• Cairns helicopter flight to Vlasoff sand cay where you can enjoy snorkelling and unwinding in the peace, beauty and serenity that surrounds in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef
• Enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper with sparkling wine, relax on the white sands and snorkel the fringing reefs for 2 hours
• Cairns helicopter flights for romantic couples, groups of friends or a family adventure. This is one of the best Great Barrier Reef tour experiences you will ever have.

Enjoy the ultimate Cairns and Great Barrier Reef experience with a scenic helicopter flight to your own private sand cay where you will snorkel the fringing reefs, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and relax on the white sandy shores of paradise.

What to Expect

Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef scenic flight and private charter helicopter ride adventure from Cairns on a luxurious scenic helicopter flight to your own private sand cay. This exclusive Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy snorkelling the fringing reefs, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch, and unwind on the pristine white sandy shores of paradise with just you and your chosen loved one’s family and friends.

Features and Highlights

Ultimate Cairns Helicopter Flight Over the Great Barrier Reef

• Discover the Great Barrier Reef in unparalleled luxury with a private helicopter flight from Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. This exclusive helicopter tour is designed for those seeking a taste of adventure or wishing to spoil a loved one with a truly special treat for a very special occassion.

Helicopter Ride to a Secluded Sand Cay on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

• Your journey begins with a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Vlasoff Sand Cay, an exclusive sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. This pristine sand cay is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable day.

Departure Times: Various helicopter departure times are dictated based on the tide times on Vlasoff Cay.

20-Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Ride over the Great Barrier Reef

• Take off from Cairns and be greeted with breathtaking aerial views of the city and its surrounding areas. As you fly over the palm-lined beaches, mangroves, estuaries, and the stunning Great Barrier Reef, have your camera ready to capture the magnificent scenery. Your scenic helicopter flight will take you over the Arlington Reef System, Upolu Cay, Michaelmas Cay, and Green Island, offering a unique perspective of these natural wonders.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for rays, turtles, reef sharks, and large tropical fish. During the winter months, you might even spot humpback whales.

Landing on the Secluded Sand Cay

• Upon landing on the pristine shores of Vlasoff Cay, you will have two hours to enjoy this exclusive slice of tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkelling adventure, exploring the vibrant fringing reefs teeming with marine life. You may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and blue-spotted rays as you swim among the corals.
• Gourmet Picnic Hamper: Relax on the beach and indulge in a gourmet picnic hamper, complete with a glass of sparkling wine. The picnic includes a selection of delicious treats, perfect for enjoying in this serene setting.
• Note: Vlasoff Cay is a public sand cay and cannot be reserved. On the rare occasion that it is occupied upon arrival and we cannot land, you will receive an extended scenic Great Barrier Reef helicopter flight back to the Pier Heliport, totalling 45 minutes of flight time. You will still enjoy your picnic lunch, and any applicable refunds will be handled by our reservations team.

Return Scenic Helicopter Flight to Cairns

• After two hours of relaxation and exploration, board your private helicopter for the return flight to Cairns. Take in the stunning views of Vlasoff Cay and the surrounding reef as you make your way back to Cairns heli port. The return scenic flight will take approximately 20 minutes, bringing you back to the Cairns central heli pad.
• Return Transfers: Enjoy convenient return coach transfers to your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove.

Private Charter Helicopter Itinerary

Departure from Cairns:

• Check-in at the heli pad
• Enjoy a 20-minute scenic flight over Cairns, Palm Cove, the northern beaches, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Cay, and Vlasoff Cay

Time on Vlasoff Cay:

• Two hours to snorkel the fringing reefs, relax on the beach, and enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper with sparkling wine

Return to Cairns:

• Board the helicopter for a 20-minute return flight
• Arrive at the Cairns central heli pad
• Return coach transfers to your accommodation

Included Activities and Amenities

• Scenic Helicopter Flight: Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding areas.
• Snorkelling Equipment: Mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suit, and life jacket provided for your snorkelling adventure.
• Gourmet Picnic Hamper: Includes a selection of delicious treats and a glass of sparkling wine.
• Return Transfers: Convenient coach transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove.

Optional Extras

• Extended Scenic Flight: If Vlasoff Cay is occupied, enjoy an extended 45-minute scenic flight over the reef.
• Photography Package: Capture the memories of your incredible day with a professional photography package.
• Note: This helicopter tour is perfect for non-swimmers and those with limited mobility, as there are plenty of activities to enjoy without getting into the water.

See more of our exclusive helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo flights for an unforgettable experience in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and our helicopter scenic flights and airplane scenic flights.

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland in our Barrier Reef Australia blog.

Helicopter Flight To A Secluded Sand Cay

Departing from Cairns on a private charter helicopter flight, your luxurious Great Barrier Reef experience will take around three hours with variable departure times on offer.  

20 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight

Taking off from the heli pad you will soon be greeted with breath taking aerial 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 coastline.

Heading east, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. The sparkling blue waters and swirling reef formations below are nothing less than magnificent!

As you venture closer to your secluded sand cay, you will soon find yourself flying above the Arlington Reef System, This unique reef system is located 30km from the shore and is home to abundance of coral cays and marine life.

The shallow lagoons are a popular location for marine life and your pilot will help you spot for rays, turtles, reef sharks, large tropical fish and if you are travelling in the winter months, Humpback Whales.

Your helicopter flight will glide past Upolu Cay, Michaelmas Cay and Green Island, the only coral cay that boasts white sandy beaches and lush rainforest.

From above, the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef really is a natural wonder best experienced from the sky! 

Helicopter Landing Secluded Sand Cay

Soon your helicopter will land on the pristine shores of Vlasoff Cay, your exclusive slice of tropical paradise.

Here you will have two hours to enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sands as you relax, unwind and immerse yourself in absolute serenity.

You will be provided with snorkeling equipment to explore the fringing coral reefs, marine life and underwater wonders that surround you.

Vlasoff Cay is home to many marine life so you may find yourself swimming beside curious Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks or Blue Spotted Rays.

Relax upon the beach on your very own picnic blanket, take a dip in the aqua blue and green waters and enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper including a glass of sparkling wine.

Where else would you rather be? 

Helicopter Flight Return to Cairns

After relaxing on the sand cay for two hours, you will then board your private charter helicopter for you’re your return flight back to Cairns.

Taking off, enjoy the stunning views of Vlasoff Cay as you make your way back to the mainland. Your flight will take approximately 20 minutes before returning to the Cairns central heli pad.

Arriving back to Cairns, you will then enjoy return coach transfers to your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove. 

See more of our exclusive helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo flights.

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Variable due to tides

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Vlasoff Cay ex Cairns

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

On demand, tide and availability dependent

Duration

3 hours (approx)

Fitness Level Required

Low

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

Minimum 2 passengers

Eco Certifications

Your camera and what you would pack when you go to the beach (hat, sunscreen, towel... etc)

• 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).