30 minute Reef Scenic Flight
About this tour
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 Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays. Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
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Highlights
- ✓30 minute reef scenic flight
- ✓All Fees and Taxes
- ✓Informative, in-flight commentary
Itinerary
Stop 1
This 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife - sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).
Included
- ✓ 30 minute reef scenic flight
- ✓ All Fees and Taxes
- ✓ Informative, in-flight commentary
Not included
- ✕ Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional
- ✕ Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional
From
$322.17 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Cairns, Queensland
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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Read more reviews on Viator →Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Helicopter tours in Cairns, Queensland
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.
When's the best time to fly?
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 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.
Compare tours in Cairns, Queensland
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Landing | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minute Reef Scenic FlightThis tour | Duration varies | 5.0 (68) | N/A | From $322.17 | |
| 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight | 40 min | 4.9 (84) | N/A | From $405.48 | View → |
| Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour | 45 min | 4.8 (63) | N/A | From $472.51 | View → |
| 10 minute City Scenic Flight | 10 min | 5.0 (13) | N/A | From $131.23 | View → |
From
$322.17 USD
per person, price varies by group size & date
Check availabilityYou'll complete your booking securely on Viator
- ⏱ Duration varies
- 📍 Cairns, Queensland
As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are set and provided by Viator.
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Compare real-time prices and availability, then book securely through Viator.
From
$322.17 USD