Straight up, this is the single most expensive activity we did on our whole honeymoon. We debated long and hard if we could justify the cost, and researched the other operators offering similar service. We decided to go with Maverick due to their air-time and route being the most appealing we found. With all the travel we want to do around the world it is likely this would be our only visit here so we dug deep and coughed up the money as we know we'd regret if we didn't do it. We were not disappointed!
We knew there would be a few things that would have to go right for the best possible experience including the weather and our positions in the chopper. We came up trumps with both. We had a cracking day. No wind, so a smooth ride and excellent visibility. I can see people's frustration at being in the back row of the aircraft as you definitely get a better view up front and it is easier to take photos. (Though the bubble canopy makes photos without reflections tricky regardless of where you sit.) I had the good fortune of being the exact same weight as the pilot so I got a balancing seat opposite him with the little wifey sitting in the middle. The view from the back isn't terrible, but the front definitely gives the best experience. You just have to be lucky I suppose and I'm glad we were.
The Canyon was everything we hoped for and a chopper flight is easily the best way to experience it in a short period of time. We headed to the lookouts afterwards and there is simply no comparison. The pilot was skilled and the commentary informative. Every twist and turn unveiled a jaw-dropping panorama of river, rock and plateau. You spend the whole flight with a huge grin on your face and wondering if it is all real. The 45-minute flight felt sufficient and immersive, I think the shorter one would leave you wanting more. Due to the cost, I don't think I'd do it again, but you'll kick yourself if you don't do it once when you have the opportunity! It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience I don't think you can replicate anywhere else in the world. I thought our heli-flight back home over the Great Barrier Reef was amazing, this takes it to another level.