Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour with Helicopter Flight
Three hours on the Outer Reef platform, viewing coral from above water and below.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from a spacious activity platform moored at the Outer Reef, departing Cairns by fast catamaran. Swimmers and non-swimmers both access the reef: snorkel in the water, view coral from an underwater observatory and air-conditioned semi-submersible, and fly over the reef on a 10-minute scenic helicopter. Lunch, snorkel gear and instruction are included. Optional scuba diving and the Scuba-Doo underwater scooter cost extra on the day.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Great Barrier Reef tour and flight
- Travel from Cairns by fast catamaran
- Arrive at Outer Reef activity platform
- Snorkel and dive at the reef
- View reef from underwater observatory
- Explore reef in semi-submersible tour
- Take 10-minute scenic helicopter flight
- Optional: Visit Green Island
- Great Barrier Reef Entry included 3h
- Great Barrier Reef 4h
What’s included
- Return fast catamaran transfer from Cairns.
- three hours at the Outer Reef activity platform.
- use of snorkeling equipment, buoyancy vests and instruction.
- 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.
- underwater observatory access.
- semi-submersible coral viewing tour.
- hot-and-cold buffet lunch with prawns.
- morning and afternoon tea.
- reef education presentation.
- Environmental Management Charge.
- Every day 08:30 10:30
Information
Snorkel the Outer Reef from Cairns with underwater observatory and semi-submersible viewing, plus a scenic helicopter flight. Full-day platform visit with lunch and equipment.
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The experience
The catamaran leaves Cairns and takes you out to the Outer Reef, where the coral and marine life are at their most extreme. The platform is spacious and stays moored for three hours, giving you time to move between activities without rushing. Snorkel directly from the platform if you want to be in the water, or stay dry and descend into the underwater observatory to watch fish and coral pass by the windows. The semi-submersible is air-conditioned and takes small groups down to view the reef without getting wet.
The 10-minute helicopter flight departs from the platform itself, so you don't lose time traveling back to shore. You see the reef from above, spotting the patterns of coral and the color gradients that show depth. The flight happens during your platform time, not added on at the end. Morning and afternoon tea come with the day, and a hot-and-cold buffet lunch includes prawns. Snorkel equipment, buoyancy vests and a reef education presentation are all provided. The crew will brief you on conditions and any medical concerns you mention.
After the helicopter flight, a 12-hour wait is recommended before flying to altitude if you've dived, or 24 hours if you've done multiple dives. Snorkeling itself can be strenuous, so let the crew know if you have any health conditions. Infants sit on an adult's lap during the catamaran ride and helicopter flight. An optional Green Island stop is available for an extra cost. If you choose it, you'll spend two hours there instead of the full three hours on the Outer Reef platform.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Japanese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?
Yes. Buoyancy vests are provided, and the crew gives instruction before you enter the water. Non-swimmers can also view the reef from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible without getting wet.
What is the underwater observatory like?
The underwater observatory is a fixed structure on the platform where you descend below the waterline and look out through windows at the coral and fish. You stay dry and can spend as long as you want watching the reef pass by.
Does the helicopter flight leave from the platform or from Cairns?
The helicopter departs from the Outer Reef platform itself, so the 10-minute flight happens during your three hours there. You don't need to return to shore first.
What's included in the lunch?
A hot-and-cold buffet with prawns is provided, along with morning and afternoon tea. Snorkel equipment and instruction are also included in the price.
What optional activities cost extra?
Scuba diving and the Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are optional and paid on the day. Green Island is an optional two-hour stop available for an extra cost. If you choose it, your platform time reduces to accommodate the island visit.
Operated by The Quicksilver Group. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour with Helicopter Flight
7h · EN +1
from AU$ 516 per person
≈ US$ 357 in your currency
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