• Learn about the Great Barrier Reef with in flight commentary from the helicopter pilot as they point out locations of interest as well as spotting the marine life below 
• Explore the marine life, coral gardens and colourful reef formations of the outer reef as you dive and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. 
• This Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns really has it all, a luxury boat that speeds you to two different reef sites in a day and a spectacular helicopter flight for approximately 25 minutes back to Cairns 
• Inclusions on your Cairns helicopter flight and Great Barrier Reef boat tour include up to 5 hours on the outer reef, a barbeque lunch, 2 different reef locations, a 25 minute helicopter flight and optional upgrades to scuba diving. 

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Fly Package from Cairns. New boat, 5 hours exploring 2 reefs, return to Cairns on a low level helicopter flight. This is an extraordinary way to see the Great Barrier Reef at its best.

What to Expect

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Fly Package from Cairns

Book Your Cairns Cruise and Fly Scenic Helicopter Flight Early As Only 6 Helicopter Seats are Allocated Daily. This is one of the most popular Cairns helicopter flights and Great Barrier Reef combo tours on offer year round in Cairns and Far North Queensland.

This Great Barrier Reef tour allows you to explore two spectacular reef sights from below the water and then see the immense beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the seat on you brilliant 25-minute scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns all in the one day.  We spend up to 5 hours snorkelling and scuba diving two different reef sites for colourful corals, fish, sea turtles, giant clams and other marine life.

Each different coral outcrop supports a different type of marine life, so you are sure to see a lot more variety from visiting two reef locations on the one day.

Join us for a remarkable Cairns reef tour that blends the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight. This all-inclusive package offers a unique opportunity to explore the reef's vibrant marine life and coral formations from both below and above.

Features and Highlights

Luxury Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

• Kickstart your adventure with a high-speed boat ride departing from Cairns Marlin Marina at 8:00 AM. Our state-of-the-art vessel offers a comfortable and scenic journey to two exclusive reef sites. Relax in the air-conditioned saloon or soak up the sun on spacious decks as you travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Exclusive Coral Reef Sites

• With access to 12 exclusive moorings at six different reef locations, our experienced skipper will choose the best sites based on the day’s weather and water conditions. Explore the underwater beauty of Norman Reef, Saxon Reef, and North Hastings Reef, each showcasing unique marine ecosystems.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

• Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and for those looking to dive deeper, introductory and certified scuba diving options are available. Our professional dive instructors will guide you through vibrant coral gardens, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.

BBQ Lunch

• Indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch served on board, featuring prawns, fish, steak, sausages, vegetarian dishes, and a selection of tropical salads and pastas. Morning and afternoon tea are also provided to keep you energized throughout the day.

Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Great Barrier Reef

• Conclude your reef adventure with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns. Soar over the stunning coral formations, sand cays, and islands, spotting marine life such as turtles, rays, and seasonal humpback whales. The flight offers breathtaking views of Hastings Reef, Saxon Reef, Norman Reef, Arlington Reef System, Vlasoff Cay, Upolu Cay, and Green Island.

Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour Combo Itinerary

7:30 AM - Check-In

• Arrive at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to check in at the desk.

8:00 AM - Depart Cairns

• Board the Great Barrier Reef tour boat and set off from Cairns Marlin Marina. Enjoy the scenic cruise to the first outer Great Barrier Reef site.

9:30 AM - First Reef Site

• Arrive at the first outer Great Barrier Reef site. Spend time snorkelling, scuba diving, or relaxing on the boat. Scenic helicopter flights are available at this site.

12:30 PM - Lunch

• Enjoy a sumptuous BBQ lunch on board.

1:00 PM - Second Reef Site

• Travel to the second reef site. Continue snorkelling and scuba diving.

3:00 PM - Helicopter Flight

• Board the helicopter at the outer reef helicopter pad for a 25-minute scenic flight back to Cairns.

3:30 PM - Return to Cairns

• Arrive back in Cairns with unforgettable memories of your Great Barrier Reef adventure.

Optional Extras

Guided Snorkelling Tour

• Enhance your snorkelling experience with a guided tour led by our marine biologists. Discover the hidden wonders of the reef and learn about its unique ecosystem.

Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving

• Try an introductory dive with our experienced instructors, or if you're a certified diver, enjoy up to three dives per day at exclusive reef sites. All divers must complete a Medical Questionnaire before diving.

Book Your Great Barrier Reef Combo Tour Adventure

• Seize this extraordinary opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef from multiple perspectives. Whether you're snorkelling, diving, or enjoying a scenic helicopter flight, this full-day adventure offers an immersive and luxurious way to experience one of the world's natural wonders. Book your cruise and fly package today for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef!

See all Cairns and Tropical North Queensland Great Barrier Reef and Helicopter tour combos.

View all helicopter scenic flights.

And learn more about the Great Barrier Reef on our blog. 

Cairns Cruise and Fly Full Day Reef Tour

Departing from Cairns, your full day Great Barrier Reef tour will include a boat cruise to two outer reef locations, 5 hours to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef, use of snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch and a 25 minute (approx) scenic helicopter flight return to Cairns. 

Whilst on the outer Great Barrier Reef you can also book in optional extras such as guided snorkel tours or scuba diving. 

Your Coach Awaits

Pick up and departure times will be provided when booking.

If you are self driving, you can check in at the DUCD office at Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at 7:15am for an 8:00am departure. 

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tour & Helicopter Flight

Upon boarding our luxury vessel, we will begin our journey to the outer Great Barrier at 8:00am.

With 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations, your outer reef destinations will be chosen by the skipper on the day dependent on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure that you have the best underwater experience on the day.

Generally, the first outer reef destination is Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, before travelling to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon.

Take a seat in the air conditioned cabin or head to the top deck for some fantastic photo opportunities as you cruise out to the reef.

Soon you will arrive at the first of your outer Great Barrier Reef locations. Onboard the vessel you will have plenty of time to relax.

Relax on a sun lounge on the top deck, enjoy a cheeky sunbake on the middle deck or take a seat outside on the front of the boat.

For those eager to explore the unique coral gardens, marine life and reef formations below, free snorkeling equipment and demonstrations are provided throughout the day.

For those who wish to try scuba diving, the onboard divemasters will provide in depth briefings and tips on where to find the cool stuff on each coral reef location we visit.

Wetsuits, flotation noodles and life jackets are also available.

Enjoy a guided snorkeling tour whilst onboard to really experience the best of the many reef sites.

A delicious BBQ lunch will be served onboard including prawns, fish, steak, sausages, vegetarian options, tropical salads and pastas.

After soaking in the pristine and spectacular underwater sights of your first reef location, you will then cruise out to your next outer reef location. 

Upgrade to an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive

There’s no better way to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef than by a guided scuba dive.

With 12 exclusive moorings located at six reef locations, your boat cruise will journey to the best sites on the day depended on weather and water clarity, which means you will be greeted with the best possible visibility and pristine conditions on the day.

Your diving experience will be led by a team of experienced PADI professionals who will lead you through colourful coral gardens and unique marine life direct from the onboard diving platform.

For introductory divers, no experience is necessary and your experienced guides will be with you every step of the way.

For certified divers, you will have the option to enjoy up to 3 divers per day. 

All scuba divers will be required to fill out a Medical Questionairre form before being permitted to dive.

25 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight to Cairns

After enjoying a relaxing and exciting 5 hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef, you will then enjoy a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns.

Please note helicopter flight time and path is approximate.

Before boarding your luxury helicopter, you will meet your experienced and friendly Pilot guide for a pre departure briefing.

Once seated in the comfort of the helicopter, your flight will then take off from the outer reef heli pad.

Prepare to be amazed as your flight begins its journey over the many wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Soon you will be greeted with spectacular views of Hastings Reef, Saxon Reef and Norman Reef as you begin your once in a life time scenic helicopter flight adventure.

Listen as you pilot provides inflight commentary and information about the many reef formations, sand cays and islands throughout the flight.

Continuing west you will soon be welcomed by beautiful views of the Arlington Reef System.

Your pilot will have you spotting for marine life including turtles, rays, sharks and large tropical fish.

From here you will glide past Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Cay, white sand islands that majestically sit upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Soon you will be greeted by beautiful views of Green Island and its white sands, fringing reefs and lush rainforest.

As you continue towards to the mainland, you may be lucky to spot Humpback Whales if you are travelling throughout the winter months of July to August.

Have your camera in hand as the sparkling azure waters of the reef soon transform into the stunning stretch of coastline on the mainland.

Be rewarded with breath taking views of Palm Cove, Cairns Northern Beaches and Cairns city. 

See more helicopter flights and reef trip tour combos here

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Check in time 7.15am to 7.45am Departs 8:00am - Returns approx 3:05pm

Departure Instructions

Check in times 7.15am to 7.45am. Departs at 8:00 am from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Norman Reef
• Hastings Reef
• Saxon Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate Christmas Day

Duration

Times are approximate

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory or Certified Dives - Time permitting
• Return accommodation transfers

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

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.
• 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

• All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed
• All tours include a $20 levy payable onboard to DUDC
• Departure times are subject to availability and weather conditions
• Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or Pilots discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability.

Eco Certifications

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Camera (charged)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Change of dry clothes
• Cash or credit card

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).