• On your Great Barrier Reef scenic flight take in the views of Cairns northern beaches, Green Island, Vlassoff Cay, Oyster and Arlington Reef, Michaelmas Reef, Upolu Cay, Cape Grafton, False Cape, Double Island and Palm Cove.
• Learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s unique eco system and many natural landmarks with inflight commentary from your knowledgeable Cairns airplane pilot.
• With guaranteed window seats for every guest in our airplanes, you will have plenty of selfie opportunities on your scenic flight as you soar above the Great Barrier Reef.

The best way to truly experience a World Heritage Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is from above. Your 40 minute scenic flight will have you soaring above the many sand cays, tropical islands and unique reef formations of the world’s largest living structure

What to Expect

Explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef from above with our 40-minute scenic flight from Cairns. Marvel at the breathtaking views of sand cays, tropical islands, and unique coral reef formations from the comfort of our fully air-conditioned aircraft, where every passenger is guaranteed a window seat for optimal viewing and photography. Join us to experience the best Great Barrier Reef scenic flight from Cairns

Features and Highlights

Scenic Flight Over the Great Barrier Reef - 40 Minutes

Unparalleled Views:

• Our airplane scenic flights depart daily from Cairns, offering an unrivalled perspective of the Great Barrier Reef. Soar above 140 kilometres of reef, islands, lagoons, and solitary sand cays, capturing the beauty of the world’s largest living structure.

Exclusive Experience:

• Enjoy the comfort of our custom-designed fixed-wing airplane, featuring large windows for the best views. This is the perfect tour for groups, fitting seamlessly into cruise ship shore excursion schedules.

Marine Life Sightings:

• During the annual whale migration from July to August, you may witness whales breaching or traveling in pods. Keep an eye out for other marine life, such as Manta Rays, Green Sea Turtles, and Sharks.

Breathtaking Scenery:

• The Great Barrier Reef spans over 2,900 coral reefs and 900 sand cays, home to 1,500 species of fish and 360 types of hard corals. The aerial view offers a stunning panorama of this natural wonder.

Cairns Scenic Flight Itinerary

• Take-off from Cairns: Begin your journey with views of Cairns city and its northern beaches as you head north along the coastline, potentially flying over the picturesque village of Port Douglas.
• Arlington Reef and Green Island: Fly over Arlington Reef, a large reef system with numerous sand and coral cays, including the famous Green Island. Capture the island’s lush rainforest canopies and white sandy beaches from above.

Vlasoff Cay:

• Observe Vlasoff Cay, a unique sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef, abundant with bird life. The surrounding lagoons and reefs are frequented by Manta Rays, Green Turtles, Dugongs, and Reef Sharks. If you’re lucky, you might spot Humpback Whales.

Michaelmas Reef and Upolu Cay:

• Soar over Michaelmas Reef and Upolu Cay, admiring the intricate patterns of the coral lagoons below.

Return to Cairns:

• Circle back to the mainland, enjoying panoramic views of Cairns and its palm-lined beaches before descending back to Cairns Airport

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
• Air-conditioned aircraft for maximum comfort
• Professional and knowledgeable pilot providing commentary

Note: Minimum numbers may apply for all Cairns scenic flights. Book early to secure your spot on this unforgettable Great Barrier Reef tour.

See all Cairns scenic flights

Scenic Flight Great Barrier Reef - 40 Minute Scenic Flight

Our airplane scenic flights depart daily from Cairns, offering the ultimate way to truly soak in the vast expanse and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Guests can enjoy a guaranteed window seat on the airplane with endless photo opportunities.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight 40 Minutes

There’s no denying it. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most stunning and unique of natural wonders.

Boasting over 2,900 coral reefs, 900 sand cays, 1,500 species of fish and 360 types of hard corals, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on the planet.

Stretching a whopping 2,300 kilometres in length, it even has its very own post box!

The best way to really soak in its unique beauty? A scenic flight of course!

As you take off from Cairns, you will immediately be greeted with views of Cairns city and its northern beaches as you continue north along the coastline and potentially over the humble beach side village of Port Douglas.

From here, your pilot will begin your journey over the Great Barrier Reef as you soak in the spectacular views of the blue azure waters, swirling reef formations and coral cays.

Soon you will find yourself arriving at Arlington Reef, a large reef system that boasts many sand and coral cays and of course, the infamous Green Island.

Have your camera in hand as you soar above the island’s lush rainforest canopies and white sandy beaches.

You will then make your way over Vlasoff Cay, a unique sand cay that sits upon the Great Barrier Reef and is home to abundance of bird life.

The lagoons and surrounding reefs are a popular spot for marine life and your pilot will help spot for Manta Rays, Green Turtles, Dugong, Reef Sharks and if you are lucky, Humpback Whales.

See Michaelmas Reef, Upolu Cay and marvel at the lace like patterns of the coral lagoons below your aircraft. 

After marveling at the reef’s unique landscape you will then circle back to the mainland.

As you begin your descent to Cairns, you will have rewarding views of the city and its surrounding palm tree lined beaches before arriving back to Cairns Airport.

See more Great Barrier Reef scenic flights.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Variable departure times

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Excluding Christmas Day

Duration

40 minutes

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions a client’s body and luggage weight must be advised prior to the reservation being confirmed. Please note prices may vary depending on body and luggage weight.

Weight: Up to 115 Kg / 254 Lb

Sunglasses, camera and bottle of water

• Children aged 2 years old and up, must be accommodated on a seat with a standard seat belt.
• Infants aged up to 2 years old travel free of charge. Infant must sit on parents lap and be secured by a suitably approved harness, which is provided by the operator