• 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

We have allocated our most comfortable and fully air-conditioned aircraft to our Great Barrier Reef scenic flights from Cairns and all scenic flight passengers have a window seat to enjoy and photograph the view of the reef, islands and sand cays below.

Our beautifully customed fixed wing airplane is designed with comfort first and big windows for our guests to get the best views of the Great Barrier Reef as we take them on a 40 minute scenic flight along Australia's coral reef coastline.

On our 40 minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight from Cairns you will see up to 140 kilometres of the reef, islands, lagoons and solitary sand cays.

This is the prefect scenic flight from Cairns for groups of passengers looking for a Great Barrier Reef tour to fit in with cruise ship shore excursion time frames.  

During the annual whale migration months of July to August you may just see some whales breaching from the waters below or pods of them travelling north to the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs where they calve in amongst the safe coral boundaries away from predators.

Other marine life we may encounter on our 40 minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight are Manta Rays, large Green Sea Turtles and Sharks. 

The Great Barrier Reef encompasses over 2,900 coral reefs, 900 sand cays and is home ot 1,500 species of fish, 360 types of hard corals and around one third of the worlds soft corals.

No wonder they call it the Great Barrier Reef! Come and take a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns with us today!         

Please note on all Cairns scenic flights minimum numbers may apply.

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 and return transfers from accommodation in Cairns.  

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. Upon arrival, you will enjoy return transfers back to your accommodation in Cairns. 

See more Great Barrier Reef scenic flights.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Variable departure times

Destinations

• Green Island
• Palm Cove
• Port Douglas
• 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 3 years old and up, must be accommodated on a seat with a standard seat belt.
• Infants aged up to 3 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