Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

Cairns, the vibrant gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience its natural splendor. A full-day cruise takes adventurers to the outer reaches of this underwater wonderland, where a scenic helicopter flight provides a bird’s-eye view of the reef’s breathtaking vistas. Guests can then enjoy the diverse marine life, exploring the depths through snorkeling or introductory diving. With a sumptuous BBQ lunch and complimentary glass of wine, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey that leaves one yearning for more. Discover the magic that lies beneath the surface and uncover the secrets of this exceptional ecosystem.

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Cairns.

Key Points

1. Full-day cruise from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef with 5 hours of snorkeling or diving time.
2. Scenic 10-minute helicopter flight over the reef for a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking natural beauty.
3. Sumptuous BBQ lunch with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, along with a complimentary glass of wine on the return journey.
4. Professional snorkeling equipment provided, allowing for effortless exploration of the diverse marine life and vibrant coral gardens.
5. Comprehensive English language support, including Chinese-speaking staff, for a seamless and informative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns offers a scenic helicopter flight, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the reef’s diverse marine life and stunning natural beauty.

Guests can choose between just snorkeling or adding diving to their experience. The cruise visits two outer reef locations, allowing for up to 5 hours of reef time snorkeling.

The package includes a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, a full BBQ lunch with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, as well as a complimentary glass of wine and light snack on the return journey. Professional snorkel equipment is provided, and an administrative/fuel levy is included in the price.

Included Experiences

Guests embark on a scenic helicopter flight, marveling at the breathtaking vistas of the Great Barrier Reef from above.

Following the aerial excursion, they delight in a sumptuous BBQ lunch featuring a diverse selection of prawns, fish, steak, and vegetarian options. After indulging in the hearty meal, guests are treated to a complimentary glass of wine and a light snack upon their return.

The activity also provides professional snorkel equipment, ensuring guests are equipped to explore the vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens of the outer Great Barrier Reef.

With an administrative and fuel levy included, guests can focus on fully seeing the remarkable experience.

Vessel and Duration

The cruise departs from Cairns and runs for a total duration of 8.5 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Guests will travel on a large, state-of-the-art vessel called Evolution, designed to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The full-day tour includes a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life.

With 5 hours of reef time allocated for snorkeling, adventurers can explore the diverse underwater world, encountering an array of colorful fish and captivating coral gardens.

The comprehensive package ensures an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure from start to finish.

Language Options

Along With the comprehensive English language support, the tour also caters to Chinese-speaking guests, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers from diverse backgrounds. The activity provider recognizes the importance of inclusivity and has trained multilingual staff to assist guests throughout the day.

This allows participants to fully enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without language barriers. Some key benefits of the language options include:

• Ability to ask questions and receive explanations in one’s native tongue
• Enhanced understanding of the marine ecosystem and its conservation
• Seamless navigation of the activity’s itinerary and logistics
• Opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers from various regions
• Heightened overall satisfaction and memorable experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Snorkeling and Wildlife

Through the crystal-clear waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef, guests can marvel at the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life.

Teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other captivating creatures, the two reef locations visited offer ample opportunities for snorkelers to enjoy the underwater wonderland.

Equipped with professional snorkeling gear, participants can effortlessly explore the intricate ecosystems, discovering the breathtaking beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Over the course of 5 hours, snorkelers can encounter a stunning array of marine species, from schools of tropical fish to graceful sea turtles gliding through the warm waters.

The chance to witness the reef’s vibrant ecosystem up close is a highlight of this thrilling full-day cruise.

Introductory Diving

For those seeking a more immersive Great Barrier Reef experience, the activity offers introductory diving at an additional cost. Participants can explore the vibrant underwater world through guided dives led by experienced instructors, allowing them to witness the reef’s diverse marine life up close while safely navigating the submerged landscapes.

Key highlights of the introductory diving experience include:

• Discovering the colorful coral formations and unique marine ecosystems that thrive beneath the surface

• Spotting a wide variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other captivating underwater creatures

• Learning essential diving techniques and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure

• Capturing breathtaking underwater photographs to commemorate the experience

• Experiencing the serene and weightless sensation of being submerged in the reef’s crystal-clear waters.

Medical Requirements

Divers over the age of 65 must obtain medical clearance before participating in the introductory diving experience. This is a crucial safety measure to ensure the wellbeing of all participants.

The activity provider requires this to identify any potential health concerns that could be exacerbated by the physical demands of diving. Prospective divers in this age group should consult with their physician and secure the necessary documentation well in advance of the cruise.

This will allow the provider to review the information and grant approval for the individual to join the diving portion of the excursion. Following this simple protocol helps to mitigate risks and allows everyone to enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the fullest.

Dietary Considerations

When planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, travelers with special dietary requirements should directly confirm their needs with the activity provider. This ensures the provider can cater to any specific food preferences or restrictions, allowing all participants to fully enjoy the included BBQ lunch during the cruise.

The menu features a variety of options, including prawns, fish, steak, and vegetarian dishes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Confirming dietary requirements directly with the provider can help ensure:

• Accommodations for allergies or intolerances
• Availability of suitable vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices
• Tailored meal preparation to meet individual needs
• A stress-free and enjoyable dining experience
• Participation in the full reef experience without dietary limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Underwater Photos During the Snorkeling/Diving?

Yes, guests can take underwater photos during the snorkeling or diving activities. The activity provider supplies professional snorkel equipment, which allows guests to capture the vibrant marine life and coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.

Is the Helicopter Flight Included in the Price or an Additional Cost?

The scenic helicopter flight is included in the price of the full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns. Customers can enjoy a 10-minute aerial view of the reef as part of the overall experience.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Cruise?

The cruise has no specific minimum or maximum group size. It’s a large, state-of-the-art vessel that can accommodate multiple groups. The capacity allows for a flexible and comfortable experience, ensuring all participants have ample space to enjoy the reef activities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel/Dive Equipment or Is It Provided?

Professional snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the activity, so guests don’t need to bring their own. However, divers can choose to use their own certified equipment if preferred.

Are There Any Free Cancellation or Reschedule Policies?

This activity generally offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing customers to cancel or reschedule their booking for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. However, specific terms may vary, so it’s best to confirm the provider’s policies directly.

Recap

The Cairns Great Barrier Reef cruise and scenic helicopter flight offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural wonders of this iconic Australian destination.

With a comfortable and informative vessel, diverse marine life, and multilingual support, it’s the perfect way to take in the beauty and biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether snorkeling, diving, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, this excursion is a must-do for any visitor to Cairns.

You can check if your dates are available here: