Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
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 $868 per person. It scores 50 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
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (24)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $868 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 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 you get
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private Sand Cay Flight
We booked the private sand cay flight, and it was so worth it! The entire process was smooth, the ladies at the reception were very friendly and made sure we were prepared for the flight. Our pilot, Nick, was so easy going, took photos of us in front of the helicopter, and gave us a good understanding of everything we were flying over - he was a great pilot as well (we had 2 people on board who had never been on a helicopter before and were nervous about the flight). The picnic that was packed was delicious AND PLENTIFUL! They accommodated for my vegan diet as well which was truly appreciated! I would recommend them to anyone it was one of the best parts of our trip, and such a memorable experience. Thank you Team!
Response from the operator: It sounds like you had an absolutely dreamlike experience! There’s something truly special about landing on a secluded sand cay, it feels like having your own private slice of the world for a moment. I’m so glad to hear that Nick and the team took such great care of you. It’s a huge credit to a pilot when they can turn pre flight nerves into a "best part of the trip" memory for first timers. And as a fellow fan of good food, I know that finding a delicious and plentiful vegan spread can sometimes be a challenge, so it’s fantastic that the catering was nailed for you!
via Viator
Reef to Cairns helicopter flight.
Booked the return portion of the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling package with Nautilus Aviation helicopter flights from the reef back to Cairns. The flight took approximately 25 minutes, a fantastic experience. The staff were extremely professional and very knowledgeable. The pilot took us for a tour over 4 other reefs on the way back into Cairns giving a very informative narrative & pointing out various points of interest along the way. (Our daughter was seated in front next to the pilot & could not stop talking about the experience when we arrived back in Cairns). Thank you to the staff & pilot. The views were absolutely stunning. Helicopter seemed modern,luxurious & very comfortable (Bell 407). Yes - a little more expensive than the return catamaran trip but definitely worth the money. I would highly recommend the experience if you are for something special to top off your visit.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the fantastic review, Chris! We're thrilled to hear you and your daughter enjoyed the helicopter flight and the stunning views. Our team works hard to create memorable experiences, and it’s great to know it resonated with you. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again! Kind regards Kel - Head of Customer Engagement
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding Famiky Experience thanks to Kai and Shawn…..
Outstanding Experience with Kai and Elevator Pilot. We took a tour out of Cairns and went to the reef and an island. We paid for the Helicopter Ride for our family of 4. What a great experience and both the boat driver Kai and Helicoper Pilot Shawn were simply awesome. Highly recommend it to anyone. What a great experience for our Family of four from the United States. Thank you Kai and Shawn!
Response from the operator: Hi Michael, we are thrilled to hear about your outstanding experience with Kai and Shawn during your tour with us! We are delighted that you had a great time on the reef and island. Thank you for recommending us and we hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable experience. Kind regards Kel
via Tripadvisor
Fun but too short
The helicopter ride was absolutely beautiful! Our pilot, Jules, was really down-to-earth and fun to talk to. We were supposed to go to the sand cay and have that to ourselves but there was a tour there already so the helicopter was not allowed to land there. Instead we were flown to the Green Island. We were provided a picnic lunch and a bottle of champagne! The thought is very cool but the practicality of being able to have lunch, drink the champagne, and snorkel in just 2 hours is not realistic. Apparently the 2 hours includes the time of us getting off and on the helicopter, walking to the beach, and setting up the chairs. We sat in the chairs for maybe 10 minutes, snorkeled for 50 minutes, then when we got back we were rushed to leave since Jules had another tour to attend to. For the amount of money we had to pay for a "private" lunch and helicopter ride, I think the amount of time to wherever we end up going to should be longer especially since we did not end up getting any privacy.
Response from the operator: Hi Stephanie Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, I do appreciate it. Jules is an incredible pilot and we are very fortunate to have him on our team as he is just as passionate about FNQ as we are. I understand how disappointing it would have been to arrive at Vlasoff and find it occupied, it is a public sand cay and as such can not be reserved. On the rare occasion it is occupied on our arrival we are not permitted to land and as per the T&C on the page, instead passengers receive an extended reef scenic flight including views of Arlington Reef (one of the largest continuous reef system in the marine park) before landing at Green Island for snorkelling and lunch. The Pilots need to log their flight plan prior to departing from the Hangar, so unfortunately they are unable to extend the stay on the island as the total tour time is set prior to departure at 2 1/2 hours. We will take your feedback on board, as we are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience. Thank you again for leaving your feedback, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in FNQ. Thanks Kel
via Viator
Great- just check equipment!
The experience was Amazing but my husband who has received this as a gift. Unfortunately mine was not so great with different size flippers and a child’s mask, so couldn’t snorkel- so disappointed. Pilot was lovely, food great. disappointing I haven’t heard from Nautilus
Response from the operator: Hi Danni I apologise for the delay in response, I have only recently come across to this role and am currently going through all the reviews. I am sorry to hear that your experience was marred by the mismatched equipment, did you discuss this with the Pilot whilst there, or the Res crew on your return? Can you please reach out to me on sales@nautilusaviation.com.au so I can investigate this further for you. Kind regards Kel
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $868 to $1,214
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nautilus Aviation, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.6.
See everything Nautilus Aviation runsWhy this scores 50
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 $868 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 50 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 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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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; and Surcharges on fuel. Not included: Accommodation transfers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Child Policy: Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own se. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch 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 Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch?
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Across 24 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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