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Great Barrier Reef Cruise + Helicopter Tour Combo

From $440

Start Time 08:00

Duration 9hr 15min

  • 8.5hr luxurious cruise from Cairns on an award-winning Super Yacht
  • Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
  • Cruise to 2 exclusive Outer Great Barrier reef locations
  • Enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkel time at both sites
  • Snorkelling equipment, lycra/stinger suit and personal flotation aids
  • Morning tea: muffins and scones on arrival
  • A chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch with special dietary options
  • Afternoon tea: cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine on return
  • Free lycra sun-suits provided for your comfort
  • PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
  • Helicopter Ride
  • 10min scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spectacular aerial views of the stunning reefs and sand cays
  • Opportunity to spot marine life such as manta rays, turtles, etc.
  • Comfortable ride aboard a luxury 6-seater helicopter
  • Dive & helicopter tour upgrades available
  • Drinks available for purchase onboard by cash or card
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About This Experience

This Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour combines a luxury Outer Reef snorkel cruise with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, allowing you to experience the reef from both the water and the air in a single day. Cruise aboard the award-winning Evolution superyacht to two exclusive reef locations, enjoy snorkelling, optional scuba diving and a freshly prepared BBQ lunch, then soar above Hastings Reef for spectacular aerial views of coral formations and turquoise waters. 

Great Barrier Reef & Heli Ride Experience
Cruise aboard the Evolution superyacht to two exclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, where you'll have ample time to snorkel among vibrant coral gardens, relax on spacious decks, or upgrade to an introductory or certified scuba dive. From the second reef location at Hastings Reef, you will take to the air for a breathtaking helicopter flight that reveals the immense scale, intricate coral formations and brilliant shades of blue that can only be appreciated from above.

Unlike the helicopter return transfer upgrade, this 10-minute heli ride takes place during second stop, giving you the freedom to enjoy the complete reef itinerary, a chef-prepared BBQ lunch and a leisurely cruise back to Cairns. It is the perfect way to combine two of Cairns' most sought-after experiences into one seamless adventure.

This experience is ideal for travellers who want more than a standard reef cruise. By combining a luxury Outer Reef adventure with an included scenic helicopter flight, guests enjoy a rare opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef from both above and below the water.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For

  • First-Time Reef Explorers will love the ultimate Great Barrier Reef introduction, combining snorkelling and a scenic helicopter flight in one unforgettable day.
  • Couples celebrating something special love this package as the helicopter flight adds an extra touch of romance and exclusivity to their Cairns getaway.
  • Adventure enthusiasts choose this because they want to maximise their reef experience with snorkelling, optional diving and spectacular aerial views of the reef.

Cruise Details

Location Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 07:15 08:00 16:30 9hr 15min
 

  • 8.5hr luxurious cruise from Cairns on an award-winning Super Yacht
  • Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
  • Cruise to 2 exclusive Outer Great Barrier reef locations
  • Enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkel time at both sites
  • Snorkelling equipment, lycra/stinger suit and personal flotation aids
  • Morning tea: muffins and scones on arrival
  • A chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch with special dietary options
  • Afternoon tea: cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine on return
  • Free lycra sun-suits provided for your comfort
  • PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
  • Helicopter Ride
  • 10min scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spectacular aerial views of the stunning reefs and sand cays
  • Opportunity to spot marine life such as manta rays, turtles, etc.
  • Comfortable ride aboard a luxury 6-seater helicopter
  • Dive & helicopter tour upgrades available
  • Drinks available for purchase onboard by cash or card

  • Discover the Great Barrier Reef from two unique perspectives – above and below the water
  • Combine a luxury reef cruise and scenic helicopter flight in one seamless experience
  • Visit two pristine Outer Reef locations with over five hours to explore
  • Snorkel alongside colourful marine life or upgrade to a scuba diving adventure
  • Enjoy premium onboard hospitality, including a BBQ lunch and afternoon refreshments

MORNING TEA (on arrival)

Muffins and scones
 
BBQ Buffet Lunch

BBQ: Steak (salt & pepper only), Prawns, Fish (GF, DF)

Veggie Patties: Vegetables 58% (corn, carrot, peas, onion), wheat flour, canola oil, thickeners, dehydrated vegetables, wheat gluten, salt (V, VE)

Roast Vegetable Salad: Potato, sweet potato, capsicum, red onion, carrot, green beans, rosemary, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic, French/Italian dressing (GF, DF, VE, V, No Nuts, No Eggs)

Tossed Salad: Mixed lettuce, tomato, cucumber, grated carrot, shallots, bean sprouts, French/Italian dressing (GF, DF, VE, V, No Nuts, No Eggs)

Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad: Penne, olives, red onion, capsicum, shallots, crushed tomato, mixed herbs, vegan pesto (sundried tomato, olive oil), French/Italian dressing  (DF, VE, V, No Eggs)

Coleslaw: Cabbage, parsley, carrot, capsicum, red onion, sultanas, pumpkin seeds, vegan mayonnaise  (GF, DF, VE, V, No Eggs)

Bread: Cottage loaves, French sticks, focaccia
 
AFTERNOON TEA (on return journey)

Cheese and crackers, complimentary glass of wine
 
*Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 48 hours prior to travel with reservations. Menu is subject to change.


Beer, wine, pre-mixed spirits, soft drinks and water available for purchase onboard

Payment by card (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) or cash accepted

  • Adult Price

    from $440

  • Child (4 - 16 years)

    from $345

Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence Street
Cairns, QLD

Google Map - CLICK HERE

Please arrive between 7:15am and 7:45am for check-in.

  • 7:15am - 7:45am: Arrive at Reef Fleet Terminal and check in for your Great Barrier Reef adventure. After boarding Evolution, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and muffins while meeting the friendly crew.
  • 8:00am: Evolution departs Cairns and heads towards the Outer Great Barrier Reef. During the journey, the crew provides safety briefings and information about the day's activities.
  • 9:45am: Arrive at either Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, selected based on weather and water conditions. Spend the morning snorkelling among coral gardens and marine life or simply relax onboard.
  • 11:30am: Enjoy a freshly prepared Australian BBQ lunch featuring seafood, grilled meats and fresh salads.
  • 1:00pm: Evolution arrives at Hastings Reef. During your time here, enjoy the highlight of the day – a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Guests also have time to continue snorkelling or relaxing onboard.
  • 3:00pm: Evolution departs the reef and begins the journey back to Cairns. Relax with complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits while reflecting on an incredible day.
  • 4:30pm: Return to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina

  • Hotel transfers
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Introductory scuba dive upgrade
  • Certified scuba dive upgrade
  • Souvenir purchases
  • Travel insurance 

Evolution Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour (this package): Save with this bundled package that combines the full Evolution Outer Reef cruise and a scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef in one unforgettable day. 

Evolution Super Yacht Great Barrier Reef Cruise (see alternate package): The standalone outer reef day — the full Evolution experience at the best-value price, with no additional touring days required. 

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • Not wheelchair accessible

What is included in the Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour?
This package includes a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise aboard Evolution, visits to two Outer Reef locations, a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, snorkelling equipment, stinger suit hire, BBQ lunch, morning tea and afternoon refreshments.

How long is the helicopter flight?
The included scenic helicopter flight lasts approximately 10 minutes and operates from Hastings Reef during the cruise.

Do I need any experience to snorkel?
No. Snorkelling is suitable for beginners, and all equipment, flotation devices and safety briefings are provided.

Can I go scuba diving on this tour?
Yes. Both introductory dives for first-time divers and certified dives for qualified divers are available as optional upgrades.

Which reef locations does the tour visit?
The tour visits two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations. Reef sites are selected daily based on weather and water conditions to provide the best possible experience.

Is the helicopter flight suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate in the helicopter flight. Standard child fares apply for guests aged 4–16 years.

Are there any weight restrictions for the helicopter flight?
Yes. For safety reasons, a maximum passenger weight of 130kg applies to helicopter flights.

How much time do we spend at the Great Barrier Reef?
Guests enjoy over five hours at the reef across two exclusive reef locations, allowing plenty of time for snorkelling, diving and relaxation.

What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera and a change of clothes.

Is lunch included?
Yes. A freshly prepared Australian BBQ lunch is included, along with morning tea and complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits on the return cruise.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour operates subject to weather and marine conditions. Reef locations and activities may be adjusted to ensure guest safety and the best possible experience.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to the Great Barrier Reef?
Absolutely. The combination of snorkelling, optional diving and a scenic helicopter flight makes it one of the most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef experiences available from Cairns.

  • Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 48 hours prior to travel. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available
  • Large bags and luggage are not permitted onboard
  • The vessel has a designated smoking area; smoking is permitted while the boat is moving
  • Power outlets are available at window seats to charge phones; crew can assist with charging at the bar if needed
  • All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire. Divers over 65 years must hold a physician's medical clearance confirming fitness to dive
  • Certified divers must present their internationally recognised dive certification card on the day
  • Diving within 24 hours before a flight is not permitted
  • Minimum age for introductory diving and dive courses: 12 years. Minimum age for certified diving: 10 years (must dive with parent, guardian or private guide)
  • Weight limit for helicopter flights: 130kg. Contact the supplier directly for enquiries
  • Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
What To Bring
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash or card for onboard purchases
  • Dive certification card (if applicable) 

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $440

Start Time 08:00

Duration 9hr 15min

  • 8.5hr luxurious cruise from Cairns on an award-winning Super Yacht
  • Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
  • Cruise to 2 exclusive Outer Great Barrier reef locations
  • Enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkel time at both sites
  • Snorkelling equipment, lycra/stinger suit and personal flotation aids
  • Morning tea: muffins and scones on arrival
  • A chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch with special dietary options
  • Afternoon tea: cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine on return
  • Free lycra sun-suits provided for your comfort
  • PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
  • Helicopter Ride
  • 10min scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spectacular aerial views of the stunning reefs and sand cays
  • Opportunity to spot marine life such as manta rays, turtles, etc.
  • Comfortable ride aboard a luxury 6-seater helicopter
  • Dive & helicopter tour upgrades available
  • Drinks available for purchase onboard by cash or card
Send Enquiry Book Now

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