4 Cairns Helicopter Tours Worth Flying For

1.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,003 reviews · 8h 30m · from $279Our pick

Spend a full day aboard the 35-metre Evolution, visiting Saxon and Hastings reefs for snorkelling or scuba. A 10-minute helicopter flight adds a sweeping view of the reef, while onboard guides, a BBQ lunch, and return wine make this a well-rounded Cairns outing.

“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Very well organised and staff very helpful and knowledgeable. The snorkelling was out of this world and the helicopter trip was sensational. Thank you all again for a fantastic day x”

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2.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 30 min · from $322

Take a shared 30-minute helicopter flight over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff, and Upolu Sand Cay. An English-speaking guide points out reef features and possible wildlife sightings, including turtles, sharks, manta rays, dolphins, dugong, and humpback whales from July to September.

“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.”

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3.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 10 Minute Helicopter

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 25 reviews · 7 hours · from $332

Spend seven hours with Great Adventures Reef & Island Cruises exploring the outer Great Barrier Reef from a spacious platform. Snorkel, ride a semi-submarine, enjoy lunch, and add a 10-minute helicopter flight. Pilot John has earned praise for making the aerial portion especially memorable.

“The price point for this activity was great! We enjoyed the boat ride out to pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. We booked the 10 Min Helicopter ride and highly recommend it! Our pilot, John, was exceptional. He was friendly and fun - the sights of the reef above were stunning. On the pontoon, you could snorkel or dive with the fish into the Great Barrier Reef. Highly recommend doing the semi submersible as well. The lunch buffet was decent, though if you don’t time it right, the food will be gone quickly. I just wish we had more time on the excursion!”

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4.Cairns: Outer Reef Pontoon, Island & Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 8h 30m · from $336

Spend a full day with Sunlover Reef Cruises exploring Moore Reef by helicopter, snorkel, glass-bottom boat, and semi-submersible, then relax on Fitzroy Island with buffet lunch, beaches, and self-guided walks. It is a busy but varied reef day for active visitors.

“Lots of inclusions. Plenty of snorkel/swim time. Lunch was good. Very informative and helpful crew. it was an amazing day.”

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