Cairns Helicopter Tours Over the Great Barrier Reef

Return Scenic Great Barrier Reef Heli Flight

$1189.00 per person
11:10 am
3:30 pm
Aerial shot of Nautilus Helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef
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.

 

The 35 minute scenic flight between Port Douglas and Agincourt 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.

The flight path includes famous 4 Mile Beach, Cape Kimberley, Daintree River Mouth, Snapper Island, stunning Undine Sand Cay and St Crispins Reef (refer map below and terms and conditions).

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 as well as Dwarf Minke and majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).

 

 

  • Return 35 minute each way scenic Helicopter Flight from Port Douglas
  • 2 1/4 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.
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Extra cash or credit card for additional purchases
  • Small soft bag to fit on the helicopter

Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies

  • 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.

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.

 

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

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Cairns sunset river cruise on calm tropical waters

Adult $85| Child 2-11yrs $55
Family 2A+2C $225
Departs from Cairns Marina 5.15pm –

Discover the enchanting beauty of a Cairns tropical sunset.

Join us for a relaxing 90-minute cruise through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, one of Cairns’ hidden gems. As the day ends, watch the sky transform into a canvas of golden hues and deep purples, with the city skyline and lush mountains as your backdrop.

Sit back and unwind with a complimentary drink in hand.
Capture unforgettable views of Cairns, the mangroves, and distant ranges bathed in sunset light.
Enjoy a serene, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the magic of Tropical North Queensland, this is an experience you’ll always remember.

More Info

Adult $85.00 | Child 2-11yrs $55.00 | Family 2A+2C $225.00

5:15 pm
6:45 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 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
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
Barron River Rafting through small rapids

Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$184  per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$165.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
Above prices include $35 River Levy

Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.

It’s fun, exciting, and ideal for first-timers or families with children aged 12 and over. No prior experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!

More Info

Includes $35 River Levy $184.00  per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers | Includes $35 River Levy $165.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid 

2:00 pm
5:30 pm
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
6 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
8 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
6 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
9 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,