Great Barrier Reef by Helicopter
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching along the Queensland coast for roughly 2,300 kilometers and visible from space. Cairns is one of the main gateway cities for reaching it, with reef sites reachable by boat or by air.
Seeing it by helicopter
Flying out from Cairns shows the reef's coral patterns as pale turquoise rings and shapes against deep blue water, a view that only makes sense from above -- from the water itself, a reef is just a change in color beneath the boat. Some tours add a landing stop on a reef platform or sandbank for snorkeling partway through the flight.
Helicopter tours that fly over Great Barrier Reef
Cairns, Queensland
Fly in and Fly out Great Barrier Reef Cairns Day Tour
A truly VIP experience, discover one of the great natural wonders of the world with a roundtrip helicopter scenic flight and a day at the Reef Cruises’ pontoon! Snorkel, Scuba Dive, visit the Underwater Observatory, wi
5.5 hrs
From $1380.78 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
For a once in a lifetime experience, combine your scenic flight with an exclusive getaway to your own piece of paradise. Feel the thrill of flying over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing on Vlasoff Cay (ex
3.5 hrs
From $859.69 USD
Cairns, Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Tour and Scenic Helicopter Flight
Experience the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef with Great Adventures. From our spacious Outer Reef platform, discover vibrant coral and marine life. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike can snorkel or dive, explore the reef
7 hrs
From $365.38 USD
Good to know
- •A flight-only tour and a flight-plus-landing tour are genuinely different experiences -- check whether a stop for snorkeling is included if that matters to you.
- •The coral's colors show best in clear water and good midday light; overcast conditions mute the effect noticeably.
- •This is a popular combination with Green Island on the same flight, since both sit in roughly the same direction from Cairns.
Can you actually see coral from a helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes -- the reef's coral formations show up clearly as pale turquoise patterns against the darker open water, which is one of the only ways to see the reef's overall shape rather than just whatever's directly beneath a boat.
See live availability for Cairns helicopter tours on Viator.
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