• Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef above from the comfort of your luxury helicopter flight from Cairns
• Thru large clear viewing windows, the sparkling blue waters, remote sand cays, colourful reef systems and tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef provide the perfect backdrop for your scenic helicopter flight   
• See the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns on our 30 minute low level scenic helicopter flight and fly over lace like coral reefs, remote sand cays lush green tropical islands.

An amazing 30 Minute Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Scenic flight from Cairns. If you have already been to the Great Barrier Reef by boat and enjoyed snorkelling and scuba diving then it is time you saw this amazing coral reef from another angle.

What to Expect

This 30 minute helicopter scenic flight takes you over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sandy Cay then back to Cairns aviation.

From Cairns we take off in our high performance helicopter on a scenic flight that will have us explore the great wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from the air.

Enjoy a breathtaking 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, capturing the beauty of this natural wonder from a unique perspective. Starting from Cairns, you’ll soar over pristine coral reefs, picturesque sand cays, and the lush rainforest-fringed landscapes of Tropical North Queensland. This aerial experience allows you to view Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Sand Cay, and Upolu Cay from above, providing a complete view of the Great Barrier reef’s stunning colours and intricate coral formations. Ideal for those who have explored the reef by boat, this scenic helicopter flight offers a new angle on the diverse marine life and beautiful landscapes of the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Scenic Highlights of the Great Barrier Reef

• Green Island: Circle above this beautiful coral cay, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant fringing reefs, and unique island rainforest.
• Arlington Reef: Admire the shallow, colourful coral formations of Arlington Reef, home to various fish species and frequent sightings of sea turtles.
• Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cays: These naturally formed cays feature fringing reefs and protected shallow waters, offering a glimpse into the life of reef sharks, blue-spotted rays, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Unique Aerial Perspective

• Low-Level Flight Over the Reef: Fly at 500 feet, giving you close-up views of the stunning reef structures and marine activity below.
• Diverse Ecosystems: From the sandy cays to vibrant coral gardens and rainforest-fringed coastlines, this flight showcases the incredible diversity of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas.

Perfect for Cruise Ship Passengers

• Convenient for Cairns Arrivals: This 30-minute flight is an excellent option for cruise passengers docking at Yorkeys Knob or Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the region.

This scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect way to experience the reef’s stunning marine and coral diversity from a unique viewpoint, providing an unforgettable adventure above one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas scenic helicopter rides.

See all helicopter and reef combo package tours.

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

Important Information

Important Information: 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.

Depart Cairns: on demand. NB: All flights are on a shared basis and are not on a private basis unless machine has been chartered.

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Instructions

To ensure smooth operations, passenger check in comfort & minimise delays, all 30, 45 & 60 minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport while all bookings for 7+ passengers. (2+ Helicopters) will now depart from our General Aviation Airport location

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• 30 Minute Reef Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: Green Island, Fitzroy and on low tide Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cay

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

30 minutes approx.

Fitness Level Required

Low

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.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed

Eco Certifications

Your camera for some amazing aerial photos

• 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).