Great Barrier Reef Airplane Tours | Scenic Flights & Aerial Views

Airplane Tours

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From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

40 min.

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

Inclusions #

40-minute flight over Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Expert pilot/guide
Headsets
Window seats

Tip: Keep an eye out for marine life during your flight; this is one of the few places where you can spot dugongs, manta rays, and green turtles from above!
The experience is restricted for guests weighing more than 115kg.
This tour can accommodate a maximum of 7 people on the flight.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sightseeing Cruises

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Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise with Scenic Heli-Flight and Lunch

7:15am to 7.45am: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal - 1
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns for the first reef location
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at the second reef location where you will take to the sky for your scenic helicopter flight
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr. 30 min.

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

7:15am to 7.45am: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal - 1
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns for the first reef location
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at the second reef location where you will take to the sky for your scenic helicopter flight
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns

Inclusions #

Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns Terminal
Round-trip superyacht transfers from Cairns to 2 reef sites (North Hastings & Saxon or Norman)
8-hour cruise with 5 hours on the reef
10-minute scenic flight from Hastings Reef
Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits
Guides/captains
Chef-prepared BBQ lunch with fish, prawns, steak, salads, breads (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options available)
Tea/coffee/mini-muffins
1 glass of wine and light snack on return journey
Choice of snorkeling tour or introductory dive (based on option selected)
Onboard bar available (additional drinks at own cost)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided Tours

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Cairns to Fitzroy Island Half Day Cruise

Tip: For the best chance to spot turtles and reef sharks, look between the jetty and the large white rock to your far left as you walk towards the island's interior.
Due to island restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Safety is a priority, so the Snorkel Safari is restricted for guests aged under 6 years.
While the ferry is accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers, some walk,s including the one to Nudey Beach, can be steep and not suitable.
The glass-bottom boat tour is not accessible by wheelchair.
Children aged under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Surf lifesavers do not monitor or patrol the beaches on Fitzroy Island.
The picnic lunch can be catered to various dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Guests who book lunch should contact the company to confirm their lunch order at least 24 hours before departure.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr. 30 min. - 4 hr. 15 min.

Transfers available

Tip: For the best chance to spot turtles and reef sharks, look between the jetty and the large white rock to your far left as you walk towards the island's interior.
Due to island restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Safety is a priority, so the Snorkel Safari is restricted for guests aged under 6 years.
While the ferry is accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers, some walk,s including the one to Nudey Beach, can be steep and not suitable.
The glass-bottom boat tour is not accessible by wheelchair.
Children aged under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Surf lifesavers do not monitor or patrol the beaches on Fitzroy Island.
The picnic lunch can be catered to various dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Guests who book lunch should contact the company to confirm their lunch order at least 24 hours before departure.

Inclusions #

Half-day trip to Fitzroy Island
Round-trip ferry transfers from Cairns
Up to 2 hours on Fitzroy Island
Self-guided walk of National Park
Picnic lunch (menu here) (if option selected)
Guided glass-bottomed boat tour (if option selected)
Snorkel Safari with marine biologist (if option selected)
Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits, and flotation vests (if option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Not sure which scenic flight to choose?

You can choose between small plane tours and helicopter tours. Plane tours are longer, offering extended views of the reef, but come with fewer upgrade options. Helicopter tours are shorter, but often include a cruise and additional upgrades, giving you a more complete reef experience. Pick the experience that fits your adventure style.

Helicopter cockpit view of Heron Island and Great Barrier Reef waters.

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Sightseeing Cruises

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Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Reef Magic

Tip: Keep an eye out for the world's largest coral reef, which can be best observed from the spacious sundeck.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Certain medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or specific medications may exclude individuals from diving.
Safety is a priority, so the diving experience is restricted for children under 12 years.
A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years.
After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying depending on the depths of dives and accrued dive time.
Helicopters for scenic flights have maximum weight limits to ensure safety. Here’s a quick guide: 3-seat: 240 kg (529 lbs), 4-seat: 320 kg (705 lbs), and 6-seat: 490 kg (1,080 lbs).

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr. - 9 hr.

Pickup available

Meals included

Tip: Keep an eye out for the world's largest coral reef, which can be best observed from the spacious sundeck.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Certain medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or specific medications may exclude individuals from diving.
Safety is a priority, so the diving experience is restricted for children under 12 years.
A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years.
After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying depending on the depths of dives and accrued dive time.
Helicopters for scenic flights have maximum weight limits to ensure safety. Here’s a quick guide: 3-seat: 240 kg (529 lbs), 4-seat: 320 kg (705 lbs), and 6-seat: 490 kg (1,080 lbs).

Inclusions #

Full-day tour to Reef Magic Pontoon from Cairns
5 hours at reef activity pontoon
Snorkelling equipment with safety instructions
Lycra suit and wetsuit
Buffet lunch (menu here)
Morning and afternoon tea
Tea, coffee, and drinking water
Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)
Introductory dive (if option selected)
Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tour with commentary
Fish feeding and Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation
Sundeck, fresh water showers, and changing rooms
Underwater reef viewing observatory
Infants’ safety swimming enclosure

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sightseeing Cruises

NEW

#Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

See the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders without getting wet with a glass-bottom boat tour.

Everything you get: Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran, snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route, 30-minute glass bottom boat tour with expert commentary, self-guided island walks, and up to 5 hours (full day) or 2 hours (half day) to explore Green Island’s beaches and boardwalks.
Why choose this: This customizable tour is perfect for families, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking a laid-back adventure.
Upgrades: Choose the full-day cruise for 5 hours on Green Island or the half-day cruise for a shorter 2-hour visit.

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Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4 hr. - 8 hr.

See the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders without getting wet with a glass-bottom boat tour.

Everything you get: Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran, snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route, 30-minute glass bottom boat tour with expert commentary, self-guided island walks, and up to 5 hours (full day) or 2 hours (half day) to explore Green Island’s beaches and boardwalks.
Why choose this: This customizable tour is perfect for families, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking a laid-back adventure.
Upgrades: Choose the full-day cruise for 5 hours on Green Island or the half-day cruise for a shorter 2-hour visit.

Inclusions #

Full or half-day cruise to Green Island (based on option selected)
Stay on Green Island for 2 or 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails (based on option selected)
30-minute glass-bottom boat tour
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island
Self-guided walk on island trails

Exclusions #

Optional activities such as snorkel gear hire, guided snorkel safari, semi-submarine tour
Introductory and certified scuba dives

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
Bring extra cash or a credit card for onboard purchases and optional activities.

What’s not allowed

Electric wheelchairs are not permitted on vessels or coaches.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on board.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access is limited. Only standard wheelchairs are permitted; electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on vessels or coaches.
Bathrooms on the boat are not wheelchair accessible, but accessible facilities are available on Green Island.

Additional information

Check-in starts at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Boarding starts at 8:15am, with final boarding at 8:45am for a 9:00am departure.
Return hotel transfers are not included but can be booked for an additional fee.
Optional activities and meals must be prebooked for catering purposes.
Scuba diving is only available for guests aged 12 and above, subject to a medical questionnaire. Guests under 18 require parental or guardian permission.
Flotation vests are available for hire for non-swimmers and children.
The experience is suitable for families with young children and non-swimmers.
Please swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach for your safety.
The tour operates in most weather conditions; in the event of severe weather, you will be contacted regarding changes or cancellations.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Things to know before booking a Great Barrier Reef flight tour

Most reef flights depart from Cairns, the main hub for Great Barrier Reef air tours.

Expect to pay from AU$229 for a short 30 to 40-minute flight. Fly & cruise combos (full day) start around AU$395 and include snorkeling, diving, or luxury catering.

Stand-alone scenic flights last 30–40 minutes, perfect for a quick hit of reef magic. Combo tours run all day, mixing aerial views with time on the water.

If you also want to get in the water, book a cruise & helicopter flight tour. It’s the best of both worlds, soaring over the reef and exploring it up close.

Passenger weights are required at booking. Most operators have a 115–130 kg limit per passenger. All seats are window seats for uninterrupted views.

Many operators can accommodate wheelchair users with prior notice, but aircraft access often involves a moderate step-up. Always check before booking.

From tours to tickets, our Great Barrier Reef booking guide has everything you need to know.

Frequently asked questions about Great Barrier Reef scenic flight tours

Is the flight scary for first-timers?

No, flights are smooth and pilots are experienced. A great option for those avoiding boats.

What’s the difference between 40-min and 60-min flights?

A 60-minute flight covers a significantly larger area, often extending further out to the pristine outer reefs or including more diverse reef systems and islands, offering more comprehensive views compared to a 40-minute flight, which focuses on a more concentrated area.

Are flights canceled if cloudy?

Flights will be canceled if heavy or low cloud cover significantly obstructs views of the reef. Light, scattered clouds generally do not lead to cancellations, but the operator makes the final decision based on safety and visibility.

Can I bring a large camera or drone?

You can bring a large camera, but be mindful of bag size and weight limits. Drones are strictly prohibited on scenic flights and within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park without specific permits due to safety and environmental regulations.

Is the flight tour worth it if I get seasick?

Absolutely! A scenic flight is often the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef for those prone to seasickness, as it completely avoids the motion of a boat. The flight is generally smooth and provides unparalleled views from above.

How soon should I book in high season?

During high season (typically May to October), it's highly recommended to book your Great Barrier Reef scenic flight at least 2-4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially for popular helicopter tours or fly+cruise combos.

Are flights wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies. While operators strive to accommodate, small aircraft and helicopters may require passengers to navigate a few steps. It's essential to check before booking to see specific requirements and confirm arrangements.

How far can I see from the helicopter?

From a helicopter, you can see a vast expanse of the reef, stretching to the horizon. The incredible clarity of the water allows you to see marine life and coral formations directly below and far out in the distance, offering a comprehensive aerial perspective.

What’s the most photogenic reef/island from the air?

While many sections are stunning, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Cay are incredibly photogenic from the air due to their pristine white sands surrounded by vibrant blues. From Port Douglas, Agincourt Reef and the Low Isles are particularly striking. The patterns of the outer ribbon reefs are also visually spectacular.