Cairns Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef

Reef Adventure Cruise-Fly

$644.00 per person 3yrs + | $0.00 Infant Under 3yrs no neat
10:30 am
3:20 pm
Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Great Barrier Reef Adventure

$644 per person 3yrs + Includes Fuel Levy
Departs Daily Cairns 10.30am – 3.20pm

Discover the Great Barrier Reef as you cruise in fast catamaran comfort with Great Adventures to the activity platform moored at Norman Reef. Includes lunch, snorkelling equipment,  semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour with commentary, Underwater Observatory and Eco Reef Talk. Return to Cairns on a 25 minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef – Pontoon
Located off Cairns, just 90 minutes by fast catamaran or 25 minutes by scenic helicopter, the Great Adventures Outer Reef activity platform is a stable, all-weather base allowing visitors to explore the reef in comfort. Whatever your age, swimming ability or activity level there is something for everyone at Great Adventures. Snorkel, scuba dive or stay dry and visit the underwater reef observatory for a fun and informative Eco Reef Talk from a local marine expert. The Semi-Submersible is a great activity providing views of the reef from below the waterline without setting foot in the water and includes live commentary with fascinating insights into this complex ecosystem. You won’t go hungry either with morning & afternoon tea plus a hot and cold buffet lunch included in the day. Dine in comfort aboard the air-conditioned catamaran or pull up a lounge on the upper sundeck and soak up the tropical ambience.

Helicopter Flight
The 25 minute scenic flight from Cairns takes you to a reef activity platform located on one of two premium Outer Reef locations, Moore Reef or Norman Reef. Enjoy 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-Sep). Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies

  • 25 minute scenic flight to or from Cairns
  • Air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
  • 2.15 hours at the Outer Reef activity platform
  • All snorkelling equipment including buoyancy devices and friendly instruction for beginners
  • Hot and cold tropical lunch
  • Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
  • Underwater Observatory and Eco Reef Talk
  • Afternoon tea and coffee whilst on the platform
  • Lycra suits
  • The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket.
  • Certified diving $154 12yrs +
  • Introductory diving $205 12yrs +
  • Scuba Doo $190.00
  • Guided snorkel tour Adult $88 Child $45

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION You should not fly at high altitude within 12 hours of a single dive or 18 hours when doing multiple dives (where possible wait 24 hours)

Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies

All tours are confirmed subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.  Solo traveller bookings welcome.

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.

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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

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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.

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Adult from $249 Child (7-14yrs) $225 not suitable for under 7yrs
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River drift Daintree Tours

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

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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.

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Cairns river cruise sightseeing tour tropical waters

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Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm

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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.

 

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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.

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 !