40 Minute Reef Scenic Flight

Highly professional and friendly from start to finish. I recommend this operator.

Great experience! Staff was professional, warm, and knowledgeable. Must doin Cairns! Close to town .

An excellent way to see the reef with an excellent pilot and welcoming assistant. Would not hesitate to recommend.

A must do when in Cairns!! Team was very welcoming and informative, complimentary drinks upon arrival to the office and went through the paperwork with us. We arrived early so we were able to take off a bit earlier. Our pilot was professional and educational, giving us lots of great information, as well as answered all our questions about the reef and surrounding areas, he engaged with us well and helped us identify animals and enlightened us to different touring (dive, snorkel ect) options of the reef. Weather was consistently changing but they still happily provided the flight and explained detours to ensure we weren’t impacted by the weather and prepared/talked us through the turbulence and the landing procedures. A 10/10 experience, all staff were very welcoming and friendly, complimentary drinks offered before and after flight and the helicopter was in great clean condition. We will definitely be back, thanks guys!

Was initially booked for a 4pm flight but received a phone call to see if we wanted to attend a earlier time due to the potential for rain late in the afternoon and we were upgraded from a 30 min flight to a 40 min outer reef flight. It was our first time and the staff made it seamless. Was definitely worth the cost and highly recommend seeing the great barrier from the air!

Friendly professional staff. Well organised. Outstanding helicopters and pilots give great information during flight.

The pilot Hayleywas an excellent guide. Had fun, and enjoyed every bit of time. If you are in Cairns, it is a must to do. Thank you, team!

Great way to get introduced to the great barrier reef. It was a beautiful day and only a 45 minute ride we saw an enormous amount from a great perspective.

Great experience, staff very competent and welcoming, trip itself was excellent saw a lot of the reef, one not to miss when you are in Cairns.

My husband and I experienced one of our Bucket List trips ( Great Barrier Reef) thanks to Zoom Helicopters , or more accurately stated , because of the outstanding staff at Zoom. We were fortunate to have a picture perfect day at the reef and our incredible photos prove how wonderful this experience was . It was a very hot, humid day and I told Chris, managing the office that morning , that I would mention the fabulous AC we were greeted with !! Our “ cold” welcome was much appreciated ! After Chris gave us a wonderful safety briefing we we took off with Hayley as our outstanding pilot. Her enthusiasm and passion for the reef were delightful. Her professionalism and knowledge were equally outstanding. Our 40 minute flight “ flew” by so quickly but we saw much more than anticipated. The dolphins were spotted almost immediately, the variety of corals were evident as well AND those turquoise waters will be forever imprinted in our minds. Thank you for our priceless memories. This is an amazing company and we highly recommend experiencing the GBR via a Zoom Helicopter. PS Hayley , we so appreciated you giving us a hop back into town during your well deserved break. !! You not only represent this company but Australian people at their best. 🩵 The Fegleys Burke, VA USA

Fantastic sights and experiences. Totally a must when visiting Cairns. Amazing ride and services. We enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you Zoom

In a two week trip to Australia full of peak experiences (feeding kangaroos, climbing the Harbor Bridge, snorkeling the GBR), this might be #1! Btw, I first booked a small plane flight over the reef, but realized that a helicopter would be better, since it can fly lower. I don't know how low, since I can't convert metres to feet, but we had an up-close-and-personal view of the reef. And major shout out to our pilot, Hayley, a very skillful young woman who made the trip so much fun. Also a plus listening to the ATC tower and hearing other pilots and controllers sign off, "G'day."

The 40 minute reef Odyssey tour is in a small helicopter, perfect for a couple because it's a private experience with no others in the helicopter with you. The views are excellent and the staff on the ground and the pilot were excellent. Easy to get to from Cairns. Great All round.

Beautiful view of outer reef in sky to get a sense of the magnitude of the varsity of the Great Barrier Reef, which you can not appreciate from the sea. A must do in Cairne. Pilot provided a smooth ride with perfect landing.

Haley moved our tour in the afternoon and we ended up having the helicopter to ourselves! What a way to see the reef up in the air. We spotted sharks, sting rays, manta ray and turtles. We took this tour because my spouse gets motion sickness on the boat and we had no desire to snorkel (been there, done that in Hawaii). It’s not cheap but you have more time to do other things if you tour the reef by air.

Thanks to Chris for making our experience so awesome! Great casual narration and knowledgeable discussion!

Wonderful experience of a lifetime to see the aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef. The staff was very professional and experienced. Highly recommend this experience.

My family and I had a great flight! They were very polite & pleasant! Owner was very nice and let us relax. Smooth flight and fun, good items to shop

What a spectacular way to see the Great Barrier Reef!! The weather was perfect, the reef gorgeous, and our fabulous pictures captured it all!!! Hayley was the best helicopter pilot we’ve ever had (and we’ve taken many scenic helicopter tours during our travels!)!!!! Thank you, thank you, Hayley!!! Keep flying high!!

I dealt with Zoom directly on their website to book my flight about a year before. We e-mailed back and forth and Niels even called me on the phone to make my flight a go. Excellent customer service considering the time difference between Australia and Canada. He hooked me up with another couple so I did not have to pay for 2 people as it is a minimum 2 per booking. I did the 40-minute reef flight and it was well worth the money. Just amazing! It was a cloudy, drizzly day but the pictures were still beautiful. I also did not have the sun glare off the water so that was great. Our pilot talked and told us history and all about the reef. He even landed on a small atoll so we could take pictures...we couldn't get out but being right there on the water level was amazing. Worth every penny and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The captain was amazing. I told him I wanted to take professional photos, and he did what he could to avoid the glare and show me the best angles. I'm only giving four stars because, during the pre-flight, we were shown a helicopter whose windows could be opened. I asked the operator if that was going to be the case, and I was told it would, but it was not the case.

The pilot was fantastic! From start to finish an all around great experience! I highly recommend this trip!!!

Well worth the trip! It was awesome and let us see what we were going to be snorkeling yesterday.😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠

Niels was a great pilot and explained the whole process well and answered any questions we had in detail. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air was a great and unique experience that we are very happy that we decided to do.

We were 5 of us. Both my parents are with me. And my pregnant sister was also there. He told us that 3 ppl in the first ride and 3 in the next and offered 1 free for the second ride. And after the payment is done he changed his version and told us 4 in the first ride and 1 in the next ride. We told him before booking also that we don’t want to leave our parents alone and also my pregnant sister. He got 2 more passengers and then without informing us he changed his version. He spoke very rudely and in a racist way. Unacceptable and disrespectful. I wouldn’t suggest you guys to travel with them. It’s a proper scam. He threatened to call police on us and we also were willing to talk to the police about this scam and we waited for 20 mins and no police arrived. We asked for our refund and we didn’t get that too! Very rude!

Amazing way to see the Great Barrier Reef from a totally different perspective. You can appreciate the share of some of these reefs by the air, understand how the islands develop and also did see turtles and other big fish. The take off and landing of the helicopter across a major airport and being watching commercial aircraft taking off from a close distance was also an assume experience.

Turned up to an empty portacabin with a note on please come in and help yourself to a drink. Waiting for the last flight to return and then it was our turn. The previous flight had 4 adults but fortunately it was just us two, we both agree we cannot see how you get 4 adults plus the pilot. We went for the forty minute outer reef and wow what a treat this was, sadly no marine life we could see but my goodness the whole experience and the views are just breathtaking. We did green island the day before but this is a whole new perspective on the Great Barrier Reef. Go and do it, it’s not cheap but you are paying for the pilots experience and the unforgettable experience.

We visited Cairns in May 2024 and booked for a heli tour with Zoom on our last day in the city. Weather was not great (unfortunately, but nothing can be done about it) but Niels went really above and beyond to let us have the tour given that it was our last chance. We had never encounterd anyone being so dedicated, accomodating and caring for their customer. Given our other commitments he offered to accompany us to return the rental car while we waited for the weather to improve and after the tour he offered to drop us off at the airport. Would definitely reccomend booking with them, not only for the amazing views, but for the exceptional service.

Great trip. Only 40 minutes but worth every penny. Chris was terrific and very informative answering all our questions.

Unbelievable experience. Really well run service. Neil made sure both sides of chopper saw the sites. Dream come true. 10 out of 10👍

Helicopter trip over the reefs. We were in a 4 seater helicopter so everyone gets a window seat! Really enjoyed it! Amazing to see the scale of the reefs from the air!

Brandon was amazing most breath taking experience I’ve had and so thank for such a beautiful flight and guide along the way. Our first helicopter flight and definitely something from the bucket list ! My partner loved every minute of it and what better way to spend our anniversary. Thank you to Brandon and the afternoon ! Great start to the new year !

The better outlook of part of the Great barrier reef. Johnno was amazing The flight was short but it was sweet My son was only 2 years old and he wasnt scared on bit of the flight Thanks again guys Will definetly do this again

We went to see the outer reef, the views were absolutely breathtaking! To make my birthday extra special, the pilot even landed us on a narrow slither of sand which was an absolute highlight. It was truly the best birthday I've ever had! Thanks to Pilot Neils. ~Avadh and Charmi

An amazing adventure. I was trying to decide between snorkeling or seeing the entire reef from above. I made the absolutely best choice I believe for me the views were amazing. I felt safe and comfortable the entire flight once in a lifetime adventure highly recommend.

A delightful and spectacular experience! A beautiful day – clear skies and a very engaging and competent Pilot and guide. We felt entirely safe and thoroughly enjoyed the view! Thanks to Neals for ensuring our experience was amazing!

Environmentally unique. Staff went beyond duties to cover needs Brilliant photos. ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Beautiful flight over the outer reefs, green island and a landing on Middle cay. Wildlife is visible as the altitude is on some places only 50m of do above sea level.

A wonderful day and a great experience Chris is so nice and knowledgeable. Dugongs, Rays, Dolphins, water snakes..all

Pilot was very thorough with safety instruments and pointing out marine life from helicopter. Enjoyed our visit!!

This was the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef. Just the two of us with the pilot. Zoom Helicopter was a great experience!

This was a wonderful way to see the great barrier reef. We enjoyed our flight. It was just the two of us with the pilot.

What an awesome trip, zooming over the reef spotting turtles and manta rays, the guys that run Zoom are so friendly and do work around to fit you in, thanks Johnno and Neils for our very first chopper flight.

Very very beautiful tour. My family enjoyed this very much. We saw a lot of reef locations along with a landing on a sand cay. The only thing I wish more is if they can allow us to get down at the cay and spend few minutes. That would have been awesome. It was just landing and take off for few seconds.

Zoom Helicopters provides an amazing perspective of the largest reef system in the world from the air! We flew lower and closer to the sea compared with fixed-wing aircraft and had the opportunity to spot large marine creatures. Our friendly pilot Niels provided an informative commentary throughout the flight and highlighted points of interest. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time. Support a locally owned business and see the reef speedily and elegantly without having to bother with runways!

Our pilot was great. He was happy to answer all of our questions. The views were spectacular and the ride was very comfortable.

Exceptional day. Professional staff. Great Communication. Highly recommend this tour. We had John O as our flight guide he was knowledgeable about the reef and surroundings. This is a must do tour.

What an amazing wonderful experience this trip was. For years my husband has tried to get me to do a helicopter ride, but I have a fear of height. Today I faced my fear and I am so glad that I did. Chris the pilot was very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The views over the Great Barrier Reef was truly amazing. I would definately recommend this company if you want to do this excursion.

Well what can we see about this trip it was excellent and Chris was great and fountain of knowledge and made the flight so much better and he was happy just to have me and the wife on the flight where the other tour flights there is 6in it so do not waste your money go with Zoom helicopters and you will have a great time Ian