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.
In demand: 30 of the next 150 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 4.
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).
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 241 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
30 minute Reef Scenic Flight lasts about 30 min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $329 per person for this Cairns and the Tropical North experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
It can: 30 of the next 150 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 67 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Zoom Helicopters.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Amazing trip, once in a lifetime, would 100% recommend if visiting Cairns. The views were stunning and the pilot was knowledgeable about the reef and the Cairns area. The flight was smooth and felt very safe. The staff at reception were very friendly and accommodating.
The experience was great. The Croatian pilot was great and even landed on an island. Without a doubt an unforgettable experience
Amazing helicopter ride with a fantastic pilot Leo. Unfortunately we did not understand the parking situation which resulted in us getting a parking fine😭 We would definitely go again and recommend this to everyone!
This is a once in a lifetime and best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. It is worth the cost for the amazing and otherworldly views! Julio, our pilot, was not only skilled at flying but also a wealth of knowledge concerning the area. We felt very safe and at ease allowing us to enjoy the experience even more.
We did the 30-minute Reef Scenic Flight with our family and it was absolutely incredible. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air was something we’ll never forget. The colours of the reef and ocean were stunning, and the views were breathtaking from start to finish. The staff were friendly and professional, making us feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience. My wife, kids and I all loved it, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Cairns. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the reef, I highly recommend this scenic flight. It’s worth every cent and creates memories that will last a lifetime
Amazing I recommend it 100% all the team members were so nice and very professional. just go for it do not hesitate
Lio & Callum were very professional and welcoming !!! Thank you so much guys.
Wow!!!!!!! Terrified of helicopter flying for the first time? Well have no fear because zoom helicopter tours is here to save the day!!! Truly enjoyed this first time experience and would do it all over again, thank you so much for this once in a lifetime experience and to our pilot (who trained in New Zealand as a pilot) thank you so much!
Great and knowledgeable pilots and crew. Reasonable price for an unforgettable experience!
We had the most amazing experience with pilot Julio ( I hope we have spelled that correctly). We did not expect a private tour when we booked!! Our little helicopter (think Budgie) was all glass so 360° views! Green Island and the reefs were stunning, the colours blew us away but the landing on a sand bank in the middle of the reef was just the icing on the cake! From the welcome at the Zoom offices, to the professionalism, smooth flight, amazing knowledge and kind words, thank you Julio and the team for memories we WILL NEVER FORGET! Do not book with anyone else, this smaller company ensures your experience is unique and unforgettable
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight | 30 min | 5.0 (67) | $329 | |
 Magaliesberg Canopy Tour | 2 hours | 4.9 (1,174) | $55 | View |
 Full Day Pilanesberg Safari Adventure | 6 hours | 4.9 (173) | $130 | View |
 3-Hour Scheduled Safari Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park | 3 hours | 4.9 (133) | $58 | View |
 3-Hour Private Game Drive of Pilanesberg National Park | 3 hours | 4.5 (75) | $995 | View |
 3-Hour Private Game Drive in Pilanesberg National Park | 3 hours | 5.0 (48) | $406 | View |
 Half Day Lion and Safari Park Tour | 4 hours | 4.7 (38) | $120 | View |