The 5 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t just about flashing lights and giant casinos; it also offers some surprisingly memorable boat and helicopter experiences that turn the city into a hub for scenic escapes. Whether it’s gliding down the Grand Canal at The Venetian, soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, or relaxing on a pontoon ride along the Colorado River, these tours add a whole new dimension to Sin City. For visitors wanting a taste of water-based adventures with a Vegas twist, there’s plenty to choose from.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of five standout tours. From Madame Tussauds combined with a gondola ride to breathtaking Grand Canyon helicopter trips with Skywalk and boat excursions on the Colorado River, each offers a different flavor of water-bound fun. We’ll help you understand what makes each experience special, who it’s best suited for, and whether it’s worth the price tag. Whether you’re after an easy afternoon activity or a full-day adventure, this list covers options for all tastes and budgets.
1. Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds with a Gondola Cruise
This combo ticket offers a delightful mix of celebrity fun and Venetian romance for $52 per person. You get entry to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, where you can get up close and personal with wax figures of your favorite stars, take interactive photos, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The museum is well worth a visit, especially if you’re a pop culture fan or traveling with family.
Afterward, head over to the outdoor gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel and Casino. The Grand Canal cruise is a charming replica of Venice’s waterways, complete with singing gondoliers and beautifully painted ceilings overhead. This tour’s strength is its relaxed pace—it’s perfect for those who want a dose of glamour without leaving the Strip. The Speakeasy Experience adds a fun twist, revealing secrets of famous personalities in an immersive setting.
The value for money is excellent, especially since it combines two top attractions in one ticket. The reviews reflect satisfaction: “We enjoyed the museum and the addition of the Gondola ride,” says one happy visitor, with a perfect 5/5 rating.
Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors who want a little celebrity sparkle and a romantic gondola experience, all in one convenient package. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a light, entertaining activity.
2. Vegas: Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter and Boat Tour
For those craving a true bucket list adventure, this Grand Canyon tour is a comprehensive day trip—costing $579 per person. It packs in 7 hours of awe-inspiring sights and experiences, making it a solid choice for travelers who want to see the canyon from multiple angles.
Your journey begins with a scenic airplane flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River, providing spectacular aerial views. Then, you’ll land at the bottom of the canyon via helicopter, where a scenic boat ride on the Colorado River awaits. This pontoon cruise offers a rugged, up-close look at the canyon’s layered walls and rock formations. The tour also features a self-guided rim shuttle, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of aerial, ground, and water experiences, giving a full picture of this natural wonder. The reviews highlight how well-organized and immersive it is. One reviewer notes, “Great day trip to the Grand Canyon! Able to see a lot in the time we had.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure lovers and those wanting a comprehensive Grand Canyon experience, including aerial views, a river cruise, and a bit of sightseeing chaos-free.
3. Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk
This luxury combo costs $839 per person and is a full-day extravaganza designed for those who want a premium experience. It includes a helicopter flight to Grand Canyon West, a landing on the canyon floor, and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. To cap it off, you’ll step onto the Skywalk, a glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor that offers jaw-dropping views.
The itinerary emphasizes scenic flights with panoramic windows, providing excellent photo ops, plus a chance to explore the canyon floor. The Skywalk is the big draw—its glass bottom lets you stare straight down into the canyon. This tour is ideal for those who want comfort, convenience, and the most iconic sights rolled into one.
The reviews praise the expert pilots and smooth transitions. One guest says, “Henry, our pilot, was wonderful. This trip was stunning and totally worth it,” rating it 5/5.
Bottom Line: Geared toward travelers seeking a high-end, all-in-one tour combining flight, ground exploration, and the thrill of the Skywalk. A pricier option but packed with exclusive experiences.
4. Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with VIP Skywalk and Boat Ride
This 7-hour helicopter and boat combo costs $839, the same as the previous tour but offered through another reputable operator. It starts with a scenic helicopter flight over Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa, then lands on the canyon floor for a pontoon cruise. The highlight is VIP access to the Skywalk, which offers a glass-bottom view of the canyon from 4,000 feet above.
The tour includes coach transfers, making logistics smoother, and the aerial views of the dam and canyon are breathtaking. The boat ride offers a peaceful way to appreciate the canyon’s immense scale, and the Skywalk provides an adrenaline rush with incredible views. The reviews mention excellent pilots and memorable scenery, with one noting, “Jeremy was an amazing pilot and tour guide,” giving it a 5/5.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a premium, all-encompassing experience with VIP perks, combining aerial, water, and panoramic views with comfort.
5. Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride
This value-packed package costs just $64.99 per person and offers two popular attractions in one go. Starting with Madame Tussauds, you can pose with lifelike wax figures of celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Steve Aoki, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber. The experience is lively and interactive, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Afterward, you can enjoy the Grand Canal gondola ride—either consecutively or spread out over your stay. The inside gondola ride is a cozy, romantic way to experience Venice right on the Strip. The reviews reflect its popularity: “The gondola man was a Tenor singer & he sang to us,” and “Madame Tussauds was just delightful,” both rated 5/5.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective way to combine indoor celebrity fun with a relaxing water ride. It’s flexible and perfect for a quick, entertaining afternoon or evening.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious visitors looking to maximize fun without spending a lot. Suitable for families or couples wanting a compact experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting a cruise or boat tour in Las Vegas, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a quick taste of celebrity culture coupled with a gondola ride, Tour #1 is perfect. If you’re after a full-day adventure with aerial views, boat rides, and a visit to the canyon floor, Tours #2 and #3 offer excellent value. For those seeking luxury and VIP access, Tours #3 and #4 deliver higher-end experiences with plenty of wow factor.
Keep in mind fitness levels—some tours involve stairs and walking at the canyon, so check if you’re comfortable with that. Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas offers a surprising range of boating, helicopter, and water-based tours that add a new perspective to your visit. The gondola rides and Madame Tussauds combo are perfect if you want a relaxed, fun, and affordable experience. For those who want to see the Grand Canyon in style, Tours #2, #3, and #4 deliver stunning views and memorable adventures, especially with helicopter flights and Skywalk access.
If your time is limited, Tours #1 and #5 offer quick, affordable options to enjoy water-inspired activities without leaving the Strip. For a full-on, bucket-list experience, the helicopter trips over the Grand Canyon are hard to beat. Remember to book early, compare options based on your interests, and get ready for some unforgettable water and air adventures in Las Vegas.