• Our Cairns helicopter and Great Barrier Reef half day tour combo caters to those who appreciate privacy and personalised service and a little indulgence.
• You are now a VIP on our half day tour. Enjoy being hosted by our onboard marine biologist and take a tour of our lab and then a snorkelling tour. 
• Fly both ways over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns for unmatched views of the lace like coral reef below. Look for marine life as you take your low level flight across the water to the pontoon and back to Cairns.
• You will have your VIP area to enjoy a delicious lunch and drinks and be looked after by our hosts for your half day tour. 

Book early for a one-of-a-kind adventure to the Great Barrier Reef with our exclusive Reef Indulgence helicopter package designed for those who crave a truly VIP experience.

What to Expect

An exciting half day helicopter and Great Barrier Reef tour is now available in Cairns where you are treated like a VIP with your own hosts and tour guides looking after you whilst out on the floating pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef. This really is a premium Great Barrier Reef tour experience tailored for those who value privacy and exclusivity even if for just a half day tour. This carefully curated half-day tour departing from Cairns combines luxury with adventure, featuring private snorkelling tours, a behind-the-scenes marine biology presentation, and a scenic glass-bottom boat ride. Begin and conclude your journey with spectacular 25 minute scenic helicopter flights from Cairns offering unmatched views of the Great Barrier reef’s vibrant coral formations and turquoise waters.

Relax in your exclusive VIP area at the Reef Magic pontoon, where you’ll be treated to gourmet dining and sparkling wine while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the reef, away from the crowds. With your own personalised service and a variety of curated activities, this is the ultimate way to explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Cairns Helicopter Scenic Flight Transfers

• Enjoy breathtaking helicopter flights from Cairns to and from the reef, providing panoramic views of coral reefs, sand cays, and tropical waters. 25 minute scenic flight each way.
• The helicopter scenic flights highlight the sheer scale and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, making for a truly unforgettable start and end to your day.

Exclusive VIP Area on the Floating Interactive Pontoon

• Unwind in your private sanctuary on the pontoon, complete with comfortable seating and unparalleled views of the reef.
• Complimentary sparkling wine and gourmet canapés are provided throughout your half day tour stay.

Private Snorkelling Tour

• Dive into the reef’s underwater world on a snorkelling tour with a dedicated  marine biologist as your tour guide.
• Explore vibrant coral gardens and learn about the marine ecosystem in an intimate and educational setting.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour Adventure

• Experience the Great Barrier Reef from a unique perspective with priority boarding on a guided glass-bottom boat tour.
• Learn about the reef’s cultural and ecological significance from an expert Cultural Guide.

Marine Biology Lab Experience on the Pontoon

• Participate in a private tour of the pontoon’s state-of-the-art marine biology lab.
• Engage with marine biologists as they share insights into ongoing research, reef ecology, and conservation efforts.

Luxury Dining

• Enjoy a premium dining experience featuring gourmet platters and sparkling wine.
• Choose from a range of curated food selections to suit your preferences.

Additional Amenities

• Complimentary plush towels for added comfort.
• Receive a thoughtful surprise gift as a keepsake of your extraordinary reef adventure.

Sample Cairns Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

1. 10:00 AM: Check-in at the helicopter aviation desk in Cairns.
2. 10:30 AM: Depart on a scenic helicopter flight over the reef, offering spectacular aerial views.
3. 11:00 AM: Arrive at the Reef Magic pontoon and settle into your private VIP area with refreshments and a welcome gift.
4. 11:30 AM: Embark on a private snorkelling tour, exploring coral gardens and marine life with a marine biologist.
5. 12:30 PM: Indulge in a gourmet lunch, complete with champagne, in your private seating area.
6. 1:30 PM: Board a glass-bottom boat for a guided tour of the reef's underwater world.
7. 2:30 PM: Enjoy a private tour of the marine biology lab, learning about conservation efforts and reef research.
8. 3:00 PM: Conclude your day with a helicopter scenic flight back to Cairns, taking in the breathtaking scenery once more.
9. 3:30 PM: Return to the heliport in Cairns, wrapping up a day of unforgettable experiences.

What’s Included

• Scenic helicopter flight transfers between Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
• Exclusive access to a private VIP area on the Reef Magic pontoon.
• Private snorkelling tour guided by a marine biologist.
• Priority access to a glass-bottom boat tour.
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the marine biology lab.
• Gourmet lunch and champagne.
• Complimentary plush towels.
• A thoughtful take-home gift.
• In-depth commentary and guidance from expert guides.

Why Choose This Half Day Helicopter & Great Barrier Reef Tour Indulgence Package?

This package is designed for those seeking a bespoke experience that balances luxury and discovery. With exclusive access to activities, expert-guided tours, and unmatched scenic flights, our VIP Reef Indulgence deal offers a deeply personal connection to the reef while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and privacy. Reserve your space today to enjoy an unparalleled adventure at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

See more helicopter and Great Barrier Reef tour combo packages in Cairns and Port Douglas.

See all helicopter scenic flights in Cairns & Tropical North Queensland.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go.  

Suggested Itinerary

Check in at the Nautilus Aviation Heli desk located at 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns, at 10 AM for your 10:30 flight, and embark on your unforgettable helicopter adventure from Cairns.

Experience the pinnacle of luxury as you soar above the breathtaking reef, arriving in style at the exclusive Reef Magic Pontoon. Step into your private sanctuary and indulge in canapés, champagne, and a suprise gift. Dive into the underwater wonders with a private snorkeling tour led by our expert guides. Relax in your secluded area, savoring a premium lunch paired with champagne.

Enjoy VIP boarding on a glass-bottom boat, providing a unique view of the reef's vibrant marine life below. Deepen your understanding of the reef's ecology with an exclusive lab tour guided by our marine biologist. Conclude your luxurious day with a stunning flight over the Great Barrier Reef, effortlessly returning to Cairns at approximately 3:30pm with memories that will last a lifetime.

Private VIP Area

Upon arriving at the Reef Magic pontoon, unwind in your exclusive VIP area. Relax in comfortable seating while savoring premium food selections and champagne, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment all day long.

Marine Biology Lab Tour

Set off on a private tour of our cutting-edge marine biology lab. Take part in an informative presentation on the biology of the Great Barrier Reef, along with ongoing research and restoration projects, led by an expert marine biologist.

Exclusive Snorkel Tour

Experience an exceptional private snorkel tour guided by an expert marine biologist. Discover vibrant coral gardens and encounter a variety of marine species, all while gaining valuable insights into this remarkable ecosystem.

Premium Lunch and Refreshments

Savor premium food selections, featuring canapés and champagne served throughout the day. Guests are welcome to select their favorite platter.

Morning Tea

Mixed Danish Pastries & Petite Assorted Donuts

Lunch - Choice of 1 Platter

Gourmet Tropical Seafood Platter including:

• Cooked local tiger prawns with fresh lime wedges
• Fresh shucked pacific oysters with lemon myrtle sweet chilli sauce
• Cooked morton bay bugs with pickled ginger wasabi mayonnaise
• Smoked atlantic salmon with wakame

Gourmet Antipasto and Chesse box including:

• Marinated Bocconcini
• Marinated green and kalamata olives
• Spice roast beetroot dip
• Sopressa salami
• Chapagne leg ham
• Gallo dairy heritage cheddar
• Gallo dairy bacci bri
• Gallozola blue
• Fig chutney 

Guests are welcome to enjoy selections from the buffet as well.

Luxury Amenities

Delight in the comfort of plush, luxury towels during your visit to the pontoon, enhancing your experience with an added touch of elegance.

Scenic Helicopter Flights

Start and conclude your adventure with a breathtaking helicopter flight from Cairns, providing a bird’s-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Glide above the turquoise waters and vibrant coral formations, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Keep an eye out for migrating whales from June to September!

Note that the maximum weight limit for the helicopter flight is 130kg.

Priority Boarding on Activities

Discover the reef from a fresh perspective with priority boarding on a glass-bottom boat tour. Accompanied by a personal Cultural Guide, explore the cultural significance and natural history of this World Heritage site.

Special Gift

Depart with a special surprise gift to take home, adding an extra layer of delight to your adventure.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

10:30am

Departure Instructions

Check in at the Nautilus Aviation Heli desk, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns, at 10am for a 10:30 flight

Destinations

• Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Depart Cairns: 10:30
Arrive Cairns: 15:40

Duration

5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sun Protection
• Hat
• Camera
• Cash or credit card for onboard purchases

Minimum age 15 years.