Cairns Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Fly-Cruise

$729.00 per adult | Child $569.00 per child 3-14 yrs | Family 2A+2C 3-14yrs $2408.00
10:30 am
5:00 pm
Reef Magic Pontoon
Reef Magic pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling site
Reef Magic Pontoon
Reef Magic pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling site

$729.00 per adult
$569.00 per child 3-14 yrs
Family 2A+2C 3-14yrs $2408.00
Infant under 3 – seated on adult lap – Free of Charge.

Departs daily 10.30am – 5.00pm
Take off from Cairns on a 25-minute scenic flight to the Reef Magic activity platform at Moore Reef and enjoy spectacular views over the Coral Sea. Soar above the lush rainforest coastline and into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with panoramic vistas of turquoise waters and reef formations below. Your experienced pilot will provide informative commentary, pointing out marine life such as turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and large schools of fish — and from July to September, you may even spot Humpback whales on their annual migration.

 

The all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon is the latest and most technologically advanced structure on the Great Barrier Reef, designed and built with sustainability in mind. Spanning over 1,003 square meters and accommodating up to 450 guests, it limits the number to a maximum of 250 to ensure lots of space and a more intimate experience.

Highlights of Your Day: Click here to see a virtual -video of your day out on Reef Magic

Scenic Helicopter Flight – The 25 minute scenic flight from Cairns takes you to a reef activity platform located at Moore 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).

Stay Dry Activities: Relax on the spacious sundeck, or marvel at the marine life from our underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tours.

Snorkelling: Dive into the vibrant coral gardens and explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Scuba Diving: Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner, discover the reef’s depths with our guided scuba diving experiences.

Sea Trek Helmet Diving: A unique underwater adventure exploring to a depth of 3 metres without getting your hair wet. Reef Magic has the longest helmet diving circuit on the Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for non-swimmers or nervous divers. Minimum child age is 12 yrs

 

4.5 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef and less than 90 minutes travel time directly from Cairns

  • 25 minute scenic flight transfer to the Great Barrier Reef .
  • Unlimited snorkelling with all equipment and instruction
  • FREE wetsuits (winter) and lycra suits (summer)
  • FREE Semi Submersible tours with interactive commentary
  • FREE Glass Bottom Boat tours with interactive commentary
  • Underwater reef viewing observatory
  • Fish feeding & identification
  • Great Barrier Reef presentation conducted by Marine Biologist/ Master Reef Guide
  • The Reef Magic Pontoon Reef Activity Platform offers shelter and shade, including a sundeck, fresh water showers and change rooms
  • Chef prepared lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and drinking water all-day
  • Children’s swimming enclosure
  • Personal flotation devices included – swim vests & noodles
  • Introductory Dive $134 – 2nd dive $92
  • Certified Dive $123.00 – 2nd dive $82
  • Sea Trek Helmet Diving $134.00

Please note – certain medical conditions (i.e. asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure or certain medications may exclude individuals from diving.

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

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)

 

  • 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

Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies

Checkin required 45 minutes prior to departure. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time.

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

One (1) infant (under 3 years of age) is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s/guardians lap with a company provided infant seat belt restraint.

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.

 

Explore related tours

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station

Adult $145|Child$80|Family $390
Gold class option 9.30 train only $60 per person
Train departs Cairns 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Tour not bookable online – please contact us P: 07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets Wednesday through to Sunday and the many attractions of Kuranda, then return on the Skyrail as you guide over the rainforest canopy.  Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station.

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

Adult from $239 Child (7-14yrs) $215 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 $239.00 | Child $215.00 Child 7yrs-14

7:30 am
4:30 pm

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
Book Now
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 loveCairns Discovery Tours.

🗓️ Flexible Cancellations

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

💳 Book Now, Pay Later

Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.

🌴 Local Since 1995

For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.

👩‍🏫 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.

Janice Welsh
Janice Welsh
7 months ago
We arranged 3 day tours from Cairns with Cairns Discovery tours, one to Fitzroy Island, one to Green Island and one to Kuranda . From the initial telephone contact to the conclusion of the tours, Maryanne was so helpful and professional. Booking and payment was easy, follow up information meant we knew exactly where to meet and what we would expect to see and do, when and where to check in on the day . I can thoroughly recommend booking with Cairns Discovery Tours.
Meredith Graham
Meredith Graham
9 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours were amazing. I had very specific requirements for booking tours, due to the group we were travelling with. They made the process so easy. Their recommendations were spot on and then they took care of all our bookings, including updating me on any "deals" that companies had. If you are travelling to Cairns, I would highly recommend contacting Cairns Discovery Tours to sort your holiday!
I had the pleasure of booking my recent trip through Cairns Discovery Tours in Cairns and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.From the very beginning, Maryanne and team were extremely easy to work with. Their communication was clear, prompt, and effective, which gave me confidence that everything was being handled smoothly. No matter how many questions we had, they responded with patience and helpful details.Since we were completely new to Cairns, their recommendations were invaluable.Another highlight was the deal they worked out for us. They managed to customize the itinerary in a way that was both budget-friendly and full of experiences.Overall, I highly recommend Cairns Discovery Tours to anyone planning a trip to Cairns. They are professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about making your journey memorable. I would definitely choose them again for my future travels.Thanks once again Maryanne and Taam!
Kim Ryan
Kim Ryan
7 months ago
Easy to book online and and contact if need be. Well organised would recommend using this company to book tours through.
Adrian Olsen
Adrian Olsen
10 months ago
Like to thank Mary Ann for organising our two trips had to get a partial refund on one of the trips due to weather which was an easy process. Would definitely book through Cairns Discovery Tours again
G
Greg Scher
1 year ago
Marianne set up great tours and was very responsive with any questions. Highly recommended,