Fly and cruise the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. You'll take a scenic helicopter tour 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.
Highlights
- Combined sightseeing tour by helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef and reef cruise and activities
- Stunning 25-minute helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef
- Aerial views of the reef's colorful corals and marine life
- Informative commentary during the flight
- Free guided snorkeling tour and equipment
- Free scuba-diving demonstration
- Informative reef tours on a glass-bottom boat
- Range of fly-cruise-fly, fly-cruise, cruise-fly options
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Landing on the reefHelipad is right on the reef!Photo by: Robin BUSA, 04 2009 -
Taking Off From The LandingSelf explanatoryPhoto by: markhu5612 2012 -
Hastings ReefSelf explanatoryPhoto by: markhu5612 2012 -
Hastings ReefSelf explanatoryPhoto by: markhu5612 2012 -
Flying Over Hastings ReefSelf explanatoryPhoto by: markhu5612 2012 -
Medium Size FishOn the ReefPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
SnorklingSwimming with the fishesPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Sting WraySaw this big guy from the helicopterPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Scenic ViewBeautiful Reef ShootPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Helicopter Ride to the ReefOn our way to the ReefPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
SnorklingUnder water viewPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Parrot FishParrot FishPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
ReefView of the ReefPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Haistings ReefHaistings Reef landing spotPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
Aerial ViewAerial View of one of the reefs from the HelicopterPhoto by: Jennifer AUSA, 12 2011 -
SAM_6292Our helicopterPhoto by: Nadezhda N01 2011 -
SAM_6286Landing on a tiny pontoonPhoto by: Nadezhda N01 2011 -
SAM_6279Barrief reefs views from helicopterPhoto by: Nadezhda N01 2011 -
Barrier reef 2010.Photo by: Judith IUnited Kingdom, 11 2010 -
great barriergreat barrierPhoto by: Sophie RAustralia, 05 2010 -
Useful Information
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour from Cairns
Your scenic flight takes you to the Hastings Reef floating helicopter pad, from where you'll be transferred to 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 glass-bottom boat.
There are many options to choose from on this tour. The fly and cruise options are as follows:
Half-day Roundtrip Helicopter Reef Tour: The ultimate day! You will fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, enjoy lunch and two hours of snorkeling, swimming, diving and taking the glass-bottom boat coral-viewing tour, then depart by helicopter for Cairns. Departs Cairns at 12:30pm and returns to Cairns at approximately 3:30pm. Hotel pick-ups commence between 30-60 minutes prior to this time.
Half-day Helicopter-Cruise Reef Tour: Fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, enjoy lunch and two hours of snorkeling, swimming, diving and taking the glass-bottom boat coral-viewing tour, then cruise back to Cairns. Departs Carins at 12:30pm and return at approximately 4:45pm. Hotel pick-ups commence between 30-60 minutes prior to this time.
Full-day Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour: This option gives you the most time on the Great Barrier Reef, up to five-hours of swimming, snorkeling or diving. Cruise to Hastings Reef 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.Departs Cairns at 8:30am and returns at approx. 3.30pm. Hotel pick-ups commence between 30-60 minutes prior to this time.
Itinerary
Snorkeling:
- 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.
Introductory Dive:
- 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)
Certified Diving:
- 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)
Glass Bottom Boat Tour:
- From the comfort of a glass-bottom boat, 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.
Reviewed by William D, April 2013
The Helicopter tour was outstanding. The Heli Tour group, Tom, Dave, and Brad , made all aspects of the tour amazing! It was a great experience for my wife and myself. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Cairns area.
Reviewed by Karen R, January 2013
Fabulous trip. The staff is funny, friendly and so accommodating. I did not know how to swim and although I think I could have done the snorkeling, I was too scared, so there was an option where one of the staff pulled you around on a life preserver donut. I got great pictures and the feeling of security. The food was fabulous, the helicopter ride was such fun and beautiful. Can't say enough about this!!!
