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14 best things to do in Cairns, Australia

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

4.58037 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.58037 out of 5 stars
703 reviews
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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight
4.58037 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.58037 out of 5 stars
703 reviews
Likely to sell out

Embark on this full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns with a scenic helicopter flight. Travel on a large, state-of-the-art vessel and choose just snorkelling or add diving.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 8.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Instructor
Chinese, English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Suzi – United States

this was the best excursion ever. the staff were amazing and it was super organized which I loved! highly recommend this excursion!!

O
Oliver – United Kingdom

The boat for transportation was FANTASTIC with everything you'd possibly need! The actual trip out was incredibly rough due to large waves making 10's of people sick around the boat which was unfortunate. They did supply sick tablets and water to those who've been ill. They gave us loads of time to snorkel the reef which was just beautiful. There were lots of add-ons to pick on the day but the standard ticket was more than enough to satisfy!

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Reef Fleet Terminal

  • Cairns

    Coffee, Tea, Welcome refreshments (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Great Barrier Reef

    Boat cruise (80 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Saxon Reef

    Swimming, Snorkeling, Scenic views on the way, Scuba diving (2 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Great Barrier Reef

    Lunch (1 hour)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Boat cruise (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Hastings Reef

    Swimming, Snorkeling, Helicopter flight, Scenic views on the way, Scuba diving (2 hours)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Boat cruise (1.5 hours)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Wine (30 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Reef Fleet Terminal

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Cruise onboard 35-meter superyacht to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel and/or scuba dive at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
  • Soar over the reef on a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight
  • Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and biscuits on your return journey
  • Relax on the full-length sun lounge or on one of the three spacious deck levels

Full description

Join this fast, comfortable cruise onboard 'Evolution', a state-of-the-art 35-meter (120ft) superyacht, and cruise to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites on this full-day tour. This tour is extra special as it combines water activities with a scenic helicopter flight at the reef as well!

Departing the Cairns Marina, you will travel to the true outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey! Choose from an abundance of seating inside air-conditioned, modern lounges or outside on the many sundecks.

During your day, you will visit two exclusive, protected locations on the pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef with superior reef quality for snorkelling or dial up the adventure and add a scuba dive. Spend time snorkelling and spotting diverse marine wildlife, coral gardens, and much more below the surface.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious BBQ prepared onboard including steak, fish, prawns, a variety of salads and bread (special dietary requirements can be catered for).

At the second reef site, take to the skies for your 10-minute Scenic Helicopter Flight. Have your camera ready as you lift off from the helipad for an incredible scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Appreciate from the air, the sheer size of the reef system as you search for marine life in their natural habitat. Be amazed at the colours and beauty of the coral gardens before touching back down to rejoin the crew onboard the vessel.

A complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and biscuits are served on the return journey back to Cairns. The professional, friendly and attentive staff ensure a safe enjoyable fun-filled experience, creating a magical day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Includes

  • 5-hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
  • Use of snorkeling and scuba equipment
  • 10-minute scenic flight at the second reef location (Hastings Reef)
  • 1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected)
  • Use of a lycra/stinger suit
  • BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options)
  • A glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return journey
  • Return transfers (on request for an additional cost)
  • Additional dives (can be added once onboard)

Not suitable for

  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with diabetes

Meeting point

Meet at the check-in desk at the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns from 7:15 AM-7:45 AM. This is a quick 5-10 minute walk from the shops in the main center of Cairns.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old
  • This activity is dependent on the weather. The helicopter may be cancelled if the weather is not suitable.
  • All divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire
  • Due to the comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg.
  • Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and/or ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition
  • Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted
  • Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider
  • Languages spoken on board: English, German, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin.
Likely to sell out

From $236.57 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 703 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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S
Suzi – United StatesMay 2, 2025 – Verified booking
this was the best excursion ever. the staff were amazing and it was super organized which I loved! highly recommend this excursion!!
O
Oliver – United KingdomApril 24, 2025 – Verified booking
The boat for transportation was FANTASTIC with everything you'd possibly need! The actual trip out was incredibly rough due to large waves making 10's of people sick around the boat which was unfortunate. They did supply sick tablets and water to those who've been ill. They gave us loads of time to snorkel the reef which was just beautiful. There were lots of add-ons to pick on the day but the standard ticket was more than enough to satisfy!
J
Jett – AustraliaApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
10/10 would recommend! Everything was amazing! The boat and equipment were all great, the locations were beautiful. Everything ran smoothly and the staff were all incredible and lovely to deal with! We did the guided tour with one of the marine biologists Sammy who was lovely and also the intro dive and upgraded our helicopter ride to a flight back to cairns which we think was worth it and was great to see everything from above! Only thing that could do with some improvement was probably the food but even that was fine! Will definitely be back to do it all again!

Product ID: 191066

Activity provider:Down Under Cruise and Dive
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  • Saxon Reef

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