30-Minute Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight from Cairns

About This Experience

Nautilus Aviation flies this 30-minute helicopter loop from Marina Point, the heliport on the Cairns waterfront. Seats are shared with other passengers, and the pilot narrates the flight. It is a short trip, but a helicopter can bank and slow over the reef in a way a plane cannot, which makes it good for photographs.

Check in about 45 minutes before your departure time, because check-in closes 30 minutes before take-off. After the briefing you lift off over the harbour and head out across the Coral Sea towards Green Island, then on to Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Sand Cay before turning back to Cairns.

From the air the blues and greens of the reef flats show up sharply, and larger animals are easier to pick out than from a boat. Sightings on these flights have included sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, dolphins and dugongs, and humpback whales move through from July to September. Nothing is guaranteed, and the pilot will point out whatever shows up on the day.

It suits travellers who want a short, dramatic view of the reef and are happy to pay a premium for a helicopter. At $342 it costs well over twice the entry-level plane flight, and window seats are not guaranteed, so couples keen on the view should raise it at check-in. The rating comes from 38 reviews, a much smaller sample than the plane flights.

You must give each passenger's weight, with any carry-on bag, when booking. The maximum per seat is 130 kg including bags, and anyone over that buys a second seat at 50 per cent of the fare, paid on the day. Bring sunglasses, a camera and sunscreen, and leave the selfie stick behind, as they are not allowed on board.

Highlights

• Lift off from Marina Point on the Cairns waterfront
• Fly over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Sand Cay
• Helicopter views that can bank and slow over the reef for photos
• Watch for turtles, rays, dolphins and dugongs from above
• Humpback whale season on this route runs July to September
• Commentary from the pilot throughout the flight

What's Included

• ✓ 30-minute scenic helicopter flight
• ✓ Commentary from a knowledgeable pilot-guide
• ✓ Current fuel surcharge built into the price
• ✓ Route over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Sand Cay
• ✓ Pre-flight safety briefing

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Port Douglas
• An extra seat for passengers over 130 kg (50 per cent of the fare, paid on the day)
• A guaranteed window seat

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera or phone
• Sunscreen
• Photo ID
• A small bag only, as bags count towards the seat weight

Good to Know & Caveats

• Give each passenger's weight, including carry-on bags, at booking. The single-seat maximum is 130 kg.
• Passengers over 130 kg must buy a second seat at 50 per cent of the ticket price, payable on the day.
• The flight needs a minimum number of passengers and can be cancelled after confirmation if it is not reached; you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
• Check in 45 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before take-off, and late arrivals may lose the fare.
• Flights are shared, and window seats are not guaranteed.
• Free cancellation is available up to two days before departure, not 24 hours as on many reef trips.

Meeting Point

Check in at the Nautilus Aviation heliport at Marina Point on the Cairns waterfront, at least 45 minutes before your flight.