• Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef in a day with a helicopter scenic flight from Cairns and a visit to Green Island and an outer Barrier Reef pontoon
• Snap a selfie from the comfort of your seat in a luxury helicopter as you soar above Arlington Reef, Upolu Cay and Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef scenic flight.
• Enjoy a self-guided eco-walk through Green Island’s lush rainforest and relax on the pristine white sandy beaches or go snorkelling in the fringing reefs.
• An amazing 2 in 1 Great Barrier Reef tour deal where you can add in scenic helicopter flights

The ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns combines a reef trip to Green Island, a scenic helicopter flight to an Activity Platform at Norman Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef and an unforgettable helicopter flight back to Cairns.

What to Expect

Book your place on the ultimate scenic flight and reef adventure with our Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter & Cruise Combo Package tours from Cairns. These 3 comprehensive combo packages offer an exciting blend of a scenic helicopter flight, a visit to a tropical island and a visit to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, all in the one-day tour. Choose the best option for you from our three scenic helicopter flight and reef combo tour packages. Starting your morning on the idyllic Green Island, you'll have the opportunity to unwind amid its lush rainforest and inviting sands. The adventure escalates in the afternoon with a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can dive into an underwater world teeming with colourful marine life, all from the comfort of our spacious activity platform. On option 3 you will fly over the coral reefs just off the floating platform.

Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Tour Packages:

Option 1

Fly/Cruise/Cruise:

• Begin with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight to Green Island, followed by a cruise to the Outer Reef floating pontoon, and a relaxing boat return to Cairns.
• Experience 20 minutes of helicopter flying, enjoy 1 hour on Green Island, and spend 3 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
• Depart Cairns at 09:50 and return to Cairns by 17:30.

Option 2

Cruise/Cruise/Fly:

• Cruise to Green Island and the Outer Reef before taking a breathtaking helicopter flight back to Cairns. Spend 2 hours on Green Island and 2 hours and 45 minutes at the Outer Reef, with a 25-minute flight to Cairns.
• Departure is at 08:30 with a return to Cairns by 15:30.

Option 3

Cruise/Cruise/10 Minute Scenic/Cruise:

• Travel by boat to Green Island and on to the Outer Reef, where you'll enjoy a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef before cruising back to Cairns.
• Spend 2 hours on Green Island then board the fast boat to the Outer Great Barrier Reef floating pontoon
• Depart at 08:30 and arrive back in Cairns by 17:30.

Features and Highlights

Green Island Experience:

Scenic Helicopter Flight:

• Depart from Cairns and fly over landmarks like Arlington Reef and Vlasoff Sand Cay before landing on beautiful Green Island, offering spectacular aerial views and photo opportunities at levels of around 500 feet.

Activities on Green Island:

• Spend between 1 and 2 hours enjoying snorkelling, relaxing by the pool, or exploring the island's natural beauty with a self-guided eco-walk. Morning tea and coffee are included.

Facilities Access:

• Full access to Green Island's resort amenities enhances your comfort and enjoyment.

Outer Reef Platform Adventure:

Activity Pontoon:

• A 45-minute fast catamaran ride takes you to the Great Adventures pontoon, serving as a stable base for a variety of water activities or dry observatory experiences.

Water Activities:

• Snorkelling among vibrant marine life or dive into the deep (conditions apply). Non-swimmers can enjoy the semi-submersible submarine tour with commentary or visit the underwater observatory to watch all the action.

Culinary Delights:

• Indulge in a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch on the pontoon, with afternoon tea and beverages available throughout your stay.

Additional Information:

Inclusive Experience:

• The helicopter and reef tour includes all snorkelling gear, Lycra sun suits, and educational reef presentations. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available post-morning activities at your cost.

Environmental Commitment:

• The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included, reflecting our commitment to preserving this natural wonder.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every perspective—above, on, and below the surface. Our tailored options cater to all preferences, ensuring a memorable and comprehensive reef experience.

Things become especially exciting with the whale watching season from July to September as we see humpback whales breaching from the waters and dwarf minke whales on their annual migration to the safe waters of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.   

See all Cairns and Port Douglas scenic helicopter rides and Great Barrier Reef helicopter combo flights. 

Please note that all helicopter passenger departure numbers are capped at 6- 7 persons only - seats need to be booked very early due to very high demand - please enquire for group bookings in advance.

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

Cairns Helicopter Flights - Option Tour 1.

Cairns Scenic Helicopter Flight to Green Island - Boat Cruise to Floating Pontoon on Outer Great Barrier Reef - Boat Cruise to Cairns

10.00am Scenic helicopter departs Cairns for Green Island
10.20am Helicopter lands at Green Island
11.30am High speed catamaran departs Green Island heading to the outer Great Barrier Reef interactive platform   
12.30pm Arriveat the Great Barrier Reef platform
3.30pm High speed catamaran departs the reef to head back to Cairns city
5.30pm Arrive in Cairns 

Times are approximate

Cairns Scenic Helicopter Flights and Great Barrier Reef Tour Options - Option Tour 2

Boat Cruise to Green Island - Boat Cruise to Floating Pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef and Scenic Helicopter Flight Back to Cairns

8.30am High speed catamaran will ferry you over to Green Island with an arrival time of 9:15am.
Spend 2 hours exploring or snorkeling Green Island
11:15am High speed catamaran transfer will take you to the outer Great Barrier Reef interactive pontoon for 2.45 hours of reef viewing fun
3.15pm Spectacular 25 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef returning you to Cairns city
3.40pm Arrive at Cairns Heliport 

Times are approximate.

Cairns Helicopter Flights - Option Tour 3.

Boat Cruise to Green Island - Scenic Helicopter Flight to Great Barrier Reef Pontoon - Boat Cruise to Cairns

8:30am Depart Cairns on a high speed catamran to Green Island
9.15am Arrive at Green Island
12.30pm Take a spectacular scenic helicopter flight from Green Island to the outer Great Barrier Reef interactive pontoon
12.55pm Arrive at the floating pontoon 
3.30pm High speed catamaran departs for the journey back to Cairns
5.30pm Arrive in Cairns

Times are approximate.

Green Island Activities

• Snorkelling equipment provided to exlpore the fringing reef corals
• Take a scenic walk around Green Island
• Upgrade to the optional extra in-water activities on Green Island if time premitted
• Upgrade to explore Marineland Melanesia
• Dine in the restaurants, go shopping.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Pontoon Activities

• Ride around the reef in a semi-submersible submarine on a coral viewing tour  
• Snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
• Underwater observatroy for fish and coral viewing
• Hot and cold buffet lunch
• Marine Eco Great Barrier Reef presentation
• Upgrade to optional extras time permitted on the reef tour 

See more Great Barrier Reef tours and scenic helicopter rides.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cruise/Cruise/Fly: departs Cairns 8:30am - departs Green Island 11:30am - departs Platform approx. 3:05pm
• Fly/Cruise/Cruise: departs Cairns 09:50am - departs Green Island 11:30am - departs Platform 3:45pm

Departure Instructions

Passengers to make own way to departure point – transfers not included.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Green Island
• Norman Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Tours beginning with a cruise to Green Island depart at 8.30am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Tours beginning with a scenic helicopter flight depart Cairns City Heliport at 09:50am

Duration

Full Day (approx)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory Dive
• Certified Dive
• Scuba Doo Underwater Scooter
• Guided Snorkel Tour
• Return Accommodation Transfer

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
• Guided Snorkelling Tour – minimum age is 12 years

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo 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

• Passengers wishing to enjoy a helicopter flight and dive activities (Intro, Certified or Scuba-Doo, must book the ‘Cruise/Fly’ or Cruise/Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic packages.
• Certified Divers must produce their certification card
• All Diving is subject to successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire
• The minimum dive age is 12 years with parental permission

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Cash or Credit Card for additional purchases
• Change of clothes

• 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).
• A child aged 3 years on the Cruise + 10 min scenic package travels FOC on the cruise but is required to pay $199 for the helicopter seat.