Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 259 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper worth booking?
Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper is a 0.7-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $207 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 259 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (259)
- Duration
- 0.7 hours
- From
- $207 per person
See the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in our high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. After exploring the Reef you’ll head back toward the mainland, with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. Your flight also includes free transfer courtesy bus from your Cairns centrally located accommodation. Bus tranfers are subject to availability, and GSL will advise you if this service is not available
What you get
About this experience
See the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in our high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. After exploring the Reef you’ll head back toward the mainland, with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. Your flight also includes free transfer courtesy bus from your Cairns centrally located accommodation. Bus tranfers are subject to availability, and GSL will advise you if this service is not available
What's included
Included
- Guaranteed window seats
- In-flight commentary
- Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Cairns city centre area
- 40-minute high wing aircraft scenic flight
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cairns city center area (eg, Palmcove, Yorkeys Knob)
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
GSL Aviation
Starting point
Pass by without stopping
Great Barrier Reef
Bird's eye view of Great Barrier Reef
Pass by without stopping
Green Island
Aerial views of Green Island
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
If you are going to make your own way to the meeting point, please make sure to be on time for check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you are going to make your own way to the meeting point, please make sure to be on time for check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GSL Aviation
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Individual weight restriction 125 KG
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issue, passenger must be able to get in and out of the plane without assistance
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 259 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
259 verified traveler reviews for Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best way to see the reef
Pilot Ben was a great host. Loved the whole thing
via Tripadvisor
We had an amazing time,...
We had an amazing time, the views cannot be described... even pictures barely do it justice. Our guide/pilot was personable and informative!
via Viator
A wonderful and unique experience
What a fantastic experience. The booking process was straightforward and we felt well looked after on the day. Our pilot, Hanner, was friendly and knowledgeable and made sure everyone had a good view of the beautiful reef and islands. Having visited Green Island the day before, it was amazing to see it all from above. Highly recommend!
via Viator
Must see
Must see if you are in Carins. Eric was our pilot he was very skilled, knowledgeable and friendly. He also made sure we got some great pictures. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Discrimination. Horrible experience. Dont book with this company
Our GSL flight was very disappointing experience due to discrimination and feeling racism towards a specific group of passengers. We flew with a pilot named Jesse. My wife specifically requested to sit beside him before the flight. We came 1.5 hours early and saved the company money and time by driving ourselves to GSL not using their shuttle service. We were hoping that might help with our request. For the record if Jesse chose someone else that would be 100% okay, as there are 7 passengers and not all 7 can sit in the front, but the way things unfolded, the lies, the contracting excuses were not okay at all. Jesse was initially concerned that my wife had a wedge boot for her Achilles injury and was said he was concerned about her safety, which is 100% fair and considerate. However, we both assured him that she could make it up the stairs into the seat no problem. He said “we could try”. And for the record she did climb into the back effortlessly and zero help from anyone. Interestingly, the plane that landed just before us had a very elderly Caucasian lady that sat in the front seat, and they used ladders to help basically drag her down the plane. That sounds horrible, but she was struggling so much that she had to sit on the steps and lower herself down one step at a time with two others helping her down each step. But of course safety is important according to Jesse but not in that case. As we approached the plane Jesse said he needed one of the single passengers to take the front seat. There were 7 passengers. A family of 3 Asians, an Asian couple (us), a single Asian guy, and 1 Caucasian girl. So 6 Asian people and 1 non-Asian. When he asked a single passenger to jump up front, I objected and asked why, since my wife requested the front seat and he said we “could try”. This is where we felt lied to 1) he didn’t let us try although he said we could 2) he says safety is important but the previous plane elderly Caucasian lady they pulled out every red carpet for her and my wife proved getting up herself was 100% not an issue. Later Jesse changed his tune and said that he needed plane balance, ok fair enough why didn’t you say that to begin with and why are you changing your story now? But if it’s safety related we’re 100% with you, no hard feelings, let’s move on, but you should have said that at the beginning. Of the two single passengers the single Asian guy spoke up and said he would take it. That makes sense similar build, height, and mass as pilot. That would be a responsible choice. Although to be fair my husband or the dad of the family could have taken that seat two if Jesse needed balance the weight of the plane as these 3 passengers were similar size, height, and weight to the pilot. But even though the single Asian-passenger volunteered, Jesse (pilot) 100% heard the single guy. Jesse asks “ANYONE else?” Common! There were only two single passengers, why not ask any non-Asian passengers want to sit in the front. Seriously? “anyone else?” Ridiculous! Finally the Caucasian girl spoke up and there was some humming-hawing and he gave it to the single Caucasian girl. That sealed it, racism! Just to sum things up. Jesse rejected the single Asian guy volunteering and basically nudged the white girl into taking his spot. You reject led my request as an Asian lady and claim safety but the other plane allowed an elderly white lady to slide down stairs with helpers, which must be safe. You claimed you needed balance so you ignore the 3 adult Asian men similar size to you (Jesse) and suggest I (Asian female) am too small so you give to the white girl that’s similar size to me. Huh! To the GSL business owner, wouldn’t you care about your customers satisfaction. The whole seat thing could be a non-issue as we showed up 1.5 hours before and I directly requested the front. We dropped $700 for 2 people flight versus a single customer that was nudged into taking the spot. If you really care about your customers including the Asian ones, it could have made sense to offer it to the party of 3 people as they spent over $1000. They gave you the most money for your business!! But weren’t treated well either. For example Jesse was getting impatient that the family was taking longer to than the other 4 passengers to get their life jackets on and he/Jesse even rolled his eyes in discuss and didn’t bother to help. No offence, but one size does NOT fit all. My husband is about 85kg or 190lbs, but that life jacket that belts around the waist is suppose to fit a 5 year old girl, how exactly does that work? The dad was frantically trying to wrap the extra belt around his daughter, as she kept complaining that it’s falling down to her knees. Here’s a suggestion buy 7 more lifejackets and distribute them during the safety video so they are already on if time is so tight. Or if you want passengers paying 100% attention to the video then we could have put the lifejackets on while we killed 10minutes waiting for the plane to be refuelled rather than being rushed on the tarmac. We have been travelled more than 62 countries and never ever we see anything as obvious as this kind discrimination It was absolutely not worth the money to fly with this company. The whole thing soured the experience and I couldn’t enjoy the flight. Save your money and choose another company. Especially if you are Asian, you won’t be treated as “an equal” just a pay cheque. Especially if it’s “Jesse pilot” run. Horrible experience and never again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $207 to $289
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 91
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by GSL Aviation, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.8.
See everything GSL Aviation runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper cost?
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Prices start at $207 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper take?
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Plan for about 0.7 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 259 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper?
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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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper?
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Around 91 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 0.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper?
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Included: Guaranteed window seats; In-flight commentary; Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Cairns city centre area; and 40-minute high wing aircraft scenic flight. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cairns city center area (eg, Palmcove, Yorkeys Knob); and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 59 listed pickup locations in and around Cairns & the Tropical North. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper?
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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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for travelers with mobility issue, passenger must be able to get in and ou. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper 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 Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper?
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Across 259 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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