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Helicopter Tour Combo's – Fly/Cruise-Cruise/Fly from Cairns & Port Douglas

Sophie Tabouel on August 28th, 2025

Take off for the experience of a lifetime to see the Great Barrier Reef on a fly/cruise combo or cruise/fly combo tour offering visitors a way to see the best of both worlds from the seat of a helicopter and snorkelling under the water. These combo package tours that depart from Cairns and Port Douglas combine the thrilling expereince of a helicopter flight with the adventure of a outer reef pontoon reef trip — perfect for those who are seeking a luxurious, high-value day out and for those who are not happy on boats.

What Is a Fly/Cruise Combo?

- Helicopter one way, boat the other
- Visit a floating pontoon, island, or luxury yacht at sea
- Snorkelling, diving, or relaxing at reef sites included
- Most combo packages include meals, gear, and hotel transfers

Top Fly/Cruise - Cruise/Fly Combos from Cairns

1. Outer Reef Pontoon + Scenic Flight

- Boat transfer to a luxury pontoon (e.g. Moore Reef or Norman Reef)
- Spend 2–3 hours snorkelling, dining, or diving
- Return to Cairns by scenic helicopter over the reef
- Includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and marine interpretation

2. Vlasoff Cay Landing 

- Helicopter to private sand cay with time to swim and relax on Vlassof Cay
- Fly back to to Cairns passing other islands and coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef
- Great for proposals, honeymooners, or ultra-premium travellers

3. Green Island Fly/Cruise Day Tour

- Morning boat to Green Island with time for snorkelling or beach
- Afternoon helicopter return with reef flyover
- Includes optional glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour

Top Fly/Cruise Combos from Port Douglas

4. Agincourt Reef Platform + Helicopter

- Fast catamaran to floating reef platform
- Enjoy diving, snorkelling, underwater observatory
- Return by 25-minute scenic helicopter ride over coral gardens

Benefits of Helicopter Fly& Cruise Combo Adventures

- Maximise your time with varied transport modes
- Get a rare bird’s-eye view of coral reefs
- Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
- Easily added to holiday itineraries as a day tour

When to Book

- Best travel period: May to October for calm seas and clear skies – September to April school holidays are busy as are christmas holidays – Book in advance helicopter seats limited daily - your weights must be accurate at time of booking
- Advance booking highly recommended during school holidays and peak season
- Morning flights offer smoother conditions and fewer delays

Ready for the Ultimate Reef Day?

Fly/cruise helicopter reef combos offer the most complete way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're based in Cairns or Port Douglas, there’s a tour that combines luxury, excitement, and unforgettable scenery.

Visit The Barrier Reef Australia website to explore helicopter and reef cruise combos now.

Combo Departures from Cairns - Here

Combo Departures from Port Douglas - Here

For all the things you need to know before you go read Barrier Reef Australia Blog 

More Helicopter Departure Points:-

Sophie Tabouel

Sophie is a Queensland travel specialist and blog author for The Tour Specialists, with strong local expertise in tailor-made holidays, day trips, helicopter flights and yacht charters across Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Originally from France, Sophie has called Tropical North Queensland home since 2004 and has been helping travellers plan memorable Queensland experiences since joining the team in 2012.

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