Cairns Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef

Fly-Cruise Great Barrier Reef Sunlover Cruises

Adult $724.00 | Child 2-15yrs $586.50 | Family 2A+2C  2-15yrs $2449.00
11:45 am
5:30 pm
Fly and cruise reef experience with Sunlover Cruises
Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns with Sunlover Cruises
Fly and cruise reef experience with Sunlover Cruises
Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns with Sunlover Cruises

Adult $724|Child 3-15yrs $586.50
Infant 12 months Free |
Family 2A+2C  2-15yrs $2449
Price includes Fuel Levy
Departs daily 11.45am – 5.30pm
3.5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef

Experience the ultimate adventure with a breathtaking 25 minute helicopter flight from Cairns to the Sunlover Pontoon at Moore Reef, located 54 kms offshore. Soar above the tropical rainforest coastline, glide over the sparkling azure waters of the Coral Sea, and marvel at the heart of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.

The 25-minute scenic flight between Cairns and Moore Reef delivers stunning panoramic views extending from the tropical rainforest-clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul to Sep).

Perfect for all ages, the Sunlover Pontoon offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. Enjoy snorkelling, semi-submersible coral viewing tour, glass bottom boat and the newly added sun deck and the exhilarating Sunlover Sun water slide, ensuring endless fun and relaxation in the stunning marine environment.

 

  • 25 minute scenic helicopter flight – Depart Cairns 11.45am (check in 11.00am)
  • Spend 3.5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef
  • Delicious buffet luncheon featuring fresh seafood, hot dishes, salads and sumptuous tropical fruits
  • Guided coral viewing from our semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours
  • Underwater observatory
  • Fish feeding presentation
  • Touch tank to experience unique marine life up close
  • All snorkelling equipment
  • Snorkelling enclosure with rest and view stations
  • Fully enclosed kids’ pool
  • Theme Park Waterslide -The only one on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Freshwater showers and change rooms (on the pontoon)
  • Toilets (on the boat only)
  • Full bar facilities
  • FREE Wi-Fi
  • 3.45pm Reboard the catamaran for the cruise home. Afternoon tea is served and your reef photos from Calypso Reef Imagery are sent to your phone before you arrive back in Cairns.
  • Arrive Cairns 5.30pm
  • Seawalker Helmet Dive $149.00 per person
  • Certified diving $149
  • Introductory diving $149
  • Guided snorkel tour $52

 PLEASE READ dive medical before booking any dives. This will be required to be completed on the day of travel. View Dive Medical

 

  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Reefsmart sunscreen
  • Underwater camera
  • Water bottle (you are able to refill on board)
  • Change of clothes
  • Extra cash or credit card for onboard purchases
  • Small soft bag required for helicopter

Check in 45 minutes prior to Nautilus Aviation
Checkin closes 30 minutes prior and failure to do so may result in missing your flight
Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund
Any flight amendments made inside 48 hours with incur a 50% penalty.
Cancellation within 24 hours is non refundable
No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure

Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability.
The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.

Helicopters (as with all light aircraft) are subject to strict weight specifications per aircraft type.

Accurate individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised upon booking.

It is a legal requirement for all passengers and luggage to be weighed at the time of check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee and/or luggage allowance may be further reduced.

Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130KG.  For passengers exceeding 130KG, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance.

Seat allocation including window seats for scheduled flights (non-exclusive) are decided based on weight and balance and at the discretion of the pilot or ground crew to ensure the safe carriage of all passengers.

Explore related tours

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station

Kuranda Scenic Train departs Cairns at 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Not bookable online ☎️07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am train (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets and the many attractions in Kuranda. Return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cablewayas you guide over the rainforest canopy.  Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns/Freshwater Railway Stations.

Adult $155.50 | Child $85.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-14yrs $399.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person

Book Now
Snorkellers exploring Green Island reef lagoon

Adult $240 |Child 4-14 yrs $142
Departs Mon to Sat 9am – 6pm
Green Island and Cairns City Sights Tour is an exciting day tour that takes you on a journey to explore the natural beauty and cultural highlights of two unique destinations. Morning begins with a visit to the beautiful Green Island, where you have the opportunity to snorkel or do a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Cairns where you’ll explore the sights and sounds of this vibrant tropical city.

More Info

Adult $240.00 | Child 4-14 yrs $142.00

9:00 am
6:00 pm
Daintree Tours from Port Douglas

Adult from $249 Child (7-14yrs) $225 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am –  4.30pm

Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.

More Info

Adult from $249.00 | Child $225.00 Child 7yrs-14

7:30 am
4:30 pm
River drift Daintree Tours

This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..

 

More Info

Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C

8:30 am
4:30 pm
Cairns Aquarium marine life experience banner

Adult $179| Child $79
Available Tues to Sat 3pm – 6:15pm

Experience available up until 28th June 2026

Aquarium by twilight gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal sea creatures as they move about in the shadows. Witness the predators in the Oceanarium with appetiser and drink in hand, before completing your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched 3 course dining experience while enjoying a stunning marine life backdrop.

Adult $179.00 | Child $79.00

3:00 pm
6:15 pm
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Silversonic diver exploring outer reef coral formations

Adult $315|Child $228
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on the day of travel
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.

More Info

Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel

8:30 am
4:30 pm
Cairns river cruise sightseeing tour tropical waters

Adult $70| Child 2-11yrs $50
Family 2A+2C $190
Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm

Embark on a 75 minute journey of tranquility with Cairns River Cruise sightseeing tour as you navigate the serene waters of Trinity Inlet. Modern spacious boat meticulously designed for comfort, ensuring uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.

Experience the beauty of Cairns waterfront bordered by majestic mountains and lush mangroves, serving as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife.

More Info

Adult $70.00 | Child 2-11yrs $50.00 | Family 2A+2C $190.00

10:45 am
Aerial shot of Nautilus Helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef

$1189.00 per person
Departs Daily from Port Douglas
11.10am – 3.30pm

Short on time or want to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a return scenic flight. Takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife – sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).

Spend 2 hours – 15 minutes at the Quicksilver pontoon to enjoy snorkelling, semi submersible coral viewing tour, underwater observatory and a delicious buffet lunch.

 

$1189.00 per person

11:10 am
3:30 pm
Book Now

Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.

🗓️ Flexible Cancellations

Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.

💳 Book Now, Pay Later

Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure.  Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.

🌴 Local Since 1995

For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.

👩‍🏫 Expert Local Guides

Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.

SayItLikeItIs
SayItLikeItIs
1 month ago
I booked the two day Rainforest trip on the 23rd & 24th June. The scenery was breathtaking and we were treated to a river cruise where we spotted some famous local crocodiles :D Throughout the journey to the lookouts and the Daintree Rainforest, we were treated to some fascinating commentary by our guides on the history of the area. I would like to give special thanks and appreciation to John and Clinton who were very knowledgeable, humorous and looked after us all very well :) I opted to spend a night in the Rainforest and it was truly an unforgettable experience :)
Jia Wang
Jia Wang
1 month ago
The tour is fantastic, with great views and unique experience. The staffs are friendly and helpful.
Very good support from Marianne to organize our Cairns visits, both for diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and for Kuranda and Rainforest Cape tribulation tours ! You can trust she will arrange every modification needed at her best ! Loved the trip in Cairns also thanks to Marianne, who listens and adapts to your interests and time ! Big Thank you, Marianne!
Michelle White
Michelle White
1 month ago
Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.
madam howling
madam howling
1 month ago
I’m not often impressed enough to comment I certainly am with Maryanne Nothing was too much effort, even to ringing me at 9pm on Friday night to change a trip Refunded was processed within ten minutes of cancellation, new options provided All the five star reviews are true!
Mark Rodahl
Mark Rodahl
8 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours is such a wonderful company. They all were essential in giving us an unforgettable experience on our first trip to Cairns. Maryanne is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in finding perfect excursions for us. Her Daintree Rainforest tour with the awesome Jeremey as our guide was truly amazing ! On top of all of this, everyone was so kind and helpful to recover and return to my wife a lost sentimental bracelet. I can not thank them all enough for making our vacation so special and memorable. You are all the best !