Las Vegas might be famous for its neon lights and bustling casinos, but the city also offers some surprisingly memorable water-based experiences. Because of its proximity to lakes, rivers, and the stunning Grand Canyon, it’s easy to include a cruise or boat tour as part of your Vegas trip. Whether you’re after a relaxing gondola ride, an adrenaline-pumping helicopter flight, or a scenic boat cruise on the Colorado River, Las Vegas has options that fit different interests and budgets.
These tours stand out because they combine iconic attractions with unique perspectives—like floating through Venice-style canals or soaring over the Grand Canyon’s cliffs. They’re perfect for breaking up the city’s nonstop energy with some tranquil or awe-inspiring water-based moments. To help you decide, here’s a list of the top cruises and boat tours, each offering a distinctive way to enjoy the water near Vegas.
1. Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds with a Gondola Cruise
At number 1, this combo package combines the famous wax figures at Madame Tussauds with an outdoor gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a bit of glitz and some romantic water scenery all in one day. The tour costs around $52 per person and is rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 905 reviews, reflecting solid value for a half-day experience. The Madame Tussauds visit brings you face-to-face with lifelike celebrity figures, perfect for snapping photos or getting interactive with the displays. Afterward, you’ll glide along the Grand Canal aboard a shared gondola, with a singing gondolier adding a touch of Venice to Sin City.
What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility and variety. For many visitors, it’s a seamless way to combine Las Vegas’s entertainment and iconic attractions into one trip. The gondola ride is long enough to feel special but not so lengthy that it eats up your whole day. Plus, the Speakeasy Experience gives an additional layer of fun, revealing some of the city’s hidden secrets.
Guests frequently comment on how much they loved the gondola ride, especially the singing guides and the lively atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “Loved everything! Mostly the Gondola ride my favorite. Really good Package deal.” This package is perfect for families or couples looking for a mix of fun and romance without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: A great option for those wanting a relaxed, fun-filled way to enjoy two of Vegas’s top attractions in one go.
2. Vegas: Grand Canyon Airplane, Helicopter and Boat Tour
Number 2 on our list is a full-day adventure that hits the highlights of the Grand Canyon—A favorite for travelers eager for a comprehensive view of this natural wonder. This tour, priced at $579 per person, combines a plane flight, a heli descent, and a Colorado River boat ride—offering a unique perspective from sky to river. The 280-minute experience begins at the Boulder City Airport, where you’ll enjoy aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the striped canyon walls.
The tour’s standout feature is landing at the bottom of the canyon in a helicopter, then cruising the Colorado River on a pontoon boat. It’s suitable for those who want an active, visually stunning experience with multiple vantage points. The reviews underscore how smoothly everything runs and how breathtaking the views are; one reviewer said, “Well run and very smooth. Great knowledge by the pilot and boatmaster.” Perfect for photography enthusiasts, this trip delivers on its promise of amazing scenery and adventure.
The self-guided rim tour with the hop-on/hop-off shuttle makes this flexible, allowing you to spend about three hours exploring the canyon’s edge. While the price is higher, it reflects the extensive itinerary and top-tier views. It’s best suited for travelers willing to invest time and money for a bucket-list experience.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a multi-faceted Grand Canyon trip with aerial, river, and ground views, this tour offers excellent value for a full-day adventure.
3. Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk
Number 3 is a premium, immersive experience that combines helicopter flight, boat cruise, and the Skywalk. Priced at $839 per person, it lasts about 4 to 7 hours, making it perfect for travelers who want a complete Grand Canyon visit with VIP touches. This tour begins with a scenic helicopter flight from Vegas, offering views of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees. You’ll then land on the canyon floor for a 15-minute pontoon boat ride, giving you a close-up look at the Colorado River and the canyon’s walls.
What makes this tour stand out is the access to the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 4000 feet above the canyon floor. Guests can walk out over the edge for stunning photos and a thrill that few other tours offer. The reviews mention the professionalism of the guides, with one guest sharing, “Henry our pilot was wonderful,” emphasizing the quality of the flight experience.
This package is best suited for travelers who want a luxury, all-inclusive experience with memorable highlights like the Skywalk and a combination of aerial, river, and ground views. The main catch is the higher price, but many reviewers feel it’s justified by the comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom Line: For a deluxe, all-in-one Grand Canyon trip that includes a sky-high adrenaline rush and river adventure, this is top-tier. It’s especially suitable for those with a bigger travel budget who want maximum impact.
4. Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with VIP Skywalk and Boat Ride
This tour offers the ultimate Grand Canyon experience with a helicopter flight, a river cruise, and VIP access to the Skywalk. It lasts about 7 hours and costs $839, making it a comprehensive and luxurious option for travelers who want a full-day adventure. The journey begins with a scenic helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa, landing at the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise. The highlight is the VIP Skywalk, a glass bridge that hovers over the canyon, offering spectacular views and a unique photo opportunity.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of VIP access and scenic views. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the breathtaking scenery, with one guest noting, “Mike was our pilot and he was fun and knowledgeable.” The inclusion of a souvenir photo and coach transfers rounds out the experience, making it a hassle-free, all-in-one package.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want the full luxury experience with memorable moments on both the river and the sky. The pricing reflects its high-end nature, but the experience is often described as “once-in-a-lifetime” and “gorgeous scenery.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a luxury, VIP experience with a focus on iconic sights and exclusive access, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
5. Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride
Rounding out the list is the budget-friendly Las Vegas Super Saver, priced at just $64.99 per person. This combo includes Madame Tussauds and an outdoor gondola ride at The Venetian. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want to enjoy two top attractions without a hefty price tag. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it perfect for fitting into a busy Vegas schedule.
Guests love how easy it is to combine wax figure photo ops with a romantic gondola cruise. The inside gondola ride, singing gondolier, and lively wax museum create a lively, memorable experience. One reviewer shared, “Gondola man was a Tenor singer & he sang to us—it was lovely,” highlighting the entertainment factor. The tickets are valid for a year, so you can plan your gondola ride for a different day if you prefer.
This tour is best suited for those on a budget or families looking for fun and photo opportunities. The reviews emphasize its value for money and the overall enjoyable experience.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers seeking a fun, affordable way to enjoy two classic Vegas attractions in one outing.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Las Vegas
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and which experiences excite you most. If you’re short on time but want a taste of both Vegas attractions and water scenery, the Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds with a Gondola Cruise is perfect. For a full-day adventure with grand scenery, the Grand Canyon airplane, helicopter, and boat tour offers incredible value.
For travelers after a luxury experience or celebrating a special occasion, the Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride, Boat Tour & Skywalk or the VIP West Rim tour deliver premium touches and exclusive access. Budget travelers or families will find the Super Saver a solid, value-packed choice.
Book early, especially for the more popular tours, and check availability to align with your travel dates. Tours like these tend to fill up during peak seasons, so planning in advance guarantees you a spot.
Las Vegas isn’t just about neon and nightlife—its proximity to stunning natural sights and iconic water experiences makes it a versatile destination. Whether you prefer a relaxed gondola cruise, an adrenaline-fueled helicopter ride, or a scenic boat tour along the Colorado River, these options promise memorable moments. For most travelers, mixing a couple of these experiences can transform your Vegas trip from ordinary to extraordinary.