• Experience Lady Elliot Island and the Great Barrier Reef from the Gold Coast, see the reef from both above and below with a spectacular scenic flight, guided snorkelling tour, and a glass-bottom boat ride.
• Snorkel the pristine, World Heritage-listed southern Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island and encounter an incredible array of marine life and seabirds—including turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even whales!
• Get up close with majestic humpback whales during their spectacular migration, from May to November!
• This is a truly unforgettable day tour to the Great Barrier Reef -scenic flight. lunch, snorkelling and the incredible marine and birdlife of eco-accredited Lady Elliot Island.

The absolute best tour on the Gold Coast. A visit to Lady Elliot Island is a must. Join a day trip to beautiful Lady Elliot Island, start your day with a breathtaking scenic flight from the Gold Coast, snorkelling with Mantaray, turtles, a myriad of marine life and corals.

What to Expect

Embark on a scenic flight from the Gold Coast for an unforgettable day trip to Lady Elliot Island - the crown jewel of the southern Great Barrier Reef. Accessible only by air, this eco-certified haven is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and vibrant marine ecosystem. Explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, with rare opportunities to encounter the majestic manta ray and the iconic Great Eight marine species—an absolute must for any Australian adventure.

The all-inclusive Lady Elliot Island Great Barrier Reef Day Tour from the Gold Coast is a one-of-a-kind experience in Australia. In a single unforgettable day, you’ll witness one of the most pristine sections of the Great Barrier Reef from the air, the surface, and beneath the waves.

Our Lady Elliot Island snorkelling tour begins with a pick-up from your Gold Coast hotel around 6:00 am, followed by a complimentary transfer to our private terminal. From there, you’ll board a scenic flight to the stunning coral cay of Lady Elliot Island. Known for its unspoilt coral reefs and vibrant marine life, Lady Elliot is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving spots on the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Gold Coast, North and South Stradbroke Islands, Moreton Island, and K’gari (Fraser Island). Upon arrival, your guide will lead a brief orientation tour of the island before escorting you to the Day Guest facilities to collect your snorkel gear.

Next, embark on a glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour, where you’ll marvel at a vibrant array of coral and brilliantly colored fish. There’s also the possibility of encountering turtles, dolphins, and the resident manta rays.

Enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch in the Beachfront Dining Room, with a selection of wine, beer, and soft drinks. After lunch, your guide will lead a fish feeding session at the Fish Pool. At 2:30 pm, you’ll board your scenic flight back to the Gold Coast, with the tour concluding around 4:30 pm and a return transfer to your hotel. A light breakfast and afternoon tea (water and biscuits) will be served on the Lady Elliot Island flight.

Features and Highlights

Enjoy Exclusive Access and Stunning Aerial Views with Our Scenic Flights to Lady Elliot Island from the Gold Coast.

• Exclusive Air Access: Lady Elliot Island is only accessible by scenic flights, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and adventure to your Great Barrier Reef tour. 
• Flight Schedule: Check in 6.15am - Depart 6.45am - Depart Lady Elliot Island at 2.30pm - Return 4.30pm (120-minute flight)

This all-inclusive scenic flight and snorkeling tour from the Gold Coast to Lady Elliot Island immerses you in the breathtaking marine environment of the Great Barrier Reef. With a thoughtfully curated itinerary that highlights the best of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, you’ll experience the reef in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all logistics handled - from scenic flights to guided tours and exquisite meals—ensuring a seamless and memorable adventure.

See all scenic flights on the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef.

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

Wildlife Encounters & Environmental Protection

Biodiversity Hotspot: 

Lady Elliot Island is nestled within a 'Green Zone' of the Great Barrier Reef, a protected area home to over 1,200 species of marine life, including majestic manta rays, sea turtles, and a diverse range of seabirds.

Conservation Area: 

As a highly protected zone, the island's status ensures the preservation and thriving of its unique ecosystems, offering visitors an authentic, unspoiled nature experience.

Lady Elliot Island Guided Tours & Activities

Welcome & Orientation:

Your adventure begins with a refreshing welcome drink followed by a brief orientation tour, ensuring you’re well-prepared to explore the island.

Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tours: 

Dive into the vibrant underwater world with guided snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, offering up-close encounters with colorful fish, stunning coral formations, and marine life.

Island Activities: 

Enjoy a variety of activities, including fish feeding displays, guided reef walks, or simply relax and snorkel at your leisure along the island’s scenic beaches.

Day Tour - Included Meals

Buffet Lunch: 

Indulge in a delicious hot and cold buffet lunch at the island’s restaurant, the perfect way to refuel after a morning of exploration, with a variety of fresh and satisfying options to choose from.

Seasonal Whale Watching - Lady Elliot Island

Humpback Whale Sightings: 

From May to November, experience the awe-inspiring migration of humpback whales - an incredible spectacle of nature that you won't want to miss.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Gold Coast

Departure Time

Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Scenic Flight Departure: 6:45am / Depart Lady Elliot Island 2:30pm - 120 minute flight time

Departure Instructions

• Check-in opens: 50 minutes before flight
• Check-in closes: 20 minutes before flight

Destinations

Lady Elliot Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Operates Daily – except Christmas Day (25 December)

Duration

Full Day - with approximately 5 hours to explore Lady Elliot Island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Lockers available for hire
• Souvenirs

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

Luggage Limit – Small backpack (max 4kg) or personal items e.g., Handbag/purse, tablet or laptop in thin case, camera, coat/wrap. Items must be carried on the lap or put in the baggage compartment as there are no overhead lockers and there is no stowage facility under the seats.

Eco Certifications

• LUGGAGE LIMIT: Small backpack (max 4kg) or personal items e.g. handbags/purse, tablet or laptop in a thin case, camera, coat/wrap. Items must be carried on the lap or put in the baggage compartment as there are no overhead lockers and there is no storage facility under the seats
• Swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes/crocs, hat, sunscreen and camera
• Reef walking shoes (covered toes)/crocs are highly recommended (reef walking shoes available on the island)

Infant 0 - 2 years free of charge but must be booked in