40 minute Reef Scenic Flight
About this tour
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 Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet. The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.
Check availability for this tour →
Highlights
- ✓40 minute reef scenic flight
- ✓All Fees and Taxes
- ✓Informative, in-flight commentary
Itinerary
Stop 1
A fabulous scenic helicopter flight. In forty minutes, we’ll go beyond the inner reef, to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. The additional time allows us to explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage listed icon.
Included
- ✓ 40 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
$405.48 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.
Traveler reviews
Loading reviews...
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 minute Reef Scenic FlightThis tour | Duration varies | 4.9 (84) | N/A | From $405.48 | |
| 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight | 30 min | 5.0 (68) | N/A | From $322.17 | 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
$405.48 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.
You might also like
Cairns, Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Tour and Scenic Helicopter Flight
From Cairns, cruise by fast catamaran to an Outer Reef activity platform for snorkeling, reef viewing from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible, and a scenic helicopter flight. Swimmers and non-swimmers can enj
Duration varies · Free cancellation
From $358.27 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
Duration varies · Free cancellation
From $322.17 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
Duration varies · Free cancellation
From $472.51 USD
More helicopter tours in Cairns, Queensland
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 $322.17 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 $472.51 USD
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 $131.23 USD
See Cairns from above
Compare real-time prices and availability, then book securely through Viator.
From
$405.48 USD