Helicopter tours in Cairns, Australia
Cairns is the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, two of Australia's most iconic landscapes sitting almost next to each other, which is what makes it one of the few places where a single helicopter flight can take in coral reef, rainforest canopy, and waterfalls in one trip.
10 helicopter tours in Cairns, hand-picked and bookable in minutes.
Rated 4.9 from 302 traveler reviews across our listed tours.
Dry season, clearest reef views
May to October
Wet season, storm risk
November to April
Cairns, Queensland
10 minute City Scenic Flight
The most affordable way to get the thrill of a helicopter scenic flight over the beautiful city of Cairns.
10 min
From $135.1 USD
Cairns, Queensland
60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight
This 60-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is also known as the "pilots favourite". It takes in all the sights from every single one of our shorter duration flights and delivers them in a package that cannot be matched
1 hr
From $628.31 USD
Cairns, Queensland
30 minute Rainforest Scenic Flight
Extend your Cairns rainforest scenic helicopter flight to 30 minutes and we start this experience by climbing quickly with a clearance to 2,500 ft over the City of Cairns headed West for the Great Dividing Range. Ascendi
30 min
From $331.67 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Fly in and Fly out Great Barrier Reef Cairns Day Tour
A truly VIP experience, discover one of the great natural wonders of the world with a roundtrip helicopter scenic flight and a day at the Reef Cruises’ pontoon! Snorkel, Scuba Dive, visit the Underwater Observatory, wi
5.5 hrs
From $1393.87 USD
Cairns, Queensland
30 minute Reef Scenic Flight
This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yar
30 min
From $331.67 USD
Cairns, Queensland
40 minute Reef Scenic Flight
This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green
40 min
From $417.45 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour
Fly high over the Barron Gorge and stunning rainforest canopies before heading over magnificent sights such as the Great Barrier Reef, it's spectacular islands and sand cays. This 45-minute helicopter flight allows one t
45 min
From $486.45 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour from Cairns
Experience the sheer size and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This flight includes views of beautiful Green Island and Fitzroy Island and on
1 hr
From $350.46 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
For a once in a lifetime experience, combine your scenic flight with an exclusive getaway to your own piece of paradise. Feel the thrill of flying over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing on Vlasoff Cay (ex
3.5 hrs
From $867.85 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter
Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Sunlover’s unique Moore Reef helicopter experiences. Choose to fly out to the reef, fly back to Cairns, fly both ways, or add a scenic helicopter flight at the
5 hrs to 8 hrs
From $362.41 USD
Ways to see Cairns by helicopter
Reef scenic flight
Flies out over the Great Barrier Reef's coral formations and sandy cays, with no landing.
Reef and rainforest combo flight
Adds the Daintree Rainforest, Barron Gorge, and its waterfalls to the reef route for a longer, more varied flight.
Getting there: Most tours depart from Cairns Airport or a heliport near the Cairns waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best time to fly in Cairns?
The dry season (May to October) brings the clearest skies and calmest water for reef visibility. The wet season (November to April) is hotter and more humid with a higher chance of tropical storms, which can ground flights with little notice.
What should I bring?
Light, breathable clothing and sun protection year round, plus polarized sunglasses if you want the reef's colors to show clearly through the water.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Like most operators, tours in Cairns have standard weight and balance limits (you may be asked your weight when booking or checking in), and pilots will delay or reschedule rather than fly in unsafe wind, low visibility, or storms. Booking a tour with free cancellation means a weather delay won't cost you anything.
How much do helicopter tours in Cairns cost?
Prices vary by route, duration, and whether the tour includes a landing, but tours in Cairns currently start from around $135.1. Longer routes, private charters, and landing tours cost more.
Can I cancel or reschedule if my plans change?
Many tours listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, shown as a badge on each listing. Weather-related delays and cancellations are handled directly by the operator through Viator's booking system, and a tour booked with free cancellation won't cost you anything if it needs to be rescheduled.
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Guides for planning your trip
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