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Inner Reef Explorer - 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight | 30 minutes

30 Reviews | Cairns & the Tropical North
From $261.52 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 30 minute reef scenic flight
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Informative, in-flight commentary
  • Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional
  • Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional

Overview

This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays. Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Meeting points

Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Great Barrier Reef (Pass By)

    This 30-minute Great Barrier Reef 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).

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

September 10100% refund
September 11No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

30 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    30
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 30 reviews with 5 stars

Should not be missed!

Published on Feb, 2025

Incredible experience! Had a wonderful time. Professional and courteous Pilots. Highly recommend Zoom Helicopters.

Great Barrier Reef From Above

Published on Jan, 2025

I was terrified of doing this at first, but I am SO glad I did! The helicopter is small, but it felt fine when we were up there. The views you see are views that are impossible to see unless you're in a helicopter. Just book it!!! My sister and I were pleasantly surprised with our experiences, and Brendan was super knowledgeable and made us feel safe. Would 100% do it again.

Superb Experience

Published on Oct, 2024

Splendid experience with amazing views. Zoom Heli is very organized and safe. I can highly recommend them.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST GO!!!

Published on Sep, 2024

WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Johno was a fantastic pilot that explained the reef so well and was just a personable guy. We appreciated him getting us in early on the schedule to enjoy the views. We HIGHLY recommend this experience for ANYONE!

Zero regrets

Published on May, 2024

Highly recommend! Amazing experience and well worth it. Don't be that one that doesn't do it and regrets it later.

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