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‘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
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.
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great flight over the reef
keith k,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Based 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
5.00The 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
5.00Wow 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!!
Amazing team of people made a dream come true for a man with Parkinson's Disease. The staff were so helpful, allowing time to bo
Tania D,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Support and assistance for a man with a disability was outstanding. This company went over and beyond, showing care and respect. We recommend this company.
Amazing Experience
gbalie,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing experience! Even though it was raining when we left within a few minutes the sky was blue and we had a great view of the reef!
First time helicopter experience
263lorraines,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did our first helicopter experience with Zoom. We really had the best time. Was a truly amazing experience. Chris was our instructor and I would highly recommend him. Was a brilliant trip and saw some amazing scenes. Highly recommended this company.
Very good but a little short
GISELE2411,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The view of the coral reefs was magnificent, the pilot competent. Very good vision from the camera The helicopter not being fast the time remaining on the reefs are short. Too bad.
Zoom zoom!
mossquad,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got off the ship and hopped aboard our zoom helicopter for a ride over the reef. It was a great adventure. There was a full safety briefing and it was clear that this company knows what they are doing. We did a 30 minute ride which was plenty for us. Much better to book directly rather than do a ship excursion where everything is marked up. It was easy to get an uber there and back to the ship.
Truely a boyhood dream come true
Mark E,
Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Professional from the moment we walked into the air conditioned office and enjoyed a complimentary soft drink, through the safety briefing given by Hayley. Through to Niels skillful piloting and description of the wonders below…. Rays and seals were visible from 500ft.
Fulfilled a boy hood dream.
MrE1963,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From meeting Hayley at the Air Conditioned office, for the safety briefing and complimentary soft drinks we were treated to a fabulous experience. Great description of what we were doing on the journey to the reef from pilot Neil. Then the view was even better than I had dreamed of at school after learning about the reef in Geography!! Thank you Zoom team M&J
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