Cairns is a prominent city of Queensland and acts as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
For years, tourists have taken to the natural beauty and lively atmosphere of the city.
With its proximity to the world-famous points of interest such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is an spot for both adventure and relaxation for travelers.
This article covers everything you need to know before booking a Cairns helicopter tour.
Top Cairns helicopter rides
Table of contents
10-minute Cairns heli tour
Let the beauty of Cairns wash over you on this 10-minute helicopter flight of the city.
The aerial views of the Cairns and its attractions, such as Marlin Marina, Trinity Inlet, Admiralty Island, and the cityscape itself is bound to win your over.
Your guide pilot will point you towards the Great Dividing Range on the horizon.
Don’t miss out the sight of the marvelous Coral Sea gracing the east.
You can purchase a personalized in-flight video and the tour operator’s merchandise after landing.
Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$169 per person
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns
Embark on this 40-minute helicopter tour for a perspective of the Great Barrier Reef that few get to experience.
Set off on this scenic flight from Cairns.
Hovers above the vibrant coral formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters of the reef.
The unparalleled views of this natural wonder are sure to overwhelm you with its beauty.
Witness sights such as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Vlassof Cay, and Michaelmas Reef.
Take in the unforgettable views of Oyster, Arlington, Vlassof, Cape Grafton, False Cape, Double Island, and the Northern Beaches of Cairns, including Palm Cove.
The tour promises every passenger a window seat.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): A$219 per person
Ultimate Reef and Rainforest helicopter tour from Cairns
Soar above the lush rainforest and thundering waterfalls of the Barron Gorge and the vast Great Barrier Reef on this 45-minute helicopter flight.
Soak in the exhilarating sights of Stoney Creek Falls, Green Island and Arlington Reef, Northern Beaches, and Palm Cove.
Beholding the aquatic masterpiece from the sky is a hard-to-come-by moment for the tourists who take this tour.
Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$506 per person
This tour also comes in the 30-minute option for guests who are short on time.
Outer Reef Odyssey Reef Scenic Flight
Take it to the skies with the 40-minute helicopter flight over the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
On your way to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed attraction, gaze upon the Vlasoff Cay, Green Island, and Arlington Reef.
You can purchase the personalized in-flight video after landing.
Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$499 per person
If you want to combine the experiences of cruising and flying over the Great Barrier Reef, you can get the best of both worlds in the Outer Reef cruise plus heli flight.
Cruise heli ride from Cairns to Green Island
This 7.5-hour tour is the best of both worlds where you fly to Green Island and sail back to Cairns.
You travel to the Green Island from Cairns and spend half/full day in the lap of nature.
Make the most of your time with activities such as glass-bottom boat tour and snorkeling.
Return to the city via an air-conditioned catamaran.
The tour allows you to choose between a half or full day at Green Island.
Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$574 per person
What to expect
Departure point
Depending on the tour you have selected, Cairns heli tours can depart from the following locations:
Address: Tom McDonald Dr, Aeroglen QLD 4870, Australia. Get directions
Address: 2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia. Get directions
Address: 21 Bush Pilot’s Avenue, Cairns Airport, Aeroglen QLD 4870, Australia. Get directions
The heliports are near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Timings of the air tours
Most Cairns heli rides are operational throughout the week.
The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns does not run on Sundays.
The first batch of these tours may take off as early as 8 am.
The tours may continue departures in slots up to 5 pm.
Ticket Exclusions
Gratuities and food and drinks are not included in your Cairns heli flight tickets.
These tours also exclude any personal expenses you incur during the trip.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Cairns.
A minimum and a maximum of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
The Cairns heli rides are not wheelchair accessible.
These tours are not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
No other animals except service animals are allowed onboard.
Infants must be seated in the caregivers’ laps throughout the flight.
You must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
A valid passport or ID card is required.
Flight times are approximate subject to weather conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Related Reading
# Great Barrier Reef helicopter tours
# Sydney helicopter tours
# Hunter Valley helicopter tours
# Melbourne helicopter tours
# Port Douglas helicopter tours
# Kakadu helicopter tours
# Uluru Helicopter Tours
# Townsville helicopter tours
# Darwin helicopter tours
# Brisbane helicopter tour
Recommended Reading
# How to prepare for first helicopter flight
# What to wear for helicopter tour?
# How to overcome fear of flying?
# Why helicopter tours are fun
# FAQs about Helicopter tours
# Helicopter tour – how long to wait after scuba diving?
