Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

Fly Over the World’s Largest Reef—A Scenic Helicopter Experience Like No Other!

  • Free cancellations*
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An opportunity not to be missed!

Catch a bird's-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef with this thrilling 30-minute helicopter ride! Soar over vibrant coral reefs and glistening waters, with the chance to spot manta rays, turtles, and maybe even whales. This is a quick yet unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders!

Our guide to Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar Over the Great Barrier Reef with a 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight

Get ready for an unforgettable aerial adventure over Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef! Spanning over 2,900 individual reefs and stretching 2,300 kilometres along Queensland's coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world—making this scenic helicopter flight a bucket-list experience.

In just 30 minutes, you'll witness the vibrant beauty of this natural wonder, gliding over stunning locations like Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay, and Upolu Sand Cay. Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife, such as manta rays, turtles, and even whales during the winter months—although sightings can’t be guaranteed as these creatures roam free in the wild.

Capture the stunning views from above and marvel at the sprawling coral formations, crystal-clear waters, and pristine sandy islands. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, this is the ultimate way to experience one of the world’s seven natural wonders in style!

The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs.

Departs:

Daily, year-round except 25th December. Flights depart from the Cairns Heliport located at 2 Pier Point Road, Marina Point, Cairns.

Start times:

Varies, please see the calendar.

Duration:

30-minute flight time.

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions for Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

  • Hotel transfers are NOT included. The departure point is Cairns Heliport - 2 Pier Point Road, Marina Point, Cairns.
  • Flight paths and timings may vary due to weather or air traffic control. Flights are weather-dependent and subject to the pilot's final discretion.
  • A minimum of 2 persons are needed to book this tour. 
  • Bookings are subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.
  • Infants 0-2 years are free of charge if sitting on a parent's lap. A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations. At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.
  • Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
  • Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions a client's body weight must be advised at the time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single-seat payload of 130kg. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of the ticket price – this is payable to Nautilus Aviation on the day of travel.
  • All passenger body weights (kg) must be advised at the time of booking.
  • The maximum single-seat payload is 130 kg. 
  • Passengers with special needs or travelling with more than one infant must advise at the time of booking for pilot assessment.
  • Pregnant passengers are welcome to fly at their own discretion.
  • Nautilus Aviation advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation and that seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.
  • With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected locally on departure.
  • Personal items should not exceed 10kg and be carried in a small soft-sided bag for easy stowage.
  • Window seats are never guaranteed or assigned to requesting passengers. The Pilot makes the final seating assignments based on helicopter weight and balance.
  • All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior to departure.
  • When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight

*CANCELLATION POLICY:

Free cancellations and amendments are allowed for bookings cancelled with the tour operator up to 48 hours before your chosen activity date. Please keep in mind that there is a significant time difference between Australia and the UK, so be sure to allow for this when making your cancellation. After the 48-hour window, no amendments or refunds will be provided.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

Frequently Asked Questions for Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

General Information

  • Can we take photographs in the helicopters

    All helicopters have clear windows which enable you to take some incredible photographs. Some of the helicopters have windows that can be opened for photo shooting as well. All we ask is that when taking pictures no part of the body or camera is placed outside of the helicopter, and straps are not to be placed around the neck for safety reasons.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    If at the time of departure, the pilots deem that the flight cannot go ahead due to bad weather conditions and thus raising safety concerns, the flight will be cancelled. If this occurs, the tour operator will make every endeavour to place you on an alternate flight that will meet your requirements. If this is not plausible, a full refund will be offered.

  • Why are weights so important on a helicopter?

    Like aeroplane flights, weights play an important role in helicopters. We need to ensure that helicopters on all flights are not overloaded under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. For this reason, we need you to provide accurate weights when booking. There is no need to be concerned as your weights are kept strictly confidential and you will also be weighed on arrival, including your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions for Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

General Information

  • Can we take photographs in the helicopters

    All helicopters have clear windows which enable you to take some incredible photographs. Some of the helicopters have windows that can be opened for photo shooting as well. All we ask is that when taking pictures no part of the body or camera is placed outside of the helicopter, and straps are not to be placed around the neck for safety reasons.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    If at the time of departure, the pilots deem that the flight cannot go ahead due to bad weather conditions and thus raising safety concerns, the flight will be cancelled. If this occurs, the tour operator will make every endeavour to place you on an alternate flight that will meet your requirements. If this is not plausible, a full refund will be offered.

  • Why are weights so important on a helicopter?

    Like aeroplane flights, weights play an important role in helicopters. We need to ensure that helicopters on all flights are not overloaded under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. For this reason, we need you to provide accurate weights when booking. There is no need to be concerned as your weights are kept strictly confidential and you will also be weighed on arrival, including your luggage.