• Experience the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef on a low level scenic flight from Cairns. Unique cays and coral formations of the Arlington Reef system. Spot dolphins, manta rays, whales, turtles, dugongs and sharks.
• See the brilliance of Upolo Cay, a white sand cay nestled in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, other remote islands and even marine life from your window seat 
• Guaranteed window seats on your scenic flight from Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• This is the best value Great Barrier Reef tour where you can see the reef and rainforest on a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns or upgrade to a 60 minute flight that covers the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas. 

This is the best value Great Barrier Reef tour where you can see the reef and rainforest on a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns or upgrade to a 60 minute flight that covers the reef and Port Douglas.

What to Expect

Experience the best value Great Barrier Reef tour with our scenic flights from Cairns. Choose between a 40-minute flight showcasing the reef and rainforest or upgrade to a 60-minute flight that includes the stunning coastline of Port Douglas. With guaranteed window seats for each guest, you'll have unobstructed scenic views and the opportunity to capture spectacular images of Tropical North Queensland.

Features and Highlights

40-Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns

• Departure: Begin your tour with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Cairns or cruise ship, taking you to the General Aviation terminal.
• Green Island: Fly over the crystal-clear waters and unique coral formations of Green Island, known for its white sandy beaches and rainforest.
• Arlington Reef: Witness the vastness of Arlington Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef's 2,000 individual reef systems.
• Upolo Cay and Michaelmas Cay: Enjoy views of these picturesque sand islands Upolo Cay and Michaelmas Cay and the vibrant coral formations surrounding them.
• Marine Life Spotting: Keep an eye out for dugongs, whales, sharks, and sea turtles as you fly low over the Great Barrier Reef on your scenic flight from Cairns.
• Return to Cairns: Marvel at the northern beaches and coastline before landing back at the General Aviation terminal with courtesy transfers to Cairns CBD included.

60-Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns

• Extended Tour: Includes all the highlights of the 40-minute scenic flight, plus additional sights along the Port Douglas coastline.
• Port Douglas: Fly over the charming beachside town of Port Douglas taking in the palm-lined beaches and stunning headlands.
• Tongue Reef and Batt Reef: Your airplane pilot will point out these significant reef formations, showcasing the swirling coral cays and aqua waters.
• Return Journey: Soar back to Cairns, enjoying the scenic coastlines and tropical beaches from above.

Courtesy Coach Pick-Up

• Convenient Transfers: Your scenic flight tour begins with a pick-up from your Cairns accommodation or cruise ship. The pick-up time and location will be confirmed upon booking.
• Experienced Pilots: Meet your knowledgeable pilot and guide at the General Aviation terminal. All aircraft are equipped with quality intercom systems for informative and engaging in-flight commentary.

40-Minute Reef Hopper Scenic Flight

Green Island

• Scenic Views: Enjoy unparalleled views of the northern beaches and crystal-clear waters of Green Island, a popular day trip destination from Cairns.

Arlington Reef

• Vast Reef System: Experience the grandeur of Arlington Reef and understand the immense scale of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Upolo Cay: Fly over this uninhabited sand island, perfect for snapping holiday photos.
• Michaelmas and Middle Cay: Observe the colourful reef systems and coral formations below.

Return Flight to Cairns

• Marine Life Spotting: Spot marine life as you return to Cairns, with breathtaking views of the white sandy coastline and northern beaches.

60-Minute Reef & Port Douglas Scenic Flight

Port Douglas

• Coastal Beauty: Fly over Port Douglas, taking in the palm-lined beaches and towering headlands.
• Significant Reef Formations: Your airplane pilot will highlight Tongue Reef and Batt Reef, showcasing the stunning coral formations and aqua waters.

Return to Cairns

• Scenic Journey: Enjoy the beautiful coastlines and tropical beaches as you make your way back to Cairns.

Additional Information

• Courtesy Transfers: Return transfers back to Cairns CBD are included for both scenic flight options.
• Departure Times: Multiple daily departures make it easy to fit this half day tour into your Cairns holiday schedule. Exact timings will be confirmed upon booking.
• Aircraft Features: All flights ensure window seats for every guest and are equipped with intercom systems for in-flight commentary.

For more information on scenic flights in Cairns and helicopter rides, explore additional options and experiences available in Tropical North Queensland.

This is a great Cairns tour for cruise ship passengers docking at Yorkeys Knob or in Cairns.

Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism and once you have seen it from the sky you will gain a sense of just how large and unique this natural wonder really is.

The 40 minute scenic flight takes in the best of the reef and is ideal for those travelling to Tropical North Queensland by cruise ship or those simply to seeking to experience it all in a short period of time.

The 60 minute scenic flight option includes all that the 40 minute reef flight has on offer, along with the coastline and lush landscape of Port Douglas and the surrounding northern beaches. 

Your Courtesy Coach Pick Up from Cairns

Your scenic flight tour begins with a pick up from your accommodation in Cairns or Cruise Ship to the departure point at the General Aviation terminal.

Your pick up time and location will be provided at the time of making your flight booking.

You will be greeted by your experienced pilot and guide as you board the air craft in preparation for the tour.

All aircrafts are fitted with quality intercom systems through which your experienced pilot provides an informative and humorous in-flight commentary.

Cairns Scenic Flight 40 Minute Reef Hopper

Discover the best of the Great Barrier Reef on a 40 minute scenic flight.

Your low level journey will have you flying above Green Island, Dunk Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Upolo Cay, Michealmas Cay and the stunning coastline of Cairns Northern Beaches.

Green Island

As your scenic flight begins you make your way towards the Great Barrier Reef and over the northern beaches of Cairns.

Soon you will be welcomed by the crystal clear blue waters and unique coral reef formations as you make your way to your first destination, Green Island.

Boasting white sandy beaches and true rainforest, Green Island sits upon the World Heritage Listed Marine Park and is a popular day trip destination from Cairns.

Arlington Reef

As you continue your flight further along the Great Barrier Reef, you will soon cast your eyes upon the stunning Arlington Reef system.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 2,000 individual reef systems and you take in the sheer size of Arlington Reef you will really begin to get a taste of just how large the Great Barrier Reef really is.

Upon the marine park your pilot will guide you above Upolo Cay, a white, uninhabited sand island and a fantastic spectacle for those looking to snap a few holiday photos.

Continuing on your journey will fly above Michaelmas and Middle Cay.

The colourful reef systems and coral formations below are well worth experiencing from the sky!

Return Flight to Cairns

Flying at a low level the aircraft provides the perfect vantage point to spot for marine life as you make your way back to Cairns.

Keep your eyes peeled for Dugongs, Whales, Sharks and if you are lucky, Sea Turtles.

Your return flight back to Cairns will have you marveling at the white sandy coastline and humble villages of the northern beaches.

Returning back to General Aviation, return transfers back to Cairns CBD are included. 

60 Minute Reef & Port Douglas Scenic Flight

The 60 minute scenic flight includes all of the wonders of the Reef Hopper Tour as well as a flight above Port Douglas and the Tropical North Queensland coastline 

Your Courtesy Coach Awaits

Your experience will begin with a pick up from your accommodation in Cairns or Cruise Ship to the departure point at General Aviation.

Your pick up time and location will be provided at the time of booking.

You will be greeted by your experienced pilot and guide as you board the air craft in preparation for the tour.

All aircrafts are fitted with quality intercom systems through which your experienced pilot provides an informative and humorous in-flight commentary.

Green Island

Departing Cairns, your scenic flight will lead you over the coastline, the northern beaches and towards your first destination on the Great Barrier Reef.

Soon you will be welcomed by the crystal clear blue waters and unique coral reef formations as you make your way to your first destination, Green Island, boasting white sandy beaches and true rainforest.

Green Island sits upon the World Heritage Listed Marine Park and is a popular day trip destination from Cairns.

Arlington Reef

As you continue further above the Great Barrier Reef, you will soon cast your eyes upon the stunning Arlington Reef system.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 2,000 individual reef systems and you take in the sheer size of Arlington Reef you will really begin to get a taste of just how large the Great Barrier Reef really is.

Upon the marine park your pilot will guide you above Upolo Cay, a white, uninhabited sand island and a fantastic spectacle for those looking to snap a few holiday photos.

Continuing on your journey will fly above Michealmas and Middle Cay.

The colourful reef systems and coral formations below are well worth experiencing from the sky!

Port Douglas

Continuing further north along the Coral Sea, your pilot will guide you above the popular beach side town of Port Douglas.

Marvel at the palm tree lined beaches and towering headlands of the region as you experience the very best of the Tropical North Queensland.

The road that leads from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of the most scenic and awe inspiring drives in Australia.

Your Pilot will point out some of the region’s most significant reef formations including Tongue Reef and Batt Reef.

The swirling coral cays and aqua waters below make for some fantastic holiday photos.   

Return to Cairns

From Port Douglas, your flight will the begin its return journey back to Cairns, showcasing the beautiful coastlines, white sandy tropical beaches and the blue waters of the Coral Sea. 

Returning back to General Aviation, return transfers back to Cairns CBD are included.

View more airplane scenic flights in Cairns and helicopter rides.

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

All flights depart from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Departure Instructions

• Check in is 30 minutes prior to departure. Passengers that fail to arrive before
• this time may be classed as no-show.
• Courtesy bus subject to availability; passengers that do not arrive at their pick up location on time may be classed as no-show. Passengers should endeavour to arrive at their pick-up locations 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up.

Pickup Locations

Cairns

• Pick up times will be provided at the time of booking

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Bird's eye view of North Queensland coastline including Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef and Palm Cove

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

40 & 60 minutes (approx)

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weight: Up to 125 Kg / 276 Lb

Additional Information

• Self Drive:check in is 30 minutes prior to departure at Genaral Aviation, 83 Royal Flying Doctor Street, Cairns, QLD 4870. Passengers that fail to arrive before this time may be classed as no-show.
• This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate
• Single travellers can be booked however will be placed on a waiting list until minimum number of passengers (4) is reached.
• GSL Aviation may use photographs of clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, if you do not consent please advise GSL Aviation.
• Weather can affect our flight schedules, please contact us 24 hours prior to flight time to confirm flight.

Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen and water

Children under 3 years old are considered infants and travel free of charge on a paying adults lap. Children 3 years and over the adult price applies on all flights.

No refund for bookings cancelled or amended within 24 hours or departure