Soar Over the Great Barrier Reef: Scenic Helicopter Flights from Cairns
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–40 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most adults and children over 2 years old.
Overview
Take to the skies from Cairns for a stunning helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Choose a 30 or 40-minute tour to see colorful coral islands, abundant marine life, and historical coastal landmarks from a breathtaking perspective.
30 or 40 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight
Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. Choose between a 30-minute tour showcasing vibrant coral islands and WWII remnants, or a 40-minute adventure that extends to the outer reef, revealing stunning ocean clarity and diverse marine life. An unforgettable aerial journey awaits!
30 minute Reef Explorer $415.00 per person(minimum 2)
40 minute Outer Reef Odyssey $520.00 per person (minimum 2) Helicopter takes maximum 3 persons
Solo travellers welcome - subject to minimum numbers
Flights depart from Cairns General Aviation Airport - 15 minutes north of Cairns
Flights commence at 9.00am and each hour thereafter
30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife - sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).
A spectacular 40-minute scenic Cairns helicopter flight will take you beyond the inner reef to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef, where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. Explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage-listed icon. You will pass sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef to provide you with the ultimate reef experience. The colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters framed by the massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once-in-a-lifetime images. Our local pilots/guides provide informative commentary and insights into the history of the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.
Important information The maximum single seat weight limit/payload for Zoom Helicopters’ fleet of aircraft is 130 kg.
What to bring Sunglasses & sunscreen, Camera, small soft bags only.
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled flight time to complete check-in and safety briefings.
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Protect yourself from tropical sun exposure during your time outdoors and while waiting for your flight.
Travel light with soft bags
Use small, soft-sided bags to bring your camera or personal items since hard cases aren’t allowed onboard.
Consider seasickness precautions
Although this is a helicopter flight, if you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures beforehand.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Stingrays
History
The route passes historical WWII defense sites near False Cape, reflecting Cairns’ strategic coastal role during the war.
Conservation
The operator prioritizes low-impact flying to minimize disturbance to marine wildlife and the delicate reef ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from strong sun glare during the flight and waiting periods.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Necessary to prevent sunburn in the tropical Cairns climate.
summer specific
Lightweight camera
Capture stunning aerial photos and videos of the reef from the helicopter.
Soft-sided bag
Allows you to bring personal items onboard safely within cabin restrictions.