Soaking up the incredible views of the Las Vegas strip from the sky with Maverick Helicopters

We are aware that the phrase ‘’the city that never sleeps’’ is normally used for New York, but after our several visits to Las Vegas, we believe it would also be a very good description for this gambler’s paradise in the Nevada desert. In this city where dreams come alive and the night sparkles with relentless energy, in our opinion there are not many experiences that can match the exhilarating thrill of a helicopter flight above the Las Vegas Strip.

Once the sun sets and the vibe in the city changes completely, all the stunning hotels ignite their neon lights, which creates a magical atmosphere in the city. And of course, it is wonderful to experience this from the ground, but imagine being able to appreciate this incredible, mesmerizing spectacle from above. Well, that is possible. There are several companies in Las Vegas offering helicopter tours, which enable a unique perspective of the entertainment capital of the world.

Which company to choose for this adventure ?

For us, it was an easy and straightforward decision. A few years back, on a previous visit to Sin City, we did an in depth diagnostics which company was the best choice for a visit of the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Based on a detailed comparison of all the options, we decided to fly with Maverick Helicopters back then. It is one of the largest aviation-based tourism companies in the world and they have been active in this industry since 1995. They employ over 250 team members and operate more than 45 luxury helicopters flown by experienced pilots. Maverick Helicopters has received 12 consecutive “Diamond Awards” of Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration and operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus 130 helicopters and the West Coast’s largest Sikorsky S-76 charter aircraft fleet. We remembered that previous experience as something magical. The service had been outstanding, the whole flight felt extremely safe and we created memories for a lifetime. So, it was an easy decision for us that also for our flight above the Las Vegas strip, we would put our trust in Maverick Helicopters.

Before taking off

The take off location of Maverick Helicopters in Vegas is at South Las Vegas Boulevard, which was a fifteen minutes drive by car from our hotel on the Strip. Be aware that on the way to their building, you will pass by the iconic ‘’Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’’ signboard. Definitely worth a stop to take a few pictures. Arriving at the terminal, which can easily be recognized from a distance as it has a large Maverick Helicopters logo on the wall, you are immediately immersed in an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. Once you walk inside the building, you cannot miss the long check in counter where friendly staff welcomes you with warm smiles and helps you with the check in process. Do not expect complexity here. Checking in is a very smooth process and goes very fast. Quite immediately you get a flight number and you are ready for the adventure, feeling the excitement that fills the air. In the huge waiting area, you then wait until your flight is ready to go, together with fellow passengers, all eager for the same thrill. From the waiting area, you can see the helicopters taking off, which creates an exciting atmosphere. As Maverick Helicopters is a rather large company, you see several helicopters taking off at the same time, which is a unique sight.

Time to fly

Once your flight number is called out, you meet your pilot in the waiting area. From that moment onwards, the excitement really rises. As things need to go fast, you are guided outside by the pilot in a swift way and you walk over to your helicopter. Even though things need to go fast, the pilot takes ample time to make a few pictures of you in front of the helicopter. And then it is time to get in ! Once aboard, the helicopter’s rotors spin into action, producing a powerful hum that signals the start of your journey. For who does not want to hear the sound of the engines too hard, there is a possibility to wear earphones, but it is no obligation. And then it is time to fly ! The gentle lift-off is accompanied by a rush of adrenaline, your heart racing as the ground slowly falls away. You fly over the airport and quite fast the sprawling city of Las Vegas, with its intricate web of streets and lights, unfolds beneath you. The transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary is swift and breathtaking, and before you know it, you’re hovering above one of the most famous streets in the world.

The beauty of the Las Vegas Strip

As you can imagine, the flight itself is breathtaking. One of the first buildings that attracted our attention was Sphere Las Vegas. Seeing this iconic building from the ground is already an experience, but flying above it is truly mesmerizing. And while the flight continues, the Las Vegas Strip, with its vibrant casinos and iconic landmarks, transforms into a glittering ribbon of light from the sky. For who knows the Strip, it is really easy to identify all the famous hotel buildings. You notice The Bellagio’s fountains that dance in choreographed splendor. The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, the replica Statue of Liberty at New York-New York, and the towering Stratosphere all come into view, each landmark telling a story of its own. Seeing the Strip from above gives you a new appreciation for its impressive buildings and detailed layout. The colorful lights create a constantly changing, vibrant scene that truly captures the spirit of Las Vegas. The city’s energy is strong even from this height, proving why it really deserves the title as entertainment capital of the world.

Time to land

Once you reach the Las Vegas Stadium, you realize that the end of the flight is coming up soon. Seconds later you are back above the airport where you took off.  As the flight nears its conclusion, the descent provides one last chance to soak in the panoramic views. As smooth as take-off was, also the landing was a perfect one.  Even though the landing was gentle, it brought a rush of mixed emotions—exhilaration from the experience but also a tinge of wistfulness as the adventure concludes already. Quite immediately, the pilot urged us to leave the helicopter and to walk back to the building from where the tour started. We could still take a few seconds to make a few pictures, but then walked back into the waiting area.

Conclusion

Similarly as during our trip to the Grand Canyon with them, also this time Maverick Helicopters succeeded in creating a wonderful experience. Of course, this time the helicopter flight was much shorter, but still it will remain a memory for a lifetime. A helicopter flight above the Las Vegas Strip is more than just a tour. It is an adventure that captures the essence of the city’s allure. It offers a perspective that is both intimate and grand, highlighting the incredible sights that make Las Vegas a world-renowned destination. We can only recommend it.