• Upgrade your Great Barrier Reef tour and helicopter flight with a ride around the reef on a semi-submersible submarine, glass bottom boat, or even some scuba diving
• Discover one of the great natural wonders of the world with a scenic helicopter flight and a reef cruise      
• Take a walk through the Underwater Observatory and learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life with the onboard Touch Tank experience on the floating pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef
• Have your camera in hand as you soar above the Great Barrier Reef in a luxury helicopter. The aircraft’s large viewing windows provide endless selfie opportunities! 

Enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight above one of the world’s greatest natural wonders the Great Barrier Reef, spend time snorkelling and diving the reef from an outer reef pontoon nestled upon the pristine waters on Moore Reef. Try a fly/cruise, cruise/fly or fly both ways.

What to Expect

Enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight above one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time snorkelling and diving from an outer reef pontoon nestled upon the pristine waters of Moore Reef. Choose from fly/cruise, cruise/fly, or fly both ways for an unforgettable helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tour experience.

This is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour for those wishing to see the very best of the reef in one day from Cairns. While on the pontoon, enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, a glass bottom boat tour, the underwater observatory, snorkelling the coral gardens, a semi-submersible boat tour, and a giant waterslide. Additional activities such as scuba diving and underwater helmet walking are available as optional extras.

Note: Book early for helicopter rides as seats are limited daily with one helicopter. 

Features and Highlights

Scenic Helicopter Flight Options

We offer several options to enhance your Great Barrier Reef experience:

1. Fly/Cruise: Start with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Moore Reef pontoon, then enjoy the activities before cruising back to Cairns Marina.
2. Cruise/Fly: Begin with a cruise to Moore Reef pontoon, enjoy the activities, then return to Cairns with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight.
3. Fly/Fly: Perfect for those short on time or not keen on boats, with 25-minute flights each way.
4. Helicopter, Moore Reef, and Fitzroy in a Day: Combine a helicopter flight, Moore Reef pontoon, and Fitzroy Island in one day for the ultimate experience.

Great Barrier Reef Combo Tours

1) Fly to the Reef & Cruise Back – Full Day Tour

• Check-in: 11:30 am
• Depart Cairns: 12:00 pm
• Arrive Cairns: 5:30 pm
• Duration: 25 minutes flying time & 3.5 hours at the reef

Start your adventure with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Moore Reef pontoon. Enjoy 3.5 hours on the pontoon with activities including snorkelling, a semi-submersible boat tour, a glass bottom boat tour, the underwater observatory, and a giant waterslide. End your day with a relaxing cruise back to Cairns.

2.) Cruise to the Reef & Fly Back – Full Day Tour

• Check-in: 8:30 am
• Depart Cairns: 10:00 am
• Arrive Cairns: 3:55 pm
• Duration: 25 minutes flying time & 3.5 hours at the reef

Begin with a cruise to Moore Reef pontoon and enjoy 3.5 hours of activities on the reef. Return to Cairns with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight, providing stunning aerial views of the reef and coastline.

3.) Fly to the Reef & Fly Back – Half Day Tour

• Check-in: 11:30 am
• Depart Cairns: 12:00 pm
• Arrive Cairns: 3:55 pm
• Duration: 50 minutes flying time & 3 hours at the reef

For those with limited time, enjoy a round trip via helicopter to Moore Reef. Spend a few hours on the pontoon, partaking in activities such as snorkelling, a semi-submersible boat tour, a glass bottom boat tour, the underwater observatory, and a giant waterslide.

Moore Reef Great Barrier Reef Activity Pontoon

Depending on your chosen option, you will have around 3 to 3.5 hours to enjoy the pontoon's activities, including:

• Sunlover interactive Great Barrier Reef pontoon 
• Snorkelling: Equipment and demonstrations are available.
• Underwater Observatory: View colourful corals and tropical fish.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Discover the reef’s underwater wonders.
• Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour: Explore coral gardens and marine life.
• Giant Waterslide: Fun for all ages.
• Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a variety of delicious foods.

Optional Extra Upgrades

• Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive: Dive with experienced PADI professionals to explore coral gardens and marine life.
• Seawalker Helmet Dive: Walk along the reef floor and get up close with marine life.
• Guided Snorkel Tour: Led by a marine naturalist, discover the reef's unique life.

4.) Cairns Helicopter Flight, Moore Reef, and Fitzroy Island in a Day

Combine a helicopter flight, Moore Reef pontoon, and Fitzroy Island for a comprehensive Great Barrier Reef experience. Options include Fly/Cruise/Cruise and Cruise/Fly itineraries to suit your schedule.

See all Cairns scenic flights and Great Barrier Reef helicopter and reef combo package tours. 

Great Barrier Reef Combo Tours: Helicopter & Pontoon Activity

The ultimate way to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the water.

Departing from Cairns, there are a number of reef tour options to choose from.

• Option #1 - Fly/Cruise
• Option #2 - Cruise/Fly
• Option #3 - Fly/Fly
• Option #4 - Helicopter, Moore Reef AND Fitzroy in a day

Fly to the Reef & Cruise Back – Full Day Tour

Ideal for those wishing to enjoy a relaxed morning in Cairns.

Check in: 11.30am - Depart Cairns: 12:00 - Arrive Cairns: 17:30

25 minutes flying time & 3.5 hours at the reef

Departing at 12.00pm, you will need to check in at the Cairns marina helipad 30 minutes prior to departure.

Prior to departure you will meet your friendly pilot who will provide commentary and information about the Great Barrier Reef throughout your helicopter flight.

After completing a pre departure briefing, you will safely be strapped into the seat of your luxury helicopter and provided with a head set.

Departing from Cairns, your Great Barrier Reef adventure will begin with a scenic 25 minute scenic helicopter flight direct to the Moore Reef pontoon.

Enjoy the stunning views of the reef before arriving at the outer reef where you will have approx 3.5 hours to relax, unwind and explore the many underwater wonders on this Great Barrier Reef tour.

Taking off from the Cairns helicopter pad, you will be welcomed with scenic views of Cairns city and its mountainous 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 from the mainland, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef but not before soaring above the mighty Yarrabah Peninsula and the golden sands of Yorkeys Knob.

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

Soon your pilot will have you gliding past Fitzroy Island and its spectacular white sands and fringing reef.

Continuing over the Coral Sea, 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 our tropical winter months of June to August, you may even be lucky enough to spot migrating Humpback Whales.

Soon your pilot will have you soaring over the swirling reef systems of Moore Reef.

Your day will include a full buffet lunch, snorkel gear, access to the underwater observatory, a semi-submersible submarine boat tour, a glass bottom boat tour and a giant waterslide before returning to Cairns catamaran at 5.30pm.

Disembarking the helicopter, you will find yourself being transfered to a floating pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef that will be your interactive activity platform for the balance of your Great Barrier Reef trip experience.

Upgrade to other in-water options are available.

Return to Cairns

After 3.5 hours on the Great Barrier Reef activity pontoon, you will then board your catamaran return to Cairns.

The journey back to the mainland will have you gliding upon the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and taking in the stunning scenic landscape sights on the way.

The trip will take around 90 minutes so you can choose to take a seat on the top deck or in the air conditioned cabin.

Take a look at the professional photographs that were taken of you throughout the day and purchase your favourite or simply relax and enjoy the sights.

Your boat will return to the Cairns Marina at 5.30pm.

Cruise to the Reef & Fly Back – Full Day Tour

Check in: 8.30am - Depart Cairns: 10.00am - Arrive Cairns: 3.55pm

25 minutes flying time & 3.5 hours at the reef

Enjoy a full day on the Great Barrier Reef with a boat cruise to Moore Reef pontoon before taking to the air for a spectacular 25 minute scenic helicopter flight to return to Cairns.

Nestled upon the outer reef, Moore Reef is a beautiful reef with a huge variety of corals attracting a wide range of marine life.

There are so many in-water activities to choose from and so many famous fish to meet such as Wally the huge photo bombing Maori Wrasse.

For the non-swimmers it's the ultimate location to relax, unwind and watch others explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Your day will include a full buffet lunch, snorkel gear, access to the underwater observatory, a ride in semi-submersible submarine boat tour, a glass Bottom Boat tour and a giant waterslide!

Upgrade to other in-water options are available.

Departing at 10.00am from Cairns, your Great Barrier Reef tour boat will begin the 90 minute scenic voyage to the Moore Reef floating pontoon that will be your activity platform for the day on the reef.

Take a seat in the air conditioned cabin or head to the top deck from some fantastic photo opportunities.

En route, enjoy an onboard reef presentation led by a marine naturalist.

Soon you will arrive at your outer reef destination, a floating pontoon nestled upon the pristine waters of Moore Reef.

Moore Reef is located around 40km from the coast of Cairns and is well known for its clear visibility and fantastic water conditions.

There you will have 3.5 hours to relax and explore the outer reef.

Return to Cairns

After enjoying 3.5 hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef, you will then begin your return journey back to Cairns on a scenic helicopter flight.

Departing from the heli pad moored at the pontoon, you will be greeted by your experienced pilot and guide and provided with a head set for inflight commentary.

Taking off, you will immediately gain a sense of just how large and utterly breath taking your Great Barrier Reef tour has been!

As you make your way back towards the coastline, soak in the spectacular views of Moore Reef and its swirling reef formations and corals.

The shallow lagoons of these unique reef formations are a fantastic vantage point for marine life spotting.

Your helicopter pilot will have you spotting for large tropical fish, rays, turtles, sharks and if travelling in winter, Humpback Whales!

Soon your pilot will have you cruising past Fitzroy Island. The island's white sands, lush green mountain tops and fringing reefs provide the perfect photo opportunity!

Gliding above the blue azure and deep aqua green waters, you will soon cast your eyes upon the stunning stretch of coastline surrounding Cairns as you fly over the Yarrabah Peninsula and Yorkey's Knob.

Marvel at the golden sands, palm tree lined beaches and surrounding vegetation systems as you return to the mainland.

Upon arrival to the Cairns heli pad, you will be greeted with views of Cairns city as you look out for the many building, landmarks and surrounding natural spectacles before landing.

A once in a lifetime experience!

Arriving back to Cairns at 3:55pm.

Fly to the Reef & Fly Back – Half Day Tour

Check in: 11.30am - Depart Cairns: 12.00pm - Arrive Cairns: 3.55pm

50 minutes flying time & 3 hours at the reef

Departing from Cairns, your half day tour will include a return scenic helicopter flight to and from Moore Reef where you will enjoy stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef and its many sand cays, reef formations, tropical islands and marine life.

Upon arriving at your outer reef destination, a pontoon nestled upon Moore Reef, you will have a few hours to relax and take part in the many activities on offer.

Your reef tour day will include a full buffet lunch, snorkel gear, access to the underwater observatory, a semi-submersible submarine boat tour, a glass bottom boat tour and a giant waterslide before returning to Cairns by a luxury catamaran.

Ideal for those wishing to enjoy a relaxed morning in Cairns.

Taking off from the Cairns helicopter pad, you will be welcomed with scenic 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.

Your Cairns helicopter scenic flight will have you heading east from the mainland, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef but not before soaring above the mighty Yarrabah Peninsula and the golden sands of Yorkeys Knob.

The sparkling blue waters and swirling reef formations below are nothing less than magnificent! Soon your pilot will have you gliding past Fitzroy Island and its spectacular white sands and fringing reef.

Continuing over the Coral Sea, 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 tropical winter months of July to August, you may even be lucky enough to spot migrating Humpback Whales.

Soon your pilot will have you soaring over the swirling reef systems of Moore Reef.

Be amazed by the unique patterns of coral and reef below.

Return to Cairns

After enjoying a few hours at the outer reef, you will then board your luxury helicopter for your return flight to Cairns.

Enjoy a return scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef as you make your way back to the mainland.

Take in the views of the stunning coral and sand cays, the swirling reef formations below and surrounding tropical islands.

Upon arrival back to Cairns, you will be greeted with beautiful views of the surrounding beaches, coastline and rainforest in the distance.

Arriving back to Cairns marina Heliport at 3.55pm.

See more Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Scenic Flight options.

Moore Reef Great Barrier Reef Activity Pontoon

Depending on the option you choose you will have around 3 to 3.5 hours to enjoy the outer reef pontoon and the many activities on offer.

Snorkel equipment and demonstrations are available onboard and the pontoon has its very own snorkeling enclosure with rest stops and viewing stations.

Take a walk through the Underwater Observatory where you will have the opportunity to view the abundance of colourful corals and tropical fish that call Moore Reef home.

There is also fish feeding presentation and the best views are from the underwater observatory.

Discover and learn of the reef’s underwater wonders on a coral viewing Glass Bottom Boat tour.

Glide through the colourful coral gardens on a Semi-Submersible Submarine boat tour and keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of marine life that can regularly be spotted in the pristine waters of Moore Reef, such as Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks, Rays and plentiful tropical fish.

Onboard there is also a giant theme park style water slide, a fully enclosed kids pool, full bar facilities and a sun deck where you can unwind and soak in the breath taking views of the outer reef.

Whilst onboard you will also be served a full buffet lunch complete with prawns, salads, cold meats, curry, stir fry, tropical fruits, pastas and more. 

What better way is there to experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders? 

This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour for non-swimmers.

Optional Extras Upgrades

Upgrade to an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive

Immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef with an optional Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive.

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

There are a number of pristine dive sites located in Moore Reef and the best location will be chosen on the day.

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

For certified scuba divers, Moore Reef offers world class diving, from City Hall with its swim-through caves and large pelagic fish, through to Scary Point where the currents have encouraged the most diverse array of invertebrates to congregate.

All Certified dives are supervised by a qualified PADI Dive Instructor.

Upgrade to a Seawalker Helmet Dive

This unique and exhilarating experience will have you walking along the bottom of the Great Barrier Reef, getting up close and personal with the hundreds of fish species and spectacular corals surrounding Moore Reef.

Seawalker Helmet diving allows you to breathe through your nose and mouth as you would above water, making it an ideal activity for those a little nervous about snorkeling and scuba diving.

Led by an experienced instructor, you will make your way through the Fan-coral garden as you spot for colourful tropical fish, giant clams and large bommies.

If you are lucky you may even get a photo with Dolla the friendly Turtle or Wally the photo bombing Maori Wrasse. 

Upgrade to a Guided Snorkel Tour

Take your outer reef experience to the next level with an optional guided snorkel tour.

Led by an experienced marine naturalist, the guided tour lasts around 30 minutes, showcasing the reef’s unique marine life and coral systems.

Your snorkel guide will point out all of the best sites, including the world’s largest Bi-Valve Giant Clam, Clown Fish and the Giant Blue Starfish.

Cairns Helicopter Flight, Moore Reef AND Fitzroy in a day

To make the most of your Great Barrier Refe experience why not combine an helicopter Reef Scenic flight, a visit to Moore Reef activity pontoon AND Fitzroy Island.

Several options are now available to you.

We offer a Fly/Cruise/Cruise and Cruise/Fly options.

See below modified itineraries:

Fly/Cruise/Cruise

Enjoy a later start of the day and a 

• 0900 - Check in
• 0930 - Depart Cairns Marina Heliport
• 1000 - Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon
• 1000 - 1130 – 1.5 hours of Pontoon Fun
• 1130 - Reboard the boat and Depart Moore Reef
• 1215 - Arrive at Fitzroy Island
• 1230 - 1330 – Lunch (on the boat)
• 1330 -1530 – 2 hours of Island Fun
• 1530 - Depart Fitzroy Island
• 1630 - Arrive In Cairns Marina

Cruise/Fly

Enjoy an early return into Cairns

Please note the flight back to Cairns is from Moore Reef Pontoon, by selecting this option you will not get to visit Fitzroy Island.

• 7:00 AM Check in Opens
• 7:30 AM Check in Closes
• 8:00 AM Depart Cairns to Moore Reef Pontoon
• 9:30 AM Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon
• 1.5 Hours of Pontoon Fun - (this may be shorter if the departure push back due to the weather event)
• 11:00 AM Depart Moore Reef
• 11:30 Arrive Back in Cairns

You can view details on Fitzroy Island and Great Barrier Pontoon here.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cruise/Fly: check in 8.30am-9.30am, departs 10.00am, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm
• Fly/Cruise: Check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 5.30pm
• Fly/Fly: check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Great Barrier Reef
• Moore Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Excludes Christmas Day

Duration

Duration varies depending on the option you choose

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Upgrade to an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive
• Upgrade to Seawalker Helmet Diving tour
• Upgrade to Guided Snorkel Tour
• Lockers avaialable for hire
• Lycra suits, wet suits and prescription masks available for hire

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
• Seawalker helmet diving tour – minimum age 12 years
• Scuba diving – all participants must complete a medical assessment on board to assess their fitness for diving
• 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.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or Pilots discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability.

Eco Certifications

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Change of clothes
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Cash or credit card

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).