• Unique dive or snorkel tour with helicopter flight package departing from Cairns. See everything up close, and then take in the complete marine tapestry from the seat of your helicopter. See the marine life below the waters surface.
• This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns for guests who wish to see the reef in as many ways as possible. Also a great option for non-swimmers to see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. 
• If you’re feeling a little waterlogged from all the in-water aquatic activity, take in a new and unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef with a semi-submersible submarine tour while staying perfectly dry!
• Inclusions: 2 reef sites, 10 minute helicopter flight, barbeque lunch, Introductory or certified scuba dive, snorkel gear, lycra sun suits, drinks and snacks and so much more!

You have a choice of five Cairns Helicopter Flight Options on our Great Barrier Reef tour deals to choose from that include some amazing options that no other Great Barrier Reef tours offer.

Save $35.00 per person on our Great Barrier Reef & Cairns Helicopter Flight Combo Tour Package Deal

One of Cairns most exciting and flexible Great Barrier Reef tours is here!

A Cairns helicopter flight and an outer Great Barrier Reef tour, scuba diving and more. If it’s more of an exciting day to explore the reef you are looking for, then read on.

Deal 1.) Cairns Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour - Snorkel Only

• 10-minute Scenic Flight in a 6-seater luxury helicopter - Infant age 3 must pay child price
• 2 stunning outer Great Barrier Reef coral reefs
• Less travel time (approx. 80 mins)
• 5 Hours Reef Time
• Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices provided
• Hot BBQ Lunch (Hot meats, fish, prawns & a variety of salads, vegetarian option available)
• Free Lycra suit hire
• Fruit platter, cheese and a glass of wine on return journey
• Experienced, professional dive instructors
• Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
• Spacious sundecks for sunbathing
• High crew to guest ratio

Deal 2.) Cairns Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour - Introductory Scuba Dive

• 1 Introductory Scuba Dive
• 10-minute Scenic Flight in a 6-seater luxury helicopter - Infant age 3 must pay child price
• 2 stunning outer reef sites
• Less travel time (approx. 80 mins)
• 5 Hours Reef Time
• Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices provided
• Hot BBQ Lunch (Hot meats, fish, prawns & a variety of salads, vegetarian option available)
• Free Lycra sun suit hire
• Fruit platter, cheese and a glass of wine on return journey
• Experienced, professional dive instructors
• Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
• Spacious sundecks for sunbathing
• High crew to guest ratio

Deal 3.) Cairns Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour - Certified Scuba Dive

• 1 Certified Scuba Dive
• 10-minute Scenic Flight in a 6-seater luxury helicopter - Infant age 3 must pay child price
• 2 stunning outer reef sites
• Less travel time (approx. 80 mins)
• 5 Hours Reef Time
• Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices provided
• Hot BBQ Lunch (Hot meats, fish, prawns & a variety of salads, vegetarian option available)
• Free Lycra sun suit hire
• Fruit platter, cheese and a glass of wine on return journey
• Experienced, professional dive instructors
• Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
• Spacious sundecks for sunbathing
• High crew to guest ratio

Deal 4.) Cairns Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour - Half Day Reef Tour (Fly/Cruise)

• 25 min Helicopter scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns - Infant age 3 must pay child price
• 2 hours at Reef 
• Snorkelling equipment
• Return boat cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese, fruit platter & live entertainment
• Standard transfer fees apply

Deal 5.) Cairns Helicopter Flight and Great Barrier Reef Tour - Full Day Reef Tour (Cruise/Fly)

• Fast boat ride to 2 coral reef sites 
• 5 hrs to explore the Great Barrier Reef
• Snorkelling equipment
• BBQ Lunch
• Standard transfer fees apply
• 25 min return to Cairns scenic helicopter flight over the reef and sand cays - Infant age 3 must pay child price

Cairns Reef Tours - the Boat

Our new boat based in Cairns races you out to visit 2 different coral reef locations in the one day. In this great value Great Barrier Reef tour package deal you can choose to do an introductory scuba dive or if qualified a certified dive.

Then join in on the FREE guided snorkel tour with the marine naturalist and then you can jump aboard for the piece de resistance a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight (Infant age 3 must pay child price) over the coral reef systems you were just snorkelling and diving in below! 

This Great Barrier Reef tour is perfect for those who love to see the reef up close as well as appreciate it’s massive size from a bird's-eye view. You will travel to two different pristine reef locations on this full-day or half day reef tour and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, introductory or certified scuba dives, a helicopter flight and much much more! - Infant age 3 must pay child price

Your Great Barrier Reef tour will start on board our new state-of-the-art catamaran that boasts the title now of the Fastest Reef Boat in Cairns! 

Cruising at high speed the modern catamaran offers a stable and comfortable ride getting you to the Great Barrier Reef in under an hour. 

On this tour you will see two pristine reef sites that have been chosen by the highly experienced local crew to provide guests with the most vibrant coral and highest diversity of marine life as well as being safe and calm - perfect for first-time divers, kids or less than confident swimmers.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Package Deal Includes

 10 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight - Infant age 3 must pay child price

After a quick briefing you will climb aboard the helicopter and take off into the sky to experience the reef from above.

As you climb higher you will see the Great Barrier Reef from a whole new perspective and really gain a true appreciation of the scale of the incredible ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef - the only living thing that can be seen from space! 

Marvel at the bright azure colours of the shallow reef waters contrasting against the deep blue of the surrounding ocean and spot sharks, dolphins, rays and even whales as you cruise at low altitude over the reef systems - this truly is a sight to behold and one you will remember long after you’ve stepped foot back on dry land.

After enjoying your helicopter scenic flight over the reef you can do the optional semi-submersible submarine tour (at extra cost) where you can see the reef underwater without even getting wet, or alternatively gear up again for more snorkelling or optional additional scuba dives.

Once you’ve seen the scale of the reef from above it is a good idea to get back up close so you can really appreciate just how much diversity of life the reef supports.

Introductory & Certified Scuba Dives

When you arrive at the first reef location of the day - Saxon Reef- you will have the opportunity to jump straight in for a snorkel using the high quality gear provided or if you want to really get up close to the underwater world of the reef you can do an Intro or Certified Scuba dive.

The friendly crew will provide a full in-depth briefing for first time divers ensuring you are comfortable with all the gear and have a clear understanding of the basics of scuba diving before getting into the water.

Once you’re briefed you’ll gear up and enter the water for the experience of a lifetime scuba diving on the famous Great Barrier Reef. Spot thousands of different types of brightly coloured fish, friendly turtles, giant rays, beautiful (and totally safe) reef sharks and many more amazing species.

Certified divers can buddy up with a friend or join a dive guide to go deeper and further than the Intro Dives to explore even more of the amazing marine life at Saxon Reef. 

Barbeque Lunch

After around two and a half hours of snorkelling and diving at Saxon Reef you will jump back on board MV EVO to continue to the second reef site of the day - Hastings Reef. 

Replenish your energy with a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including steak, sausages, fresh local reef fish, prawns and a range of salads and condiments.

Once you’ve satisfied the hunger that you undoubtedly will have after your morning in the water it is time to enjoy the highlight of the day - an amazing 10 minute scenic helicopter flight above the reef. 

5 Hours On The Great Barrier Reef

Because of the speed of the brand new vessel you will enjoy more time enjoying the reef and less time getting there!

With 5 hours over two different reef sites you are sure to be satisfied with all the different activities to do and amazing things to see!

After your snorkel, dive and helicopter ride there is plenty of room to relax on the lounges or on the sun deck where you can soak up some of the afternoon sun as you take in the stunning views all around you.

End your day cruising back to Cairns or if you really want to make your day special you can fly home in the helicopter (helicopter transfer options outlined below).

On the way home on the vessel you can enjoy a drink and watch the resident on-board entertainer Elvis as he performs his famous Didgeridoo show. You’ll be back in Cairns at the Marlin Marina at approximately 5:00pm.

More Exciting Cairns Helicopter Flight Upgrade Options

Full Day Outer Reef Tour | Cruise Out Fly Back

With all the same great value activities described in the full day reef tour you can also add a jaw dropping 25 minute helicopter flight back to Cairns the Cruise/Fly option is perfect for those who want to make their day on the reef really special.

At the end of the day, instead of cruising back to Cairns on the boat, you will jump aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter and take off into the skies for the return journey back to Cairns.

You will have plenty of opportunity to get amazing photos of the reef from above as well as get a glimpse of the impressive mountain range surrounding Cairns as you come in to land.

This option doesn't include the 10 minute scenic flight as you would have already enjoyed a 25 minute flight to the Outer Reef Location where the vessel is moored.

Half Day Outer Reef Tour | Fly Out Cruise Back

The perfect option for those short on time but who still want an amazing experience on the Great Barrier Reef, the fly/cruise option will see you fly out to the reef and cruise home on the boat for a truly memorable experience.

These tour options will provide 2 hours to snorkel or dive at the reef before returning to Cairns. The half day fly/cruise option is a favourite as it is the best priced and best value for money reef scenic flight and snorkel/dive combo package tour on the whole Great Barrier Reef! 

This option doesn't include the 10 minute scenic flight as you would have already enjoyed a 25 minute flight to the Outer Reef Location where the vessel is moored.

Please note all times are approximate and subject to aviation guidelines and weather. 

See all Helicopter & Great Barrier Reef scenic flight tour options here.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

8:15am

Departure Instructions

7:30am check in

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

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

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Excludes Christmas & New Years Day

Duration

8 hours (approx) - 5 hours on the reef

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Additional introductory or certified scuba dives - please prebook
• Return accommodation transfers - please prebook
• Semi-submersible submarine tour - please prebook (weather permitting, bookable on the boat, cannot be pre booked)
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.
• Diving: All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire onboard. Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card. Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years. Please read the important diving safety information prior to booking.

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.

Eco Certifications

• Sunscreen & Hat
• Travel voucher
• Change of Clothes
• Swimmers and a towel
• Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases

• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Child rate available
• One (1) infant under their 3rd birthday may travel free of charge if seated on a guardian’s lap
• A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations.