Staycation Alert: Groupon Helicopter Tour Deal Takes Off

Here's a deal to give local staycation planners a little boost this summer. Plus, think of all those "cool" points you'll earn from friends and relatives visiting Aquidneck Island this summer.

One of Groupon-Providence's deals of the day right now features a $99 helicopter ride and aerial tour of the Newport mansions for $99.

The special deal from , based out of Middletown, translates to a 44 percent discount, or $78 off the usual rate.

Up to three riders get to go on this whirlwind tour for this one price.

Customers must purchase the deal through Groupon in order to qualify.

For those unfamiliar with the Groupon craze, if a minimum number of customers purchase the discounted deal, then Groupon declares the "the deal is on" and allows for more customers to buy in before it expires at a set time, indicated by a ticking hourglass clock.

The "deal is on" was declared at 6:56 a.m. Wednesday morning after 10 customers had jumped on it.

By 10 p.m. Wednesday night, 140 purchases had been made.

That ticking hourglass clock on the left side of the screen tells us the deal ends Friday at midnight.

See the Groupon ad for the finer details.

More Groupon Savings

Looking for more fun and adventure? Check out these other current and recent deals:

• Adult sailing classes at Battleship Cove, Fall River, Mass.
• Providence Roller Derby (This just sold out. Did you get your tickets to see Sakonnet's team?)