bit of money. Even though the site doesn't advertise as Sundance, your confirmation letter will have Sundance listed. -
Review from Tania Z.
Boston, MA
8/9/2010
Worth the trip out to Vegas. Limo service to helicopter part of the Vegas airport, 45 min each way narrated trip over strip, over hover damn, over lake mead, over grand canyon. We landed in the canyon and had 30 to enjoy our picnic lunch and take a short walk to take pictures. Honestly, I thought 30 minutes was going to be too short but with the temps as high as they are, that is about all you can really handle. The picnic area is shaded and they provided us with champagne, soda, water, sandwiches, macaroni salad, apples, cookies. If you need a veggie/special diet wrap, just let them know ahead of time, they were very accommodating.
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Review from theresa s.
Honolulu, HI
8/11/2010 1 photo
this is a first class operation all the way. we were picked up at our hotel by a limo exactly at the said time, and it brought us to the sundance location at the airport. we were given a very brief safety video and we were off. there were 6 of us per heli, and there was a caravan of about 5 or 6 helis. we flew over the hoover dam and lake mead on the way to the grand canyon. it took 40 minutes to get to our destination, accompanied by music and commentary about landmarks we were passing. i am extremely prone to motion sickness, but i did not feel at all queasy. it was a very smooth ride. we landed for approx 30 minutes to take pictures and have a quick lunch, consisting of champagne, turkey sandwich, apple slices, and pasta salad. there were waters and sodas available. we took the 9:45am tour, and it was rather warm when we landed, and mark our pilot indicated that it was 10 degrees cooler than normal temps! the views were amazing and though people mentioned that they wished we stayed a little longer, i think the timing was perfect throughout the trip. it was approx a 2 hour trip. on our return, we saw a couple of tour buses on the road, they were still on their way. we are so happy that we did not decide to take the 12 hour bus tour. there was no way they were able to see the GC the way that we did. the views from the helicopter were incomparable and gorgeous! we booked the all-american tour for $269 per person from http://viator.com, which was supposed to be a 25% discount. yes, there is a $40 per person extra fee for the airport, but i read about it in other yelp reviews and incorporated the cost in the consideration of the tour. we would definitely do this again and recommend it to our friends! can you say AWESOME?!
