• This is the best Great Barrier Reef tour in Cairns when you combine a scenic helicopter flight to a floating activity pontoon on the outer sections of the Great Barrier Reef at Moore Reef.
• Choose options: 1.) Helicopter flight Cairns to pontoon, Cruise back. 2.) Cruise to pontoon, return to Cairns on helicopter.  3.) Helicopter flight to pontoon and back to Cairns.
• Free activities on pontoon: Glass bottom boat, Semi-submersible submarine, Underwater observatory, Marine Biology talk, Snorkelling equipment Delicious buffet lunch
• Optional Extras: Introductory diving, Certified diving, Helmet diving, Guided snorkel tours, Lockers

Great Barrier Reef fly and cruise scenic helicopter flight, boat cruise to Marine World, a two story pontoon on Moore Reef, on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a fly and cruise scenic helicopter flight combo tour

What to Expect

This is the ultimate in Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns where you see the intricate lace like patterns of the reef and coral from the seat of your helicopter on a scenic helicopter fly cruise combo package deal to Marine World, a floating activity pontoon nestled upon the outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure with our fly and cruise scenic helicopter flight combo tour. Soar above the intricate coral formations of the reef and explore the underwater wonders from the Marine World interactive floating pontoon on the outer reef Moore Reef. Departing from Cairns, this helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tour offers a unique perspective of the reef from both the sky and under the sea.

Features and Highlights

Scenic Helicopter Flight and Boat Cruise Options

1. Fly Out, Cruise Back: Start with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to the Marine World pontoon and return to Cairns by luxury catamaran.
2. Cruise Out, Fly Back: Begin your journey with a boat cruise to the Marine World pontoon, then fly back to Cairns on a scenic helicopter ride.
3. Fly Both Ways: Enjoy the ultimate experience by flying to and from the Marine World pontoon, with each flight lasting 20-25 minutes.

Marine World Pontoon Activities

• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world with snorkelling or scuba diving sessions. Equipment and instructions are provided.
• Semi-Submersible Submarine Tours: Stay dry while experiencing the Great Barrier Reef up close on a semi-submersible submarine tour.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours: View the coral and marine life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat tour.
• Underwater Observatory: Watch the reef’s marine life through the underwater observatory.
• Marine Biologist Presentations: Learn about the reef’s ecosystem and inhabitants from knowledgeable marine biologists.
• Fish Feeding Demonstrations: Participate in or watch the exciting fish feeding sessions.

Optional Upgrades

• Introductory or Certified Scuba Diving: Dive deeper into the reef with guided scuba diving sessions. Discover small caves, ledges, and coral drop-offs.
• Helmet Diving: Explore the reef without getting your hair wet. The helmet diving tour allows you to walk underwater and breathe normally.

Itinerary

Boat Cruise Out & Helicopter Flight Back Tour

• Morning Check-In: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the luxury catamaran.
• Cruise to Marine World: Enjoy a scenic 90-minute cruise to the Marine World pontoon.
• Activities and Lunch: Participate in various activities, including snorkelling, diving, and glass bottom boat tours. A delicious buffet lunch is provided.
• Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight: After a day of exploration, fly back to Cairns on a helicopter ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the reef from above.

Fly Out & Cruise Back Tour

• Morning Helicopter Flight: Depart from Cairns on a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight to Marine World.
• Marine World Activities: Spend a relaxing day at the pontoon, engaging in snorkelling, diving, and other activities.
• Afternoon Cruise: Return to Cairns by luxury catamaran, taking in the stunning coastal views.

Fly Out & Fly Back Tour

• Morning Helicopter Flight: Fly from Cairns to the Marine World pontoon, enjoying aerial views of the reef.
• Pontoon Activities: Enjoy 4-5 hours of activities at Marine World, including snorkelling, diving, and marine biologist presentations.
• Afternoon Helicopter Flight: Fly back to Cairns, capturing more incredible aerial footage of the reef and islands.

Additional Information

• Meals and Refreshments: Morning tea, afternoon tea, and a full buffet lunch are included.
• Transfers: See booking form for coach transfers from your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation can be arranged.
• Diving and Snorkelling Gear: All necessary equipment for snorkelling and diving is provided when booked, including flotation devices and wetsuits.

Booking Details

Ensure you book early on this unforgettable Great Barrier Reef and helicopter scenic flight adventure by booking in advance as seats are limited to 6 - 7 guests onloy on a daily basis. Experience the reef from above and below with our comprehensive fly and cruise tour options. Enjoy the pristine beauty and vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a tour that offers it all.

See all Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Ride combo package deals tours in Cairns and Port Douglas.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight & Marine World Tours

Departing from Cairns, there are number of reef tour options available that include a Great Barrier Reef scenic helicopter flight and a boat cruise combo package tour deal to Marine World, a floating activity pontoon nestled upon Moore Reef in the outer Great Barrier Reef. 

Boat Cruise Out & Helicopter Flight Back Tour

Enjoy a boat cruise on a luxury catamaran to a Marine World, a private outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and an abundance of activities and tours before making your way back to Cairns in the best possible way!

Your scenic helicopter flight will have you soaring above the islands, coral cays and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef before returning to Cairns. 

Depart Cairns: 9:00
Arrive Cairns: 15:40

Fly Out & Cruise Back Tour

Enjoy a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight direct to a private reef pontoon in the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your helicopter will land at Marine World where you will enjoy a relaxing few hours upon Moore Reef before cruising back to Cairns on a luxury Catamaran.  

Depart Cairns: 10:30
Arrive Cairns: 17:00

Fly Out & Fly Back Tour

Enjoy a 20 -25 minute scenic helicopter flight direct to a private reef pontoon in the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your helicopter will land at Marine World where you will enjoy 4 relaxing hours upon Moore Reef before making your way back to Cairns on a return scenic flight. 

Depart Cairns: 10:30
Arrive Cairns: 15:40

Upgrade to Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive

Dependant on the Great Barrier Reef tour chosen you may have the opportunity to enjoy an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive or even a Hemet Dive during your visit.

Moore Reef provides world class diving opportunities that will have you exploring small caves, ledges and coral drop offs with drift, wall and channel dives on offer.

Dive sites are chosen to suit weather conditions and the level of experience of participants on the day.

All dives are professionally guided and your experienced instructors will help you spot for the abundance of marine life that call Moore Reef home.

Introductory dives are performed in the sheltered “moon pool” onboard the Marine World pontoon.

Introductory divers will then be guided through a shallow coral garden home to many tropical fish and Wallly, Marine World’s resident Maori Wrasse.

In the right conditions, you may even get to experience the stunning Reef Magic wall! 

Please read the Dive Medical Questionairre before booking a dive tour.

Upgrade to a Helmet Diving Tour

Discover the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting your hair wet!

The Helmet Diving tour will have you equipped with a helmet that will allow you to breathe as normal whilst under water.

Our Helmet dive tour is guided and is a great option for those wanting to explore Moore Reef without the traditional method of scuba diving. 

Return to Cairns

Upon boarding the boat, you will depart Marine World at 3:30pm for a 5:00pm arrival back to Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns. 

If departing the reef by helicopter you will arrive back to Cairns helipad at 3:40pm. 

25 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight to Cairns

Return Helicopter Flight to Cairns:

After enjoying a relaxing 4 - 5 hours at Marine World, you will board your luxury helicopter at the Marine World Platform at 3:10pm.

Heading south west, your pilot will steer you above the many surrounding reef systems such as Tetford Reef, Briggs Reef and the mighty Sudbury Reef, home to the white sand island of Sudbury Cay. 

Continuing west, you will soon be greeted by stunning views of Fitzroy Island, a popular day trip destination from Cairns. 

From the sky, the Cairns Northern Beaches and the golden sands of the coastline look fantastic! 

25 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight Cairns to The Reef

Helicopter Flight Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef Pontoon:

As you take off, be prepared for amazing views of the Cairns city skyline and its surrounding waterways, mangroves, estuaries and beaches. 

Heading north east, you will find yourself soaring above Trinity Forest Reserve, Yarrabah Peninsula and the blue waters of Mission Bay.

Continuing east, your pilot will steer you above the Coral Sea. 

Have your camera ready as you soar past Fitzroy Island, a popular day trip destination from Cairns.

As you fly above the swirling reefs and coral of Sudbury Cay, keep your eyes peeled for Sudbury Sand Cay. 

As you approach the Marine World pontoon, marvel at the surrounding reef systems such as Tetford Reef and Briggs Reef.

Soon your helicopter will arrive at the Marine World heli pad as you prepare for a relaxing few hours upon the pontoon. 

Marine World Outer Barrrier Reef Activity Platform

Dependant on your choice of arrival on the outer Great Barrier Reef tours activity platform, you will have around 4 – 5 hours to enjoy all of the free and optional extra tours and attractions available on the pontoon

You will be greeted by friendly staff and provided with an overview of endless activites and tours to experience whilst on the floating pontoon.

Here you will enjoy a relaxing few hours at the reef to enjoy a range of wet & dry activities.

Learn about the Great Barrier Reef whilst taking part in a marine biologist presentation, discover the underwater wonders of the reef at the Underwater Observatory or enjoy a tropical fish feeding led by an experience marine biologist.

Snorkeling equipment, flotation devices and wet suits are provided for snorkeling around Moore Reef to explore the many colourful reef, corals and abundance of marine life that call the Great Barrier Reef home. 

Enjoy a 30 minute open air Glass Bottom Tour that will have you marveling at the coral gardens, giant clams and schools of colourful tropical fish.

Take a cruise around the reef on a semi submersible submarine or partake in an optional 30 minute guided snorkel tour.

Upgrade to scuba diving or helmet diving for a unique underwater experience. 

Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea and a full cold / hot buffet lunch is provided.

See more Great Barrier Reef and helicopter combo package flight tours. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Fly Cruise : Depart Cairns 10:30 Return 17:00
• Cruise Fly : Depart Cairns 09:00 Return 15:40
• Fly Fly : Depart Cairns 10:30 Return 15:40
• Times are subject to change

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Great Barrier Reef and Moore Reef Marine World

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Reef time 4.5 hours approx.

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scuba diving
• Helmet Diving
• Guided Snorkeling tours
• Accommodation transfers from Cairns or the Northern Beaches
• 10 minute helicopter flights

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
• All Diving is subject to successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire
• Certified Divers must produce their certification card
• Guests body and luggage weight must be advised at the time of booking. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee
• Maximum Single seat payload of 130kg. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to pay a 50% surcharge on the helicopter flight component of this tour directly to the tour operator prior to travel.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo 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.

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Hat
• Camera (charged)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cash for drinks and snacks

• 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).