Overview
Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays.
Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Great Barrier Reef
This 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife - sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).
Options
No Transfers
Make own way: No transfer included - make own way to Zoom Helicopters base at 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport.
What‘s Included
30 minute reef scenic flight
All Fees and Taxes
Informative, in-flight commentary
Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional
Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
64 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef!
zoeellena,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a once in a lifetime and best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. It is worth the cost for the amazing and otherworldly views! Julio, our pilot, was not only skilled at flying but also a wealth of knowledge concerning the area. We felt very safe and at ease allowing us to enjoy the experience even more.
Amazing Family Experience Over the Great Barrier Reef
U5214XEmichaeln,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 30-minute Reef Scenic Flight with our family and it was absolutely incredible. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air was something we’ll never forget. The colours of the reef and ocean were stunning, and the views were breathtaking from start to finish. The staff were friendly and professional, making us feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience. My wife, kids and I all loved it, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Cairns. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the reef, I highly recommend this scenic flight. It’s worth every cent and creates memories that will last a lifetime
Amazing I recommend it...
Aiden S,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing I recommend it 100% all the team members were so nice and very professional. just go for it do not hesitate
Helicopter experience
anaismL7245YX,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lio & Callum were very professional and welcoming !!! Thank you so much guys.
Have no fear of heights!
Odalis C,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow!!!!!!! Terrified of helicopter flying for the first time? Well have no fear because zoom helicopter tours is here to save the day!!! Truly enjoyed this first time experience and would do it all over again, thank you so much for this once in a lifetime experience and to our pilot (who trained in New Zealand as a pilot) thank you so much!
Top notch!
Y7645CTjoeg,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great and knowledgeable pilots and crew. Reasonable price for an unforgettable experience!
Magical
69rebeccae,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience with pilot Julio ( I hope we have spelled that correctly). We did not expect a private tour when we booked!! Our little helicopter (think Budgie) was all glass so 360° views! Green Island and the reefs were stunning, the colours blew us away but the landing on a sand bank in the middle of the reef was just the icing on the cake! From the welcome at the Zoom offices, to the professionalism, smooth flight, amazing knowledge and kind words, thank you Julio and the team for memories we WILL NEVER FORGET! Do not book with anyone else, this smaller company ensures your experience is unique and unforgettable
30 minutes flight to The Great Barrier Reef- Experience not to be missed
S4778BVlukes,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a tour not to be missed from Cairns!! Worth every dollar!! Arrived at the site and welcomed into the offices, offered complimentary drinks and then onto paperwork!! Arrived early and went out early due to no tour before us. Jaques was our pilot and he was amazing offering us a lot of local information the whole of the flight! Views from the Sky Crystal Clear and The Great Barrier Reef didn’t disappoint and ticked off the visited list!! Short 30minute flight wished it could have last longer but used every minute of that in the sky. We were very fortunate it was just us on the tour so that was a lovely surprise. Cannot thank the whole team for a great experience from start to finish!!
The staff was very...
Nicole B,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was very friendly and tour was exactly as described. Got to see several reefs and islands off the coast of Cairns.
Awesome trip and friendly, helpful staff
I500JIsusant,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the 30 minute tour over the Great Barrier Reef with Hayley. The scenery was amazing and Hayley had great facts about the area. She answered all our questions. The weather was not cooperating early in the day but they worked with us to make the trip possible. They were very professional with all the safety requirements and made us very comfortable as first time flyers.
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