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Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights | 40 & 60 Minutes | GSL

Tour Code: 345

Operated By: GSL Cairns

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights 40-60 mins
  • Experience the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef on a low level scenic flight from Cairns. Unique cays and coral formations of the Arlington Reef system. Spot dolphins, manta rays, whales, turtles, dugongs and sharks.
  • See the brilliance of Upolo Cay, a white sand cay nestled in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, other remote islands and even marine life from your window seat 
  • Guaranteed window seats on your scenic flight from Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
  • This is the best value Great Barrier Reef tour where you can see the reef and rainforest on a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns or upgrade to a 60 minute flight that covers the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas. 

Included In Price

  • Window seat guaranteed
  • In-flight commentary
  • In-flight information booklets available in English, French, German, Japanese & Chinese
  • Experienced pilot
  • Courtesy bus from Cairns inner city accommodation subject to availability
  • Maximum 7 guests - Minimum 3 guests for flight to depart

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef & the Tropical North Queensland coastline landscapes for the first time on a low level 40 - 60 minute scenic flight from Cairns is something you will never forget for the rest of your life.

What to Expect

We offer excellent choices of Great Barrier Reef scenic flights from Cairns all year round. Join one of our half day tour airplane rides and embark on a breathtaking journey over the Great Barrier Reef with our 40- or 60-minute scenic flight options in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns. Choose from a range of scenic flight durations to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world's natural wonders from the best possible vantage point—a seat in a low-level flying airplane.

Features and Highlights

Cairns Scenic Flight Tours

  • Guaranteed Window Seat: Every passenger is ensured an unobstructed view on their scenic flight.
  • Choice of Flight Durations: Choose from a 40-minute Great Barrier Reef overview or a comprehensive 60-minute flight that includes the iconic Port Douglas and rainforests.
  • Expert Commentary: Your airplane pilot will provide engaging commentary about the Cairns and Tropical North Queensland sights below.
  • Multilingual Information Booklets: Available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese.

Modern Aircraft Fleet and Experienced Pilots

  • Aircraft Variety: Fly in comfort in one of our meticulously maintained aircraft, such as the Cessna 206, GA8 Airvan, Piper Chieftain, or Cessna Grand Caravan. All aircraft is chosen based on passenger number and the length of flight time.
  • Experienced Crew: Our airplane pilots are commercially certified and have extensive local knowledge of Cairns to enhance your scenic flight experience.

Comprehensive Service

  • Courtesy Bus: Complimentary transportation from Cairns inner city accommodations to the departure point.
  • Flexible Schedules: Scenic flights depart daily between 8 AM and 4 PM, weather permitting.

Environmental Commitment

  • Low Impact Operations: Our practices are approved by the Marine Park Authority, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

Detailed Itinerary – Half Day Tours

40-Minute Great Barrier Reef Hopper
  • Depart from Cairns and fly over key landmarks including Green Island, Arlington Reef, and more. Spot marine life from a unique aerial perspective.
60-Minute Reef and Port Douglas Scenic Flight
  • Extend your experience with additional sights such as Batt Reef and Tongue Reef, culminating with a flight over Port Douglas.

Combo Package Tours and Upgrade Options

  • Combine a scenic flight with a full-day Green Island tour, including lunch and activities like snorkelling or a glass bottom boat tour.
  • Enhance your visit with our signature 60-minute flight for an extensive exploration of the reef and coastline.

Additional Information

Booking Requirements
  • Minimum of 2 passengers required for all flights.
  • Pre-booking for cruise ship passengers is recommended to secure your spot.

Private Charter and Group Flights

  • Private charters are available for personalized experiences or reaching remote outback regions such as Cape York .

Cruise Ship Passengers

  • If you are arriving in Cairns on a cruise ship then you should book an airplane scenic flight to fit around your cruise ships docking schedule in Cairns or Yorkeys Knob.

Take off on this high-flying adventure to truly understand the vastness and intricate beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical North Queensland coastline. Enjoy the ease of pick-up and comprehensive service that make our scenic flights a preferred choice for visitors to Cairns.

See all scenic flights in Cairns. If your thinking of visiting Townsville and the Whitsundays be sure to check out the scenic flight options in those locations.   

Scenic Flights Over The Great Barrier Reef

On our Cairns scenic flights you will occasionally glide over the Great Barrier Reef as low as 500ft (152 metres) you will also have an excellent view to the surrounding marine life such as whales (during the months of July to September), dolphins, Manta rays, sea turtles, dugongs and sharks.

You will certainly see the shapes, colours and mazes of coral as you fly over different reef formations.

Cairns Scenic Flights - Excellent Photo Opportunities

Take the National Geographic grade aerial shots of the Great Barrier Reef at ease - now you know the secret to these gorgeous holiday cards you see for sale everywhere in Far North Queensland.  

As your plane takes anywhere between 5 to 8 passengers and only high-wing aeroplanes are being used you will not have to fight for the best seat to have the views or to take great photos – all seats in our aircraft are window seats!

Clear and sunny skies are definitely preferred for your scenic flight and will bring out the colours of the reef but don’t be put off by some small rain clouds as they just add a bit of drama and depth to your holiday snaps - after all, it is the greenest and wettest part of Australia!

Cairns Scenic Flights - Experienced Aircraft Pilots

Our Cairns flight crew are commercially qualified and continuously undergoing extensive company training to deliver not only a safe journey but a great flying experience for their guests.

Your pilot will also provide commentaries along the way of the areas below, making sure you don’t miss anything exciting on your flight over the Great Barrier Reef & the stunning Tropical North Queensland coastline.

All aircraft are fitted with quality intercom systems through which your pilot provides an informative and humorous in-flight commentary.

Cairns Scenic Flights - Low Impact Tourism Operators

Our business practices over the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have all been approved by the Marine Park Authority, and they continue to support the ongoing conservation of the reef with our low impact tourism operations.

Our pilots aim is simple- to give you the best possible experience of this amazing natural wonder and protecting it at the same time.

The Cairns Scenic Flight Aircraft Fleet

Cessna 206

The Cessna 206 is a well-known aircraft that is used commercially on a tourism basis being commissioned around the world for more than 50 years. Its wings sit above for clear views below making it efficient in a variety of roles- aerial such as skydiving, photography and much much more. 

This aircraft can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers on board.

The Cessna 206 (also known as the Skywagon) is a single-engine, general aviation aircraft with fixed landing gear.

Combination of a powerful engine, strong construction and a large cabin has made this aircraft very popular for scenic flights.

We operate just one Cessna 206, which was refurbished in 2014, including new paint, interior, engine and passenger intercom system.

GA8 Airvan

During peak holiday seasons we can operate up to 6 GA8 Airvans to enable full capacity scenic flights for groups and incentives and visiting cruise ships.

This aircraft is great for scenic flights, seating up to 8 passengers, each with their own large window for the best views.

Proudly manufactured in Australia, this aircraft is quickly becoming a popular choice for tourism operators and fulfilling a number of roles around Australia and around the world.

Piper Chieftain

As we have grown so has our fleet of private aircraft available to us. The twin engine Piper Chieftain can seat 9 guests or up to 900 kg of freight and is one of the most economical private charter planes for its size that can also fly at night and in most weather conditions which is a bonus in the tropics.

The wings on this aircraft are below the guests windows so some passengers view will not be as good as others.

Cessna Grand Caravan

This type of aircraft is the largest in the fleet and can carry up to 13 passengers. This very versatile type of aircraft is quite often used to carry passengers (and cargo) to remote locations in the Australian Outback due to its extensive range and speed

Cairns Scenic Flight Options 40 Minute Great Barrier Reef Hopper Scenic Flight

If scenic helicopter flights are stretching your budget a bit too far but you would still like to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above then these scenic flights are meant for you.

A 40 minute Reef Hopper scenic flight will give you an extensive overview of the reef and coral formations off Far North Queensland’s coastline.

Your day starts with the pickup from your Cairns accommodation or your cruise ship and you be taken to Cairns General Aviation for your departure.

Your 40 minute scenic flight will take you over Cairns, past the world famous Green Island, over the stunning Arlington Reef, picturesque Middle and Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef and the iconic Cairns Northern beaches suburb of Palm Cove with Double Island.

As it is a relatively low level flight, there is a great chance you might spot dolphins, Manta rays and whales on your tour.

Combo | 40 Minute Great Barrieer Reef Hopper Scenic Flight & Full Day Green Island Tour In One Day

Your day will start at 7:30am with our 40 Minute Reef Hopper Scenic flight. Once you are back in Cairns we will transfer you to the Reef Fleet Terminal to check in for your 11:00am departure for Green Island.

Your day on Green Island includes a lunch, served buffet style and you can choose between a snorkelling equipment hire OR glass bottom boat tour.

Other optional extras such as Seawalker Helmet Diving,  Boat Snorkel Trip and Introductory Dive can and should be pre-booked as well.

You will be back at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns by 5:00pm on time to enjoy a dinner in one of the many restaurants in town.

Transfer back to your accommodation from the Reef Fleet Terminal after your full day on Green Island is not included, please let us know at time of booking if you would like us to organise that for you.

Upgrade | 60 Minute Reef and Port Douglas Scenic Flight

If you are looking to add icing on the cake to your holidays or you are very limited with your time but would still like to see the best part of Tropical North Queensland then a Reef and Port Douglas scenic flight might just tick all the right boxes.

This 1 hour scenic flight is our signature flight. It covers the sights from the 40 minute flight plus Batt Reef, Tongue Reef as well as the township of Port Douglas

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the World, and its amazing contrast of colours is something that is best experienced from a low level scenic flight in the air.

Shortly after becoming airborne you can get your cameras clicking as you fly over the reef and its myriad of coral mazes below you.

Your pilot will then head off in the direction of Port Douglas. As we head home towards Cairns we will take a low level flight along the brilliant coastline.

Cairns Scenic Flights - Additional Information

Cruise Ship Tours From Cairns and Yorkeys Knob

If you are visiting Cairns in Queensland Australia for the very first time by cruise ship then booking a low level scenic flight to see the Great Barrier Reef will surely be one of the highlights of your shore tours.

Pre-book your cruise ship shore tour early to ensure you do not miss out on seeing this spectacular region in style.

Private Charter Flights

Private charter flights can also be arranged, call us to discuss your requirements.

We also do private charter flights to assist you reach outback regions in the Cape York Peninsula.

Minimum Number Of Passengers

We require a minimum of 2 passengers on all flights, single passenger booking.

Single travellers can be booked however will be placed on a waiting list until minimum number of passengers (2) is reached.

More Scenic Flights

You may want to consider other scenic flight options.

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

All flights depart from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Departure Instructions
  • Check in is 30 minutes prior to departure. Passengers that fail to arrive before
  • this time may be classed as no-show.
  • Courtesy bus subject to availability; passengers that do not arrive at their pick up location on time may be classed as no-show. Passengers should endeavour to arrive at their pick-up locations 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up.
Pickup Locations

Cairns

  • Pick up times will be provided at the time of booking
Destinations
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Bird's eye view of North Queensland coastline including Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef and Palm Cove
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

40 & 60 minutes (approx)

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weight: Up to 125 Kg / 276 Lb

Additional Information
  • Self Drive:check in is 30 minutes prior to departure at Genaral Aviation, 83 Royal Flying Doctor Street, Cairns, QLD 4870. Passengers that fail to arrive before this time may be classed as no-show.
  • This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate
  • Single travellers can be booked however will be placed on a waiting list until minimum number of passengers (4) is reached.
  • GSL Aviation may use photographs of clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, if you do not consent please advise GSL Aviation.
  • Weather can affect our flight schedules, please contact us 24 hours prior to flight time to confirm flight.

Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen and water

Children under 3 years old are considered infants and travel free of charge on a paying adults lap. Children 3 years and over the adult price applies on all flights.

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

  • 100% cancellation fee applies for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours.
  • Passengers who fail to arrive at the scheduled time or failed to load will be classed as 'no-show' and no refund will be given.
  • SPECIAL T&Cs: 1.Minimum numbers apply. 2.Promo operates on selected departure dates. 3. Aged 0 to 2 years old travel for free. 4.Maximum weight per passenger is 125kg 

No refund for bookings cancelled or amended within 24 hours or departure

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights | 40 & 60 Minutes | GSL

Tour Code: 345

Operated By: GSL Cairns

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights 40-60 mins

From

au$259.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$259.00
Family: au$1,036.00

Tour Code: 345

From

au$259.00

15 yrs & over

3 - 14 yrs

0 - 2 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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