Barrier Reef Australia Blog

Are Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef Worth the Money?

Helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef are often regarded as a premium and unforgettable tour experience, but the cost can leave some people on the fence whilst others understand that the destination they are visiting is iconic and the best way to see all of it is from the seat in a low-level flying helicopter, so the cost does not even come into consideration. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide whether a scenic flight over the reef is worth it for you:

Why Helicopter Tours Seem Expensive

The higher price of helicopter tours reflects their premium nature. This cost accounts for factors such as:

• Fuel Requirements: Helicopters consume significant amounts of fuel, and operators work to balance these costs while maintaining affordability for tourists.
• Unmatched Perspective: From above, you can witness the vast expanse and intricate beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, in iconic locations such as Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Vlasoff Cay, Green Island, Low Isles and Magnetic Island off Townsville which can’t be fully appreciated from the water.
• Flight Quality: Helicopter machines involve meticulously maintained aircraft, experienced pilots, and a dedicated team ensuring a safe and smooth scenic flight.
• Safety Standards: Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour operators adhere to rigorous maintenance schedules and safety audits of CASA, with strict protocols to ensure passenger security at every stage.

What You Get for the Price

While helicopter scenic flights may seem more expensive than other Great Barrier Reef experiences, they can actually be cheaper with prices starting around $275 for a 15 minute flight from Green Island and a 20 minute flight over the glorious Whitsunday Islands starting at $290.

• Breathtaking Views: A unique vantage point to see the reef’s vibrant colours and coral reef formations.
• Time Efficiency: Perfect for travellers with limited time such as cruise ship passengers, allowing them to cover vast areas in a short flight.
• VIP Treatment: From the warm welcome and safety briefing to the personalised attention during your helicopter ride, the entire experience feels exclusive and luxurious.
• Memorable Experience: Seeing some of the world’s natural wonders from the air is unforgettable and often considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a simply must do when visiting the world recognised Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Are Helicopter Rides Worth It?

If you value exceptional experiences and are comfortable with the cost, a helicopter tour over the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly worth it. These scenic flight tours combine:

• Safety and Comfort: High safety standards and a professional crew ensure peace of mind.
• Unparalleled Perspective: The aerial view offers a new way to appreciate the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty, and you get to see and learn so much more.
• Exclusive Features: Helicopters access areas that are otherwise impossible to see, like secluded reefs and unique formations such as Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, Vlasoff Cay and the marine life down below.

Tips for Maximising Your Helicopter Scenic Flight Experience

• Combine Tours: The best value Great Barrier Reef helicopter flights are those that are packaged with a trip to an island or an outer reef floating pontoon. These combo package tours pair a helicopter flight with snorkelling or diving for the best of both worlds.
• Choose the Right Tour: The Barrier Reef Australia team offer the biggest selection of helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tours so you will certainly find one to fit into your budget. Make your choice from over 65 helicopter scenic flight combinations on the Great Barrier Reef. If you need advice just call the team and they can provide you with everything you need to know.
• Half Day Tours & Full Day Tours: If your time poor or for your convenience book a half day tour for a quick snorkel on the outer reef or a full day tour to an outer reef pontoon where you can also participate in the in-water activities such as snorkelling, helmet diving, glass bottom boat tours or riding around in a semi-submersible submarine.    
• Book Early: The biggest mistake people make is trying to book a helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef at the last minute or a few days before they wish to go. The reef is the number one tourist attraction in Australia and helicopter scenic flight seat capacity is limited on a daily basis in each destination of departure. Don’t make the same mistake and miss out on one of the most thrilling ways to see the Great Barrier Reef, make sure to book far in advance.   

Still Not Sure?

For those willing to invest in a premium, safe, and unforgettable journey, helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef offer extraordinary value. The memories and perspective you’ll gain are truly priceless, so they are definitely worth the money in our opinion and those of our many happy guests.

If you’re still sitting on the fence with the cost of a helicopter ride, take a look at airplane scenic flights as a comparison. 

View the biggest selection of helicopter scenic flights and helicopter and Great Barrier Reef tour combos in Australia right here. 

Read more about the best scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef on our Blog.