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

4.78

229 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

210

Amazing experience
Edgardo R,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful excursion, we could appreciate the magnitude of the reef and the explanations of the pilot were very instructive
Great experience with amazing service
nantavatn,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really loved this place! The staff were very friendly and provided excellent service 🙏❤️❤️
An Amazing Experience
Elaine W,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very professional A knowledgeable pilot whose narrations were thorogh and insightful. Convenient pickup and delivery.
Very well organised. Pick...
Philomena K,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very well organised. Pick up and drop off at correct time. Guide and pilot were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Excellent trip with friendly staff
Passport15384902470,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent trip with friendly staff
Another perspective!
Rodica S,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Another perspective on the coral reef that perfectly completes the vovage by glass bottom boat and snorkeling. Very well organized activity with a transfer provided from Cairns to the place of flight and back. Knowledgeable staff, pleasant and smooth flight.
Amazing
Sara D,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had great confidence in our pilot! The reef was amazing - never seen anything like it! Only complaint is difficulty understanding pilot due to other noise from the airport traffic
Trip of a lifetime
stellapD8956CD,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Trip of a lifetime. Ethan our pilot was excellent. My hubby got to sit in the co-pilot seat. Fabulous views of the reef.
Excellent trip
W3382KUricharda,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience and highly recommended. Would recommend doing this before swimming on the reef. Shout out to our pilot Hanner.
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!

Related Experiences

Operated by GSL Aviation

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

Overview

Available languages

English

40 minutes

Mobile ticket

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

4.78

229 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

210

Amazing experience
Edgardo R,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful excursion, we could appreciate the magnitude of the reef and the explanations of the pilot were very instructive
Great experience with amazing service
nantavatn,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really loved this place! The staff were very friendly and provided excellent service 🙏❤️❤️
An Amazing Experience
Elaine W,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very professional A knowledgeable pilot whose narrations were thorogh and insightful. Convenient pickup and delivery.
Very well organised. Pick...
Philomena K,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very well organised. Pick up and drop off at correct time. Guide and pilot were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Excellent trip with friendly staff
Passport15384902470,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent trip with friendly staff
Another perspective!
Rodica S,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Another perspective on the coral reef that perfectly completes the vovage by glass bottom boat and snorkeling. Very well organized activity with a transfer provided from Cairns to the place of flight and back. Knowledgeable staff, pleasant and smooth flight.
Amazing
Sara D,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had great confidence in our pilot! The reef was amazing - never seen anything like it! Only complaint is difficulty understanding pilot due to other noise from the airport traffic
Trip of a lifetime
stellapD8956CD,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Trip of a lifetime. Ethan our pilot was excellent. My hubby got to sit in the co-pilot seat. Fabulous views of the reef.
Excellent trip
W3382KUricharda,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience and highly recommended. Would recommend doing this before swimming on the reef. Shout out to our pilot Hanner.
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!