Inner Reef Explorer - 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight
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
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).
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
57 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Loved it
Sharon K,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It truly is an amazing experience. You will get a birds eye view of the great barrier reefs. Staff is knowledgeable and great to work with.
Absolutely recommended
Gabriela S,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful sightseeing flight with nice friendly team! Impressive experience! We enjoyed the trip together in a small helicopter!
Great helicopter flight
Keith R,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great 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
5.00This 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
5.00Staff 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
5.00Fantastic 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
5.00Absolutely amazing experience, jacques and the rest of the team were very professional and accommodating, would definitely recommend👍🏻
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