Fly to Green Island on a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight over the majestic Great Barrier Reef and then snorkel, dive and take a glass bottom boat ride around the Barrier Reef.
Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this unique 20-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Green Island. Perfect for all ages, this tour combines the thrill of flying over the reef’s vibrant coral formations and tropical islands with a relaxing day of exploration at Green Island. Once you land, enjoy snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat tour, rainforest walks, and access to the resort facilities. End your adventure with a scenic catamaran cruise back to Cairns.
This Great Barrier Reef and helicopter combo package tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable day trip from Cairns.
This is a very good Great Barrier Reef tour option for non-swimmers
If you are a cruise ship passenger looking for the best shore tours in Cairns read more on our cruise ship shore tours page.
See all Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter scenic flights and all helicopter and reef combos.
This is a super combination of a Great Barrier Reef island tour and helicopter scenic flight day tour that also gives guests the option to combine so many exciting extra optional activities in the one day!
Departing from Cairns, we collect our guests from their accommodation in Cairns and the Northern Beaches by coach and take them to the Cairns Heli Port to be prepared for the helicopter flight.
Guests will be weighed and then taken thru a safety briefing before boarding the helicopter.
As you are seated in the helicopter you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Great Barrier Reef on our 20 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Green Island.
Enjoy 4 to 6 hours on Green Island before enjoying a scenic boat cruise upon a high speed catamaran back to Cairns.
You can choose your return boat trip time back to Cairns on the booking menu.
Upon arrival you will meet your friendly and experienced Pilot and Guide for a pre departure briefing.
Each guest will be provided with headsets to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the helicopter scenic flight.
Whilst safely strapped into the luxury of your helicopter, prepare for a once in a lifetime experience!
Departing from the Cairns heli pad at 10:00am, you will be greeted with stunning views of Cairns city, the northern beaches, mangroves and swirling estuaries.
Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles basking on the banks! As you cruise above Trinity Inlet and over Cape Flattery, you will soon watch as the golden sands of the surrounding coastline transcend into the azure blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
As you continue north east to your tropical island destination, you helicopter pilot will provide information about the reef’s eco system and the many landmarks and marine life that call this natural wonder home.
Soon you will find yourself flying above the mighty Arlington Reef System. Home to many reefs and sand island cays, this reef system and its shallow waters are a great location to spot for marine life.
Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, rays, reef sharks and large tropical fish. If in the winter months, you may also be lucky enough to spot Humpback Whales throughout your scenic flight.
Soon your pilot will veer you above Upolu Cay. This natural spectacle is a small white sand island that majestically sits upon the reef. Depending on the tide, the cay can either be seen above or below the water. You may also be able to spot tourist walking along the sand bank!
As you continue your journey to Green Island, you will then fly past the Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay and Vlassof Cay as you begin your descent to the heli pad at Green Island at approximately 10.20am.
From the sky you will gain a true understanding of just how large the Great Barrier Reef and why this vast eco system is referred to as one of the seven natural wonders of the world!
Arriving at Green Island at approximately 10:20am, you will then have 4 to 6 hours to explore this tropical island paradise or if you are after a very short fly and cruise deal then return to Cairns on the 12.00 midday boat.
There are two other departure time from Green Island to Cairns to choose from a 2:30pm or 4:30pm boat ride.
Upon arrival onto Green island you will be blown away by its white sandy beaches, fringing coral reefs and lush rainforest peaks.
Have your camera ready as you will be greeted with plenty of photo opportunities.
Entry onto Green island includes use of all of the island’s facilities, including the island’s very own tropical swimming pool, access to the array of shops, cafes and restaurants and the opportunity to indulge in plentiful optional activities.
Lunch can be purchased on the island.
Green Island is well known for its pristine snorkeling conditions. Head to the Dive Shop and collect your snorkel, mask and fins to explore the many coral gardens and friendly tropical fish that call the island home.
Green Island is an ideal snorkeling destination for families and beginners, with many of the reefs located just a short walk from the beach.
The beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and flotation devices and lycra suits are available for hire.
Keep your eyes peeled for Sea Turtles, Maori Wrasse, Nemo and an abundance of colourful and friendly tropical fish that can be found swimming on the shores of the main beach.
For those not too keen or getting wet or those seeking to learn more about the marine life and corals in the reef, there is also a guided Glass Bottom Boat tour available in your tour.
For the adventurous, a self guided island eco walk is also available. The rainforest of Green Island is home to over 120 species of plant and 55 species of birds. The 1.6km return walking trail will lead you through lush rainforest greenery and coastal vegetation.
Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the tropical paradise of Green Island has a little something for everyone!
Green Island is the ideal destination to explore the wonders of the Great Barrirer Reef marine world. Swim through stunning coral gardens and spot for giant clams, turtles, large tropical fish, reef sharks, large rays and colourful reef formations.
With calm water conditions and fantastic visibility, Green Island is the perfect location for first time and beginner scuba divers.
Introductory divers will be provided with a 30 minute briefing before learning their skills in the on island training pool.
Once ready, you will be led by your experienced PADI instructor to the beach before boarding a specialised diving boat. Your first dive site will be located around 7 minutes from the shore and the best site will be chosen based on weather conditions on the day.
For certified divers, Green Island is home to four spectacular dive sites that will have you getting up close and personal with the many marine animals and colourful corals surrounding the island.
Choose from a shallow canyon dive or an ocean drift dive. Keep your eyes peeled for Coral Trout, Barramundi, Sharks, Turtles and Rabbitfish as you discover the plentiful deep coral formations and soft coral gardens.
When visiting Green Island, guests can choose to upgrade to a guided boat snorkel trip that will give you the opportunity to experience more of Green Island’s marine life.
After enjoying a short 5 to 7 minute boat trip from the beach, you will arrive at one of four pristine snorkel sites. Snorkel sites are chosen on the day dependent on experience and weather conditions.
Discover the unique wonders of Green Island’s under water marine world.
Please note: Extra optional activities are based on the time spent on Green Island
Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef without even getting your hair wet! The Seawalker Tour is a fun, unique and memorable way to experience the Green Island from below the surface.
You will be equipped with your very own helmet that allows you to breathe normally without having to worry about operating any equipment.
You will be guided on the ocean’s floor by experienced staff as you spot for large tropical fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful corals.
This underwater tour takes around 45 to 50 minutes inclusive of a pre departure briefing. Ideal for non- swimmers or those a little too nervous to snorkel or scuba dive.
Parasailing is both a relaxing and scenic experience and ideal for those wanting to experience the beauty of Green Island from above.
After being safely strapped into your para seat, your boat will lead you along the white sandy coastline of Green Island, allowing you to gain a whole new perspective on the island’s rich rainforest greenery and tropical island beaches.
Marvel at the marine life, vibrant corals and swirling reef formations below whilst enjoying a truly thrilling and unique experience.
Did you know that Green Island is home to the world’s oldest living crocodile in captivity? At 110 years old and 5.45 metres in length, Cassius the crocodile can be spotted when visiting one of Green Island’s most unique attractions, Marineland Melanesia. Marineland is home to one of the largest private collections of Melanesian exotic tribal artifacts and is also a habitat for large crocodiles.
Here you can take part in a Crocodile Show which will have you witnessing a crocodile feeding or if you’re brave enough, the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile.
Pay your entrance fee on Green Island.
For those feeling a little adventurous, there a number of beach activities available for hire on Green Island such as Canoeing, Glass Bottom Kayaking, Windsurfing, Beach Umbrellas and Sun Lounge Chairs.
The tropical rainforest and pristine beaches of Green Island provide the perfect sanctuary to relax, unwind and treat yourself to an Oiled Massage.
With a range of relaxations on offer including a variety of oils, Shiatsu and Reflexology.
Head to the Oiled Massage Salon on Green Island to arrange the ultimate rejuvenation experience.
After a memorable and relaxing few hours at Green Island, you will board your high speed catamaran to return to Cairns.
The boat trip will take approximately 45 minutes and there are two departures to choose from: 2:30pm or 4:30pm.
Take a seat inside or on the top deck and enjoy the stunning views as you cruise past the aqua blue waters, reef formations and sand cays of the Great Barrier Reef.
Browse the photos that were taking throughout the day by the onboard photographers and take in the sights before returning to Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at either 3:15pm or 5:15pm.
See more Great Barrier Reef tour options with helicopter scenic flights and cruise ship tour options.
Cairns
January - December
Daily
20 minute Scenic Helicopter flight to Green Island & 45 minute Cruise back to Cairns
Times are approximate
Low, Medium
Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb
Scuba Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed
Ramp access to pier helipad,Scenic flights have no mobility restrictions (assistance from carer required for passengers with little or no mobility).
Approx. 2 steps 1 foot (30cm) into aircraft,May be 1 to 2 steps at the end of the vessel gangway onto the island jetty if the tide is low. Some mobility may be required.
May be 1 to 2 steps at the end of the vessel gangway onto the island jetty if the tide is low. Some mobility may be required.
Ramp access available onto the vessel from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cains
1 x wheelchair accessible toilet located at the Cairns Heli Centre,Cargo storage for collapsible wheelchairs (size and dimensions dependant on helicopter),Wheelchair storage at office for scenic flights,Disable toilet facilities on the island,Boardwalk pathways in the visitor facilities that are easy for wheelchairs to access,Boardwalk leading through the rainforest to the centre of the island
Approx. 2 steps 1 foot (30cm) into aircraft,Boardwalk pathways in the visitor facilities that are easy for wheelchairs to access,Boardwalk leading through the rainforest to the centre of the island,Approx 2 to 3 steps required to board the Glass Bottom Boat vessel
Tarago x 1 regular step
Hiace x 2 regular steps
Wheelchair taxi
Disabled parking at both office sites
You must arrange your own local transport in advance.
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
au$573.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$573.00
Family: au$2,292.00
Tour Code: 551