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.
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)
Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to increase pricing or add surcharges where applicable
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
60 Minute Reef & Rainforest
60min Scenic Flight: Enjoy a 60min scenic flight over two world heritage-listed sites.
45 Minute Reef Scenic
45min scenic: 45-minute scenic flight over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.
30 Minute Reef Scenic Flight
30min scenic: Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.
What‘s Included
Australian Goods & Services Tax
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Fuel surcharge
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip to get an aerial overview of how great the Great Barrier Reef is!
Kathie C,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The office staff was very helpful in doing the safety briefing and explaining what would be happening. They seemed as excited as we were to be doing this tour. Mark, our pilot was very good at finding sea life from the air and pointing it out, even circling so we could see what he was showing to all in the helicopter. I know nothing is guaranteed, but we saw a tiger shark, a lemon shark, manta rays, turtles as well as the elusive dugong! What an amazing experience! Even without the wildlife Mark pointed out to us, the reef is absolutely awesome.
One of the best experiences I’ve ever had - don’t hesitate to book!
Jena P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most amazing scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. We booked the 45 minute experience. The helicopter sat 4 and both my partner and I had an excellent view. The weather was beautiful and our pilot, Mark, was fantastic. He pointed out a shark as soon as we got to the reef. We saw multiple sharks, sea turtles, manta and eagle rays, dolphins, and even a dugong from the air. Beyond the wildlife, seeing the reef itself from the helicopter was absolutely amazing. We flew over Batt and Tongue reefs and it was really worth every single cent. I wish we’d have had more time. Nautilus is top notch and the entire team took great care of us.
Fantastic trip & Mobility assistance
Global67211499143,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to the reef with Reef magic and returned by helicopter. The sea was rough however my husband with a mobility issues was assisted from the tender boat to the pontoon and the onto the helicopter. Which we were very greatful for. Our pilot gave great commentary with insights into the reef ect below. We had wanted to do this for some years and it was fantastic and worth the wait.
Epic flight
Sightseer17351143556,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome flight with Brie today. Weather was amazing, clear blue skies and no wind. Lucky to see sharks, turtles and stingrays. Safe and fun experience. Would highly recommend
AWESOME EXPERIENCE!
H8317HJlindah,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic meet and greet by Hayley, smooth safety briefing and on time flight. Mark our pilot was very friendly and informative pointing out landmarks and Stingrays, sharks, turtles and more on the Great Barrier Reef during the flight. It was one of the best experiences we have ever done, well worth the reasonable cost. Excellent!!
A Wholesome Experience 😊
vivianaK4140EX,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff at Nautilus Aviation were very kind, polite and very knowledgeable about the Reef. We enjoyed the scenic views of the Great Barrier Reef and would highly recommend to anyone who ever visits Cairns.
Must do excursion!
Doug M,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a wonderful experience! Brianna and Hayley were excellent in coordinating this excursion. Definitely was a highlight of our trip… to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above was just incredible. Both of these girls were professional, kind, and provided an absolute positive experience. Brianna was a great pilot and flew the helicopter safely, and even flew so that we were able to see wildlife down below. While Hayley coordinated everything and worked the schedule so that we were able to take flight that day. 10/10 recommended this excursion!
Fantastic Experience
mike67j,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’d highly recommend this , it was amazing to see the reef at close range from the sky, you get a real sense of scale of it We were luckily enough to see sharks and rays and our pilot, young lady but forget her name , was amazing and gave us some great information during our trip Ground crew staff member was also really friendly
Enjoyable, informative and exhilarating.
Patrick A,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff are absolutely great and the pilot Mark was very experienced making it a very smooth ride. First time in a helicopter and made to feel very safe and secure. Mark explained what we were seeing. He was also an excellent spotter for marine wildlife visible from the air. Did not find the reef that spectacular from an aerial view and think it would have been better from a boat. Notwithstanding that it was still enjoyable, informative and at time exhilarating. .
Most do!
Dalal E,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely once in a lifetime experience that you should do if you’re visiting Port Douglas, the reef is amazing from the sky! Is a most do if you want to be overwhelmed with joy
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