Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper
Overview
Available languages
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
What To Expect
GSL Aviation
Starting point
Great Barrier Reef
Bird's eye view of Great Barrier Reef
Options
Departure
40-minute reef hopper scenic flight Free transfer from for Cairns city centre ONLY. Pickup included
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
235 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
40 mins is definitely...
Joan L,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.0040 mins is definitely long enough for this experience. You get views on both sides of the plane so it doesn’t matter where you sit. I sat up front with the pilot! GSL called me at 10AM letting me know that my 11:30 booking is pushed to 1:30 due to plane delays. I had a flight out at 4:30, but they said I could bring my luggage and I’d have enough time to get to the airport and make my flight. So glad I did! It was quite windy today so the flight was a bit bumpy but nothing worse than mild turbulence you’d get on a regular flight even with the small plane. Highly recommend!
Hands down the best
Angela A,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing. Great flight. Smooth. This view is a game changer. Undiscribable how beautiful the reef is from above. GSL Aviation did a great job. Pilot was awesome, calm during all parts & very informative. Somewhat had to understand over the headset but most pilots are anyway. No one should skip this flight. 40mins is a good flight time for photos. Both sides of the plane got photo ops & amazing views out & back.
Saturday morning above the reef
Paul G,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very organised and great value. Smooth flight and fantastic way to get a perspective how big the reef is
Very professional and knowledgeable
Kay W,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful! Very nice operators and they did a nice job making us feel comfortable. Recommend to all.
Great worth doing
Melissa M,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Loved it . Only problem we found was , in the sky very hard to hear commentary. Otherwise we loved it .
Highly Recommended
Richard G,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good communication prior to the trip and all very well organised on the day, from the on time hotel pickup to the flight itself. Staff were very friendly and the flight was excellent giving great views of the reef and islands.
Flight for the Great Barrier Reef
Chris H,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The one of magic and wonderful view should be called “The Great Barrier Reef” . The tour of flight for 40mins is too fast that I felt as I already quite intoxicated in it 🤣🤣
.
NorthStar40915479682,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved the experience. I was lucky to be able to laugh in front of the pjloto. And although there was enough wind that day, the trip was super quiet. I recommend!!!
Amazing experience
Edgardo R,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful 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
5.00I really loved this place! The staff were very friendly and provided excellent service 🙏❤️❤️
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Operated by GSL Aviation