Australia · SCENIC FLIGHTS IN CAIRNS
Good scenic flights in Cairns fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
See the Great Barrier Reef from above on a 40-minute Cairns flight with pilot commentary, reef views, and a chance to spot whales and turtles.
“Unbelievable!! The view was amazing.🤩 Our pilot, Sean, explained everything to us and made sure that everyone had a good view.”
Review of Cairns’ Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkeling, scuba, BBQ lunch, and a scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef.
“Lovely trip out to the great barrier reef. we thought the crew were very warm, entertaining and welcoming. they looked after everyone well. it was also very well-run so we didn't have to wait around for equipment at all. lunch and other snacks provided were tasty and plentiful. can't fault the tour at all! just be wary in wet season that some of the visibility of the reef is murky and high winds can cause the helicopter flight to be cancelled. we didn't get to experience it, sadly, so can't comment on that part of the trip.”
Review of Cairns’ full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise with two reef sites, BBQ lunch, snorkeling, scuba options, and a 10-minute helicopter flight.
“Amazing experience to see the GBR close up. The crew were amazing throughout the day and safety was always a paramount concern that they handled so well”
Review of Cairns’ 40-minute Reef Hopper flight, with reef views, window seats, pilot commentary, price advice, and practical booking tips.
“amazing experience to see the reef from above. Great pilot and organised experience. The pilot took our pictures after the flight.”
See Cairns, Green Island, Vlasoff Cay, and the outer Great Barrier Reef from a small helicopter on this 40-minute scenic flight.
“Environmentally unique. Staff went beyond duties to cover needs Brilliant photos. ooooooooooooooooooooooo”
See the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest from a shared helicopter flight over Port Douglas, with pilot commentary and hotel transfers.
“Mark our pilot was excellent, checkin was so easy with the staff,very friendly,the views are amazing,we went for a half hour trip but would definitely be looking doing the hour trip,a must do for sure .”
Fly from Cairns over Barron Gorge, waterfalls, Green Island, Arlington Reef, and the Great Barrier Reef on a 45-minute helicopter tour.
“The ride was amazing, the helicopter was not full and everyone had a window to see. Very nice pilotsAuto-translated”
See Green Island, Arlington Reef, marine life, and Cairns from above on a private 30-minute helicopter flight with expert commentary.
“From the moment we booked this trip, so far away from home, Chris helped us realize our dream of seeing the Great Barrier Reef. He was both professional and personable. He gave us details of the environment and the joy of seeing this natural wonder. We were able to see dolphin and turtles and the information he gave us helped make the trip memorable. We highly recommend Zoom Helicopter and Chris Cooper for your consideration when planning your trip to Cairns. You can tell he loves what he does and he loves sharing it with others. Two thumbs up!”
See Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff, and Upolu Sand Cay on a 30-minute helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
“Incredibly satisfying! Saw reef by glass bottom boat and semi submersible after and the helicopter was by far the most amazing experience. Not cheap but worth every penny.”
Review of Nautilus Aviation’s 30-minute Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour from Cairns, with tips on views, price, timing, weather, and value.
“A first class outstanding tour with a company who deserve to be commended not only for the high quality of the service they provide but for also going out of their way, at their own expense, to make the experience unforgettable for their clients. I cannot praise them enough. The helicopter ride was breath- taking with spectacular views and the highlight of our Great Barrier Reef cruise. We were picked up from our cruise ship by taxi, the whole trip was clearly explained and throughout the ride we were able to request closer views, ask questions etc. Wonderful! Whilst waiting to board we asked the receptionist if she could possibly…”
Review of Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef cruise with semi-submarine, snorkeling, buffet lunch, and a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.
“All crew members were very nice and polite. For the time you will spend on platform is enough of activities to enjoy your day. Flight is definitely one of the best parts (if not the best). On the boat they have tablets for motion sickness.”
Review of Cairns’ 45-minute helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Barron Falls, Kuranda, and Wet Tropics Rainforest.
“Great, the staff was really nice. Good value for money Just wished the guided would have given a bit more explanation on the way”
Fly above the Great Barrier Reef, land on a remote sand cay, snorkel, and enjoy a gourmet picnic with sparkling wine.
“Amazing!! We ended up on Turtle beach, had our breakfast there and went snorkeling a bit. It was super nice and relaxing. The pilot was great and amazing she took us for a tour around the reef, just beautiful.”
Reef days, coast roads, wine country and the red centre.
