Embark on a 40 minute aerial adventure that transcends the boundaries of the inner reef, offering an unparalleled journey to the edge of the Australian continental shelf.
This signature Outer Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour is a customer favourite product and extends beyond the confines of a typical 30 minute tour, ensuring you witness the full spectrum of the reef’s wonders. As you soar eastward, passing iconic landmarks like Green Island, you’ll be captivated by the majestic beauty of Arlington Reef, one of the largest reefs within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Traverse the reef’s edge, where the crystal-clear waters reveal a mesmerising depth, plunging over 1,000 feet into the abyss.
With an additional 10 minutes added to your flight, venture further north, unveiling the hidden treasures of Vlassoff Sand Cay and the outer reaches of Michaelmas Reef. Here, amidst a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, framed by the vast expanse of North Queensland skies, you’ll be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the essence of this natural wonderland. Throughout your journey, your knowledgeable local pilot guides provide insightful commentary, shedding light on the rich history and diverse marine inhabitants of the reef.
Outer Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour Itinerary
Select your time slot when booking your helicopter trip. Please be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before take off. Lift off and enjoy 40 minutes of breathtaking views soaring above the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The flight path takes you past the majestic Arlington Reef, Green Island, and the incredible continental shelf which plunges 1000 ft into the depth of the ocean. Enjoy panoramic views of Cairns City as you head back to land.
Inclusions & Extras
Included
40 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight
Guaranteed Window Seat
Incredible Views
Pilot Commentary
Excluded
Skydiving
Lunch
Drinks/Snacks
Tour Type & Availability
Outer Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour
$583.00
40 Minute Helicopter Tour with Pilot Commentary & Guaranteed Window Seat
What to Bring
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Camera
Small soft bags only
Personal items should not exceed 10 kg
Weight restrictions apply
Pick Ups & Departures
Zoom Helicopters, Building 21, Bush Pilots Avenue, Aeroglen
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring on my Cairns helicopter tour?
We recommend you bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a smile. Of course, feel free to bring your camera, however, there will be four HD onboard video cameras to capture your spectacular multi-viewpoint experience.
Is a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight worth it?
A scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely worthy of being on your bucket list. It offers the magnificence of seeing it all from above which will brig you an entirely different perspective of the vast beauty of the reef.
When is the best time to see whales in Cairns?
July and August are generally the best times to see migrating whales in Cairns. This is due to the cooler water temperatures at that time, and what better way to see a Humpback or Dwarf Minke Whale than from above on your very own Cairns helicopter tour.
What marine life could I see on a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight?
With an abundance of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, it’s likely that you will see some, if not all of the following on your Cairns helicopter tour:
Sharks
Dolphins
Turtles
Manta rays
Whales – seasonal
Dugongs
Do I need travel insurance?
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us. World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
What are the weight limitations?
Helicopters are subject to strict weight limitations, specific to each aircraft type. Accurate individual passenger body and carry-on luggage weights MUST be advised at the point of booking. It is a legal requirement that all passengers and their luggage be weighed at check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% of that advised at the time of booking may incur additional charges and/or luggage allowances being reduced. Zoom Helicopters reserves the right to refuse travel and charge a 100% cancellation fee. The maximum single seat weight limit/payload for Zoom Helicopters’ fleet of aircraft is 130kgs.
Supplier Terms & Conditions
Zoom Helicopters Terms & Conditions
Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:
Cancellations within 1 Day of the start date incur a 100.00% fee.
Between 1 Day and 2 Days incur a 50.00% fee.
From $584 Per Person 
40 Minutes 
