Nothing prepares you for the reef’s scale until you see it from the air, which is exactly what every flight on this list is for. Most loop over Green Island, Arlington Reef and a sand cay or two in 30 to 60 minutes. Morning flights tend to get glassier water and truer colour.
Experience stunning aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a 40-minute scenic flight from Cairns, with expert commentary and potential whale sightings.
Most Popular★ 4.9“Nothing it was amazing. I was totally out of my comfort zone on this small plane and was dreading it but the views are amazing and flight was smooth. Sean was our pilot he gave us commentary on the area. Could not fault it. One…”
★★★★★★★★★★
2,912 reviews40 minFrom $169by Air Tours Australia
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Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before with a thrilling cruise and scenic helicopter flight in Cairns. Don't miss out, click now!
★ 4.7“The adventure was fabulous and the crew worked hard to ensure everyone had an awesome trip. I would do over and over! Thanks Down Under, great work!!”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,003 reviews8.5 hoursFrom $279by Down Under Cruise and Dive
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Experience the ultimate adventure in 2023 with a full-day cruise, scuba diving, and helicopter ride to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore Cairns & the Tropical North like never before!
★ 4.5“Amazing trip - stunning reefs, incredible helicopter ride and amazing staff. The whole crew is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, they make ir super fun but you can also tell how serious they are about keeping everyone safe and lookiRead more”
★★★★★★★★★★
340 reviewsFrom $283.31by Down Under Cruise and Dive
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above. Join us on a 40-minute scenic flight and see this natural wonder like never before.
★ 4.5“It was an unforgettable experience. I have videos and photos that I'll cherish forever. The experience was well-organized, and the airport transfer was truly convenient. The views were breathtaking, and the staff were knowledgeable and courteous.”
★★★★★★★★★★
207 reviewsFrom $185.77by GSL Aviation
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above with our Outer Reef Odyssey scenic flight. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!
★ 5.0“Haley moved our tour in the afternoon and we ended up having the helicopter to ourselves! What a way to see the reef up in the air. We spotted sharks, sting rays, manta ray and turtles. We took this tour because my spouse gets motion…”
★★★★★★★★★★
73 reviewsFrom $376.55by Zoom Helicopters
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of Port Douglas from above with our scenic flights. Discover stunning views and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book now!
★ 5.0“It was an amazing and humbling experience to feel like a tiny bug flying over the magnificent swathes of water with varying shades of blue; and to see the vastness of the reef. I was in awe of the beauty and strength of nature; and…”
★★★★★★★★★★
63 reviewsFrom $326.35by Nautilus Aviation
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest from a whole new perspective. Join our 45-minute helicopter tour today and soar above paradise!
★ 5.0“This was a thrilling experience. The aircraft was new and modern. Seeing the reef from the air was amazing. We got to see several reefs and islands before going to the rain forest. Definitely worth the money. Highly recommend.”
★★★★★★★★★★
59 reviewsFrom $451.29by Nautilus Aviation
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Barrier Reef from a whole new perspective. Join us for an unforgettable private helicopter flight over Cairns & the Tropical North.
★ 5.0“Wow wow wow….. so incredible!! The owner was amazing! They were sooo flat out with a cruise ship coming in.. we weren’t treated as a number, we were a guest and the hospitality was outstanding! The view from the helicopter is breathtaking, nothing like we…”
★★★★★★★★★★
52 reviewsFrom $297.66by Zoom Helicopters
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above with our 30-minute scenic helicopter tour. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!
★ 4.5“What a fantastic way to experience The Great Barrier Reef. Our pilot, Noel helped make the flight one to remember. Check-in staff was friendly and even took our group photo after the flight.”
★★★★★★★★★★
36 reviewsFrom $328.54by Nautilus Aviation
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Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with a scenic helicopter flight, snorkeling, semi-submarine tour, and a buffet lunch—all in one unforgettable day.
★ 4.6“Absolutely fantastic”
★★★★★★★★★★
25 reviews7 hoursFrom $332by Great Adventures Reef & Island Cruises
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Experience the ultimate luxury with a private helicopter tour, snorkel in stunning Reef Island waters, and indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch. Unforgettable adventure awaits!
★ 4.5“I definitely recommend this trip to anyone - great experience with a very friendly and knowledgable pilot.”
★★★★★★★★★★
22 reviewsFrom $833.98by Nautilus Aviation
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Experience Cairns' highlights from above with a 45-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, offering unforgettable views.
★ 4.8“Great, the staff was really nice. Good value for money Just wished the guided would have given a bit more explanation on the way”
★★★★★★★★★★
22 reviews45 minFrom $442by Nautilus Aviation Pty Ltd
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Experience the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day cruise on a stylish catamaran, snorkel, and enjoy a scenic 10-minute helicopter flight—perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
★ 4.7“We didn’t see anything particularly different while snorkelling but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We thought it was very well organised and put together. Lunch was poor.”
★★★★★★★★★★
18 reviews7 hoursFrom $348by Quicksilver Cruises
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Discover the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day Cairns tour featuring a helicopter flight, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, and Fitzroy Island’s beaches and trails.
★ 4.5“Lots of inclusions. Plenty of snorkel/swim time. Lunch was good. Very informative and helpful crew. it was an amazing day.”
★★★★★★★★★★
14 reviews8.5 hoursFrom $336by Sunlover Reef Cruises
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Lift off on a thrilling aerial escapade over Cairns, revealing unseen treasures in just 10 minutes - what secrets lie beyond the horizon?
“I bought the zoom 10min flight due to affordability....my son rode shot gun with the pilot.it was amazing having this opportunity.the pilot was very smooth flying.extemely enjoyed.......thankyou.xxxxxx”
★★★★★★★★★★
13 reviewsFrom $125.52by Zoom Helicopters
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