• Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef above from the comfort of your luxury helicopter flight from Cairns
• Thru large clear viewing windows, the sparkling blue waters, remote sand cays, colourful reef systems and tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef provide the perfect backdrop for your scenic helicopter flight   
• See the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns on our 30 minute low level scenic helicopter flight and fly over lace like coral reefs, remote sand cays lush green tropical islands.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef’s unique reef formations, tropical islands, marine life and sand cays with a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight. from Cairns. Fly at low level over islands, remote sand cays and coral atolls.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral formation on the planet with 2,900 individual reef systems, 900 tropical islands and 300 coral cays.

It really is a wonder of the world and the ultimate way to truly experience its gigantic size and diverse landscape is from the sky in the seat on a low level scenic helicopter flight from Cairns .

Departing daily from Cairns, your 30 minute scenic helicopter flight will have you flying above Cairns city and its surrounding beaches, over the blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, above an abundance of marine life, by tropical islands, over unique coral reef formations and stunning sand cays.

Complete with in flight commentary provided by your experience Pilot, this really is one Helicopter scenic flight experience to add to your Australian bucket list!

30 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight

Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef on a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. 

Upon arrival

Check in at the Heli Port Pier office at Cairns Marina 30 minutes prior to your flight departure.

Check in and departure times will be provided when we prove a confirmed booking.

Upon arrival at the heli pad, you will be provided with a pre departure safety briefing and a weigh in before boarding the luxury helicopter for your 30 minute scenic flight.

Each guest will receive a head to set to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the flight. 

See the Great Barrier Reef From Your Helicopter Seat

Taking off from the heli pad you will soon be greeted with panoramic views of Cairns city and its surrounds as your helicopters gently lifts off into the sky.

Have your camera in hand as you fly above the palm tree lined beaches, inland mangroves and estuaries and surrounding rainforest greenery.

Heading east, your journey will begin over the mighty Great Barrier Reef. The sparkling blue waters and swirling reef formations below are nothing less than magnificent!

Soon your will arrive at Green Island, located around 27km from the coast of Cairns. The Green Island National Park is one of 300 coral cays that sit upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Of the 300 coral cays, it is the only island cay that boasts both stunning white sandy beaches and true rainforest.

Continuing over the Arlington Reef system, you may be lucky to spot the many marine life that can commonly be spotted throughout the flight.

Keep your eyes open for manta rays, turtles, reef sharks and larger tropical fish.

If travelling through the winter months, you may even be lucky enough to spot a Humpback Whale.

Soon your pilot will have you soaring above sand cays. Vlassoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay are naturally formed, un-vegetated sand island cays that are surrounded by fringing coral reefs and shallow, protected waters.

You may spot some small white tip Reef sharks, Turtles and Blue Spotted Rays resting in the sand.

From 500 feet above the water, you will have endless photo opportunities of these unique natural formations. From here your pilot will then guide you back to Cairns whilst providing information about the many natural landmarks and sights on the way.

Returning to Cairns, you will be greeted with beautiful views of Fitzroy Island in the distance followed by aerial views of the mainland.

Upgrade Your Helicopter Flight to a Sand Cay Landing

To really add to this once in a lifetime experience, why not upgrade your scenic helicopter flight to a sand cay landing upon Vlasoff Cay or Upolu Cay?

Imagine it now, landing by helicopter upon your own little piece of tropical paradise.

You will have 20 minutes to explore the cay complete with a delicious glass of sparkling wine or beer. Cay landings are subject to conditions on the day.

Ideal for those wanting to add a touch of luxury to their Great Barrier Reef tour experience or those eager to spoil a loved one. 

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Instructions

To ensure smooth operations, passenger check in comfort & minimise delays, all 30, 45 & 60 minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport while all bookings for 7+ passengers. (2+ Helicopters) will now depart from our General Aviation Airport location

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• 30 Minute Reef Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: Green Island, Fitzroy and on low tide Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cay

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

30 minutes approx.

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.

Additional Information

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed

Eco Certifications

Your camera for some amazing aerial photos

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).