Cairns is one of Australia’s most vibrant gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s also a hotspot for helicopter flights and tours. The city’s strategic location on the coast makes it easy to combine soaring views with underwater adventures—perfect for travelers who want more than just a boat ride. Whether you’re after a quick aerial glimpse or a full-day reef experience with helicopter highlights, Cairns offers options tailored to different interests and schedules. We’ve picked out five of the best tours, each with its own appeal. For example, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight combines a luxurious cruise with a 10-minute helicopter ride, giving you both a relaxing day and stunning aerial views. Meanwhile, the 30-minute helicopter flight offers a quick, breathtaking overview of Green Island and Arlington Reef, perfect for travelers with limited time.
If you’re interested in a seamless trip that includes snorkeling, a pontoon visit, and a helicopter flight, the Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Pontoon, Travel by Helicopter is a smart choice. For a mix of island relaxation and reef exploration, the Moore Reef, Fitzroy Island Tour with Helicopter hits all the right notes, especially with its combination of helicopter sightseeing, snorkeling, and island leisure. Lastly, if your focus is on a shorter, family-friendly experience that still delivers stunning visuals, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 10 Minute Helicopter offers a well-rounded taste of everything.
- 1. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight
- 2. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
- 3. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Pontoon, Travel by Helicopter
- 4. From Cairns: Moore Reef, Fitzroy Island Tour with Helicopter
- 5. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 10 Minute Helicopter
- How to Choose the Best Helicopter & Reef Tour for You
1. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight
At number 1 on our list, this full-day adventure combines cruising on a state-of-the-art 35-meter yacht with snorkeling, diving, and a scenic helicopter flight. The tour starts with a convenient check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, from where you’ll cruise for around 80 minutes to the Outer Great Barrier Reef—a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its vibrant coral and marine life. Once at Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel or scuba dive, with options for beginners and experienced divers alike.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of luxury and variety. The yacht’s three spacious decks, sun lounges, and complimentary wine and cheese create a relaxing environment after your reef activities. The highlight is the 10-minute helicopter flight, which soars over the reef, providing a perspective that photos can’t fully capture. Guests often comment on how this aerial experience transforms their understanding of the reef’s size and beauty—”it’s like seeing a living postcard,” one review states.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of reef exploration combined with a scenic highlight. It’s a good value considering the length and inclusions, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day and a mix of water activities and relaxation.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, all-in-one reef experience with a touch of luxury and aerial views, this tour is tough to beat.
2. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
For those short on time but eager to see the reef from above, the 30-minute helicopter flight offers an unbeatable snapshot of the Great Barrier Reef. This tour takes you over Green Island, Arlington Reef, and Vlasoff, giving you a bird’s-eye view of iconic reef features. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick but memorable experience, or those with limited availability for longer tours.
One of the best parts is how accessible this tour is—it’s a simple way to get stunning aerial photos and see the reef’s vast scale without committing a full day. It’s perfect as an add-on to a day of exploring Cairns or other activities. The reviews highlight the impressive views in just half an hour, with many noting this as a highlight of their trip.
Since it’s a shorter flight, it doesn’t include underwater activities, but it compensates with a panoramic perspective that many say is “worth every penny for the view alone.” The experience is best suited for travelers who want a quick overview, photography enthusiasts, or flight-curious visitors.
Bottom line: If you’re after a short, scenic flight that packs a visual punch, this tour delivers.
3. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Pontoon, Travel by Helicopter
At number 3, this combines helicopter travel with a pontoon-based reef experience. You’ll start with a scenic helicopter flight to or from the reef, then enjoy the facilities at a floating pontoon. This setup allows you to snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy the waterslide—making it ideal for families and non-swimmers.
What makes this tour unique is the seamless integration of aerial sightseeing with on-the-water activities. The helicopter ride adds a special dimension to your day, offering spectacular views of the reef from above. The pontoon itself features snorkeling equipment and guided tours, so even if you’re not confident in the water, you can still enjoy marine life through glass-bottom boats and semi-submersibles.
Guests say the quality of the facilities and the overall value for money make this a top choice. The easy access to reef activities combined with the helicopter ride makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers—especially families and those who want a relaxed pace. The only minor downside is the limited time at the reef compared to full-day options.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a combination of aerial views and on-water fun with less time commitment.
4. From Cairns: Moore Reef, Fitzroy Island Tour with Helicopter
This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of reef exploration, island relaxation, and helicopter sightseeing. Starting at Cairns’ marina, you’ll take a catamaran out to Moore Reef, known for its excellent snorkeling and diving conditions. Included in the package is a 10-minute helicopter flight over the reef, offering a stunning view of this World Heritage site.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to see both the reef and Fitzroy Island. After your reef activities, you’ll head to Fitzroy Island for some downtime on its pristine beaches or self-guided walks. The buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant is a highlight, providing a relaxed meal with a view.
Guests appreciate the variety of experiences, from underwater exploration via glass-bottom boat to hillside walks. The inclusion of a helicopter flight over the reef adds a breathtaking aerial perspective that many say is the highlight. The tour is ideal for travelers who prefer combining multiple locations in one day and want to enjoy both reef and island environments.
Bottom line: A well-rounded option for those interested in snorkeling, island relaxation, and aerial views—good value for a full-day experience.
5. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 10 Minute Helicopter
Rounding out our list, this tour offers a short but sweet experience—perfect for travelers who want a taste of the reef with a quick helicopter ride. It features a catamaran cruise with a spacious platform and a 10-minute helicopter flight over the reef, providing spectacular aerial views.
The tour emphasizes underwater exploration through snorkeling and semi-submarine views, making it family-friendly and accessible. The buffet lunch offers great panoramic views and a chance to relax amid reef scenery. The short helicopter flight is an added treat, giving you a memorable bird’s-eye perspective of the coral gardens.
Reviews mention how this tour offers “the best bang for your buck,” especially for those with limited time or who prefer a more relaxed pace. It’s suited for travelers who want a combination of reef discovery and aerial photos without committing a full day.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a compact, enjoyable reef experience with aerial highlights.
How to Choose the Best Helicopter & Reef Tour for You
When selecting your tour, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. If you want a comprehensive experience with diving, snorkeling, and luxury, the full-day Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight is a top pick. For a quick, awe-inspiring view, the 30-minute helicopter is perfect. Those traveling with family or seeking variety might prefer the pontoon and helicopter, while island lovers will find the Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island combo appealing. If you’re short on time but still want a memorable trip, the 10-minute helicopter delivers.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (June to August), to ensure availability. Most tours are suitable for beginners and offer flexible options, but double-check inclusions like scuba gear or island activities if they matter to you.
Cairns offers a broad spectrum of helicopter and reef experiences, from quick scenic flights to full-day adventures. Whether you want stunning aerial photos, underwater discovery, or a bit of both, the variety ensures you’ll find a tour that suits your style—and your sense of adventure. Don’t wait too long to book; these tours fill up quickly, especially during Australia’s busy seasons.