• Scenic helicopter flights circling the iconic Heart Reef coral formation
• Photograph the reef and islands through the helicopter’s Perspex windows
• Spend approximately 90 minutes snorkelling coral gardens at Reefworld on Hardy Reef
• Aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and its shimmering white silica sand and azure waters
• Express way to see the icons of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in one experience

A premium Fly Fly helicopter tour from Hamilton Island to Hardy Reef Reefworld, combining scenic flights over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach with snorkelling and coral viewing from an outer reef pontoon.

Take off from Hamilton Island on a scenic helicopter flight to the outer Great Barrier Reef, landing directly on the Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld floating pontoon at Hardy Reef. Spend your time snorkelling coral gardens, observing marine life and enjoying reef viewing from the underwater chamber before returning to Hamilton Island by helicopter.

What to Expect

This Fly Fly Reef Discovery tour departs from Hamilton Island and combines two scenic helicopter flights with time spent on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The experience is designed for guests who want maximum coverage of the Whitsundays and reef without long boat transfers.

Your total tour duration is approximately three hours, including helicopter flight time and reef time. From above, you will see the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. On the reef, you will snorkel coral gardens and view marine life from the pontoon facilities.

Features and Highlights

Helicopter Scenic Flight

Your experience includes approximately 60 minutes of combined helicopter flight time, offering panoramic aerial views of:

• Heart Reef
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet
• The outer Great Barrier Reef

Live pilot commentary provides insight into the reef systems, island geography and natural formations below.

Reefworld Pontoon Experience at Hardy Reef

Upon landing at the Reefworld floating pontoon on Hardy Reef, you will have approximately 90 minutes to explore the reef environment.

Activities include:

• Snorkelling directly from the pontoon into coral gardens
• Viewing marine life from the underwater viewing chamber
• Relaxing on the stable outer reef platform

This experience suits both swimmers and non-swimmers, with dry viewing options available.

Comfort, Safety and Transfers

• Complimentary hotel transfers included for selected Hamilton Island accommodations
• Safety briefing conducted at Hamilton Island Air Terminal prior to departure
• Small group sizes for a more personalised experience
• Sparkling wine and water provided during the experience

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is ideal for:

• Hamilton Island guests with limited time
• Couples seeking a premium reef experience
• Travellers wanting aerial and underwater perspectives in one tour
• Non-swimmers who want reef viewing options

Who This Tour Is Not Suitable For

This tour may not suit travellers who:

• Prefer extended reef time over sightseeing
• Are uncomfortable with helicopter flights
• Want full-day reef or overnight reef experiences

Guests seeking longer reef immersion may prefer full-day outer Great Barrier Reef tours.

Itinerary Overview

Fly Fly Reef Discovery Tour

Hamilton Island hotel pickup, safety briefing and tour check-in

• Complimentary pickup from selected Hamilton Island hotels and transfer to the Hamilton Island Air Terminal for check-in and safety briefing.

Helicopter scenic flight to Reefworld

• Depart Hamilton Island by helicopter, flying over the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach en route to the outer reef.

Reefworld Hardy Reef experience

• Spend approximately 90 minutes at Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld floating pontoon on Hardy Reef with snorkelling and underwater viewing.

Return scenic helicopter flight

• Depart Reefworld by helicopter and enjoy scenic aerial views on the return flight to Hamilton Island.

Return hotel transfers

• Complimentary ground transfers back to selected Hamilton Island hotels.

Barrier Reef Australia Local Knowledge

Barrier Reef Australia specialises in helicopter and reef combination tours departing from Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. Our team understands weather patterns, reef conditions and helicopter scheduling to ensure smooth Fly Fly connections.

If you would like help comparing this tour with Cruise Fly or Fly Cruise options, our local team can guide you before booking. Book your free Discovery Call.

Fly Fly Tour Description

Hamilton Island Hotel pickup, safety briefing & tour check-in

Included in your Hamilton Island Fly/Fly Reef Discovery package is a complimentary hotel pick up (selected hotels only). Once we arrive at the Hamilton Island Air Terminal our friendly team will take you through our safety briefing and check you in for your tour.

Helicopter Scenic flight to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld

Depart from Hamilton Island by helicopter, fly over Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach
Spend 90 minutes at Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld
A floating pontoon on outer Barrier Reef at Hardy’s Reef, snorkelling and underwater viewing chamber

Return scenic helicopter flight to Hamilton Island

Return transfers to hotel

Complimentary ground transfers to selected hotels on Hamilton Island

See more Hamilton Island Scenic Flights and Tours

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hamilton Island

Departure Time

As per confirmed booking

Departure Instructions

As per confirmed booking

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hardy's Reef
• Heart Reef
• Whitsunday Islands
• Hill Inlet

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed Christmas Day
Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards

Duration

3 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Weight Restrictions/Surcharge: rates are calculated based on maximum passenger weights of 110kg per person or 180 kg’s per booking for two people. Should any individual or combined two guest weight exceed this threshold, a nett seat surcharge applies. Maximum individual weight per seat is 130kg, anyone over 130 kg’s is not welcome.
• Luggage Restrictions: 5 kg soft back pack per person maximum.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Cash for drinks and snacks
• You are welcome to bring along your own food from in-room dining or from one of the islands take away outlets.