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Helicopter Ride & Reef Tour | Nautilus & Quicksilver

Tour Code: 554

Departing: Port Douglas

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas

Helicopter Flight & Pontoon Tour
  • Helicopter ride from Port Douglas out to the Quicksilver pontoon on the outer reef.
  • Choose to fly out to the reef or fly back from the reef to Port Douglas OR fly both ways.
  • Quicksilver pontoon is a interactivity centre on the Agincourt Ribbon Reef – Snorkel, scuba dive or helmet dive or stay dry and discover unique reef formations on a Semi-submersible submarine tour.
  • This is the best tour for Non-swimmers, families and those that wish to see the Great Barrier Reef in as many ways possible in one day. 

Included In Price

  • Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • Access to Agincourt Ribbon Reef Activity Platform
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Stinger and Lycra suits
  • Underwater Observatory
  • Marine biologist presentation
  • Government reef levy
  • Lunch
  • Fish Feeding Presentation

Helicopter ride from Port Douglas travelling to the Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Platform, Your helicopter flying low over pure white sand cays and viewing the amazing kaleidoscope of colours which make the Great Barrier Reef, amazing! The perfect helicopter & Great Barrier Reef combo.

What to Expect

Book your seats on a breathtaking journey from Port Douglas, where a helicopter whisks you away to the famed Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Interactive Platform on the Agincourt Reef. This day tour combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, providing a unique vantage point of the reef's vibrant colours and intricate coral formations. Ideal for both swimmers and non-swimmers, this helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo delivers an unforgettable reef experience and simply should not be missed if seeing the Great Barrier Reef for the first and maybe last time. Book your helicopter ride early as seats are limited daily for 3 – 7 passengers only.

Features & Highlights

Helicopter Ride from Port Douglas

Scenic Flight:
  • Enjoy a 30–35-minute scenic helicopter flight from the Mirage heli centre in Port Douglas, flying low over the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Witness the stunning coral formations, Low Isles and the pristine white sand cays from above.

Flexible Flight Options:
  • Choose to fly to the Great Barrier Reef, return by helicopter, or enjoy round-trip aerial views, depending on your preference.
Expert Commentary:
  • Your helicopter pilot provides insightful commentary throughout the scenic flight, pointing out significant landmarks and explaining the ecological importance of the Great Barrier Reef.

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Tour

  • Interactive Pontoon:
  • The Quicksilver pontoon is located on the famous Agincourt Ribbon Reef and serves as your platform to exploring the Great Barrier Reef. It offers various onboard interactive activities suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, including snorkelling, scuba diving, helmet diving and more. There are plenty of relaxation areas, dining areas and sun decks.
Underwater Observatory:
  • Delve into the underwater world without getting wet. The observatory on the pontoon allows you to observe marine life and coral up close through the big Perspex windows.
Comprehensive Facilities:
  • The pontoon is equipped with bar facilities, a sun deck, and relaxation zones, ensuring comfort throughout your visit.

Helicopter & Great Barrier Reef Tour Combo Options

Option 1: Fly & Fly:
  • For the ultimate scenic helicopter ride and aerial experience, opt to fly both to and from the reef by helicopter, maximizing your viewing time and also see the Daintree Rainforest from your seat in the helicopter.
Option 2: Fly & Cruise:
  • Combine a helicopter scenic flight to the reef with a return on the Quicksilver Wavepiercer Catamaran, offering a smooth ride control system and a comprehensive experience on the reef and its surroundings.
Option 3: Cruise & Fly:
  • Start your day with a catamaran ride to the reef and return to Port Douglas with a scenic helicopter flight, providing different perspectives of the reef.

Additional Details

Helicopter Capacity:
  • With only 3 - 7 seats available daily, early booking is essential to secure your spot.
Catering and Extras:
  • All helicopter and reef combo package tours include catering on the Quicksilver pontoon, and while optional extras like introductory scuba dives are available, they must be booked during the cruise segment.
Coach Transfers:
  • Return accommodation coach transfers are available from Cairns CBD & Northern Beaches & Port Douglas accommodation. Charges apply. See booking forms.
Port Douglas:

The Helicopter Company includes the following accommodation transfers.

  • Fly / Cruise: We will collect passengers from select port Douglas accommodation and bring to our Sheraton Mirage Helipad. Please note we do not offer the transfers back from Crystalbrook Marina to accommodation post Quicksilver cruise (MOW).
  • Cruise / Fly:  We will drop passengers from Sheraton Mirage Helipad back to select Port Douglas accommodation. Please note we do not collect guests from accommodation to go to Crystalbrook Marina for Quicksilver  cruise out to Agincourt Reef (MOW).
  • Fly / Fly: Return transfers to/from select Port Douglas accommodation are available.  Our Reservations team will confirm availability and timings at the time of booking.

For self-drive passengers ample parking is available in close proximity to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas.

This unique helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tour package from Port Douglas offers an extraordinary adventure that showcases the best of the reef and the surrounding rainforest. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, this tour provides a memorable perspective of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

See all helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo scenic flights in Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville and Whitsundays.

Read more details below.

Helicopter Ride From Port Douglas

We take off on a magnificent helicopter flight from the Mirage heli centre in Port Douglas and fly low over the coral reefs as your skilful helicopter pilot points out some of the wonders that are visible below in the glistening waters of the Great Barrier Reef such as the very popular Low Isles

After around 20-25 minutes your helicopter flight lands at Agincourt Reef, on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef and from here you join the Quicksilver Vessel and floating platform for a day full of in-water activities.

Our Port Douglas Helicopter flights to and from the Quicksilver platform depart from Port Douglas daily however you can still enjoy the Quicksilver platform helicopter scenic flights if you are staying in Cairns; it just means the first leg of your day trip will be an air-conditioned coach transfer (optional extra) along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, not a bad way to start your day with stunning views of the Coral Sea.

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Tour

Quicksilver interactive pontoon layson the outer reef and has facilities for both swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy the stunning reef world. Explore the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, scuba diving, helmet diving and other activities such as a ride around the reef a semi submersible submarine. For something a little more relaxing take a seat in the under water observatory and just look on at othe people participating in the underwater activities just beyond the perspex glass windows.

Helicopter Flights - Fly & Fly To/From Great Barrier Reef

Flying out and back from the amazing Agincourt Ribbon reef by helicopter is simply spectacular.

Traveling to the Quicksilver Outer Reef Platform, experience a scenic Helicopter flight over the lush, tropical Daintree Rainforest, flying over pure white sand cays and viewing the amazing kaleidoscope of colours which make the Great Barrier Reef.

Your helicopter landing is at Agincourt Reef, on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, join the Quicksilver Vessel and floating platform for a day of activities.

Re-board your Helicopter for a 20 - 25 minute return flight over the Great Barrier Reef back to Port Douglas.

Optional extras are not able to be booked on Fly Fly or Fly Cruise, all medical questionaires and safety briefings take place on the cruise out.

Helicopter Flights - Fly & Cruise

Flying low over the reef, the pilot will show you the wonders that live beneath the sea.

Landing at Agincourt Reef, on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, join the Quicksilver Vessel and floating platform for a day of activities.

Relax as you return to Port Douglas aboard the Wavepiercer Catamaran as you reflect on the magnificence of nature’s finest creation, the Agincourt Ribbon reef on Australia's Continental shelf.

Optional extras are not able to be booked on Fly Fly or Fly Cruise, all medical questionaires and safety briefings take place on the cruise out.

Great Barrier Reef Tour & Helicopter Flight

Cruise to Agincourt Reef on Quicksilver's Wavepiercing Catamaran to the multi level floating Platform at Agincourt Reef, on the very outer edge of the continental shelf.

Within the Cruise/Fly option you can try an Introductory Scuba Dive, Certified Dive or Ocean Walker.

For your trip home experience a scenic helicopter flight over pure white sand cays and see the amazing kaleidoscope of colours that is the Great Barrier Reef.

The helicopter pilot will show you the wonders that live beneath the sea, search for sea turtles; manta rays and dugong, and then fly over the lush, tropical Daintree Rainforest before returning to the vibrant village of Port Douglas.

This is one amazing Great Barrier Reef tour

See more Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter scenic flight options 

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time
  • Cruise/Fly: departs Port Douglas Marina 10:00am - departs pontoon/platform 2:45pm
  • Fly/Cruise: departs Port Douglas 11:10am - departs pontoon/platform 3pm - returns to Port Douglas Marina 4:30pm
  • Fly/Fly: departs Port Douglas 11:10am - departs pontoon/platform 2:45pm
Pickup Locations
  • Cairns
  • Cairns Northern Beaches
  • Palm Cove
  • Port Douglas
Destinations
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Agincourt Ribbon Reef
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Times are approximate

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Adventure Snorkel Tour | Advanced
  • Adventure Snorkel Tour | Introductory
  • Introductory dive
  • Certified Dive
  • Helmet Diving
  • Return accommodation transfers
Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions
  • Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
  • Guests body and luggage weight must be advised at time of booking. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee

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.

Intro Dive Medical Advanced Dive Medical Seawalker Medical

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information
  • All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed
  • Optional extras are not able to be booked on Fly Fly or Fly Cruise, all medical questionaires and safety briefings take place on the cruise out.
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cash or credit card for additional purchases
  • Light Jacket
  • Camera

Containes notes on wheelchair accessContaines notes for the visually impairedContaines notes for the hearing impaired
Wheelchair Accessibility

Ramp access to pier helipad

Scenic flights have no mobility restrictions (assistance from carer required for passengers with little or no mobility)

Ramp access from vessel to activities platform available

Ramp access from marina to vessel available

Number of Steps

Approx. 2 steps 1 foot (30cm) into aircraft~|~Glass Bottom Boat - negotiate 3 steps onto vessel.~|~Semi-submersible – negotiate 8 steep steps.~|~Snorkel Platform – chair lift & ramps, buoyancy jackets available.~|~Underwater Observatory – negotiate 21 steps.

Onboard Access

Disabled toilet facilities available on board the vessel with ramp access from platform

Visually Impaired Notes

Audio information available in English and Chinese with headsets

Announcements and commentary provided throughout the day

Facilities

1 x wheelchair accessible toilet located at the Cairns Heli Centre

Cargo storage for collapsible wheelchairs (size and dimensions dependant on helicopter)

Chair lift available at pontoon to lower passenger into water snorkelling/swimming

Additional Information

Heli Storage Hold ranges from 3.76 sqft to 0.55 sqft
Transfers

Only available for passengers who are able to negotiate 3 stairs and has collapsible wheelchair. The first step is approx. 300mm high.

Wheelchair taxis are available for pre booking

Pre-order Local Transport

You must arrange your own local transport in advance.

  • 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).

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:

  • Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim. No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
  • 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.
  • All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed.

Helicopter Ride & Reef Tour | Nautilus & Quicksilver

Tour Code: 554

Departing: Port Douglas

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas

Helicopter Flight & Pontoon Tour

From

au$480.00

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

Child: au$347.00
Family: au$1,654.00

Tour Code: 554

From

au$480.00

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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