The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of Las Vegas' most popular natural attractions. Tour prices are all over the map, and most of them are ridiculously high. But deals exist. Listed here are a few tips on how to get them:
1. Pick an all-inclusive tour. You'll find three types: Bus, helicopter, and airplane. Bus is the cheapest option; helicopter is the most costly.
2. Do not buy from third parties. You'll pay far more should you purchase a tour from a travel broker , an online broker (e.g. Viator) or a hotel concierge.
3. Purchase direct. You are buying "wholesale" when you purchase straight from the tour operator.
4. Book in upfront . You'll often save funds in the event you buy a high-season ticket during low season.
5. Book on the internet. Service and transaction costs are cheaper for the tour operator, which finally ends up in lower tour costs for you. The exception: The operator's 800# -- making use of it might result in a price improve.
I researched the Web for the best on-line deals for Grand Canyon Skywalk tours from Las Vegas. Here are my findings:
Bus
Grand Canyon Coaches led the pack. Its all-inclusive West Rim bus tour with Skywalk costs $129. Transportation is aboard a state-of-the-art luxury bus. Includes Skywalk, BBQ lunch, and plenty of time to sightsee Grand Canyon West. Travel time: 2.5 hours.
Helicopter
Papillon Helicopters smoked its competitors. Their Skywalk tour came in at $375 (regularly $469), a lot more than 20 percent cheaper than that of other operators. Includes the EcoStar 130 deluxe helicopter, BBQ lunch, and rim-top sightseeing. Flight time: 45 minutes.
Airplane
Grand Canyon Airlines was the clear winner. Their air tour with Skywalk cost $200 (regularly $349) and uses the award-winning Vistaliner aircraft, a custom-built fixed-wing airplane designed precisely forsightseeing. Includes lunch and time to explore the rim. Flight time: 25 minutes.
Here are a few more issues to take into account as you select which tour is appropriate for you:
- Luxury buses feature over-sized windows, plush seats, and clean restrooms. They also include a "smooth-ride" suspension system that guarantees you travel in maximum comfort.
- Helicopters fly at a lower altitude than airplanes. This results in closer, clearer views of Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
- Airplanes are the quickest way for you to get to the West Rim. From a time and expense standpoint, they are the most affordable method to fly.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, a joint venture between a Las Vegas businessman and the Hualapai Indian Tribe, stretches 70 feet over the edge of the rim and supports you more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The design can hold 120 individuals at one time, and there is no time limit to how much time you can continue being on the bridge.
Its horseshoe-shaped deck is made of 46 Saint-Gobain Diamant low-iron glass panels that cost $250,000 each. To protect the panels from being damaged, personal electronics, which includes cameras and cell phones, are not allowed. Protective fabric shoe covers are supplied. Stationary cameras and staff photographers are available to take your picture.
If you are visiting Las Vegas, make the Grand Canyon Skywalk a "must-see" destination. Located just 120 east of town, the Skywalk can be reached by bus, helicopter, and airplane. There's a tour for each and every budget. To get the very best deal, book direct on the tour operator's site where prices will be at or near wholesale. Then settle backand prepare yourself for the what is going to be the experience of a lifetime.
Author Information:
Mr. Plunket is a travel journalist who reports on the Grand Canyon. He recommends readers click Grand Canyon Skywalk tours and purchase these trips from Las Vegas at inexpensive prices. hostgator promo code