Cairns & the Tropical North
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Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns - Reef Hopper

Cairns City, Australia
Likely to Sell Out

From USD 165.16

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
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Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Private and Luxury
Unique Experiences
  • 40 minutes (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Enjoy aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic flight from Cairns. With window seats guaranteed, this flight features informative commentary from your pilot as you fly over the city of Cairns, then head out over the turquoise sea to Green Island and Palm Cove. Pass over Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and North Queensland’s coast before heading back to the mainland. Your flight also includes a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located accommodations in Cairns.
  • Scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
  • Get sweeping views over the Green Island, Double Island and Palm Cove
  • See the lacy fringes of Arlington Reef and Upolu Reef from above
  • Hear commentary about the sights from the pilot while in the air
  • Includes guaranteed window seats, pickup and drop-off from central Cairns

What's Included

  • 40-minute high wing aircraft scenic flight
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Cairns city centre area
  • Guaranteed window seats
  • In-flight commentary
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cairns city center area (eg, Palmcove, Yorkeys Knob)
  • Food and drinks

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • GSL Aviation - Cairns
    83 Royal Flying Doctor St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Please contact GSL Aviation Cairns the day prior to your tour to confirm your pickup time and location.

What To Expect

GSL Aviation (Pass By)

Great Barrier Reef (Pass By)

Green Island (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Individual weight restriction 125 KG
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issue, passenger must be able to get in and out of the plane without assistance
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

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Featured review
Jane_L
We’re so glad that we took this scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. The views were clear and stunning. We were given useful and interesting information during the flight about what we were seeing. The pilot was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

Reviews

5.0
64 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-8 of 64 reviews
Wonderful experience
Natalie_B, May 2023
Brad (the pilot) was fantastic! Unfortunately we had bad weather the day I booked. But because there was only one flight that particular day, we were able to push the flight back in order to be able to go when the weather was at its best. Brad made sure to give us the best experience possible despite the weather conditions. He was very nice and professional. By the time we were able to go, the weather had mostly cleared up and it was beautiful out over the reef. Highly recommend! GSL is a company that communicated very well with me while there were several changes that had to be made that day.
Breathtaking experience
Lorraine_G, Mar 2023
We were picked up from our hotel and taken the 15 min drive to the airport. After having a thorough safety video and briefing we boarded the plane (ladies, a short dress wasn’t ideal for climbing up the step…) it took about 6 mins to reach Green Island and then the magic starts to happen. From there we circled several other reefs and came down to approx 500ft, the lowest they can fly, to try and see any sharks, turtles or rays. The pilot gave us some great commentary and it was also interesting to hear the comms from air control. Sadly all too soon it’s time to return. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough. The view was spectacular, just try to remember to enjoy the moment and not get too caught up with taking photos.
Unforeseen maintenance ☹️☹️
Craig_R, Jan 2023
There were no memorable moments from the trip as the company cancelled the day before citing "unforeseen maintenance". By the time I received the email is was too late to arrange an alternate activity. Still waiting on a refund as well. Viator was still selling the activity too so communication between the company and Viator is not great.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We are very sorry to hear our change in operations affected your holiday. Please contact us on sales@gslwhitsundays.com.au if you wish to discuss this further.
Tour operator does not speak good vocabulary. Cannot understand English.
Judy_M, Nov 2022
Tour operator cancelled on me because they have a 125 kg limit. They asked me my weight. I responded in pounds not kg. They promptly cancelled my trip and still charged my credit card. I wrote to them demanding refund. So far no refund.
Spectacular views
Arjun_S, Nov 2022
We were picked up at a central Cairns location and made our way to the airport. Brad was courteous and efficient. The flight took off on time and we were provided great commentary of the reefs. The views are great and the time of 40 mins adequate. 100% recommend. Extra credit to Brad for being a super nice human.
Stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef
Jane_L, Aug 2022
We’re so glad that we took this scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. The views were clear and stunning. We were given useful and interesting information during the flight about what we were seeing. The pilot was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
This company is a rip off. They do...
Jacqueline D, Dec 2017
This company is a rip off. They do not respond quickly to issues that travelers encounter with their tours and try to keep your money. I recommend looking elsewhere for a great tour.
Wonderful experience! Staff was very...
Jill S, Apr 2017
Wonderful experience! Staff was very friendly and professional, especially the driver who picked us up at the cruise terminal. We didn't want to spend a whole day on the reef so this flight gave us a great overall, awesome view. The weather was perfect. Everyone in our party of four enjoyed the trip.

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