60 minute Reef Scenic flight
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 60 minute Reef Scenic flight worth booking?
60 minute Reef Scenic flight is a 1-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $628 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $628 per person
The Reef Spectucular does exactly what the title says - provides you with one hour of total reef paradise! We leave no stone (or coral) unturned as we explore two vast clusters of reefs. Rays, turtles and sharks are commonly seen on these flights. There is no better way to experience the vastness and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
What you get
About this experience
The Reef Spectucular does exactly what the title says - provides you with one hour of total reef paradise! We leave no stone (or coral) unturned as we explore two vast clusters of reefs. Rays, turtles and sharks are commonly seen on these flights. There is no better way to experience the vastness and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Carbonated beverages
Not included
- In-flight video is available for purchase after the flight.
What you'll see and do
Fitzroy Island
Flying past the northern side, we will receive great panoramic views of Fitzroy Island and little Fitzroy Island. In the distance we will see the many other islands littered along the coast.
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Yarrabah
We will fly right past the World War II fortifications at False Cape. Coming over Cape Graften we will take in some fantastic views of Turtle Beach.
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Sudbury Cay lays at the very western tip of the vast Sudbury Reef. This Cay is known for its diverse bird wildlife.
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We will get a great view of all the small individual reefs that make up Elford Reef while we track along. The reef edges drop to the ocean floor almost vertically.
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Moore Reef is the most popular outer reef for snorkeling and diving. We will fly right past the many large fixed pontoons that are permanently located there.
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Arlington Reef is a beautifully U shaped reef, connecting both the inner and outer reef. From 2000ft-3000ft altitude it gives a great perspective of the size of the cluster of reefs located outside Cairns.
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Vlasoff Cay is just one out of 300 sand cays located throughout the reef. Depending on tides and flight conditions, we might be able to make a quick touch-down on this magical island.
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Green Island
Green Island is home to the Green Island resort and is surrounded by a stunning inner reef. Orbiting at 1000ft it will also give a great perspective of the rugged coastline.
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Upolu Reef is a smaller, more intimate and very symmetrical inner reef. It always serves as a fantastic end note of our reef adventure before returning to Cairns.
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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 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for 60 minute Reef Scenic flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Zoom helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
Great pilot & staff. The views on this 1 hour flight were magnificent. You will never see this in any other location around the world. Best day outing we have had to date.
via Viator
Absolutely fantastic...
Absolutely fantastic flight and reef was unbelievable. Haley was an awesome pilot and narrator. Highly recommend!!
via Viator
Professional team, the...
Professional team, the pilot made us feel safe and the ride was great. Awesome views of the reef. Highly recommended.
via Viator
Amazing tour over the...
Amazing tour over the great barrier reef. We were the only two on the helicopter, which was extremely special. We were able to see many parts of the reef. The weather was great. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Highly recommend this tour of the reef!
The absolute best ride over the reef. Unbelievable view of the reef and islands. Highly recommend! Chris and Nile’s were excellent communicators Niles did a great job giving us views from all angles.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $628 to $879
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- 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 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
60 minute Reef Scenic flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does 60 minute Reef Scenic flight cost?
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Prices start at $628 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 60 minute Reef Scenic flight take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 60 minute Reef Scenic flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic flight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 60 minute Reef Scenic flight?
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Around 2 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic flight?
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Included: Bottled water; and Carbonated beverages. Not included: In-flight video is available for purchase after the flight. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic 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 60 minute Reef Scenic flight?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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