• It's your choice on how you travel out to see the Great Barrier Reef and the best way we can recommend is on a helicopter ride for sure! And when you combine it with a landing at a pontoon you have found the ultimate reef adventure.
• With a helicopter departure or return to Cairns you will experience 25 minutes of eye popping beauty as you fly low over over the Great Barrier Reef coral gardens and out to the pontoon.  
• The pontoon sits on the outer Great Barrier Reef and offers a myriad of in-water toys to explore the reef such as glass bottom boat, semi-submarine, Scuba Doo, diving, snorkelling, observatory & helicopter rides at the platform.
• This Great Barrier Reef tour is perfect for simply everyone who wishes to see as much of the Great Barrier Reef in as many ways possible in a one day tour even if you don't want to get wet!

Cairns helicopter flight and Great Barrier Reef combo package deal. A low level scenic flight of only 500 feet in a helicopter from Cairns is the ultimate way to experience the magnitude of our Natural Wonder of the World, Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

Soar above the Great Barrier Reef at a low level of just 500 feet on a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns, offering a unique perspective of this Natural Wonder of the World. Marvel at the lace-like coral formations and the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including whales, dolphins, and manta rays.

Whether you choose to depart from Cairns by boat or helicopter, your day on a helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tour flight will be unforgettable. Enjoy a 25-minute scenic flight from Cairns to the outer reef pontoon or take a 10–15-minute scenic flight from the floating pontoon itself. Enhance your Great Barrier Reef tour adventure with these breathtaking scenic flights.

Please Note: There are only 6 – 7 seats per day so you must book in advance.

Features and Highlights

Cairns Scenic Helicopter Flights

• Departure Options: Fly to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon or enjoy a shorter helicopter ride from the pontoon.
• Helicopter Flight Duration: 25 minutes from Cairns or 10-15 minutes from the pontoon.
• Views: Spectacular aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef, coral formations, and marine life.

Landing on the Reef Pontoon

• Location: Norman Reef Pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
• Activities: Semi-submersible submarine tour, underwater observatory, snorkelling, scuba diving and more.
• Meals: Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea included.

Cairns Helicopter Fly and Cruise Options

(Option 1) Cruise Both Ways & 10-Minute Scenic Flight:

• Enjoy a round-trip cruise to the pontoon with a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight on the pontoon.

(Option 2) Fly/Cruise:

• Fly to the outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon from Cairns and cruise back to Cairns by catamaran.

(Option 3) Cruise/Fly:

• Cruise to the reef pontoon on the catamaran and fly back to Cairns on a helicopter ride.

(Option 4) Fly/Fly:

• Fly both ways in the helicopter to the outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon.

Additional  Activities on the Pontoon

• Scuba Diving: Introductory and certified scuba diving available (medical form required). Extra Cost.
• Scuba Doo: An exciting underwater scooter experience. Extra Cost.
• Snorkelling: Explore the vibrant coral gardens and marine life with the provided snorkelling gear.

Helicopter Flight Benefits

• Unique Perspective: Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above, capturing stunning photos and memories.
• Marine Life Sightings: Spot whales, dolphins, manta rays, and other marine creatures.
• Aerial Views: See the intricate patterns of the Great Barrier Reef and the vivid blue lagoons.

Why Choose Our Great Barrier Reef and Helicopter Combo Tour

• All-Inclusive: Meals, snorkelling gear, and guided tours included.
• Limited Guests: Small group sizes for a more personalised experience.
• Expert Guides: Professional and knowledgeable crew to enhance your reef adventure.
• Flexible Options: Various helicopter scenic flight and Great Barrier Reef cruise combinations to suit your itinerary.

Booking Information

• Departure Locations: Cairns Heli base or reef pontoon.
• Tour Companies: Collaboration between leading reef tour operators for the ultimate experience.
• Medical Requirements: Medical form to be filled for all underwater activities such as scuba diving and helmet diving. See booking forms.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before with our helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo flights from Cairns. Whether you choose to fly both ways or combine a flight with a catamaran cruise, this tour offers unparalleled views and unforgettable memories. Book now to ensure you make the most of your visit to this iconic natural wonder.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter and Great Barrier Reef tour combo package tours. 

See all scenic helicopter rides from Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cruise/Fly: departs Cairns at 10:30am returns Cairns 3:40pm
• Fly/Cruise: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 5:30pm
• Fly/Fly: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 3:40pm
• Cruise + 10 Min Scenic Flight: departs Cairns 10.30am returns Cairns 5.30pm

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Outer Barrier Reef - Norman Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Fly/Cruise: 5 hours (approx.) - Flying time 25 minutes
Cruise/Fly: 5 hours (approx.) - Flying time 25 minutes
Fly/Fly: 3 hours (approx.) - Flying time 50 minutes (25 minutes each way)
Cruise + 10 Min Scenic Flight: 7 hours (approx.)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scuba diving (Cruise/Fly only)
• Scuba Doo (Cruise/Fly only)
• Boat Snorkel Trip
• Return accommodation transfers

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

Individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised at the time of booking. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130KG. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130KG are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of ticket price 

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

• DIVING
• The minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission.
• All divers must complete a medical questionnaire/declaration on-board.
• Certain medical conditions (eg asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and/or prescription medication may prevent some people from diving.
• After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended before you travel to more than 300m (or 1000ft), depending on the number, depths and duration of dives.
• Maximum single seat payload of 130kg. For passengers comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to pay a 50% surcharge on the helicopter flight componenet of this tour directly to the tour operator

• We suggest packing a small soft sided bag as if you were going to the beach for the day, including:
• Camera (underwater digital cameras also available for hire on the boat)
• Sunglasses – polarised lens is recommended
• Swimming costume
• Hat, towel, sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
• A dry change of clothes including a jumper in winter
• Cash or Card for any onboard purchases

• 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).