Look up wind speed before you book! OMG. I almost threw up in the helicopter.
We did the day tour to the Grand Canyon, with no stops in between for my sister and I.
Left on a bus to the helicopter terminal at Boulder City. Waited for a little while and finally went outside to meet the pilot, who is super nice. We took a photo with him. Don't remember but I think the photo was complimentary.
It was WINDY. Like hair flapping about scream and shout windy. Even the pilot commented that it was windy but we're going to go on nevertheless. I'm thankful because we don't have to cancel our flight, but a little nervous. Three people could fit in the helicopter (besides the pilot), a random guy on our flight sat next to the pilot and we sat in the back.
The intercom did not work. I could not communicate with anyone. The pilot kept gesturing for me to press a button or whatever but did not work. His voice over the headphones were scratchy and faint too. I spent most of the flight just not speaking or ignoring his narration.
We passed by a lot of desert land and spent a little time flying around the Grand Canyon. Actual time spent at the grand canyon was miniscule. If we were to do this again, I would opt for the landing, just to relax and enjoy the scenery on land.
The wind got so bad I was extremely nauseous. My sister was also dizzy and we did not speak. When we finally landed I could kiss the ground.
Lessons for next time: Make sure to land. Pay the money. Or else it's basically just a fly around wave and fly back tour. Check the weather! If it's windy, take a nausea pill or something. I had amazing views all around me but I couldn't enjoy it, all attention diverted to trying not to throw up. Make sure everything is working before taking off. I didn't realize my headphones weren't working until we were in flight, and then it was too late.