• Enjoy spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of your luxury 25 minute helicopter flight
• Discover the underwater wonders of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a guided snorkel tour
• Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch and live entertainment whilst on the outer reef
• This is one of the most popular ways to see the Great Barrier Reef, a combination of a 25 minute helicopter scenic flight and a luxury Great Barrier Reef tour on a half day tour from Cairns

Best half day reef tour from Cairns. See the best of the Great Barrier Reef, 25 minute scenic helicopter flight, dive and snorkel, approx 1.5 hours on the reef, BBQ lunch, This tour is our most requested half day scenic helicopter and Great Barrier Reef day tour in Cairns.

Book Early Only 6 Helicopter Scenic Flight Seats are allocated daily!

Departing from Cairns, choose a half day day tour, fly to the reef and cruise back.

Low level scenic flight allows you to see coral gardens and marine life from above and then snorkel from below  that water's surface   

Your scenic helicopter flight will provide you with once in a lifetime views of the Great Barrier Reef as you fly over Green Island, Michaelmas Cay and Vlasoff Cay and Arlington Reef.

Complete with in flight commentary, your helicopter pilot with provide you with information about the Great Barrier Reef’s many natural wonders.

Your Great Barrier Reef cruise will sweep you to paradise, visiting an outer reef location.

Snorkel the many fringing coral gardens and reefs, enjoy a guided snorkeling tour and have the option to upgrade to a semi-submersible submarine boat tour

This half day scenic helicopter flight and Great Barrier Reef tour really is the best way to experience all that the spectacular Great Barrier Reef has on offer and such awesome great value for money experience!

Cairns Helicopter Fly and Cruise Half Day Tour

Departing from Cairns, your half day tour will include a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef direct to a heli pad nestled on the outer reef.

Here you will enjoy around two hour on the reef with a guided snorkel tour, semi-submersible submarine boat tour, a delicious BBQ lunch and a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment onboard your return boat cruise back to Cairns. 

Take a look at a full day Cruise/Fly scenic helicopter flight and Great Barrier Reef tour.

Your Coach Awaits

Begin fly and cruise half day reef tour with a courtesy pick up in an air conditioned coach from your holiday 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 Helicopter Aviation office at General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to your helicopter flight departure.

Pick up and departure times will be provided when booking.

Upon arrival at the helicopter 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. 

25 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight

Taking off from the helicopter pad you will soon be greeted with panoramic 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 rainforest greenery.

Heading east, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef.

The sparkling blue waters and swirling reef formations below are nothing less than magnificent!

Soon your will arrive at Green Island, located around 27km from the coast of Cairns.

The Green Island National Park is one of 300 coral cays that sit upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Of the 300 coral cays, it is the only island cay that boasts both stunning white sandy beaches and true rainforest.

Continuing over the Arlington Reef system, you may be lucky to spot the many marine life that can commonly be spotted throughout the flight.

Keep your eyes open for manta rays, turtles, reef sharks and larger tropical fish.

If travelling through the winter months, you may even be lucky enough to spot a Humpback Whale.

Soon your helicopter pilot will have you soaring above sand cays. 

Vlassoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay are naturally formed, un-vegetated sand island cays that are surrounded by fringing coral reefs and shallow, protected waters.

You may spot some small white tip Reef sharks, Turtles and Blue Spotted Rays resting in the sand.

From 500 feet above the water, you will have endless photo opportunities of these unique natural formations.

 From here your helicopter pilot will then begin the aircrafts descent to the heli pad moored on the outer Great Barrier Reef. 

Note: Helicopter flight time is approximate

Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Arriving at the helicopter landing pad out on the reef, you will then board the luxury vessel moored at a pristine outer reef location.

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

Onboard the boat you will have around 1.5 hours to relax and explore.

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 vessel.

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 beginners, the onboard dive masters will provide in depth briefings and tips on where to find the cool stuff.

Wetsuits, 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.

Whilst onboard you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a semi-sumbmersible boat tour that will have you gliding underwater and spotting for marine life, bommies, giant clams and the many colourful corals and reef formations. 

Boat Tour Return to Cairns

After enjoying two hours snorkelling diving and exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you will then begin your journey onboard the boat back to Cairns.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment onboard.

Have your camera ready as the views of the reef on the way back to the mainland are stunning!

You will return to Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at around 4:45pm where you will then enjoy return transfers back to your holiday accommodation. 

See more Helicopter and Reef combo tour deals from Cairns. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

12:40pm

Departure Instructions

• Departs 12:40pm - Returns 16:30pm
• Departs from Cairns Marina Heliport opposite Salt House Restaurant

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Half Day (approx)
Please note you have limited time to spend in the water (1.5 hours at the reef including snorkelling safety briefing and gearing up)

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.
• Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee
• Scuba diving – minimum age 12 years
• Scuba diving – all participants must complete a medical assessment on board to assess their fitness for diving

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

• Minimum of 2 passengers are required for the scenic helicopter flight aspect of the tour
• 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 for drinks and snacks

• One infant under 3 years of age 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.
• Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim. No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• 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.