Outer Reef Odyssey - 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight
Overview
Available languages
40 minutes
Mobile ticket
This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet.
The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.
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
A fabulous scenic helicopter flight. In forty minutes, we’ll go beyond the inner reef, to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. The additional time allows us to explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage listed icon.
What‘s Included
40 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
73 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
PEAK EXPERIENCE!
SpoiledBrat33,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In a two week trip to Australia full of peak experiences (feeding kangaroos, climbing the Harbor Bridge, snorkeling the GBR), this might be #1! Btw, I first booked a small plane flight over the reef, but realized that a helicopter would be better, since it can fly lower. I don't know how low, since I can't convert metres to feet, but we had an up-close-and-personal view of the reef. And major shout out to our pilot, Hayley, a very skillful young woman who made the trip so much fun. Also a plus listening to the ATC tower and hearing other pilots and controllers sign off, "G'day."
Extraordinary: not to be missed under any pretext
asnowfix,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not only are the landscapes sumptuous, but pilot note (Haley) was very attentive to my wife, prone to motion sickness: the flight was particularly smooth, and the whole family could enjoy the show. We warmly recommend Zoom Helicopter!
Great views of the reef, excellent service.
Shaunince,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 40 minute reef Odyssey tour is in a small helicopter, perfect for a couple because it's a private experience with no others in the helicopter with you. The views are excellent and the staff on the ground and the pilot were excellent. Easy to get to from Cairns. Great All round.
Brilliant OuterReef Helicopter ride in Cairne
Gg117316,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful view of outer reef in sky to get a sense of the magnitude of the varsity of the Great Barrier Reef, which you can not appreciate from the sea. A must do in Cairne. Pilot provided a smooth ride with perfect landing.
The Great Barrier Reef from above
Rainier Y,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Haley moved our tour in the afternoon and we ended up having the helicopter to ourselves! What a way to see the reef up in the air. We spotted sharks, sting rays, manta ray and turtles. We took this tour because my spouse gets motion sickness on the boat and we had no desire to snorkel (been there, done that in Hawaii). It’s not cheap but you have more time to do other things if you tour the reef by air.
100% recommend this tour!!!
Jean W,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thanks to Chris for making our experience so awesome! Great casual narration and knowledgeable discussion!
Once in a Lifetime
Laura M,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience of a lifetime to see the aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef. The staff was very professional and experienced. Highly recommend this experience.
Family Flight in October
ksfujimoto,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I had a great flight! They were very polite & pleasant! Owner was very nice and let us relax. Smooth flight and fun, good items to shop
Super recommended
Tamara P,,Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing, Haley was very attentive, friendly and a super quiet flight... She was explaining everything to us during the journey. I recommend the 40 min flight because the time there flies by. Spectacular views.
Spectacular!!
Christina20160223,,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a spectacular way to see the Great Barrier Reef!! The weather was perfect, the reef gorgeous, and our fabulous pictures captured it all!!! Hayley was the best helicopter pilot we’ve ever had (and we’ve taken many scenic helicopter tours during our travels!)!!!! Thank you, thank you, Hayley!!! Keep flying high!!
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