• Learn about the Great Barrier Reef with in flight commentary from the helicopter pilot as they point out locations of interest as well as spotting the marine life below 
• Explore the marine life, coral gardens and colourful reef formations of the outer reef as you dive and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. 
• This Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns really has it all, a luxury boat that speeds you to two different reef sites in a day and a spectacular helicopter flight for approximately 25 minutes back to Cairns 
• Inclusions on your Cairns helicopter flight and Great Barrier Reef boat tour include up to 5 hours on the outer reef, a barbeque lunch, 2 different reef locations, a 25 minute helicopter flight and optional upgrades to scuba diving. 

From Cairns take a Great Barrier Reef tour to an outer reef pontoon on our new boat and return to Cairns on a spectacular 25 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight.

What to Expect

Our Great Barrier Reef Cruise and scenic helicopter combo flight full day reef experience from Cairns is an extraordinary day on the amazing Great Barrier Reef.

This Cairns combo package tour of both a breath-taking scenic helicopter flight and a Great Barrier Reef tour to 2 magnificent outer coral reef destinations is simply sensational.

Our boat is quite luxurious and inside you will find comfortable seats, air-conditioning for your comfort and out the back you have steps which give you easy access into the water.

Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with this Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight, a full-day adventure featuring two stunning outer reef destinations and an unforgettable 25-minute helicopter flight back to Cairns. Perfect for snorkellers, scuba divers, and reef enthusiasts, this experience combines luxury, exploration, and breathtaking scenic views from your seat in the helicopter.

Your day begins with a check-in at the Cairns Marlin Marina, followed by a 1.5-hour cruise aboard the luxurious MV-EVO to Saxons Reef. Spend three hours exploring the reef, with options for snorkelling, sunbathing, or scuba diving. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet lunch before heading to Hastings Reef for another two hours of reef discovery. Conclude your adventure with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef, offering unparalleled views of coral formations, marine life, and sand cays.

Features and Highlights

Outer Reef Cruise on a Luxury Vessel

• Saxons Reef:
  • Spend three hours snorkelling, scuba diving, or relaxing on deck.
  • Explore vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and diverse marine life.
  • Accessibility via submerged steps for easy entry and exit.
  • Ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkellers and scuba divers.
• Hastings Reef:
  • Enjoy two hours of free time to snorkel or relax at this popular reef site.
  • Known for encounters with sea turtles, stingrays, and colourful reef fish.
  • Afternoon tea is served onboard.

Gourmet Dining Experience

• BBQ Lunch:
  • A delicious buffet featuring prawns, steak, sausages, fish, tropical salads, and pasta.
  • Vegetarian and dietary-specific options available upon request.
• Afternoon Tea:
  • A light snack to enjoy during your time at Hastings Reef.

Scenic Helicopter Flight Back to Cairns

• Aerial Views:
  • Fly at 500 feet for stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef, pristine sand cays, and marine life for approximately 25 minutes.
  • Spot turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks from above.
• Luxury Helicopter:
  • Enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride in a modern helicopter with panoramic windows for optimal viewing.
• Convenient Return:
  • Arrive at the helicopter base in Cairns around 3:00 PM, with a transfer provided back to the marina or your Cairns accommodation.

Onboard Comfort and Amenities

• Spacious, air-conditioned cabins and comfortable seating.
• Submerged platforms for easy water access.
• Full bar facilities with refreshments available for purchase.

Important Information

• Helicopter Passenger Weights: Individual weights and carry-on luggage (max 5kg) must be provided at booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee or cancellation of flight.
• Seating Capacity: Limited to six helicopter flights per day, must book in advance to secure your spot as seats limited to only 6 daily.
• Maximum Payload: Single seat payload limit of 130kg.

Ideal for All Travellers

• Adventure Seekers: Perfect for snorkellers, scuba divers, and anyone looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef on the best combo package tour.
• Romantic Escapes: An extraordinary experience for couples, combining luxury and adventure.
• Family-Friendly: A fun and safe day for all ages, with activities for everyone.

This Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Helicopter Flight combo package offers a unique way to experience one of the world’s natural wonders. Book your helicopter seats in advance for an unforgettable day of exploration and scenic beauty!

See all helicopter & Reef combo tours from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Learn all the things you need to know before you go on The Tour Specialists Blog.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Saxons Reef

• Once you are out at Saxons reef, you have 3 full hours to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, sunbaking and enjoying your BBQ lunch. If you are feeling like you would like to try a scuba dive, please ensure you advise us and pre-book this when making your return Cairns helicopter flight reservations.

BBQ lunch on the Great Barrier Reef

• After all this swimming and sunbaking you will work up a healthy appetite. At around 11:30am, your Barbeque buffet lunch will be served.
• Included in this package is a BBQ lunch which consists of Prawns, Steak, Sausages and Fish plus a wide range of tropical salads and pastas.
• Refreshments are also available, this includes iced water and tea and coffee. Other drinks are available for an extra cost at the bar. If you have any dietary needs, please advise us when you book your Great Barrier Reef tour.

Hastings Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

• After your 3 hours relaxation snorkelling and sunbaking, you will depart Saxons reef for a leisurely 15 minute cruise to Hastings Reef.
• Here you will have 2 hours of free time to snorkel or do as you please. A light afternoon tea will be served here as well. Hastings Reef is quite popular for the sea turtles and stingrays, so keep your eyes open and cameras ready because you don’t want to miss these beautiful marine animals.

Spectacular Cairns Helicopter Flight

• At around 2.30pm it will be time to dry off, collect all your belongings and get your camera ready for some of the most amazing views you will ever see on your scenic Cairns helicopter flight.
• Step aboard one of our luxury helicopters for your breath-taking scenic flight back to Cairns. If you hadn’t been lucky enough to see sea turtles, stingrays and reef sharks while snorkelling or diving, then flying at 500ft over the picturesque Reef and pristine sand cays you will hopefully see these amazing marine creatures.
• With Cairns City in site and ready for a smooth landing. Arrival time at the helicopter base is around 3:00pm. 
• ***Your transfer back to Cairns Marlin Marina is included, to either pick up your vehicle if you are self driving or catch your transfer back to your accommodation***
• Book your Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour and Helicopter Scenic flights early as we have limited seat capacity due to the high demand
• Important Information: Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carry on luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.
• See more Cairns helicopter flights and Great Barrier Reef tour deals

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Check in time 7.15am to 7.45am Departs 8:00am - Returns approx 3:05pm

Departure Instructions

Check in times 7.15am to 7.45am. Departs at 8:00 am from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Norman Reef
• Hastings Reef
• Saxon Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate Christmas Day

Duration

Times are approximate

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory or Certified Dives - Time permitting
• Return accommodation transfers

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

• Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.
• 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.

Additional Information

• All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed
• All tours include a $20 levy payable onboard to DUDC
• Departure times are subject to availability and weather conditions
• Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or Pilots discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability.

Eco Certifications

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Camera (charged)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Change of dry clothes
• Cash or credit card

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).