Inner Reef Explorer: Scenic Helicopter Tour of Cairns and Inner Edge of the Great Barrier Reef

Embark on a thrilling 30-minute helicopter tour from Cairns to explore the inner edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at stunning views of Cairns, Trinity Inlet, Green Island, Arlington Reef, and more!

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Great Barrier Reef - This 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife - sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).
What's Included
  • 30 minute reef scenic flight
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Informative, in-flight commentary
What's Not Included
  • Unique, collectable ‘Zoomy’ Merchandise - optional
  • Personalised ‘in-flight’ video - optional
Additional Information

Embark on a thrilling half-hour helicopter trip which starts from Cairns airport, steering away from the mainland to enjoy vistas of Cairns city and Trinity inlet. You will pass False Cape, containing remains of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay, and Cape Grafton. Next, we head to the Reef’s inner rim and Green Island, a six millennia old coral…

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
5.0
(56 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Nicole_b
Mar 5, 2026
The staff was very... - The staff was very friendly and tour was exactly as described. Got to see several reefs and islands off the coast of Cairns.
Review provided by Viator
I500jisusant
Feb 16, 2026
Awesome trip and friendly, helpful staff - We took the 30 minute tour over the Great Barrier Reef with Hayley. The scenery was amazing and Hayley had great facts about the area. She answered all our questions. The weather was not cooperating early in the day but they worked with us to make the trip possible. They were very professional with all the safety requirements and made us very comfortable as first time flyers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_k
Feb 13, 2026
Loved it - It truly is an amazing experience. You will get a birds eye view of the great barrier reefs. Staff is knowledgeable and great to work with.
Review provided by Viator
Gabriela_s
Jan 30, 2026
Absolutely recommended - Wonderful sightseeing flight with nice friendly team! Impressive experience! We enjoyed the trip together in a small helicopter!
Review provided by Viator
Keith_r
Jan 21, 2026
Great helicopter flight - Great experience. Went up in the small helicopter, just the two of us and pilot, johnno. Was able to touch down on a small island
Review provided by Viator
M6333pbstephenl
Jan 18, 2026
Fantastic Experience! - This was a phenomenal bucket list experience. As a photographer, this was the reason that my friend (who is also a photographer) and I took this flight and it didn't disappont. We came early to beat the afternoon thunderstorms and from the time we arrived the team was very friendly and accommodating. Our pilot Hailey was fantastic and high-spirited which is needed on a tour of this magnitude. The views were fantastic as Hailey was giving us good commentary and answering all of our questions. The only thing we didn't like is having to come back to land back at Cairns Airport but I'll let them off with this one
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Courtney_d
Jan 1, 2026
Must do! Wished we had longer than 30min - Staff were friendly and super patient & knowledgeable. The ride was smooth, Jack, our pilot was super safe and shared a lot about the Reef. Noon was the perfect time, the water was super clear and smooth allowing for great photos of the Reef. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Droopa
Dec 23, 2025
The reef and its glory - Fantastic trip in a helicopter out over the reef. The ease that you can see turtles and string rays is amazing. Great commentary from the Pilot as well. Throughly recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom_l
Dec 15, 2025
Incredible - Absolutely amazing experience, jacques and the rest of the team were very professional and accommodating, would definitely recommend👍🏻
Review provided by Viator
Cruisermh
Dec 9, 2025
Great activity for a short time in Cairns - Great experience beginning to end! Highly recommend!! Booked in advance. Helicopter is small but mighty! Pilot was awesome and really informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $328
up to 6 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).