Inner Reef Explorer - 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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).

Admission Not Applicable

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

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.

Reviews

4.98

52 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great helicopter flight
Keith R,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience. Went up in the small helicopter, just the two of us and pilot, johnno. Was able to touch down on a small island
Fantastic Experience!
M6333PBstephenl,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a phenomenal bucket list experience. As a photographer, this was the reason that my friend (who is also a photographer) and I took this flight and it didn't disappont. We came early to beat the afternoon thunderstorms and from the time we arrived the team was very friendly and accommodating. Our pilot Hailey was fantastic and high-spirited which is needed on a tour of this magnitude. The views were fantastic as Hailey was giving us good commentary and answering all of our questions. The only thing we didn't like is having to come back to land back at Cairns Airport but I'll let them off with this one
Must do! Wished we had longer than 30min
Courtney D,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Staff were friendly and super patient & knowledgeable. The ride was smooth, Jack, our pilot was super safe and shared a lot about the Reef. Noon was the perfect time, the water was super clear and smooth allowing for great photos of the Reef. Highly recommend!
The reef and its glory
droopa,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic trip in a helicopter out over the reef. The ease that you can see turtles and string rays is amazing. Great commentary from the Pilot as well. Throughly recommend it to anyone.
Incredible
Tom L,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Absolutely amazing experience, jacques and the rest of the team were very professional and accommodating, would definitely recommend👍🏻
Great activity for a short time in Cairns
cruiserMH,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience beginning to end! Highly recommend!! Booked in advance. Helicopter is small but mighty! Pilot was awesome and really informative.
Unique and unforgettable experience
Carine L,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience. Very attentive and professional staff. The flight is perfectly conducted so that the maximum 3 guests per trip feel safe and enjoy the experience! I highly recommend
Great flight over the reef
keith k,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Based at Cairns Airport, it’s easy to get to , 15 minute taxi ride from Cairns waterfront. very responsive to emails or queries which is most helpful when you’re booking ahead. We thoroughly enjoyed our flight. He took us out over the reef and even landed on a small Sunbank for a minute or two then took off again, we hadn’t expected this! Very well organised and nice people.
First view of the Great Barrier Reef by air - brilliant.
Go05754693820,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was brilliant from start to finish. Check in with safety brief then introduction to the pilot. Everything was explained well, with necessary checks before take off, smooth take off and flight. Great explanations of what we could see and about the Great Barrier Reef. The 30 mins went so quick.
Unforgettable memories and experience!!
sairz101,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wow wow wow….. so incredible!! The owner was amazing! They were sooo flat out with a cruise ship coming in.. we weren’t treated as a number, we were a guest and the hospitality was outstanding! The view from the helicopter is breathtaking, nothing like we have ever seen!! If you are worried about the budget, make room for this!!