• Relax, unwind and explore on your very own private sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef
• Reward yourself and a loved one with spectacular views of Cairns, the northern beaches and the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of a luxury helicopter
• Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with sparkling wine, relax on the white sands and snorkel the fringing reef

Enjoy a return scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to your exclusive sand cay inthe middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Your scenic flight will have you soaring above Cairns, Palm Cove, the northern beaches, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Cay and Vlasoff Cay. Landing directly upon the shores of Vlasoff Cay.

Here you will then have two hours to relax, explore and unwind on your own private piece of tropical paradise.

Enjoy snorkeling amongst the fringing reef, a gourmet picnic hamper with sparkling wine and relax upon the white sandy beach before once again enjoying your return scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns.

Life simply does not get much better than this unique Great Barrier Reef experience!  

Helicopter Flight To A Secluded Sand Cay

Departing from Cairns, your luxurious Great Barrier Reef experience will take around three hours with variable departure times on offer.  

Your Coach Awaits

Begin your day with a courtesy pick up in an air conditioned coach from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove. Return coach transfers from Port Douglas can also be arranged at an additional cost. If you are self driving, you can check in at the Nautilus Aviation office at General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to departure. Pick up and departure times will be provided when booking. Upon arrival at the heli pad, you will be provided with a pre departure safety briefing before boarding the luxury helicopter. Each guest will receive a head to set to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the flight. 

20 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight

Taking off from the heli pad you will soon be greeted with breath taking aerial views of Cairns city and its surrounds. Have your camera in hand as you fly above the palm tree lined beaches, inland mangroves and estuaries and surrounding coastline. Heading east, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. The sparkling blue waters and swirling reef formations below are nothing less than magnificent! As you venture closer to your secluded sand cay, you will soon find yourself flying above the Arlington Reef System, This unique reef system is located 30km from the shore and is home to abundance of coral cays and marine life. The shallow lagoons are a popular location for marine life and your pilot will help you spot for rays, turtles, reef sharks, large tropical fish and if you are travelling in the winter months, Humpback Whales. Your flight will glide past Upolu Cay, Michaelmas Cay and Green Island, the only coral cay that boasts white sandy beaches and lush rainforest. From above, the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef really is a natural wonder best experienced from the sky! 

Secluded Sand Cay

Soon your helicopter will land on the pristine shores of Vlasoff Cay, your exclusive slice of tropical paradise. Here you will have two hours to enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sands as you relax, unwind and immerse yourself in absolute serenity. You will be provided with snorkeling equipment to explore the fringing coral reefs, marine life and underwater wonders that surround you. Vlasoff Cay is home to many marine life so you may find yourself swimming beside curious Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks or Blue Spotted Rays. Relax upon the beach on your very own picnic blanket, take a dip in the aqua blue and green waters and enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper including a glass of sparkling wine. Where else would you rather be? 

Return to Cairns

After relaxing on the sand cay for two hours, you will then board your luxury helicopter to you’re your return flight back to Cairns. Taking off, enjoy the stunning views of Vlasoff Cay as you make your way back to the mainland. Your flight will take approximately 20 minutes before returning to the Cairns central heli pad. Arriving back to Cairns, you will then enjoy return coach transfers to your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Departure times are flexible

Departure Instructions

Departs from Hangar 9, Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Aeroglen, Cairns

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

• Pick up times and location will be provided at time of booking.
• Courtesy return transfers from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches and Palm Cove are included. Transfers from Port Douglas available at an additional cost.
• Self Drive: you can check in at the Nautilus Aviation office Hangar 9, Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to departure

Destinations

Vlassoff Cay

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

On demand, tide and availability dependent

Duration

Approx 3 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

Port Douglas return transfers additional cost

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

• Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.
• In the unlikely event the sand cay is occupied upon arrival, guests will enjoy an extended flight time to be transported to an exclusive beach location

Additional Information

• Minimum 2 passengers
• Departure times are subject to availability and weather conditions

Eco Certifications

• Your Camera
• Sunglasses
• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen

One (1) infant under their 3rd birthday may travel free of charge if seated on a guardian’s lap. A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations. Children 3 years and above pay full fare.

• Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or Pilots discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability.
• For sand cay landing, all aviation operators are governed by Marine Park permits allocating minimum heights, distances and restrictions. Sand Cay landing may only occur if the Cay is vacant. In the unlikely event that the Cay is occupied, Sand Cay guests will receive additional flying time to a private beach location and no refund shall apply.
• Cancellations must be advised at least 48 hours prior to flight to receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours and 48 hours of flight will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of flight will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
• Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.