• Aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• 90 minutes of snorkelling and reef viewing from an interactive pontoon
•  Helicopter beach landing at Whitehaven Beach with private umbrella and sparkling wine
• Scenic helicopter flight from Airlie Beach over the Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef
•  Land on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Reefworld on Hardy Reef
• Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers
• Non-swimmers can watch the activity in the underwater viewing room on the Hardy Reef pontoon.

A luxury helicopter tour from Airlie Beach combining scenic flights over Heart Reef, snorkelling at Reefworld on Hardy Reef, and a private beach landing at Whitehaven Beach with sparkling wine.

Three iconic Whitsundays experiences are combined into one seamless day. This premium helicopter tour allows you to view Heart Reef from the air, snorkel directly on the outer Great Barrier Reef from a floating pontoon, and land on Whitehaven Beach to relax on one of the world’s most photographed beaches before flying back to Airlie Beach.

What to Expect

Your day begins in Airlie Beach with a helicopter departure over the Whitsunday Islands. From the air, you’ll gain perspective that simply isn’t possible from a boat, including a full aerial view of the naturally occurring Heart Reef coral formation.

After circling Heart Reef, the helicopter lands on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Reefworld on Hardy Reef. Here, you’ll spend approximately 90 minutes enjoying the reef at your own pace. Snorkellers can explore coral gardens and tropical fish straight from the pontoon, while non-swimmers can enjoy reef viewing from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible experiences.

Following your reef time, you’ll reboard the helicopter and fly to Whitehaven Beach. A beach landing allows you to step directly onto the silica sands, where you’ll spend around an hour swimming, relaxing, or enjoying sparkling wine under your own beach umbrella.

The return flight offers sweeping aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet before landing back in Airlie Beach.

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over the Whitsundays

The helicopter flight is a core part of the experience, not just a transfer. Flying over the Whitsunday Islands reveals reef patterns, island formations and colours that cannot be seen from sea level.

Heart Reef is only visible from the air, making this scenic flight one of the most requested helicopter experiences in the region.

Snorkelling at Reefworld on Hardy Reef

Reefworld is a purpose-built floating pontoon located on Hardy Reef, one of the outer reef systems of the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkellers access the water directly from the platform, with equipment provided and staff available to assist. Coral bommies, reef fish and clear water conditions make this an accessible snorkelling experience for a wide range of confidence levels.

Non-swimmers are equally catered for, with underwater viewing areas allowing reef observation without entering the water.

Whitehaven Beach Helicopter Landing

After your reef experience, the helicopter lands directly on Whitehaven Beach. This removes the need for boat transfers and maximises time on the sand.

Whitehaven Beach is known for its high-silica sand, turquoise water and calm shallows. During your beach stop, you can swim, walk the shoreline or relax with a drink under your own umbrella.

Who This Tour Is Ideal For

• Travellers wanting to see the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef in one day
• Couples and honeymooners seeking a premium experience
• Cruise ship passengers with limited time in Airlie Beach
• Non-swimmers wanting reef viewing without snorkelling pressure
• Visitors wanting aerial views of Heart Reef and Hill Inlet

Who This Tour Is Not Suitable For

• Travellers seeking extended snorkelling or diving time
• Guests uncomfortable with helicopter flights
• Budget-focused travellers
• Those wanting overnight reef or island experiences

Travellers prioritising longer reef immersion may prefer full-day or overnight Great Barrier Reef tours instead.

Tour Itinerary Overview

Helicopter Departure – Airlie Beach

Scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef.

Reefworld at Hardy Reef

Approximately 90 minutes snorkelling or reef viewing from the pontoon.

Whitehaven Beach Landing

Approximately 1 hour on Whitehaven Beach with refreshments and shade.

Return Scenic Flight

Aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet before returning to Airlie Beach.

Itinerary order may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

Important Information

• Minimum passenger numbers apply
• Guests must be able to board and disembark helicopters unaided
• Snorkelling subject to conditions
• Children permitted subject to aircraft seating and safety requirements
• Tour duration approximately 5 hours

Barrier Reef Australia – Local Knowledge & Booking Support

Barrier Reef Australia specialises in premium helicopter and reef experiences across Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. Because helicopter tours involve weather windows, reef access and tight scheduling, local knowledge is critical.

If you’re deciding between scenic flight, fly-cruise or snorkelling options, our team can help you compare experiences before booking, book a discovery call.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

8.20am - however this may vary

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
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Heart reef
• Hardy Reef
• Reefworld interactive pontoon

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards
Closed on Christmas Day

Duration

4 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Your own picnic to enjoy at Whitehaven Beach
• Sunscreen, small bag with personal items not to exceed 5kg

• 3 – 13 years inclusive
• As per aviation policy one child per flight
• Our tours are designed to accommodate adults, some tours are not suitable for infants, if in doubt please ask. Infants are classified as 0-2 years, and may travel on a parent lap in the rear of the aircraft on private flights only. Children are classified as 3 – 13 years of age inclusive, must be accompanied by an adult on the flight.