Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flights
See the Great Barrier Reef from the air
Add a scenic helicopter flight with ZOOM Helicopters to your Great Barrier Reef day. Take a short flight straight off our pontoon, or fly between Cairns and the reef — one way, or both. Your reef trip is included either way.
Quick Answer
Add a helicopter flight to any Sunlover reef trip from Cairns. Fly 10 minutes from the pontoon, or 25 minutes one way or both ways. One price from $527 per adult — flight and reef day.
Reef tour included in every package
Cairns operator since 1991
Choose your reef trip
Every trip can be paired with a ZOOM Helicopters flight. Pick the reef day that suits you, then choose how much time you want in the air.
Full dayOuter Reef
Moore Reef + Helicopter
From $527 per adult
- 10-minute scenic from the pontoon
- Cruise out, fly back
- Fly out, cruise back
- Fly out, fly back
Full dayReef + Fitzroy Island
Reef & Island + Helicopter
From $540 per adult
- 10-minute scenic from the pontoon
- Fly out, cruise back
- Resort buffet lunch included
- 2 hours on Fitzroy Island
Half dayBack by lunch
Half Day Moore Reef + Helicopter
From $531 per adult
- Cruise out, fly back
- Fly out, fly back
- Back by early afternoon
- Ideal for cruise passengers
3 Ways to Fly
Whichever reef trip you choose, the difference between packages is simply how much time you spend in the air.
Add a joy flight
10min
In the air · from the pontoonPontoon Scenic Flight
Take off from the floating helipad on the pontoon, fly over the reef, then land back to carry on with your day. No airport transfer needed, and it is the most affordable way to fly.
From $527 per adultFly one direction
25min
In the air · one wayOne-Way Flight
Fly between Cairns and the reef one way and travel by catamaran the other, crossing the coastline, islands and outer reef. Available in either direction on the Moore Reef full day.
From $531 per adultThe full experience
50min
In the air · 25 min each wayFly Out, Fly Back
Skip the boat entirely. Fly to the reef, spend your time at the pontoon, then fly back to Cairns — the most time in the air of any package, and the shortest travel time.
From $919 per adultCompare All 8 Reef Helicopter Packages
Every Sunlover helicopter flight and price in one table. All prices include your full reef tour and the fuel surcharge. Book any option directly below.
| Package | Flight | Adult | Child | Family | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full day · Moore Reef | |||||
| Moore Reef + 10-Minute Scenic | 10-min scenic from pontoon | $527 | $387 | $1,656 | Book → |
| Moore Reef — Cruise Out, Fly Back | 25-min flight home | $724 | $586.50 | $2,449 | Book → |
| Moore Reef — Fly Out, Cruise Back | 25-min flight out | $724 | $586.50 | $2,449 | Book → |
| Moore Reef — Fly Out, Fly Back | 25-min flight each way | $1,116 | $981 | $4,194 | Book → |
| Full day · Reef & Fitzroy Island | |||||
| Reef & Island + 10-Minute Scenic | 10-min scenic from pontoon | $540 | $383 | $1,660 | Book → |
| Reef & Island — Fly Out, Cruise Back | 25-min flight out | $749 | $594.50 | $2,501 | Book → |
| Half day · Moore Reef | |||||
| Half Day — Cruise Out, Fly Back | 25-min flight home | $531 | $478.50 | $1,949 | Book → |
| Half Day — Fly Out, Fly Back | 25-min flight each way | $919 | $869 | $3,507 | Book → |
Prices in AUD. Adult 16 years and over; child 2–15 years; family is 2 adults and 2 children. Infants 0–1 years travel free, but a seat must be occupied from 2 years and is charged at the child fare. Fuel surcharge is included in every price shown. Flights are weather dependent and subject to minimum numbers and seat availability. A maximum of 6 guests travel per helicopter.
How a Sunlover helicopter day works, step by step
Exactly what to expect from booking to landing. Times vary by package — the full timetables are below — but the process is the same. The 10-minute scenic departs the pontoon itself, so it skips the airport steps entirely.
Book and give your weight
Book online and provide each passenger’s body weight at the time of booking. Helicopters are weight-sensitive, so accurate weights let ZOOM balance the aircraft and allocate seats in advance. See “Why we weigh you in” below.
Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal
All guests check in at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal — not at the airport. Collect your boarding passes and confirm your details.
Complimentary transfer to Zoot Roost
Flying out? A complimentary transfer takes you from the Reef Fleet Terminal to ZOOM’s hangar — nicknamed “Zoot Roost” after Zoot, ZOOM’s little owl mascot — at 21 Bush Pilot’s Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport. About 16 minutes and 6.9 km, traffic dependent.
Weigh-in and safety briefing
At the hangar your weight is quickly and discreetly confirmed, your pilot briefs you on seatbelts, headsets, life vests and boarding, and you meet your aircraft. A maximum of 6 guests travel per flight.
Board and take off
Ground crew escort you to the aircraft and help with seatbelts and headsets. You lift off over the Cairns coastline and Coral Sea, with in-flight commentary from your pilot pointing out reef features, cays and marine life on the 25-minute flight to the Moore Reef pontoon.
Your time on the reef
Step onto Sunlover’s pontoon and enjoy your reef day. Snorkelling equipment, the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and sundeck are all included, with a buffet lunch on the full-day trips. Add a marine-biologist-guided snorkel, a dive or Seawalker if you like.
Fly or cruise back
Depending on your package you either fly back to Cairns by helicopter or cruise home on the catamaran. Fly-back guests depart from the pontoon helipad and land at Zoot Roost.
Transfer back to the city
Landed at Zoot Roost? The complimentary transfer returns you to the Reef Fleet Terminal — again about 16 minutes, traffic dependent. Cruise-back guests step off the catamaran straight at the terminal.
Before you fly
The two questions every first-time reef flyer asks — answered properly.
Why we weigh you in
Every passenger is weighed before a helicopter flight. It is a safety and balance requirement, not a formality:
- Weight and balance: the pilot must keep the aircraft within its safe weight limit, so passengers are placed in specific seats to balance the helicopter’s centre of gravity.
- Fuel and performance: total weight affects how much fuel is carried and how the aircraft performs, especially on a warm tropical day.
- Seat allocation: accurate weights let ZOOM assign seats in advance, so boarding is quick and everyone gets the best possible view.
The maximum single-seat weight across ZOOM’s fleet is 130 kg. Weights are handled discreetly, but please give accurate figures at booking: a variance of more than 10% from the weight advised can affect seating, reduce your luggage allowance or incur additional charges.
What weather can you fly in?
Scenic helicopters fly under visual flight rules, which means they need reasonable visibility and cloud height rather than perfect blue sky. In practice:
- Flights usually go ahead in fine and partly cloudy conditions, and often on grey or lightly showery days — the outer reef weather is frequently different to Cairns.
- Flights are delayed or cancelled for strong winds, thunderstorms, very low cloud, heavy rain or poor visibility. The pilot always makes the final call on safety.
- If your flight cannot operate, the flight component is rebooked or refunded and your reef day continues by catamaran, so you still visit the reef.
Tropical weather changes quickly, so being flexible with your dates gives you the best chance of ideal conditions. Weather is assessed on the morning of travel and our team will keep you informed at check-in.
The 10-minute scenic flight, explained
The 10-minute scenic is the simplest and most affordable way to add the reef-from-above view to your day — and it needs no airport transfer at all. It departs straight from the floating helipad on Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon while you are already out at the reef.
You lift off from the pontoon, climb over the coral gardens and turquoise channels of Moore Reef, and often spot turtles, rays and the shifting colours of the outer reef from the air — then land back on the pontoon to carry on with your day. It is a genuine reef flight rather than a transfer, so every minute is spent over the reef. Available on the Moore Reef and Reef & Island full-day trips.
- Flight timeAbout 10 minutes
- Departs fromPontoon helipad, Moore Reef
- Airport transferNot needed
- Group sizeMaximum 6 guests
- Available onMoore Reef & Reef & Island
- Best forFirst-time flyers and families
- From$527 per adult
What the reef looks like from the air
Filmed over Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Full day at Moore Reef — your timetable
Approx. 4 hours at the Outer Reef pontoon with a buffet lunch included, plus your choice of 4 flight options. Swipe through to compare.
+ 10-Minute Scenic
$527 adult · $387 child · $1,656 family
- 8.45–9.45amCheck in at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding closes 10.00am.
- 10.15amCatamaran departs Cairns for Moore Reef.
- Approx. 4 hrsReef time — snorkelling, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide, sundeck and buffet lunch.
- During the dayYour 10-minute scenic flight, departing and landing at the pontoon helipad.
- 4.00pmCatamaran departs Moore Reef for Cairns.
- Approx. 5.30pmArrive back at the Cairns Marina.
Cruise Out, Fly Back
$724 adult · $586.50 child · $2,449 family
- 8.45–9.45amCheck in at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding closes 10.00am.
- 10.15amCatamaran departs Cairns for Moore Reef.
- Approx. 4 hrsReef time at the pontoon, buffet lunch included.
- 3.30pmHelicopter departs the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 3.55pmLand at ZOOM Helicopters, Cairns Airport.
- 4.10pmComplimentary transfer back to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Fly Out, Cruise Back
$724 adult · $586.50 child · $2,449 family
- 10.50amMake your own way to the Reef Fleet Terminal and check in at the Sunlover counter.
- 11.00amComplimentary transfer to ZOOM Helicopters.
- 11.20amArrive at ZOOM Helicopters for your weigh-in and briefing.
- 11.45amDepart by helicopter for the Moore Reef pontoon.
- Approx. 4 hrsReef time at the pontoon, buffet lunch included.
- 4.00pmCatamaran departs Moore Reef for Cairns.
- Approx. 5.30pmArrive back at the Cairns Marina.
Fly Out, Fly Back
$1,116 adult · $981 child · $4,194 family
- 10.50amMake your own way to the Reef Fleet Terminal and check in at the Sunlover counter.
- 11.00amComplimentary transfer to ZOOM Helicopters.
- 11.20amArrive at ZOOM Helicopters for your weigh-in and briefing.
- 11.45amDepart by helicopter for the Moore Reef pontoon.
- Approx. 4 hrsReef time at the pontoon, buffet lunch included.
- 3.30pmHelicopter departs the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 3.55pmLand at ZOOM Helicopters, Cairns Airport.
- 4.10pmComplimentary transfer back to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Every Moore Reef full-day package includes snorkelling equipment, the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, the underwater observatory, waterslide, sundeck and a buffet lunch. Full Moore Reef tour details →
Reef & Island day — your timetable
2.5 hours at the Outer Reef pontoon, then across to Fitzroy Island for a premium buffet lunch at the resort and 2 hours on the island. Sunlover is the only operator combining the Outer Reef and Fitzroy Island in a single day.
+ 10-Minute Scenic
$540 adult · $383 child · $1,660 family
- 7.00amCheck in at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 8.00amCatamaran departs for Moore Reef.
- 2.5 hoursReef time at the pontoon — snorkelling, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and sundeck.
- At the reefYour 10-minute scenic flight, departing and landing at the pontoon helipad.
- MiddayCatamaran to Fitzroy Island, with a premium buffet lunch at Fitzroy Island Resort.
- 2 hoursIsland time — snorkelling, self-guided walks and pristine beaches.
- 4.30pmArrive back at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Fly Out, Cruise Back
$749 adult · $594.50 child · $2,501 family
- 8.15amMake your own way to the Reef Fleet Terminal and check in at the Sunlover counter.
- 8.25amComplimentary transfer to ZOOM Helicopters.
- 8.45amArrive at ZOOM Helicopters for your weigh-in and briefing.
- 9.10amDepart by helicopter for the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 2.5 hoursReef time at the pontoon.
- MiddayCatamaran to Fitzroy Island, with a premium buffet lunch at the resort.
- 2 hoursIsland time — snorkelling, self-guided walks and beaches.
- 4.30pmArrive back at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Fitzroy Island inclusions: premium buffet lunch at the resort, self-guided walks, beaches and free time. Optional island activities at additional cost include a guided kayak tour, a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and rainforest walks. Full Reef & Island tour details →
Half day at Moore Reef — your timetable
The Outer Reef and a scenic flight without giving up your whole day — back in Cairns by early afternoon. Popular with cruise passengers, short stays and packed itineraries.
Cruise Out, Fly Back
$531 adult · $478.50 child · $1,949 family
- 7.00amCheck in at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 8.00amCatamaran departs for Moore Reef.
- 2 hoursReef time — snorkelling, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and sundeck.
- 11.45amHelicopter departs the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 12.10pmLand at ZOOM Helicopters, Cairns Airport.
- 12.25pmComplimentary transfer back to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Fly Out, Fly Back
$919 adult · $869 child · $3,507 family
- 8.15amMake your own way to the Reef Fleet Terminal and check in at the Sunlover counter.
- 8.25amComplimentary transfer to ZOOM Helicopters.
- 8.45amArrive at ZOOM Helicopters for your weigh-in and briefing.
- 9.10amDepart by helicopter for the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 9.40–11.30amReef time at the pontoon.
- 11.45amHelicopter departs the Moore Reef pontoon.
- 12.10pmLand at ZOOM Helicopters, Cairns Airport.
- 12.25pmComplimentary transfer back to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
The half-day packages do not include a meal. Refreshments are available to purchase on board and at the pontoon. Because reef time is shorter, we recommend pre-booking any optional activity. Full half-day tour details →
Flying with ZOOM Helicopters
All Sunlover scenic flights are operated by ZOOM Helicopters, a Cairns-based operator flying Great Barrier Reef scenic flights from their hangar at General Aviation, Cairns Airport.
Small-group flights
A maximum of 6 guests travel per helicopter, so the experience stays personal and almost everyone gets a window seat.
In-flight commentary
Your pilot provides live commentary and looks out for reef features and marine life along the way, often circling for a closer look.
Zoot Roost
ZOOM’s hangar at 21 Bush Pilot’s Avenue is nicknamed Zoot Roost, after Zoot, their little owl mascot. Transfers to and from the Reef Fleet Terminal are complimentary.
Weight and safety
The maximum single-seat weight is 130 kg. Accurate weights at booking let ZOOM balance the aircraft, allocate seats and calculate fuel.
See the reef from every angle
Go sky high, then dive below. Add any of these to your reef day at checkout, or on the pontoon on the day subject to availability.
From above
Scenic helicopter flight
Soar over the coral, cays and turquoise channels with ZOOM Helicopters — the view you can only get from the air.
On the surface
Marine-biologist-guided snorkel
Swim beyond the main lagoon on a guided route, with a marine biologist reading the reef as you go.
Walk the sea floor
Seawalker® helmet dive
Walk an underwater platform surrounded by reef fish — no swimming or experience needed. Ages 12+.
Down deep
Introductory SCUBA Dive
Try scuba with a certified instructor, or explore dive sites if you are already certified. Review the Health Checklist first. Ages 12+.
Stay dry
Semi-sub, glass bottom boat & observatory
See the coral and fish from below the surface without getting wet — all included in your reef day.
Planning to dive? Please review the Health Checklist before booking. Questions? Call 1800 810 512 or email res@sunlover.com.au.
Helicopter packages — FAQs
What is the step-by-step process for a Sunlover reef helicopter flight?
How many helicopter packages does Sunlover offer?
Which reef trip should I choose?
Where do I check in — the terminal or the airport?
Why do I have to be weighed?
What weather can helicopters fly in?
How long is the helicopter flight?
How many people are on each helicopter?
Is the fuel surcharge included in the price?
Do children and infants pay?
What is the cancellation policy for the flight?
What should I bring?
Does Sunlover hold Ecotourism Certification?
The reef from the sky and the sea
8 ways to add a scenic flight to your Great Barrier Reef day, with only 6 seats per helicopter. Book direct with Sunlover.
Moore Reef · Reef & Island · Half day · Prices & packages · Getting here · Contact us