45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight worth booking?
45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight is a 1.2-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $471 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- From
- $471 per person
This tour combines the best elements of the reef and rainforest. Starting with the reef we fly to Green Island and then explore the local reefs, including the beautiful Vlasoff Sand Cay. We then track to Palm Cove and climb up to 2,500 feet as we glide over the Great Dividing Range on our way to Kuranda - the village in the rainforest. We then track down the Barron Gorge, home of the immense Barron Falls, before tracking back to Cairns Airport with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
What you get
About this experience
This tour combines the best elements of the reef and rainforest. Starting with the reef we fly to Green Island and then explore the local reefs, including the beautiful Vlasoff Sand Cay. We then track to Palm Cove and climb up to 2,500 feet as we glide over the Great Dividing Range on our way to Kuranda - the village in the rainforest. We then track down the Barron Gorge, home of the immense Barron Falls, before tracking back to Cairns Airport with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
Not included
- In-flight video is available for purchase at the end of the flight.
What you'll see and do
Green Island
Green Island is a 6000 year old Coral Cay Island that is very popular for day visits with frequent ferry services to and from the island. There are numerous activities on the island, such as snorkel tours, diving, glass bottom and semi-submersible boat tours. It is a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns and is a popular tourism destination.
Pass by without stopping
Vlasoff sand cay is a tropical sand island located on Vlasoff Reef. It is unvegetated, and acts as a natural resting place for a range of sea birds.
Pass by without stopping
Great Barrier Reef
This flight includes stunning views of Arlington Reef, Vlassof Reef and Upolo Reef. These reefs are just a few of the 2900 individually named reefs that comprice the Great Barrier Reef.
Pass by without stopping
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is a popular tourist destination with a bubbling esplanade packed with restaurants, cafes, hotels and shops. It's a great place to visit and looks fantastic from the air. Palm Cove is the last suburb within the Cairns locality.
Pass by without stopping
Barron Falls
The Barron Falls is a 900m multi-stage waterfall. During the wet season most of the rock formations are hidden by the raging white water. During the dry season the underlying cliff is exposed showing incredible detail of this ancient formation.
Pass by without stopping
Kuranda, sometimes called the "village in the rainforest" is a popular destination for tourists and an easy day trip activitiy. It is filled with markets, cafes and eateries, as well as numerous tourist attactions.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zoom Helicopters
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to see the reef.
Great flight out over the reef and rain forest. Calum our pilot was great,with just the right amount of info. The staff on check in were very professional and friendly. I would recommend doing a flight over the reef with the Zoom team.
via Tripadvisor
5 star customer service
At the 11th hour (5pm Fri), I called Zoom to book a 60th Wedding Anniversary surprise flight for my 85 yr old father, a gift from my Mum. Hayley answered the call in more ways than one in helping to organise a voucher to present to him at their celebration for the next morning. My father was very, very surprised and looks forward to his flight which he will do in September, a perfect time of year in Cairns. Hayley's friendly and professional customer service was 2nd to none and I cannot rate her enough. Thankyou again, we cannot wait for him to experience his first helicopter flight with Zoom.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience,...
Beautiful experience, everything ran smoothly on arrival. We were weighed and given safety precautions with a life jacket. Hailey our pilot was nice and informative.
via Viator
Exhilaration and Awesome Wonder
We were in the expert hands of Haley who guided us through the most incredible journey. Photos and videos just can't do it justice. The tide was low and the sun was out so we saw lots of corral reefs then climbed up and over the rainforest to Kuranda and the famous gauge. The water tumbling into the plains below which only recently were flooded. What an almighty tour. Highly recommended. One of the world's wonders and in such safe hands.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip
Exhilarating experience. The sea over the reef was crystal clear. Amazing trip, great people made a fantastic end to our trip to cairns
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $471 to $659
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zoom Helicopters, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.7.
See everything Zoom Helicopters runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight cost?
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Prices start at $471 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight take?
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Plan for about 1.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 1.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; and Bottled water. Not included: In-flight video is available for purchase at the end of the flight. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, organization, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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