• Sitting in the helicopter flying over the beautiful Whitsunday Islands
• Landing on a pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef
• Seeing the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands from above and below the waters surface
• Get the ultimate selfie standing next to your helicopter ride with the pilot
• Flying over the iconic Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach

Our Whitsunday Cruise & Fly Great Barrier Reef Tour combines a boat tour from Hamilton Island out to the Cruise Whitsundays Pontoon Platform called Reefworld on Hardy Reef and a scenic Helicopter Flight return to Hamilton Island.

What to Expect

Take off from Hamilton Island on a boat cruise and Helicopter Great Barrier Reef combo flight to a floating pontoon in the Whitsundays. Delve into a full day of exploration and breathtaking sights with our Whitsunday Cruise & Helicopter ride Great Barrier Reef Tour. This excursion offers the ultimate experience, combining a serene catamaran cruise with an exhilarating helicopter scenic flight, providing unique perspectives of the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Whitsunday Islands from above and below the waters surface. This is one of our most popular Whitsunday helicopter and Great Barrier Reef tours from Hamilton Island.

Features and Highlights

Cruise to Reefworld Pontoon

Luxurious Travel:

• Set sail from Hamilton Island on a high-speed comfortable catamaran, enjoying the lush scenery of the Whitsunday Islands enroute to Hardy Reef.

Reefworld Pontoon:

• The Reefworld stable floating pontoon platform serves as your base for approximately 2.5 hours of underwater exploration where you can enjoy snorkelling among vibrant marine life and coral gardens.

Tropical Buffet Lunch:

•  Savor a delicious lunch served on the pontoon, perfect for refuelling after your snorkelling adventure.

Snorkelling Experience

Marine Diversity:

•  Immerse yourself in the underwater beauty of Hardy Reef, famous for its colourful coral and abundant sea life.

Equipment Provided:

• All snorkelling gear is included, allowing you to dive right in and explore the clear waters effortlessly.

Helicopter Scenic Flight

Aerial Wonders:

• Conclude your adventure with a 35-minute helicopter ride, offering a bird's-eye view of iconic landmarks such as Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet.

Photographic Opportunities:

•  Capture stunning aerial shots of the outer reef and the mesmerizing turquoise swirls of the sand and sea that make this area a photographer’s paradise.

Seamless Connections

Easy Transfers:

• Enjoy hassle-free transitions with pre-arranged coach transfers back to key locations on Hamilton Island after your scenic helicopter ride.

Underwater Viewing Chamber:

•  For those preferring to stay dry, the pontoon’s underwater viewing chamber offers a glimpse into the reef’s vibrant ecosystem without getting wet, perfect for non-swimmers.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour:

• Enhance your experience with a tour aboard a semi-submersible, providing close-up views of the underwater world.

Additional Information

Accessibility:

• This tour caters to both swimmers and non-swimmers, with activities designed to provide everyone with a full reef experience.

Helicopter Scenic Highlights:

• Don't miss the stunning aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, known for their striking natural beauty and shifting tides creating breathtaking patterns in the sand.

Customisable Experience:

•  Ideal for families, couples, or groups looking to tailor their Great Barrier Reef experience with optional activities and private charter upgrades.

This combination of cruising and flying not only maximizes your time at the reef but also enriches your visit with diverse perspectives and comprehensive insights into one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Whether you're snorkelling amongst the corals or soaring above them, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

View more information about scenic flights on the Great Barrier Reef and see all helicopter ride options from Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays.

Read about the places to see on the Great Barrier Reef.

Itinerary

Checking in for your Great Barrier Reef Tour to Hardy Reef Pontoon.

Check into the Cruise Whitsunday office on Hamilton Island 20 minutes prior departure and collect your boarding pass.

Cruise Whitsunday boat departs Hamilton Island for Reefworld Pontoon at Hardy Reef.

Sit back and enjoy your scenic high speed catamaran cruise out to Hardy Reef through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.

Spend 2.5hrs Snorkeling at Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld Pontoon at Hardy Reef

Spend approximately 2.5hours on the Great Barrier Reef where tropical buffet lunch, snorkelling gear & a semi-submersible submarine tour are provided by Cruise Whitsundays.

Helicopter Scenic flight to Hamilton Island Air Terminal

Depart Reef World pontoon for your helicopter scenic flight that have you on a low level flight for approximately 35 minutes to see the scenic views of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the outer reef including Heart Reef.

Coach Transfers Hamilton Island

Once your helicopter lands back at Hamilton Island Air we will organize a complimentary transfer to the Cruise Whitsundays office, Reef View Hotel, Beach Club or Whitsunday Apartments.

See more Hamilton Island Great Barrier Reef tours

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hamilton Island

Departure Time

Check in 8.30am - Departs 9.00am from Hamilton Island

Pickup Locations

Hamilton Island

• Pick up time to be confirmed at time of booking

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hardy Reef
• Hill Inlet
• Heart Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed on Christmas Day

Duration

2 hours to cruise to the pontoon
2 Hours at Reefworld Pontoon
6 Hours in total

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding – individual weights in excess of 110kg will incur an extra seat surcharge. Combined body weights per two passengers booking’s in excess of 180 kg’s will incur an extra seat surcharge. Maximum per seat weight is 130 kg’s.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Cash for drinks and snacks