Outer Reef Odyssey: 40-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight to the Great Barrier Reef

Embark on a breathtaking 40-minute scenic helicopter flight to the Great Barrier Reef. Extend the flight to explore the outer edge of Arlington Reef and capture stunning images of the reef’s vibrant colors and marine life.

Duration: 40 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Great Barrier Reef - A fabulous scenic helicopter flight. In forty minutes, we’ll go beyond the inner reef, to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. The additional time allows us to explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage listed icon.
What's Included
  • 40 minute reef scenic flight
  • All fees and/or taxes included
  • Informative, in-flight commentary
What's Not Included
  • Unique, collectable ‘Zoomy’ Merchandise - optional
  • Personalised ‘in-flight’ video - optional
Additional Information

This magnificent 40-minute helicopter tour over the reef is a truly breathtaking experience. By adding an extra 10 minutes to the standard 30-minute flight, you’ll have the opportunity to see all the highlights of our regular tour, while extending the journey eastwards. This takes us past Green Island and to the outer boundaries of Arlington Reef – a…

Location
Zoom Helicopters
Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(58 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
324harrisw
Feb 17, 2025
Helicopter Reef Tour - Amazing way to see the Great Barrier Reef from a totally different perspective. You can appreciate the share of some of these reefs by the air, understand how the islands develop and also did see turtles and other big fish. The take off and landing of the helicopter across a major airport and being watching commercial aircraft taking off from a close distance was also an assume experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colinofhove
Jan 26, 2025
A MUST DO - Turned up to an empty portacabin with a note on please come in and help yourself to a drink. Waiting for the last flight to return and then it was our turn. The previous flight had 4 adults but fortunately it was just us two, we both agree we cannot see how you get 4 adults plus the pilot. We went for the forty minute outer reef and wow what a treat this was, sadly no marine life we could see but my goodness the whole experience and the views are just breathtaking. We did green island the day before but this is a whole new perspective on the Great Barrier Reef. Go and do it, it’s not cheap but you are paying for the pilots experience and the unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bluec2022
Jan 25, 2025
Best service ever - We visited Cairns in May 2024 and booked for a heli tour with Zoom on our last day in the city. Weather was not great (unfortunately, but nothing can be done about it) but Niels went really above and beyond to let us have the tour given that it was our last chance. We had never encounterd anyone being so dedicated, accomodating and caring for their customer. Given our other commitments he offered to accompany us to return the rental car while we waited for the weather to improve and after the tour he offered to drop us off at the airport. Would definitely reccomend booking with them, not only for the amazing views, but for the exceptional service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_b
Jan 19, 2025
Great trip. Only 40... - Great trip. Only 40 minutes but worth every penny. Chris was terrific and very informative answering all our questions.
Review provided by Viator
Jovanous
Jan 16, 2025
Great Barrier Reef by Zoom helicopter - Unbelievable experience. Really well run service. Neil made sure both sides of chopper saw the sites. Dream come true. 10 out of 10👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zak_lb
Jan 2, 2025
Great trip. - Helicopter trip over the reefs. We were in a 4 seater helicopter so everyone gets a window seat! Really enjoyed it! Amazing to see the scale of the reefs from the air!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rose
Jan 1, 2025
Best experience ever !!! - Brandon was amazing most breath taking experience I’ve had and so thank for such a beautiful flight and guide along the way. Our first helicopter flight and definitely something from the bucket list ! My partner loved every minute of it and what better way to spend our anniversary. Thank you to Brandon and the afternoon ! Great start to the new year !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_s
Dec 31, 2024
Flight to remember - The better outlook of part of the Great barrier reef. Johnno was amazing The flight was short but it was sweet My son was only 2 years old and he wasnt scared on bit of the flight Thanks again guys Will definetly do this again
Review provided by Viator
942charmid
Dec 24, 2024
Best experience - We went to see the outer reef, the views were absolutely breathtaking! To make my birthday extra special, the pilot even landed us on a narrow slither of sand which was an absolute highlight. It was truly the best birthday I've ever had! Thanks to Pilot Neils. ~Avadh and Charmi
Review provided by Tripadvisor
796buram
Feb 28, 2025
Racist and Rude - We were 5 of us. Both my parents are with me. And my pregnant sister was also there. He told us that 3 ppl in the first ride and 3 in the next and offered 1 free for the second ride. And after the payment is done he changed his version and told us 4 in the first ride and 1 in the next ride. We told him before booking also that we don’t want to leave our parents alone and also my pregnant sister. He got 2 more passengers and then without informing us he changed his version. He spoke very rudely and in a racist way. Unacceptable and disrespectful. I wouldn’t suggest you guys to travel with them. It’s a proper scam. He threatened to call police on us and we also were willing to talk to the police about this scam and we waited for 20 mins and no police arrived. We asked for our refund and we didn’t get that too! Very rude!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 3 guests
2 Adult
March 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today