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Fly / Cruise Half Day Outer Reef Snorkel & Dive

from A$570
4 hours 30 mins

Depart Cairns at 12:30 for a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Sand Cays, enjoy 1.5 hours snorkelling at Hastings Reef with included gear and tuition, then cruise back on Evolution with a complimentary glass of wine and late lunch, arriving in Cairns around 16:30.

Adult $570 | Child (4-15) $570

Key Highlights

  • 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Sand Cays
  • Chance to spot manta rays, turtles, and marine life from the air
  • Afternoon reef tour at Hastings Reef aboard Evolution
  • 1.5 hours for snorkelling with all gear and tuition included
  • Relax on three spacious deck levels or in an air-conditioned saloon
  • Complimentary glass of wine and late lunch on cruise back to Cairns

What’s included

  • 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns
  • 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment and tuition
  • Access to Evolution vessel facilities
  • Complimentary glass of wine
  • Late lunch during cruise

Overview

Experience a unique Great Barrier Reef adventure departing from Cairns at 12:30. Begin with a spectacular 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Reef and Sand Cays, enjoying panoramic views of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Look out for manta rays, turtles, and other marine life, with chances of whale sightings during the winter months.

After landing at an exclusive helicopter pontoon, you'll board the vessel Evolution to join the afternoon reef tour. You will enjoy 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef where you can dive into the underwater world with all snorkelling gear and tuition provided, discovering colourful fish, corals, and marine life.

Relax on three spacious deck levels or unwind in the air-conditioned saloon as you cruise between activities. Take in the atmosphere and stunning views both above and below the water's surface.

As you head back to Cairns, savour a complimentary glass of wine and enjoy a late lunch aboard Evolution, returning to shore at approximately 16:30. This half day experience ensures a memorable adventure over and on the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

Commonly asked questions.

The tour includes a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Hastings Reef, up to 1.5 hours of snorkelling, all snorkelling equipment, flotation devices, lycra/sun-suits, BBQ lunch, tea and coffee, and a complimentary glass of wine and light snack on the cruise back to Cairns.
Check-in is at 12:00pm at the Nautilus Aviation office at Marina Point, with the scenic helicopter flight departing at approximately 12:30pm.
Check-in is at the Nautilus Aviation office, Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City.
The scenic helicopter flight takes approximately 25 minutes, flying over the Great Barrier Reef and sand cays before landing near the reef vessel.
The helicopter takes you to meet Evolution at Hastings Reef, where you join the afternoon reef cruise and snorkelling experience.
You have up to approximately 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef for snorkelling and swimming before joining the return cruise to Cairns.
Yes. Snorkelling equipment, flotation devices and tuition are provided, with experienced instructors available to assist guests in the water.
Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins and flotation devices are included, along with complimentary lycra/sun-suit hire.
No. There is not enough time for scuba diving on the Fly/Cruise Half Day tour. The reef component is designed for snorkelling and swimming.
Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, with options such as fresh fish, prawns, steak, vegetarian dishes and salads. Special dietary requirements can be catered for when advised in advance.
After the reef experience, you board Evolution for the cruise back to Cairns. The journey includes the BBQ lunch, with a complimentary glass of wine and light snack available during the return trip.
Yes. A 130kg maximum passenger weight restriction applies to the helicopter flight.

Additional info by the operator.

  • 12:00pm - Check in at Nautilus Aviation, Marina Point
  • 12:30pm - Depart Cairns by helicopter
  • 12:30-12:55pm - Scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef
  • 1:00pm - Join Evolution at Hastings Reef for a BBQ lunch
  • 1:00-2:30pm - Snorkelling and swimming at Hastings Reef
  • 2:30pm - cruise back to Cairns
  • 4:30pm - Arrive at Marlin Marina, Cairns