Home > Cairns > Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns
USD $255.00
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns
Cairns, Australia
Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a half-day or full-day excursion that travels by helicopter and boat so that you can make the most of your time. Choose from three options for your tour of one of the world’s best coral reefs and enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. Admire views of the Great Barrier Reef from your helicopter as you get a multi-angled perspective on one of the world’s top natural wonders.
Choose from three options for your Great Barrier Reef experience. Fly by helicopter in and out of the reef for a 4-hour excursion; fly there and return by boat for a 4.5-hour round-trip. Or get the most time on the reef if you choose the full-day excursion, traveling to the reef by boat and spending five hours exploring there before returning by helicopter to Cairns in the afternoon. More details are in the Itinerary below.
All options spend time on the Great Barrier Reef aboard a deluxe boat that holds a maximum of 100 people, with 18 expert guides to show you the amazing underwater world.
If you take the boat from Cairns in the morning, when you arrive at the reef you stop at two prime locations to see multi-colored coral gardens and schools of fish. Your friendly guides assist you with your snorkel or scuba diving equipment, and provides encouragement and instruction to both newcomers and experienced participants.
If you are a nervous first-time snorkeler or diver, your guides do their best to help you feel comfortable and enjoy your experience. Even non-swimmers can get in the water and see the reef!
You have a choice of included and optional activities on this tour. If you want to learn to scuba dive, a 10-minute SCUBA demonstration is included, allowing you to try it out before purchasing the introductory dive course. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience one of the world’s top locations for diving! (Available only on the morning boat cruise)
If you already have your scuba diving certification, you can scuba dive as many as three times at two different locations during the full-day excursion, plus have plenty of time for snorkeling or relaxation between dives. Simply book the dives when you are on the boat. All dive gear and dive computers are provided.
Depending on the day’s weather conditions and water clarity, your guides choose from 12 exclusive moorings at six locations for the best possible experience for all activities. Generally, in the morning the boat visits one of the true Outer Great Barrier Reef locations (Saxon Reef or Norman Reef). In the afternoon you then head to North Hastings Reef for more snorkeling and helicopter flight connections.
For lunch, enjoy a tasty Australian barbecue buffet served on the boat. Select from a spread consisting of fresh fish, sausages and steak, accompanied by a selection of salads, pastas and prawns.
After a memorable visit to the Great Barrier Reef, return to the mainland by boat or helicopter in the afternoon. If you return by boat, snack on a tropical fruit and cheese platter while your talented crew provides live musical entertainment.
It was amazing! The staff were very friendly and helpful! It was the first time for us to go on snokerlying. And it was our first time to travel on a helicoptor. The view of the reef was amazing! My youngest son get to sit on the frong of the helicoptor, it was a wonderful experience for him.
Review by: navy4502, March 2018
Altamente recomendado, tuve la oportunidad de bucear en la Gran Barrera de Coral, una experiencia inolvidable. Los miembros de la tripulación fueron muy amables en todo momento.
Review by: Paul M, January 2018
Loved the experience
Review by: Maggie, January 2018
This was one of the highlights of our trip in Cairns while going to the Barrier Reef. The catamaran boat and staff servicing you were all extremely professional and entertaining at the same time. They really helped to make it a special event. Their first objective was to make you feel at home and then they wanted to make sure everyone was safe during this excursion. We visited two excellent snorkeling locations. The snacks and lunch provided were very tasty and good quality. Once again, they stressed how important safety was during this trip. They ensured that you had the right equipment and knew how to use it properly. I took my 85 year old parents on this excursion and they enjoyed snorkeling on the Barrier Reef. One more check mark next to the bucket list. Then the highlight was the exciting helicopter ride back to the Cairns airport. Great way to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air and see various aqua life. Transportation to and from the boat was excellent and prompt. Once again, highly highly recommend this trip to anyone in Cairns, especially looking for a new adventure.
Review by: Friedemann K, January 2018
The Tour itself is fantastic Helcopterride was great, glasbottomboat, too! There have been some mistakes happend in Organisation, Pick up has had a 45 Min delaly, Helicopter had to be changed technical problems so at the end it wasnt enough time on the reef!
Review by: Jessica, January 2018
Amazing! I highly recommend this tour. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.. a great way to see the reef, especially if you get see sick!
Review by: Ketema H, November 2017
Everything went smoothly with this tour the pickup and drop off without a hitch, the helicopter ride was amazingly beautiful and fun, and the snorkeling as well was great. A must do if you go to Cairns!!
Review by: Ann D, November 2017
The tour was good but the reef is dead and brown.
Review by: Nndma56, November 2017
Regardless of the weather, when all was well I still had a revised schedule that still delivered the best trip ever...thank you viator
Review by: djhellers, October 2017
This rating was difficult for me because right off the bat, Down Under Cruise and Dive were asking for money everywhere drinks, wetsuits, which you don't need, cameras, etc.. It really bugged us. We selected the all day cruise out and helicopter back w/Nautilus, the latter of which I HIGHLY recommend. In fact, due to unseasonable weather rough, rainy, the heli ride SAVED our trip.
Review by: Patrick C, October 2017
The 30 min of helicopter was deceiving as we only had 15 min around GBR before we headed back. The snorkeling gears were good,experience was great. The staff was amazing!!! My Only (-) would be the food. The cook said steak but it was worse than the worst piece of meat off of the cow. BYO food :/
Review by: kimarnzen, October 2017
The diving was wonderful. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. The helicopter had mechanical issues the day we were out, so we did not get to go on the helicopter tour. A refund was easily issued once we returned and I could contact Viator. We were supposed to take the helicopter back to the dock area, but I ended up glad that we didn't. There was singing and entertainment on the boat ride back and we had a wonderful time._br/_ There were a lot of people on the boat, so it was a little hectic trying to get everyone suited up and into the water. However, they did have a plan of action and routine for getting off, if only people would calm down and follow their directions. _br/_ I would definitely book this tour again.
Review by: Natalie T, August 2017
The team onboard were amazing. Having a marine biologist on board is another big plus. Highly recommended.
Review by: hurtony, June 2017
Best way to see the Reef! Yes, it is a little pricey, but it is totally worth it! If you are at all worried about getting sea-sick this is the way to go. Years ago I tried to view the reef from Cairns, but really had no idea of how long the boat ride was, and how choppy the waters could be. I tried taking precautions, but they didn't work, especially while trying to get some air but having to stand downwind from a cigar smoker! By the time we got to the reef for snorkeling, I couldn't even get in the water. Luckily we had another opportunity to see the Reef while at Hamilton Island, it was only by helicopter. At that time, we thought it was pricey, but less than the heli/cruise today! This time, I wasn't going to take a chance, and it worked out well. Seeing the GBR from the air is amazing in itself, something the cruises can't show you. The 25 minute ride was smooth, and closer to reaching the landing platform, the pilot explains what you are seeing. By the time you have been briefed on the equipment and procedures, you have about and hour and an a half of water/snorkeling time. It does go by quickly, but I noticed that some of the the passengers that had done the full day cruise and had already snorkeled in a different area, didn't stay in the water the whole time. Be prepared for beauty overload! The cruise back turned out to be fine, though we did have rough waters for just enough time to start to experience that feeling, but luckily, we weren't in it long. My advice to anyone who wants to have an amazing Reef Adventure, is to book this package. Nautilus Aviation was great, and the Down Under Cruise staff was too! If you think you won't have enough snorkel time, my advice is to do this one first and then if you need more, book another cruise.
Review by: Guillermo M, May 2017
Brought the whole family 5 of us on the helicopter / snorkeling / cruise combination tour on to the Great Barrier Reef. Informative commentary about the reefs by helicopter pilot was a real bonus as we flew out to Hastings reef. Snorkeling on the reef was wonderful seeing coral up close, we came with camera's for those once in a lifetime helicopter and underwater pics over and in the Barrier Reef. We welcomed the drinks and food provided especially after the snorkeling session on the very large boat called Evolution plus the professional and friendly service by crew was a credit to the operation. And a really nice and smooth cruise back to Cairns to wind down the tour. Recommend you put this on your MUST DO list, well worth the experience and service by this tour operator.
Review by: marsha p, May 2017
The helicopter ride back over the Great Barrier Reef with Nautilus Aviation was fantastic. However, I only gave this trip 3 stars because I was disappointed in the visits to the two reefs with Down Under. The coral at the first reef was somewhat faded, quite a letdown after the beautiful coral I had seen the day before with Reef Magic. On the positive I did see a reef shark and colorful fish. Also the crew was excellent ,very attentive, and kept us safe. The current was very strong on both visits. The current carried me out further than advised, and a crew member pulled me back in. We snorkeled from a boat, not a pontoon as I did the day before. As a senior with minimal arthritis, I found this more difficult. Because we could not drip all over the boat, we had to peel our Lycra stinger protection suits off for lunch and then put them back on for the second visit. I did not have this nuisance the day before, as we ate on the pontoon.
Review by: Christopher B, April 2017
Firstly this tour gets 5 stars because it is the Great Barrier Reef! However the tour operator's involved Down Under Cruise and Dive and Nautilus Aviation were fantastic from pre-tour communication to dropping you back at your hotel after the tour. All the staff were polite, informative and wanted you to have the best day.
Review by: Mrs_twitter, March 2017
It was our first ride in a helicopter. Great fun but hot and noisy. It was great to get to view the reef system from the air as you get a sense of both its magnitude and variations of depth. It would have been nice to have spent a bit of time lower to see more detail but I am certain regulations may prevent that. The boat was great as there were far fewer people on it than I envisioned and they strived to give each person personal attention. Snorkel! I was hesitant as I am not a great swimmer but they had a guide take me around and it was AWESOME! Fish of every color in the rainbow, giant clams, and even a small nurse shark they don't bite. The water was crystal clear. The lunch provided was yummy and there was plenty available. The only letdown was the semi-sub. The other three in my group didn't want to get in the water so I went with them on the ride so they could see the fish and coral too. We saw virtually nothing. The water was super cloudy, all of the colors were distorted by the windows to a greenish white and there were maybe five unremarkable fish in the area. Completely not worth the time and I wish I would have stayed in the water instead. Nice ride back to the dock but finding our ride back was a nightmare. The directions were not clear and it was a completely different bus company that we were supposed to catch than picked us up which we were not told in advance. After searching up and down the pier for 20 minutes we had to call to get it corrected.
Review by: Kate M, March 2017
Helicopter ride was nice but the boat was packed with people and staff was not helpful. Lunch and snacks were either unavailable or not worth eating. Snorkeling location was pretty even on a day when the water was choppy.
Review by: adamandy, March 2017
This should be on everyone's bucket list. We were lucky enough to have the most beautiful weather which made the view of the Reef from the air just spectacular. Our photos are exactly the same as the brochure. The pilot was knowledgeable, friendly and put everyone at ease with his confidence and obvious ability. An amazing, unforgettable day. I took 10 family members as part of a 60th birthday celebration and would spend my hard earned money on this tour again in a heartbeat!
Review by: CDN_Seaman, March 2017
Terra Australis. This tour was a perfect way to see the reef from above and realize its expanse and the option to snorkel or dive. What a great experience. Travel respectfully when seeing the reef.
Review by: David M, March 2017
A must do on a visit to Cairns!!
Review by: Bruno S, March 2017
Globally, the tour was excellent. Hotel pick-up was efficient. The helicopter trip was outstanding, one of the best ways to watch the Reef from above, very friendly crew. The time spent in the boat was not the 2 hours that were publicized but only 80 minutes, 15 of which were spent in going through the details. The boat was fine but the BBQ lunch was a joke. Yet, the beauty of the Reef would be in our minds forever
Review by: aussie, March 2017
tour was excellent!! the staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. We did the boat ride out and the helicopter ride back in which was amazing. the pilot gave us a tour of the other reefs, Food was fresh and delicious. Well worth the money. Be ready to pay for extra things like zap suits and glass bottom boats but thats expected. the only thing i didn't like is we couldn't run a tab with the bar. seemed odd when the girl told me if she let me do it then she would have to let everyone do it. i felt like i was being scolded. other than that great trip, i recommend it.
Review by: bilybala, February 2017
Good experience ! Nice pilot and cruise members. Thank you !!
Review by: Shantal F, January 2017
Amazing experience. Great value!
Review by: Alan C, January 2017
Great tour. Good time on the reefs, the helicopter ride was excellent and we had some different people with food allergies and all were catered for. All in all a great day and worth every penny
Review by: DEREK S, January 2017
A hugely enjoyable day, though with a slight reservation - I have a slight health condition, so decided to give the snorkelling a miss. To be honest, sitting on the boat watching everybody else go in and out of the water got a little bit boring. I must stress though, this was my last minute choice, and was certainly not the fault of the crew or company everybody who got in the water found it brilliant, so if you are going to snorkel or scuba, this is the trip for you._br/_ All the crew on the ship were brilliant, all so friendly and helpful, and doing everything to make it an enjoyable day. The diving teams were all very organised and professional, stressing the safety aspects all the time. _br/_ I did the semi-submersible boat, which was a brilliant next best thing to actually diving - seeing the coral and tropical fish up close and personal was amazing. On this boat was the inimitable Elvis, a lovely guy and a real character!_br/_ Finally I did the helicopter flight back to Cairns - something I've always wanted to try, and it didn't disappoint. Taking off from the pontoon in the middle of the ocean was great, flying over a number of the cays gives you a spectacular view and makes you realise how precious the Reef is. Obviously doing the helicopter adds to the cost, but it is totally worth it - it may be the only chance you ever have to do it, so don't hesitate!
Review by: Stephen M, January 2017
It was a great experience to see this sight. We took the boat to the reef which gave us the most time to snorkel. It was great fun taking the helicopter back to shore. Highly recommend this,
Review by: Julia S, January 2017
Overall a great trip, especially the helicopter. Hotel pickup was very timely and organized but after return from boat to port, the pick up back to the hotel was late and disorganized.
Review by: Tracy G, January 2017
I give this tour 3 stars and they are all for the nautilus helicopter portion of the tour. The staff were friendly informative and professional. The Sunlover portion of the tour needs improvement. Some of the staff were condescending, the meal sub-par and over crowded. Go private charter instead.
Review by: Rodney D, December 2016
Helicopter was real nice. Pretty red one. Flight was nice. When we got to the ship they didn't save us a seat. Everyone that took the cruse out had all the seats. They moved people's stuff to make us room. I got back from snorkeling to find my stuff on the wet floor. It appears the first people wanted the table back. They brought out food while I was out and a glass of wine. So I didn't get the wine. The food was about gone. They ask for a reef tax 20 each. It would be nice to know that ahead of time and that they only take cash. i don't carry cash when swimming only credit cards. When we got back to port they would not let us off due to people not paying their bill. They wasted 45 minutes of my time. i understand they need to get paid by these jerks that do settle their tab. They need a better system. Check ID's on the way off to find them. It seemed very unorganized. Really ticked me off.
Review by: Joan C, October 2016
Heli ride over reef amazing!
Review by: Carolern14, October 2016
Spend the money - best experience ever!
Review by: Joshlynn S, October 2016
Beautiful! Great staff! Everyone was helpful informative engaging and pleasant. Just enough time to see and enjoy the reef. Helicopter view was spectacular. A day trip wasn't available when we booked so a longer day may have been nice but we were happy.
Review by: gregory m, October 2016
Helicopter there, snorkel, boat back. Great time amazing sites, boat was new and clean, little crowded on/off loading so many snorkel and scubas but fun
Review by: Kevin A, October 2016
Great tour! Very enjoyable, well organized and fun to go on. Defiantly go for the helicopter option as it added an extra special moment to end the day.
Review by: Melissa N, October 2016
Amazing! Nothing will compare to arriving at the Great Barrier Reef by Helicopter, it was breathtaking! We had a fantastic time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. The Cruise is super relaxing and all of the staff were extremely friendly.
Review by: Philip S, September 2016
Great trip. We had excellent weather. Saxon reef was good however Hastings reef was the better snorkelling site as the coral was more vibrant and there were large fish to see. The helicopter trip back topped off the day with the pilot being very informative accompanied by a great view of the outer reefs.
Review by: Jordan P, August 2016
The beginning of the day started out rocky, as our bus forgot to pick us up be sure to watch the clock and have reception call if they are more than 5 minutes late!, and boarding the ship was jumbled, unorganized, and rushed. _br/_ Before boarding we were told there were cookies and coffee aboard for us, but as soon as we stepped foot on the ship we were hurried up to the top into a lonely VIP room for those who chose the helicopter option. It was cold, stinky, and it was a small room of 6 of us with no idea what was going on. They told us nothing as the other decks were getting briefed. About 10 minutes later I finally decided to leave the room and look around, apparently they were all out of cookies by that time which was frustrating since I had not had breakfast and figured there would be enough especially for us who paid extra to opt for the heli experience. I also felt that there were SO MANY crew members everywhere, as if half the ship was just crew and it was pretty crowded. _br/_ BUT the lovely sea life, snorkeling, and helicopter ride over the reef made up for it ALL. I was able to see a reef shark, a ton of beautiful coral, and a whale on the ride back up from the heli. It was an amazing experience I'll treasure a lifetime. _br/_ Side note: Wish they didn't pack the helicopter so full. I was able to enjoy the window and view, but my husband was sandwiched in the middle of a few of us in the back seat with no true window view.
Review by: louise l, August 2016
Boat was comfortable. Food was great. Helicopter over the reef was amazing.
Review by: Mark Q, August 2016
most expensive tour for our trip but worth doing it, great fun, program well covered from the sun to the sea, signature tour for short stay in Cairns
Review by: Cynthia S T, August 2016
I would recommend the Helicopter Tour to everyone!! It was the most amazing experience to see the reef from the air. In retrospect, the catamaran return was nice but would have preferred to return on the helicopter because the view was so amazing.
Review by: Maria D, July 2016
This tour was amazing and very well organized! Will recomend this to everyone who wants to do a tour of the GBR. Boat was big and new, bbq lunch was very decent. The reefs that we went to were beautiful! And all staff were professional, helpful and friendy. No hassles at all.
Review by: Travis C, July 2016
The helicopter ride over the reef was incredible. It was well-guided, very smooth ride, and the landing on the wooden dock near the reefs was exciting.
Review by: Anson M, June 2016
The trip was great and aligned to the package. Staff picked us up very on time. The helicopter trip was fabulous - definitely the highlight of the trip. Staffs were very nice on board. The only disappointment was the hotel transfer from pier to hotel. We waited for 30mins and no one was there. The hotline was very busy and we could not reach anyone. We spent half an hour there wishing someone to contact u. At last we just took taxi and made our way back. The company should have notified us if any plan has changed or give contacts to users.
Review by: anitajharap, June 2016
The chopper was great, however the tour did not spend 2 hours snorkeling like it was written but less than 1,5 which was very disappointing
Review by: chris, May 2016
I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. The whole trip from loading on the helicopter to the safety briefing and snorkelling on the boat to the boat ride back to the reef terminal was run very professionally and by a group of pleasant and friendly people
Review by: Christine S, May 2016
Well organised tour. Fantastic experience from the helicopter to snorkelling to food and the boat ride back. I would recommend this tour to family and friends
Review by: Betty J R, April 2016
This Cruise out and Heli back tour was everything we had hoped for. The staff and crew were all so helpful and attentive. The BBQ lunch was great and we recommend this full day tour to everyone.
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