• Take a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight over Cairns and out to the Great Barrier Reef. 
• Land on a remote sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy a glass of bubbles on Vlasoff sand cay 
• The helicopter lands on Vlasoff sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef allowing guests to spend 30 minutes in awe of this location and to enjoy a glass of bubbles.  

Cairns helicopter scenic flights are available to a remote sand cay in the middle of the majestic Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Add this unforgettable element to our inner reef scenic tour by including a 30 minute sojourn on breath-taking Vlassof Cay.

What to Expect

Cairns Helicopter Scenic Flight and Vlasoff Sand Cay Experience

Experience the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef like never before with a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns, landing on the pristine Vlasoff Sand Cay. This unique helicopter ride adventure offers the perfect combination of aerial views and a secluded beach experience, ideal for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime moment in tropical paradise.

Your Great Barrier Reef journey begins with a 30-minute helicopter flight from Cairns over the breathtaking coral formations and vibrant waters of the inner reef. As you soar above the World Heritage-listed reef, soak in panoramic views before touching down on the remote Vlasoff Cay. Once you land, enjoy 30 minutes of pure tranquillity with the sand cay all to yourself—perfect for capturing stunning photos, feeling the soft white sand between your toes, and savouring a glass of bubbles in total privacy.

In total, this experience offers around 60 minutes of unforgettable memories, blending the thrill of the scenic helicopter flight with the serenity of one of nature’s most beautiful spots.

Features and Highlights

• Scenic Helicopter Flight: Depart from Cairns and enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, with panoramic views of vibrant coral reefs and azure waters.
• Private Sand Cay Landing: Land on the pristine Vlasoff Sand Cay, a secluded stretch of pure white sand surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, perfect for a private beach experience.
• Exclusive Beach Time: Spend 30 minutes relaxing on the sand cay with a glass of bubbles, capturing the perfect Instagram moments with the stunning reef as your backdrop.
• Unmatched Views: Gain a unique perspective of the reef from 3,000 feet, with intricate coral details visible from the sky, making this one of the most memorable ways to see the Great Barrier Reef when in Cairns.
• In-Flight Video: Capture the experience with a complimentary in-flight video, so you can relive the adventure and share it with friends and family.

Important Information for Vlasoff Sand Cay Landings

While the Vlasoff Cay experience is a highlight of this helicopter ride, please note that landings are subject to specific conditions:

• Public Access: Vlasoff Cay is a public area, so we can only land if it is unoccupied and when the tide allows for safe landings. If the cay is occupied, the helicopter flight tour will continue with a scenic flight over the outer reef.
• Flexibility: To increase the chances of a successful landing, we recommend flexibility with your booking time. We may need to adjust your departure by 30-60 minutes, or occasionally suggest a date change.
• Seasonal Considerations: During school holidays, weekends, and calm weather, the cay is more likely to be occupied by locals, affecting the success rate of landings.
• Tides and Weather: High tides can prevent landings, and during the green season, weather conditions may require a shorter stay on the cay.

Your helicopter pilot will discuss these factors and any alternative options with you before take-off to ensure the best possible experience.

Book Your Cairns Scenic Flight

• This exclusive helicopter tour is perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for an unforgettable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. With its combination of scenic flying, a private beach experience, and professional guidance, this adventure offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

Additional Information

• For cruise ship passengers seeking the best shore tours in Cairns, this helicopter tour offers a unique and memorable way to make the most of your time in the region. Be sure to check out our other scenic flights and Great Barrier Reef experiences to explore even more of what Tropical North Queensland has to offer.

See all helicopter scenic flights in Cairns and helicopter rides in Port Douglas.

See all helicopter and reef combo package tours.

Learn more about scenic flights on the Great Barrier Reef on our Blog. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Departure time confirmed at time of booking

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Vlasoff Sand Cay

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

60 Minutes

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weight variances greater than 10% of that advised at the time of booking may incur additional charges and/or luggage allowances being reduced. Operator reserves the right to refuse travel and charge a 100% cancellation fee.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

• IMPORTANT - GBRMPA permit conditions apply. Sand Cays in the Marine Park are accessible by the public and by other tourism operators. For this reason, exclusive access to Vlassof Cay cannot be guaranteed. Landings are only permitted when the Sand Cay is unoccupied and subject to weather and tides. On the rare occasion that Vlassof Cay is occupied on our arrival, we will extend the scenic flight by 10 mins, get high over the outer Barrier Reef and pop the bubbles on-board ! Conditions applicable to Sand Cay tours detailed here are discussed and confirmed with passengers prior to flight.
• The operator reserves the right to amend the itinerary and extend the scenic flight component. No refund shall apply.
• A landing at Vlasoff Sand Cay is not always possible. It is a public area and we can only land when it is unoccupied and when the tides permit a safe landing. If we can't land, we ll fly-on to discover the beauty of the Outer Reef.With bubbles in hand, this extended custom tour ticks all the boxes. Intricate reef details becomevast panoramas as we climb to 3,000 feet, with everything captures on your free in-flights video. Your pilot will discuss this and other options before your flight lifts.

Camera (charged)

• Children 2 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price.
• Children aged 2 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
• Children who have not yet reached their 2nd birthday are classified as infants and may travel free of charge (seated on a parent/guardian’s lap utilising a company provided infant seat belt restraint).
• Only one (1) infant is permitted to travel in an aircraft.
• Please notify us at the time if booking advise if passengers are travelling with infants