Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper

Overview

Available languages

English

40 minutes

Mobile ticket

See the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in our high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. After exploring the Reef you’ll head back toward the mainland, with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. Your flight also includes free transfer courtesy bus from your Cairns centrally located accommodation.

Bus tranfers are subject to availability, and GSL will advise you if this service is not available

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Individual weight restriction 125 KG

Not recommended for travelers with mobility issue, passenger must be able to get in and out of the plane without assistance

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

GSL Aviation

Starting point

Admission Not Applicable

Great Barrier Reef

Bird's eye view of Great Barrier Reef

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Guaranteed window seats

In-flight commentary

Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Cairns city centre area

40-minute high wing aircraft scenic flight

Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cairns city center area (eg, Palmcove, Yorkeys Knob)

Food and drinks

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Departure

40-minute reef hopper scenic flight Free transfer from for Cairns city centre ONLY.
Pickup included

Reviews

4.77

218 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

199

Once in a lifetime experience
Moldovan C,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The flight is just amazing over the reef, it is truly something spectacular that will leave you speechless. Our pilot Ben was great, you can see that he loves flying and has lots of fun facts about the reef and the history of it. If you fly with him you might have the change to be in the same plane as Matthew McConaughey as it was used in the filming of the movie Fool’s Gold. Greetings from Romania, Ben!
Experience...
Charles P,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Exceptional experience, to do absolutely. Very friendly driver and the view of the Great Barrier Reef is beautiful
Well worth doing this experience
Anthony F,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent experience. Good communication from company. Picked up on time and returned to hotel. Full safety briefing and great information from our pilot. Very pleased with experience
Very affordable and great...
Dean M,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very affordable and great trip for the money. Breathtaking views with commentary from the pilot. Worthwhile trip.
Exceptional service.
Beata P,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It's a beautiful sight to see the reef from above. The crew was courteous, prompt, very professional, and super-helpful. I hope to come for the ride again!
Great experience
MariaCruz E,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Magnificent experience with excellent organization by the company, punctuality in pickup. Highly recommended.
Beaty from the sky!
Nat S,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wow! Beautiful. Go for it! Tour people arrived on time at the pickup point. Flight was smooth to my surprise! Very calming.
Amazing experience with GSL 👍🏻
Daniel A,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience, very professional, and on time for pickup/dropoff. Pilot was really friendly and made everyone feel confident and comfortable!
Bucket list ticked
gary s,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
You get Great views as everyone gets a window seat 💺 40 minutes up in air seems to go so fast, well worth the money to fly over green island 🏝 as visiting that next
Superb
Myriam M,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience, very friendly and competent driver and pilot. It will remain a wonderful memory, with stunning images full of head