Great Barrier Reef or Rainforest Scenic Flights from Port Douglas
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The 30min and 45min flight showcase the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing over Port Douglas and 4 Mile Beach, other highlights include sights of Snapper Island, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. Be treated to a picture-postcard view of Low Isles and flying low over Batt Reef there are opportunities to spot stingrays, manta rays, turtles, sharks, dugongs (many at Batt Reef), dolphins and even whales in the winter months!
For those looking to make the most of their time in Port Douglas why not extend your flight to a 60-minute reef and rainforest scenic. Departing over Port Douglas and 4 Mile Beach, first enjoy sights of Rainforest over the town of Mossman and Mossman Gorge, followed by the Daintree River mouth, Cape Kimberley and past Snapper Island with views of Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation. The flight concludes with breathtaking views of Low Isles & the Reef.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child Policy: Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price. Subject to conditions, children under 3 years may travel free of charge when seated on a parents/guardians lap. For bookings of more than one infant (under 3 years), conditions apply – please contact Reservations.
Weight Policy: Individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised at the time of booking. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130KG. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130KG are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of ticket price – this is non-commissionable and payable to Nautilus Aviation on day of travel.
All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order. For instant confirmation please call the team on 07 4034 9000.
Refunds: Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24 -48 hours, for a 50% refund claim. No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
Tour and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability
Nautilus Aviation scenic flights are on a shared basis (not private)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Informative commentary during the flight
Hotel pickup and drop off from Port Douglas CBD
Nautilus Aviation scenic flights are on a shared basis (not private)
What To Expect
Check-in will be at the Nautilus Aviation office located in the Sheraton. Here you will do your safety briefing before your taken to the helicopter for your scenic flight.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
For those participating in the 60-minute scenic flight discover the beauty of the rainforest as you explore it from above.
Options
30 Minute Reef Scenic Flight
30min scenic: Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.
45 Minute Reef Scenic
45min scenic: 45-minute scenic flight over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.
60 Minute Reef & Rainforest
60min Scenic Flight: Enjoy a 60min scenic flight over two world heritage-listed sites.
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful and informative
Francoise D,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00The young woman flying the helicopter gave us a lot of explanations about the rainforest and the coral reef.
Nature and humanity in perspective
Pem D,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was an amazing and humbling experience to feel like a tiny bug flying over the magnificent swathes of water with varying shades of blue; and to see the vastness of the reef. I was in awe of the beauty and strength of nature; and in the ingenuity of humans that we were hovering in the air over such magnificence. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Nautilus - the ground crew Rhianna and Hailey; and our amazing pilot Bree (apologies for any misspellings in your names)
Great experiencd
jfranco23,
Sep 12, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience. It was a really nice flight that show you in all its esplendor the grand reef. We were able to watch some animals from the air
A must do at least once in your life
Pat J,
Aug 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00After watching the helicopters soaring upwards from close to our accommodation, we decided to go all in for my birthday on a reef and rainforest flight to see it all from above. We probably picked the best weather/visibility day that week. Everything ran like clockwork - from the greeting and safety briefing through the flight to the return. As there were only two of us booked we had the little helicopter to ourselves - it felt even closer to the view than other helicopters flights I’ve taken in bigger machines. Awesome views out over Port Douglas, the Daintree River and Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and the grand finale out over the Great Barrier Reef. Thanks Nautilus team, you made my day with memories I won’t forget.
Amazing, beautiful scenery not to be missed
SHANE P,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00What an amazing once in a lifetime experience, well worth the price. We had a wonderful check in with Claire who is very friendly and helpful. Our pilot and tour guide was Xavier who was a wealth of knowledge about the reef. Beautiful scenery, so glad we did this tour would highly recommend. Thanks again to Claire and Xavier for our memorable trip.
Amazing experience, highly recommend
nicm2014,
Aug 24, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience, highly recommend. From the ground crew to the pilot, everyone was amazing! The reef from that angle is stunning & seeing the sharks, turtles, stingrays & even a dugong was fabulous!
Great experience
jenniferkI4695NC,
Jun 20, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! They were very easy to work even with our schedule changes and potential weather. Beautiful view and Mark was a great pilot.
Fantastic experience
Ozi-gal,
Jun 15, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 1 hour flight with Mark. He managed to help us spot 1000's of turtles, plus sharks, dugongs, manta rays and stingrays over the reef, as well as giving us some interesting information about the reef. We were glad we did the 1 hour flight as the time went quickly!
Whether you’re a first time flyer or a seasoned traveller, this is something you’ll never forget.
sineadkatheryn,
May 28, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Flying with Nautilus Aviation was absolutely unforgettable! The helicopter ride itself was breathtaking — smooth, comfortable, and offering the most spectacular views you could ever imagine. Our pilot was knowledgeable and friendly, sharing interesting insights along the way and making the experience even more special. Highly recommend Nautilus Aviation to anyone looking to experience the beauty of Australia from above. Worth every cent!
Well worth it...
Guide48818475810,
Apr 9, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Once in a lifetime experience. My 14yo son & I truly enjoyed the professionalism of Nautilus Aviation staff and their friendly approachability. The flight over the Great Barrier Reef was brilliant & well worth it. One of the 7 wonders of the World, on our own back door step. Got some great photos and even better memories. Thanks you.
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Operated by Nautilus Aviation