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
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great company to go with if wanting to see the Great Barrier Reef from a helicopter
Derek L,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was initially booked for a 4pm flight but received a phone call to see if we wanted to attend a earlier time due to the potential for rain late in the afternoon and we were upgraded from a 30 min flight to a 40 min outer reef flight. It was our first time and the staff made it seamless. Was definitely worth the cost and highly recommend seeing the great barrier from the air!
Friendly professional...
Stuart B,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly professional staff. Well organised. Outstanding helicopters and pilots give great information during flight.
Must to do activity!
L4240CPkimberlyb,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pilot Hayleywas an excellent guide. Had fun, and enjoyed every bit of time. If you are in Cairns, it is a must to do. Thank you, team!
Great way to get...
John C,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to get introduced to the great barrier reef. It was a beautiful day and only a 45 minute ride we saw an enormous amount from a great perspective.
Fabulous trip to the Reef
Richard C,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, staff very competent and welcoming, trip itself was excellent saw a lot of the reef, one not to miss when you are in Cairns.
Turquoise Waters at Their Best!🩵
Gil F,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I experienced one of our Bucket List trips ( Great Barrier Reef) thanks to Zoom Helicopters , or more accurately stated , because of the outstanding staff at Zoom. We were fortunate to have a picture perfect day at the reef and our incredible photos prove how wonderful this experience was . It was a very hot, humid day and I told Chris, managing the office that morning , that I would mention the fabulous AC we were greeted with !! Our “ cold” welcome was much appreciated ! After Chris gave us a wonderful safety briefing we we took off with Hayley as our outstanding pilot. Her enthusiasm and passion for the reef were delightful. Her professionalism and knowledge were equally outstanding. Our 40 minute flight “ flew” by so quickly but we saw much more than anticipated. The dolphins were spotted almost immediately, the variety of corals were evident as well AND those turquoise waters will be forever imprinted in our minds. Thank you for our priceless memories. This is an amazing company and we highly recommend experiencing the GBR via a Zoom Helicopter. PS Hayley , we so appreciated you giving us a hop back into town during your well deserved break. !! You not only represent this company but Australian people at their best. 🩵 The Fegleys Burke, VA USA
Zoom the way on this amazing Heli ride
Raz5253,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic sights and experiences. Totally a must when visiting Cairns. Amazing ride and services. We enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you Zoom
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Zoom Helicopters