• Scenic catamaran cruise back through the Whitsunday Islands
•  Experience reef, islands and aerial icons in one seamless day
• Scenic helicopter flight over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• Helicopter landing on Hamilton Island with free time to explore
•  Cruise from Airlie Beach to the outer Great Barrier Reef at Hardy Reef
• 2.5 hours snorkelling and reef viewing at the interactive Reefworld pontoon

A full-day Cruise Fly tour from Airlie Beach combining a Great Barrier Reef snorkel at Reefworld, scenic helicopter flight over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island stopover and cruise return.

This Cruise Fly tour is designed to maximise your time and variety in a single day. By cruising out to the reef and flying back, you experience the Great Barrier Reef from below the surface, sea level and the air — without repeating the same journey twice.

What to Expect

Your day begins early in Airlie Beach with a catamaran cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef. After arriving at Hardy Reef, you’ll spend a relaxed 2.5 hours at the Reefworld pontoon, where snorkelling, reef viewing and lunch are all included.

Following your reef experience, the tour transitions from sea to air. A scenic helicopter flight lifts off from the reef, delivering sweeping aerial views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet before landing on Hamilton Island.

You’ll have free time on Hamilton Island to explore the marina, relax by the beach or enjoy a drink before boarding the return cruise to Airlie Beach, arriving in the early evening.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling at Reefworld

Cruise to Hardy Reef

The day starts with a high-speed catamaran cruise from Airlie Beach to Hardy Reef, one of the outer reef systems of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reefworld Pontoon Experience

Reefworld is a large interactive floating pontoon designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers.

Included reef activities:
• Snorkelling directly from the pontoon
• Underwater observatory for dry reef viewing
• Semi-submersible submarine tours
• Spacious decks and shaded areas
• Buffet lunch served on the pontoon

This makes Reefworld one of the most accessible outer reef experiences in the Whitsundays.

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over the Whitsundays

After your reef visit, you’ll board a helicopter for a one-way scenic flight lasting approximately 30–35 minutes.

This flight showcases the Whitsundays from above, including:
• Heart Reef, only visible from the air
• Whitehaven Beach and its silica sand shoreline
• Hill Inlet’s swirling sand formations
• Outer reef patterns and island chains

Hamilton Island Stopover

The helicopter lands on Hamilton Island, where you’ll enjoy approximately 1.5–2 hours at leisure.

Hamilton Island is the most developed island in the Whitsundays, offering:
• Marina-front cafés and bars
• Beach access and swimming areas
• Boutique shopping and resort atmosphere

Cruise Back to Airlie Beach

The final leg of the tour is a relaxed afternoon cruise back to Airlie Beach. This scenic journey passes through the Whitsunday Islands, offering a calm and comfortable end to a full, varied day.

Tour Schedule Overview

Morning Check-In – Airlie Beach

• Check in at Port of Airlie at 7:30am

Cruise to Reefworld

• Catamaran cruise to Hardy Reef
• Approx. 2.5 hours at Reefworld pontoon

Helicopter Check-In

• Reefworld helicopter check-in approx. 1:15pm

Scenic Helicopter Flight

• One-way helicopter flight over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• Land on Hamilton Island approx. 2:05pm

Hamilton Island Stopover

• Approx. 1.5–2 hours free time

Cruise Return

• Scenic cruise back to Airlie Beach
• Arrive approx. 6:10pm

Timings may vary slightly due to weather and operational conditions.

Who This Tour Is Ideal For

• Travellers wanting reef, island and helicopter experiences in one day
• First-time visitors to the Whitsundays
• Non-swimmers wanting reef viewing options
• Couples and honeymooners
• Guests wanting to avoid repeating long boat journeys

Who This Tour Is Not Suitable For

• Travellers seeking extended snorkelling or dive time
• Those uncomfortable with helicopter flights
• Budget-focused travellers
• Guests wanting overnight reef or island stays

Travellers focused purely on snorkelling may prefer dedicated reef day tours.

Important Information

• Advanced booking recommended due to limited helicopter seating
• Minimum passenger numbers apply
• Snorkelling subject to conditions
• Guests must be able to board vessels and aircraft unaided
• Full-day tour duration

Barrier Reef Australia – Local Knowledge & Support

Barrier Reef Australia specialises in Cruise Fly and Fly Cruise experiences across Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. These tours involve multiple operators, weather-dependent flight paths and tight timing windows.

Our local team helps ensure the right tour order, conditions and availability are matched to your travel plans. Book your discovery call with our team members. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

7.30am check in at Port of Airlie for Great Barrier Reef tour

Departure Instructions

Departs from Port of Airlie

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet
• Hardy Reef
• Hamilton Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards
Closed on Christmas Day

Duration

Approximately 2.5 hours at Reefworld Pontoon
Approximately 35 minutes on helicopter flight
Approximately 1.5 hours on Hamilton Island

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

• For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding helicopter flights – individual weights in excess of 110kg will incur an extra seat surcharge.
• Combined body weights per two passengers booking’s in excess of 180 kg’s will incur an extra seat surcharge.
• Maximum per seat weight is 130 kg’s.

Towels and items for swimming in soft carry bag to not exceed 5kgs

• 3 – 13 years inclusive
• As per aviation policy one child per flight
• Our tours are designed to accommodate adults, some tours are not suitable for infants, if in doubt please ask. Infants are classified as 0-2 years, and may travel on a parent lap in the rear of the aircraft on private flights only. Children are classified as 3 – 13 years of age inclusive, must be accompanied by an adult on the flight.