Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns

Fly and cruise the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. You'll take a scenic helicopter tour from Cairns over the stunning Great Barrier Reef, then cruise, snorkel and dive the reef. You'll have unforgettable aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef's coral and marine life, and enjoy lunch on the water.

Your scenic flight takes you to the Hastings Reef floating helicopter pad, from where you'll be transferred to a sleek 100-foot (30-meter), high-speed vessel. After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to go snorkeling and take a coral-viewing tour in a semi-submersible submarine.

There are many options to choose from on this tour. The fly and cruise options are as follows:

Roundtrip Helicopter Reef Tour: The ultimate day! You will fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, enjoy lunch and two hours of snorkeling, swimming, diving and taking the semi-submersible coral-viewing tour, then depart by helicopter for Cairns.

Helicopter-Cruise Reef Tour: Fly by helicopter to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, enjoy lunch and two hours of snorkeling, swimming, diving and taking the semi-submersible coral-viewing tour, then cruise back to Cairns.

Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour: Cruise to Hastings Reef and stop on the way at two spectacular locations (either Norman Reef or Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef). After a barbecue lunch and spending time at the reef as above, you'll be transferred to the helicopter pad for your return flight to Cairns.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

• Roundtrip Helicopter Reef Tour and Helicopter-Cruise Reef Tour: General Aviation at the Cairns Airport
• Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour: Marlin Jetty, Marlin Marina, Cairns

Departure Time:

• Roundtrip Helicopter Reef Tour and Helicopter-Cruise Reef Tour departs at 1:00pm
• Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour departs at 8:30am

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• BBQ lunch (Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour option only)
• Free guided snorkeling tour
• Free scuba diving demonstration
• Semi-submersible tour
• Use of snorkel equipment
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Hotel transfers:
Hotel transfers are available for an additional cost, payable direct to the driver on the day of travel. Round-trip hotel transfer costs are as follows:

Cairns city: AUD$16 per person
Trinity Beach and Smithfield: AUD$24 per person (minimum 2 passengers)
Palm Cove/Clifton Beach/Kewarra Beach: AUD$25 per person (minimum 2 passengers)
Trinity Beach and Smithfield: AUD$24 per person (minimum 2 passengers)

From April 01, 2010 hotel pickup and drop off will be included from centrally located Cairns city, Palm Cove and Northern Beaches hotels. Out of town transfers are at an additional cost, payable direct on board to the driver at the time of travel. Ellis Beach $30pp return, Turtle Cove $50pp return, Port Douglas $53pp return

Exclusions:

• Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), payable direct: $10 per person on the Helicopter-Cruise Reef Tour or Roundtrip Helicopter Reef Tour options, $20 per person on the Cruise-Helicopter Reef Tour option
• Optional video record of your tour, payable direct, AUD$30.00
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop off (payable direct)
• Optional Introductory or Certified Dives, payable direct on travel date

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking
• Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 110kg will be required to pay an extra 50% of an additional seat
• There is a maximum of 6 passengers permitted per helicopter
• Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive
• Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor

Itinerary:

There are a range of activities available on the boat, both included activities and optional activities. The optional activities are to be booked and paid direct.

Snorkeling:

• Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling equipment is included and easy access to the water is available from lowered platforms. You are invited to join a FREE guided tour, to get the most out of your snorkeling experience. Included Activity.

Introductory Dive:

• It's fun, it's easy, with professional dive instructors who can take you on your first dive. All equipment is included. Try a FREE Scuba Lesson which takes approximately 10 minutes. Please note that some medical conditions and medications may preclude you from diving. Minimum age for diving is 12 years and a parent or guardian must sign a release form if aged between 12 and 18 years. Optional Activity. (Additional charge)

Certified Diving:

• You are taken to two outer reef diving locations. All equipment is included. Some medical conditions and medications may preclude passengers from scuba diving and divers MUST be certified. Certified divers must show a 'C' card. Optional Activity. (Additional charge)

Semi Submersible Reef Tour:

• From the comfort of a semi-submersible, you are able to view the spectacular coral formations and the masses of brilliantly colored fish, without getting wet! A full reef commentary is provided, along with a specially designed scenic reef excursion, as you travel below water level to enable you a diver's view of the best parts of the Great Barrier Reef. This tour takes approximately 30mins, however the duration depends on weather conditions. Included Activity.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.