See the Great Barrier Reef from an extraordinary perspective on The Reef Spectacular, a 60-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. Soar above turquoise waters, coral reefs, sand cays and the vast Outer Reef for an unforgettable aerial view of one of the world’s great natural wonders.
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Cays & coral formations: Spot dazzling sand cays like Vlasoff and Sudbury, framed by vibrant Reef lagoons.
Coastal treasures: Trace the curves of Cape Grafton, King Beach and False Cape from the sky.
Panoramic perspective: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Reef, rainforest and coastline, all in one unforgettable flight.
A Sky-High Showcase of the World’s Largest Reef System
Experience the full grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef with the Reef Spectacular, a 60-minute helicopter adventure that showcases the best of this world-renowned natural wonder. Departing from Cairns, your journey begins with sweeping views of the coastal headlands including Cape Grafton and the dramatic cliffs of False Cape, before heading east toward the Coral Sea.
Island Icons and Marine Marvels
As you fly over Fitzroy Island, its fringing Reef and forested peaks come into stunning focus. Then, glide above a chain of vibrant Reef systems, Sudbury Cay, Briggs Reef, Elford Reef and Moore Reef, each alive with marine life and crystal-clear lagoons. Keep your camera ready as you pass the secluded Thedford Reef and head toward the vast Arlington Reef system.
Vlasoff Cay & Arlington Reef – Aerial Highlights
No Reef flight is complete without hovering over the iconic Vlasoff Cay. Vlasoff is a brilliant white sand cay surrounded by Reef in every shade of blue. Nearby, Arlington Reef stretches across the horizon, one of the largest Reef structures in the region. From above, the patchwork of coral bommies, sandbanks, and deep blue channels is nothing short of mesmerising.
A Grand Finale Over Green Island
The return leg brings you over West Arlington Reef and the vibrant rainforest-covered Green Island. This is another highlight of the Great Barrier Reef. With flight altitudes ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet, you’ll gain both intimate close-ups and sweeping panoramic views of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Why Choose the Reef Spectacular?
With more Reef locations packed into one flight than any other Cairns helicopter tour, this is truly the ultimate aerial Reef experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned traveller, there’s no better way to grasp the scale, diversity and sheer beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Book Your Reef Adventure Today!
Join us for the Reef Spectacular Helicopter Tour, a one-hour flight across North Queensland’s most breathtaking marine landscapes. Book now to experience the reef like never before.
Experience a breathtaking 60-minute helicopter flight over 11 stunning reef sites, islands, and cays—including Vlasoff Cay, Fitzroy Island, and Arlington Reef.
Tours depart between 8 am and 6 pm (Subject to change at anytime)
Passengers must arrive 20 minutes before the planned departure
During check-in, passengers will be given a mandatory safety briefing and, for COVID-19 screening purposes, undergo thermal screening and be asked to respond to a brief wellness questionnaire
Scenic helicopter flight
Informative, in-flight commentary
Complimentary refreshments – tea, coffee, bottled water
All fees and taxes
Personalised in-flight video is an optional extra
Collectable ‘Zoomy’ merchandise – optional extras
This is a self-driving tour. please make your own way to 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport, Cairns, Queensland 4870
Minimum 2 passengers per booking
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
Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights
Only one (1) infant is permitted to travel in an aircraft
Expectant mothers are welcome to fly with us at their own discretion
Zoom Helicopters advises passengers to refer to their Doctor prior to confirming a booking with the consideration that seatbelts must be worn at all times during any flight
Passenger Weight Policy
Weight variances greater than 10% of that advised at the time of booking may incur additional charges and/or luggage allowances being reduced. Zoom Helicopters reserves the right to refuse travel and charge a 100% cancellation fee.
The maximum single-seat weight limit/payload for Zoom Helicpters’ fleet of aircraft is 130 kg.
Reservations are only confirmed when passenger weights and names have been advised.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury. Neither we nor the supplier accept any responsibility for any additional expenses incurred by passengers arising from delays to any domestic/international flights, tour rescheduling/substitution, inclement weather or unplanned aircraft maintenance.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
Safety
Safety is our overarching priority - without exception.
The pilot in command’s decision is final regarding the carriage of luggage, seat allocation and commencement continuation or termination of any flight during periods of inclement weather.
Passengers will receive a safety briefing prior to departure.
When flying over water, all passengers are required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight.
Smoking is strictly forbidden in or around helicopters.
Booking Conditions
All flights are confirmed subject to availability, weather and booking minimums (passenger numbers).
Single passenger bookings are welcomed; however, all listed tours require a minimum of two (2) passengers.
In accordance with CASA regulations, all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.
Seat allocation for flights is determined at the discretion of pilot / ground crew based on aircraft weight and balance to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Reservations are only confirmed when passenger weights have been advised and full payment is made – unless credit facilities have been agreed in advance.
Flight Cancellation By Zoom Helicopters
Tour(s) and aircraft substitution(s) are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion in consideration of weather, air traffic control and availability.
The pilot’s decision regarding the continuation of any flight is final. He/she may terminate the flight at any time he/she deems it unsafe to proceed and may refuse carriage of a passenger(s) if they are deemed unfit for flight.
In the event of inclement weather causing a flight to be cancelled, provided there is availability, an alternate time / date will be offered. If no availability, a refund will be applied.
Passenger Weights
Helicopters are subject to strict weight limitations, specific to each aircraft type.
Accurate individual passenger body and carry-on luggage weights MUST be advised at the point of booking.
It is a legal requirement that all passengers and their luggage be weighed at check-in.
Weight variances greater than 10% of that advised at the time of booking may incur additional charges and/or luggage allowances being reduced. Zoom Helicopters reserves the right to refuse travel and charge a 100% cancellation fee.
The maximum single seat weight limit/payload for Zoom Helicopters’ fleet of aircraft is 130kgs.
Children and Infants
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.
Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
Children who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday are classified as infants and may travel free of charge (seated on a parent/guardian’s lap utilising a company provided infant seat belt restraint).
Only one (1) infant is permitted to travel in an aircraft.
Please notify us at the time if booking advise if travelling with infants.
If travelling with more than one infant please contact us to discuss your needs.
With regard to luggage, prams and seat capsules for infants, please refer ‘Luggage Allowance’.
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