•  Scenic helicopter flight over the world-famous Heart Reef coral formation
• Exclusive helicopter landing at Langford Reef for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
• Approximately 60 minutes of flight time with live pilot commentary
• Small-group experience with the option to secure a private third seat
• One of the only Whitsundays tours combining Heart Reef from the air and reef snorkelling in a single experience

A 2 hour Airlie Beach helicopter and snorkel tour with around 60 minutes of scenic flying including Heart Reef, plus a reef landing for around 60 minutes snorkelling on Langford Reef. Snorkel gear and Lycra suits included.

See Heart Reef from above, then land on the reef for a snorkel session on Langford Reef in the Whitsundays. This Heart Reef helicopter and snorkelling tour delivers one of the most exclusive Great Barrier Reef experiences available in the Whitsundays. Unlike scenic flights that only circle the reef, this experience allows guests to land directly on Langford Reef and enter the water for an immersive snorkelling session.

This premium Heart Reef helicopter and snorkel tour combines two of the Whitsundays’ biggest bucket-list moments in one experience: a scenic helicopter flight over the islands and reef, followed by a landing for snorkelling on Langford Reef.

What to expect

This tour is designed for guests who want maximum wow-factor in a short timeframe. You will fly out over the Whitsunday Islands with live pilot commentary, circle Heart Reef from the air, then land at Langford Reef for a snorkel session before flying back to Airlie Beach.

Your experience follows a simple flow:

• Check-in and safety briefing

• Scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsundays including Heart Reef

• Reef landing and snorkelling session at Langford Reef

• Return scenic flight to Airlie Beach

Check-in and departure

Arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and a full safety briefing. Check-in is at Shop 14, Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach.

Scenic helicopter flight including Heart Reef

Your helicopter flight time is approximately 60 minutes. You will fly over the Whitsunday Islands and circle the naturally occurring Heart Reef formation for aerial viewing and photography, with pilot commentary throughout the flight.

Reef landing and snorkelling at Langford Reef

After your scenic flight, you will land at Langford Reef for approximately 60 minutes of snorkelling. Snorkel equipment and Lycra sun suits are supplied. This is your chance to experience the Whitsundays’ reef environment from water level, with coral and marine life visible in clear tropical conditions.

Important: snorkelling is in an open-water reef environment. You must be confident in the water and able to enter and exit the water safely.

Features and highlights

Why this tour stands out

• True two-in-one experience: aerial Heart Reef viewing plus a reef landing and snorkel session in a single tour window.

• Premium time efficiency: approximately 2 hours total, with around 60 minutes of flying and around 60 minutes at the reef.

• Small-group feel: the helicopter experience is naturally limited by seating and offers a more personal style of touring.

Great for

• Couples seeking a premium Whitsundays experience in a short timeframe

• Travellers who want to see Heart Reef from the air and also snorkel on the same tour

• Guests celebrating a special occasion who want a high-impact experience

Private-seat option

A minimum of two passengers is required to depart. If you want a more private experience, you can book the third seat at a discounted rate (where available) so your party has exclusive use of the helicopter seating.

Safety, medical and suitability

Swimming and water confidence

You should be able to:

• Swim confidently in open water

• Tread water and float unaided

• Enter and exit the water safely without assistance

Medical fitness and declarations

Snorkelling and helicopter flights are active experiences and may not be suitable for everyone. You must disclose relevant medical conditions at booking and follow all safety instructions provided on the day.

This tour may not be suitable if you have, or are currently experiencing, conditions that could affect your safety in open water or during flight. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Heart conditions, chest pain, or uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Respiratory conditions that may affect breathing in open water

• Recent surgery or injury that affects mobility

• Conditions that affect consciousness, balance, or safe water entry and exit

• Any condition where your doctor has advised against strenuous activity, swimming, or flight-related activities

If you are pregnant, have diabetes, asthma, a history of fainting, or any condition that could impact your ability to snorkel safely, seek medical advice before booking and disclose your condition at booking.

Who should not book this tour

This tour is not recommended for guests who:

• Cannot swim confidently in open water

• Cannot climb in and out of the water unaided

• Are uncomfortable around boats, open water, or marine environments

• Have medical conditions that make open-water activity unsafe without prior clearance

• Prefer a low-adventure sightseeing-only experience without water activities

Weather and conditions

This tour is weather dependent. Flight paths, reef access, and snorkelling conditions may change to maintain safety.

FAQs

How long is the tour?

Total tour time is approximately 2 hours, including around 60 minutes of helicopter flight time and around 60 minutes snorkelling at Langford Reef.

Do I need snorkelling experience?

No formal experience is required, but you must be confident in open water and able to swim and manage water entry and exit safely.

Is Heart Reef snorkelled on this tour?

Heart Reef is viewed from the helicopter as an aerial highlight. The snorkelling component is at Langford Reef.

What is included?

Return helicopter flights, scenic viewing of Heart Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, refreshing beverages, snorkel gear, and Lycra sun suits.

Can I make it more private?

Yes. Where available, you can book the third seat at a discounted rate for a more private helicopter experience.

Helicopter and snorkel tour itinerary (approximate)

• Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure for check-in and safety briefing at Shop 14, Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach.

• Depart by helicopter for a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands including an aerial viewing loop of Heart Reef (live pilot commentary).

• Land at Langford Reef for approximately 60 minutes snorkelling (gear and Lycra suits supplied).

• Board the helicopter for the return scenic flight to Airlie Beach.

Our local knowledge and support

Barrier Reef Australia sells and supports Whitsundays helicopter and reef experiences every day, and we will help you choose the right tour based on your travel dates, weather season, and your water confidence.

If you want to confirm suitability before you book, request a Discovery Call and our team will guide you.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

This tour is tides dependent departure times vary throughout the day

Departure Instructions

Check in to Shop 14, Coral Sea Marina, 20 minutes prior to departure. Our friendly pilot will take you through our safety briefing and get you ready for your tour.

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Heart Reef
• Langford reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed on Christmas Day

Duration

2 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

Must be able to swim

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

• All passengers must be competent swimmers and acknowledge that no lifeguards are on duty
• Social Distancing - it is impossible to guarantee a social distance of 1.5 metres on-board our fleet of aircraft.
• Weight at Check-in: all passengers will be weighed at check-in onto my flight and if weight is not accurate the flight may be cancelled and a 100% cancellation fee will apply.

Towels and items for swimming in soft carry bag to not exceed 5kgs

• 3 – 13 years inclusive
• As per aviation policy one child per flight