Cairns Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef

Fly – Cruise Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver Cruises

$746.00 per person 3yrs + | $0.00 Infant under 3yrs
10:40 am
4:30 pm
Quicksilver Wavepiercer reef cruise vessel from Port Douglas
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef header banner image
Quicksilver Wavepiercer reef cruise vessel from Port Douglas
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef header banner image

$746 per person 3yrs +
Departs 11am daily from Port Douglas
Experience the trip of a lifetime departing from Port Douglas on a spectacular 35-minute scenic flight to Agincourt Reef. Soar above the breathtaking tropical coastline where lush rainforest meets the reef, taking in panoramic views of the Coral Sea below. Arrive at Agincourt Reef, a stunning ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Includes a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight to the Great Barrier Reef.  Please note this is subject to the availability of the helicopter. We will email you immediately with confirmation.

For your experience of a lifetime, you will fly to the renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. From the spacious activity platform, discover an underwater world filled with a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.

At the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region’s outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature’s finest.

It’s a day that engages all your senses, lifts your spirit and takes you into another realm. Sharing the wonder of the world’s largest living entity, realising its breathtaking colour and majesty, seeing nature at its most perfect is an awakening and, quite simply, the memory of a lifetime. Come and experience nature’s finest with Australia’s best. At Agincourt ribbon reef, you’ll feel as if you’ve embraced paradise.

 

  • 35 minute scenic Helicopter flight to or from the Great Barrier Reef
  • Morning and afternoon teas on board
  • 3 hours at Agincourt Reef Activity Platform
  • Reef presentation by marine biologist
  • Hot and cold tropical smorgasbord lunch with prawns
  • All snorkelling equipment and instruction provided
  • Buoyancy vests and flotation noodles
  • Qualified lifeguards on hand
  • Underwater observatory fish & coral viewing
  • Coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels, cruise as often as you like!
  • Fish feeding conducted by the crew
  • Wavepiercer cruise back to Port Douglas
  • Return transfers from Port Douglas

Port Douglas accommodation transfer by Nautilus Aviation: 10.40am
Depart Nautilus Aviation helipad, Port Douglas: 11.10am
Arrive Agincourt Reef: 11.45am
Depart Quicksilver outer reef platform: 3.00pm
Arrive Marina Mirage terminal: 4.30pm

If you want to try scuba diving you need to do the Cruise Fly Tour as briefing for the diving is on board Quicksilver

  • Underwater cameras are available for purchase, and underwater digital cameras are available to hire. Professional photo service available on board

 

  • 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

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Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Not bookable online ☎️07 40283567
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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.

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River drift Daintree Tours

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Cairns Aquarium marine life experience banner

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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.

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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
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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.

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
22 days 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
8 days 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
7 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 !
Ali Almazroei
Ali Almazroei
29 days ago
I had an incredible time with Cairns Discovery Tours! The entire experience was seamless, but I especially want to highlight the amazing help I received from Maryanne. She was absolutely wonderful throughout the booking process—her assistance in coordinating all the different spots and managing the details made my trip stress-free and truly enjoyable. If you're looking for a professional and helpful team in Cairns, I highly recommend them. Thank you, Maryanne, for all your hard work!"
Soon Fatt Woo
Soon Fatt Woo
6 months ago
We booked a whole day trip out to Daintree , Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Our guide was Jeremy. He was really fun and knowledgeable and I think he made all the difference in the World on this excursion. Without him, we would be lost not knowing what to look at and what to look out for. Highly recommended excursion if you can get a guide like Jeremy!!!