Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch worth booking?
Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch is a 3.5-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $1214 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (24)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $1214 per person
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
What you get
- 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef
- Picnic basket including gourmet food and beverages
- Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Surcharges on fuel
- 2-hours on secluded Vlasoff Cay
About this experience
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 Cairns) - a pristine sand cay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on the pure white sand, beach comb for treasures, lay in the shallow crystal waters or snorkel straight off the cay and discover the magic of the underwater world. The experience is complete with a gourmet picnic hamper, sparkling wine and snorkelling equipment.
What's included
Included
- 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef
- Picnic basket including gourmet food and beverages
- Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Surcharges on fuel
- 2-hours on secluded Vlasoff Cay
- Picnic blanket, beach umbrella and beach chairs
- Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
Not included
- Accommodation transfers
What you'll see and do
Nautilus Aviation
We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid. You'll then board the helicopter to travel to Vlasoff Cay
45 minutes here · Admission included
Great Barrier Reef
Fly over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef before landing on Vlasoff Cay.
Pass by without stopping
Spend approx. 2 hours at Vlasoff Cay. Relax on the pure white sand, beach comb for treasures, lay in the shallow crystal waters or snorkel straight off the cay and discover the magic of the underwater world.
120 minutes here
Great Barrier Reef
On your return journey, enjoy admiring the views of the reef before heading back to Cairns.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.
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
- Nautilus Aviation
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weight Policy: Individual passenger weights and accompanying carry-on luggage MUST be advised at time of booking. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of ticket price - this is non-commissionable and payable to Nautilus Aviation on day of travel.
- All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order.
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Vlasoff Cay is a public sand cay and as such can not be reserved. On the rare occasion it is occupied on our arrival we will not be permitted to land. If this occurs passengers will receive an extended reef scenic flight back to the Pier Heliport (total flying time 45 mins including initial 20 mins from Cairns to Vlasoff Cay). Passengers will be able to keep their picnic lunch and our reservations team will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.
- Child Policy: Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price. Subject to conditions, children under 3 years may travel free of charge when seated on a parents/guardians lap. For bookings of more than one infant (under 3 years), conditions apply – please contact Reservations.
- We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.
- Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to increase pricing or add surcharges where applicable
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $1214 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 24 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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Around 8 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch 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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Ocean Free: Small Group Great Barrier Reef & Green Island Tour, Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour. 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.
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