The Hoover Dam is a symbol of American engineering, spanning the Arizona-Nevada border about 56 kms (35 miles) southeast of Las Vegas.
It was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s and back then was the world’s largest Dam.
More than seven million travelers visit Hoover Dam every year, making it the world’s most-visited dam.
From the dam, visitors can see picturesque views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
Many millions see the Hoover Dam from their helicopter or airplane on their way to the Grand Canyon.
This article explains everything you must know before about Hoover Dam helicopter tours.
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Best Hoover Dam helicopter tours
Hoover Dam is about 56 kms (35 miles) southeast of Las Vegas, and by road, it takes about 40 minutes to reach.
We recommend one of the two ways of exploring the dam –
Option 1: Book a helicopter tour to Grand Canyon West, and on the way, explore Hoover Dam from above. The helicopter flight from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon lasts around 40 minutes, and you can see views of the Hoover Dam for four to five minutes. The best part is that you get to see the Dam’s aerial views twice – while going to the Canyon and coming back to Vegas.
Option 2: Book a helicopter or an airplane tour that includes a visit to Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. On such trips, you get an opportunity to get inside the Dam and explore.
We share both the types of heli tours around Hoover Dam –
Helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon
This four-hour tour of Grand Canyon West Rim starts with a hotel pickup and a drive to the heliport in Boulder City.
After the 30-minute drive from Las Vegas to Boulder City, you will board a chopper for a 70-minute flight to the Grand Canyon.
On the way, you will see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River from above.
As part of this tour, you will fly 30 miles (48 kilometers) over the Grand Canyon – the longest available flight above and below the Rim.
Once you have explored the majestic and yet rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon, you fly back to Boulder City.
And on the way, see Hoover Dam from above once again.
Tip: If you opt for the Early Bird departure, you can save US$50 per person.
Tour Operator: 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Cost of the tour
Extended Grand Canyon Flight: US$549 per person
Early Bird Departure: US$499 per person
Here are few more exciting helicopter tours that help you see Hoover Dam from above –
Luxury: If you are short on time, check out this 3-hour tour of the Grand Canyon on board the luxurious A-Star helicopter. All passengers sit in forward-facing seats with 180-degree views.
River float or Kayak trip: This is an 11-hour tour which includes a fly past over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West, and a raft ride or a kayak trip down the Colorado River.
Most affordable: At US$429 per person, this is the cheapest helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West.
What to expect
Departure point
Pick up facility from your hotel in Las Vegas is available.
Alternatively, you can head directly to the meeting point.
Address: 5596 Haven St, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA. Get directions
The heliport is near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Timings of the tour
Both options of the Hoover Dam helicopter tour are operational throughout the week.
The first batch of the tour’s Extended Grand Canyon Flight option departs at 9 am and continue in slots up to 6.15 pm.
The Early Bird Departure option of the tour has fixed-time take-offs at 7 am and 8 am.
Tour exclusions
Hoover Dam heli tours do not include any personal expenses made on your end.
Photos for souvenirs and gratuities are excluded from your ticket.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Hoover Dam.
Passengers exceeding 113 kg (250 pounds) will be required to purchase an additional seat payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.
A minimum and a maximum of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
The Hoover Dam heli ride is not wheelchair accessible.
These tours are not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
No other animals except service animals are allowed onboard.
Infants must be seated in the caregivers’ laps throughout the flight.
You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
A valid passport or ID card is required.
Flight times are approximate subject to weather conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Hoover Dam visit: Things to know
Also known as the Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam is open from 5 am to 9 pm.
Hoover Dam tours start at 9 am and close at 5 pm every day, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The last entry is at 3:45 pm, and the last tour departs at 4 pm.
A good portion of the Hoover Dam experience is outdoors, so it is better to dress for all weather types.
The best time to visit Hoover Dam is from 9 am until 10:30 am because after that the queues start getting longer. The next best time is 3 to 3.45 pm.
To enjoy everything there is to see at Hoover Dam, it is best to arrive before 2 pm. Download Hoover Dam’s map
Best Hoover Dam tours
If you aren’t keen on helicopter tours, here are some excellent road tours from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam.
>> Small-Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour With Strip Pickup
>> Grand Canyon West Rim with Optional Skywalk Ticket and Hoover Dam Photo Stop
>> Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas
>> Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas
>> Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Small Group Day Tour
>> Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Grand Canyon tours
# Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas
# Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours
# Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tours
# Best Grand Canyon helicopter tours
Recommended Reading
# What to expect on your first helicopter tour
# How to dress up for helicopter tours
# How to over come the fear of flying
# Scuba Diving – how long to waiting before flying
# Why helicopter tours are worth it
# FAQs about Helicopter tours