Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comGreat Barrier Reef Cruise and Helicopter Flight
Fly and cruise the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. You’ll take a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns over the stunning Great Barrier Reef, then cruise, snorkel and dive the reef. You’ll have unforgettable aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral and marine life, and enjoy lunch on the water onboard the MV Osprey V.
Your scenic flight takes you to the Hastings Reef floating helicopter pad, from where you’ll be transferred to the MV Osprey V, a sleek 100-foot (30-meter), high-speed vessel. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling and take a coral-viewing tour in a semi-submersible submarine.
There are many options to choose from on this tour. The fly and cruise options are as follows:
Fly-Cruise-Fly: The ultimate day! You will fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, spend time on the MV Osprey V, enjoy lunch and two hours of snorkeling, swimming, diving and taking the semi-submersible coral-viewing tour, then depart by helicopter for Cairns.
Fly-Cruise: Fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, spend time on the MV Osprey V as above, then cruise back to Cairns aboard the MV Osprey V.
Cruise-Fly: Cruise to Hastings Reef aboard the MV Osprey V and stop on the way at two spectacular locations (either Norman Reef or Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef). After a barbecue lunch and spending time at the reef as above, you’ll be transferred to the helicopter pad for your return flight to Cairns.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Helicopter Flight
Unavailable Dates:
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- January 01 (New Years Day)
Departure Point:
- FLY-CRUISE-FLY and FLY-CRUISE: General Aviation at the Cairns Airport
- CRUISE-FLY: Marlin Jetty, Marlin Marina, Cairns
- FLY-CRUISE-FLY and FLY-CRUISE departs at 1:00pm
- CRUISE-FLY departs at 8:30am
- Hotel pick up commence prior to this above times
- Cairns city: AUD$16 per person
- Trinity Beach and Smithfield: AUD$24 per person (minimum 2 passengers)
- Palm Cove/Clifton Beach/Kewarra Beach: AUD$25 per person (minimum 2 passengers)
- Trinity Beach and Smithfield: AUD$24 per person (minimum 2 passengers)
FLY-CRUISE-FLY:
- Prior to 1:00pm - Hotel pick ups commence from Cairns or Northern Beaches. You are taken to the General Aviation Terminal at Cairns Airport
- 12:30pm - 1:00pm - You'll be given a safety briefing and departure from Cairns by helicopter
- 1:30pm - 3:30pm - After a 20 minute scenic tour of the reef you'll touch down on the Hastings Reef floating helicopter pad. A transfer vessel will take you to nearby MV Osprey V for lunch and free time to snorkel, scuba dive and take a semi-submersible to view the coral. At 3:20pm you will be transferred to the helicopter pad for your flight back to Cairns
- 3:20pm - 3:50pm - Your return flight continues along a series of reefs and past a number of sand cays and touches down in Cairns at 3:50pm
- 3:50pm - You will be transferred back to your accommodation
FLY-CRUISE:
- Prior to 1:00pm - Hotel pick ups commence from Cairns or Northern Beaches. You are taken to the General Aviation Terminal at Cairns Airport
- 12:30pm - 1:00pm - You'll be given a safety briefing and departure from Cairns by helicopter
- 1:30pm - 3:20pm - After a 20 minute scenic tour of the reef you'll touch down on our Hastings Reef floating helicopter pad. A transfer vessel will take you to nearby MV Osprey V for lunch and free time to snorkel, scuba diving and take the semi-submersible coral viewing trip. At 3:20pm you will reboard the MV Osprey V for a 3:30pm departure
- 5:00pm - Your return trip takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and you will arrive at the Marlin Marina at 5:00pm. You will then be transferred back to your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation
CRUISE-FLY:
- 7:30am - 8:30am - Pick up from your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation
- 8:30am - You will be signed at the Reef Fleet Terminal for MV Osprey V and depart for the reef
- 10:00am - After a 1 hour and 30 minute boat trip you will arrive at the first of your outer reef destinations. You will visit two sites and be able to try first-time Scuba diving, snorkeling, Semi-submersible tour (approximately 30mins) of the reef and enjoy an Aussie B.B.Q. lunch
- 3:20pm - You will board the a transfer vessel which will take you to the floating helicopter pad and make your way to the helicopter for a 3:30pm departure
- 3:30pm - Your return flight continues along a series of reefs and past a number of sand cays and touches down in Cairns at 3:50pm. You will then be transferred back to your accommodation
- Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
- Children 12 years and over must pay the adult rate.
- The tour cost for children 12 years and under is to be paid direct to the tour operator.You will be required to call the supplier and advise them of this information directly. The supplier contact details will be on your voucher once you have a confirmed booking.
- Prices are per person.
- Currency is set to USD. Change currency
- Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
- Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
- BBQ lunch (Cruise Fly option only)
- Free guided snorkeling tour and equipment
- Free scuba diving demonstration
- Semi-submersible Reef Tour
- Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Meals and beverages other than stated above
- Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), payable direct, AUD$10pp for Fly/Cruise & Fly/Cruise/Fly packages and AUD$15pp for the Cruise Fly package
- The helicopter offers the chance to record a video of your tour, payable direct, AUD$30.00
- This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date.
- Confirmation for this tour will be received at the time of booking.
- Tour is operated in English. French and Japanese staff available on request.
- There is a maximum of 6 passengers permitted per helicopter.
- All passenger weights for the helicopter flight MUST be advised at time of booking. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call the flight operator and advise them of this information directly. The operator contact details will be on your voucher once you have a confirmed booking. Any individual weighing over 110kg will be required to pay an extra 50% of an additional seat in order to fly.
- SNORKELLING - Please consider wind strength or the roughness of the sea before booking. Please be aware that snorkeling may be a strenuous activity. Your level of fitness and any existing medical conditions should be considered prior to snorkeling. Buoyancy vests are available onboard the vessel.
- DIVING - For both first time and certified divers - a history of asthma, ear and heart conditions and any other medical conditions may preclude a passenger from scuba diving unless a current Australian Diving Medical can be shown to the instructor. It is advisable to discuss any existing medical condition with the Down Under Helicopter staff before embarkation. All intending divers over the age of 65 years must provide a current Diving Medical certificate. All divers must complete a medical questionnaire/declaration on board the vessel prior to diving and their fitness to dive will be assessed by the diving instructor. The minimum age for the Introductory Dive is 12 years.(Additional charge).
- FLYING - In the interest of safety, we recommend you do not fly on high altitude flights within 48 hours of your last dive. It must be noted that all helicopter flights with Down Under Helicopters are low altitude flights, flying to less then 500ft.
- Outstanding visibility with 180 degree un-obstructed view
- Quiet, modern, air-conditioned interior with CD stacker system for your entertainment
- Lightweight, Bose X noise cancellation headsets
- Multi camera system to record a video of your tour which is available for purchase at an additional charge
- Free guided snorkeling tours
- Free scuba diving lesson
- State-of-the-art snorkel and diving equipment, and flotation devices
- Experienced, professional, dive instructors
- Computerized motion sensor stabilizers. Guarantees a superior and comfortable ride in nearly all weather conditions
- Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
- Spacious sundecks for bathing
- Delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including fish, prawns, steak, sausages, tropical salads and pastas
- FREE tea, coffee and biscuits
- Complimentary glass of wine, cheese and fruit platter
- Hat, sunscreen and a shirt for sun protection
- Swimming costume (bathing suit) and a beach towel
- Cash or credit card for onboard payment of extras (optional tours, beer, wine, soft drink, chocolates, under-water snorkeling camera)
- Certified divers must show a 'C' card
- Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling equipment is included and easy access to the water is available from lowered platforms. You are invited to join a FREE guided tour, to get the most out of your snorkeling experience. Included Activity.
- It's fun, it's easy, with professional dive instructors who can take you on your first dive. All equipment is included. Try a FREE Scuba Lesson which takes approximately 10 minutes. Please note that some medical conditions and medications may preclude you from diving. Minimum age for diving is 12 years and a parent or guardian must sign a release form if aged between 12 and 18 years. Optional Activity. (Additional charge)
- You are taken to two outer reef diving locations. All equipment is included. Some medical conditions and medications may preclude passengers from scuba diving and divers MUST be certified. Certified divers must show a 'C' card. Optional Activity. (Additional charge)
- From the comfort of a semi-submersible, you are able to view the spectacular coral formations and the masses of brilliantly colored fish, without getting wet! A full reef commentary is provided, along with a specially designed scenic reef excursion, as you travel below water level to enable you a diver's view of the best parts of the Great Barrier Reef. This tour takes approximately 30mins, however the duration depends on weather conditions. Included Activity.
Helicopter Features:
Osprey V Features:
What to Bring:
There are a range of activities available on the Osprey V, both included activities and optional activities. The optional activities are to be booked and paid direct.
Snorkeling:
Introductory Dive:
Certified Diving:
Semi Submersible Reef Tour:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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Since 1999, over 2 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
By far the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef. I took the fly-cruise option and was a brilliant ... Read more ›
Anonymous, Australia, February 2008
This trip was amazing and should be on everyones list of things to do before you die. Snorkling on the ... Read more ›
Mary C, United Kingdom, April 2008
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