Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Down Under Cruise and Dive by Evolution, a luxury 35-meter super-yacht. This package includes a full day to the outer Great Barrier Reef at two stunning reef locations, with 5 hours of reef time plus a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Dives are only included in dive package only (not snorkel package). You will experience the reef from above and below!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check-in is from 7.15am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs at 8.00am sharp.
Due to comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg. Please contact the supplier directly for further information.
All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In a commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician the confirms they are Fit To Dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.
Evidence of dive qualification (certification card) is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive.
Children aged and under 12 years (introductory) and 10 years (certified divers) are not permitted to participate in onboard diving activities as per Queensland Australian Law.
Children under the age of 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or legal guardian.
Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel directly with the tour operator. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Glass of wine, cheese and crackers on return journey
All Fees and Taxes
All equipment and lycra/sun suit hire
Spectacular 10-minute Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight
Visit two exclusive outer reef locations with 5 hours reef time
Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
ONLY DIVE PACKAGES: 1 x Introductory Dive (beginner) or Certified Dive (requires qualification)
Private transportation
Dive not included in snorkel package
What To Expect
Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7.15am - 7.45am. Once checked in, you can make your way down to the boat, Evolution. Be greeted by your friendly crew, who will provide you with masks and snorkel, and then enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure.
Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am with a safety briefing on your way to your first reef location. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at the first reef location. This will either be Saxon Reef or Norman Reef based on weather conditions and water clarity, to ensure the best experience for all activities.
Options
1 Cert Dive, Heli & Snorkel
Includes 1 certified dive, snorkelling and 10-minute scenic flight.
1 Intro Dive, Heli & Snorkel
Includes 1 introductory dive, snorkelling and 10-minute scenic flight.
Snorkeling and Heli Flight
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef including a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight and free time to snorkel
Reviews
328 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience. I...
Paul C,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. I highly recommend the helicopter add on. Very well organized with a great staff..
Super exciting
nancyhR8460JK,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing time, the food was brilliant, and the drinks at the bar were really cheap. The helicopter flight was great and so efficient we didn’t miss any snorkel time at all. The parts of the reef they take you too are beautiful especially the first site, we saw multiple turtles and others saw reef sharks. The staff on board really made the experience though they were so helpful and friendly, would recommend this company to anyone wanting an awesome day at the reef, brilliant value and excellent memories !!!
Magic day
Brigitte L,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Unfortunately mass tourism but very well organized and pleasant staff, helpful, smiling...except one that is really a pain. AAR... you treat people like cattle, not a smile, a cold mask throughout the day.... Look at your colleagues and question yourself.
Fantastic sights with fantastic crew!
Greg D,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew is so helpful as they totally pay attention to detail and really care you are having a good time. Boat in great shape. They take fewer than capacity so it does not feel crowded. Service superb. Reef is amazing! I recommend that you bring something for motion sickness if there is any chance that could happen to you. I highly recommend doing the helicopter ride!
They've thought of everything
Rebecca C,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing 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 looking after the reefs. They've thought of everything- sea sickness tablets, drinks, snacks, lunch, equipment, suncream, waterproof phone cases, everything. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a good day out
Great day out with this amazing team
John B,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is the best in the business all round great day on the reef staff are very friendly and all do a great job to make you have a good day
Very disappointed
Patricia M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00It's a long lineup at check in as they only have 2 counters checking in ~100 passengers. Once checked in, we boarded Evolution which is a very nice boat and we have the same assigned seats for the whole trip. The big problem is the organization with the 10min helicopter ride. We paid an extra $260 for this option. We were Group 3 of the helicopter ride and were told not to snorkel before the ride as there would be lots of time afterwards for snorkelling. NOT TRUE! By the time we came back from the helicopter ride, they were already announcing that people should get back to the boat as the boat would be leaving the Hastings Reef soon. We quickly put on our snorkeling gear and got in the water. But no sooner than we got in, they called us back to the boat. The Hastings Reef is way better than the first reef. We saw in a few minutes more biodiversity than the first Saxon reef. Too bad we didn't get to enjoy this beautiful reef. For the 2 of us, we opted to pay $90 for all our photos of the day. But because of the poor organization, they didn't take any photos of our helicopter ride nor snorkelling at the Hastings Reef. Really disappointed, this is the most expensive tour we took in Australia and we didn't get to snorkel at the beautiful Hastings Reef.
PERFECT way to see the GBR
Daniel S,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A friendly, meticulous staff guide you through a perfectly paced day of relaxation and recreation out to and around the Great Barrier Reef. They have so many different options for comfort, ability and interest level that leaves no one behind and excluded from the fun. DEFINITELY do the helicopter option if possible — it’s a highlight of our entire trip to Australia.
Great experience....
David I,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Everything was well organized and was over the top. Instructors and whole team are professionals.
Great day out. Staff were...
Mark H,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out. Staff were magnificent and supplied a fabulous lunch. We did the added helicopter flight which was so worth it. Would recommend this day trip.
From A$395.00
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive