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Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Heli Flight from Cairns

(15 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 8.5 hours

 

Highlights

  • Cruise aboard a 35-metre luxury superyacht from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel at 2 exclusive reef sites with equipment, lessons, and 5 hours of reef time included
  • Take a breathtaking 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef included in your tour

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What to expect

Enjoy the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure with a luxury cruise and scenic helicopter flight on this full-day tour from Cairns. Step aboard Evolution, a modern 35-metre superyacht, and travel in comfort to the Outer Reef. Relax in spacious air-conditioned lounges or soak up the sunshine from the open sundecks as you journey to the reef.

During the day, you’ll visit two exclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef sites renowned for their crystal-clear waters, colourful coral gardens, and abundant marine life. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and first-time snorkellers will receive guidance from the friendly crew. For those seeking more excitement, optional scuba diving is also available.

Midday, enjoy a chef-prepared barbecue lunch featuring steak, fish, prawns, salads, and bread, with dietary requirements catered for. At the second reef site, take to the skies for a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight. Marvel at the vast reef system, spot marine life from above, and capture incredible aerial photos before returning to the vessel.

As you cruise back to Cairns, unwind with a complimentary glass of wine accompanied by cheese and biscuits — the perfect way to finish a magical day on the reef.

Sample Itinerary

7:15am – 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at reef location 2
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 15 reviewsRead all reviews
Julie

Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Very well organised and staff very helpful and knowledgeable. The snorkelling was out of this world and the helicopter trip was sensational. Thank you all again for a fantastic day x

Ophelia

From start to finish this trip was amazing!! The crew were so welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable - they really made the experience even better. The helicopter ride was so well organised, the guided snorkel was so informative and overall I had the best day!!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • 5-hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • 10-minute scenic flight at the second reef location
  • 1 pre-booked dive including scuba equipment (if dive option is selected)
  • Use of a lycra/stinger suit
  • BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options)
  • A glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return journey

Extra

  • Return hotel transfers (on request for an additional cost)
  • Additional dives (can be added once onboard)

Time and Departure Location

Checkin at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns from 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM. The vessel departs at 8 AM and returns at approximately 4:30 PM.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • The maximum passenger weight for the helicopter ride must not exceed 130 kg.
  • The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old
  • This activity is dependent on the weather. The helicopter may be cancelled if the weather is not suitable.
  • All divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire
  • Due to the comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg.
  • Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and/or ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor’s name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition
  • Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted
  • Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider
  • Languages spoken on board: English, German, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin.

Not suitable for

  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with diabetes

What To Bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash

Cancellation Policy

  • Customer-requested cancellations made at least 6 days prior to travel will receive a refund of 95% of the total booking amount. The remaining 5% will be retained as a non-refundable administration and booking fee. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
  • Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
  • Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

How does the helicopter flight fit into the reef day?

The scenic flight takes place at the second Outer Reef location, usually in the early afternoon. You’ll transfer to the helicopter pontoon for a 10-minute loop over Hastings Reef and the surrounding coral formations, land back at the pontoon and then rejoin the boat. Depending on your allocated flight time, you can snorkel before or after the flight. Follow the crew’s timing and allow enough time to dry off before boarding the helicopter.

Does every passenger get a window seat on the helicopter?

The helicopters usually carry six passengers, with seating allocated according to the aircraft’s weight and balance requirements. This means a window seat cannot be guaranteed for every passenger, but everyone follows the same scenic route over Hastings Reef and the surrounding reef system.

Can I join the snorkelling if I’m not a confident swimmer?

Yes. Snorkelling instruction, floatation devices and in-water supervision are available, making the experience approachable for first-time and less-confident snorkellers. Let the crew know before entering the water so they can help you choose the right level of support and enjoy the reef at a comfortable pace.

Is this tour a good choice for families with children?

Yes. The spacious vessel, air-conditioned lounges, open decks, floatation equipment and snorkelling support make it a comfortable full-day reef option for families. Children must remain under adult supervision and follow the crew’s water-safety instructions. Scuba diving has separate age and medical requirements.

Can I choose snorkelling only or add scuba diving?

You can enjoy the full day with the included snorkelling at two Outer Reef locations, or select an option with one introductory or certified dive. No previous diving experience is required for an introductory dive, although all divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Certified divers need to bring a recognised certification card. Additional dives may also be available onboard.

What should I do if I’m prone to seasickness?

The vessel is a large catamaran designed for Outer Reef travel, but sea conditions can still vary. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend speaking with a pharmacist and taking a suitable preventative before departure. Seasickness tablets are available onboard, although they work best when taken before the boat leaves Cairns.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options can be arranged with advance notice. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

15 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Jhon

Family Traveller

Everything was so good I would highly recommend this tour!

July 24, 2025

Alesia

Couple Traveller

The perfect thing to do if you are at Cairns. The personnel was so kind and helpful, fully recommending this activity

July 15, 2025

Julie

Couple Traveller

Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Very well organised and staff very helpful and knowledgeable. The snorkelling was out of this world and the helicopter trip was sensational. Thank you all again for a fantastic day x

July 10, 2025

Oliver

Family Traveller

The boat for transportation was FANTASTIC with everything you’d possibly need! The actual trip out was incredibly rough due to large waves making 10’s of people sick around the boat which was unfortunate. They did supply sick tablets and water to those who’ve been ill. They gave us loads of time to snorkel the reef which was just beautiful. There were lots of add-ons to pick on the day but the standard ticket was more than enough to satisfy!

June 23, 2025

Charley

Family Traveller

Best trip ever. Honestly. Book the Heli with it. You definitely won’t regret it. It was super well organized and I would do it all over again

June 18, 2025
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