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A Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns gives you the best of both worlds, the thrill of a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and the adventure of exploring it up close by boat.
These tours combine an aerial perspective with time to snorkel, swim, or relax on a reef pontoon. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, Fly + Cruise packages are one of the most complete Great Barrier Reef experiences you can enjoy in a single day.
A Fly + Cruise package gives you two unique perspectives — a scenic flight from the air and reef exploration by boat.
Instead of choosing between a flight or a cruise, you can enjoy snorkelling, semi-submarine rides, reef pontoons, and aerial views all in one day.
These tours suit families, couples, and adventure seekers, offering something for everyone.
| Package Type | Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fly-Only | Scenic aerial views | Photographers, short trips |
| Cruise-Only | Snorkelling & reef time | Families, budget tours |
| Fly + Cruise | Aerial + snorkel + pontoon | Best overall experience |
A Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns combines everything you need for a complete day on the reef. Here’s what you can expect:
Start or end your day with a scenic fixed-wing flight.. From the air, you’ll see coral reefs, sand cays, and turquoise lagoons, with guaranteed window seating and live pilot commentary.
After your flight, board a modern catamaran or transfer boat to a dedicated reef pontoon. Here, you’ll enjoy: 1. Snorkelling gear & guided tours 2. Glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine rides 3. Underwater observatory access 4. Buffet or picnic-style lunch
Many packages let you fly one way and cruise the other. For example, you can cruise out to the reef in the morning, then return to Cairns by scenic flight in the afternoon for a spectacular aerial finale.
All safety briefings and equipment, Hotel transfers from Cairns city, Options for scuba diving upgrades, guided snorkel safaris, or luxury lounge access on the pontoon
With a Fly + Cruise package, you’ll experience the reef from above and below, making it one of the most well-rounded Great Barrier Reef adventures available.
A Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns lets you explore some of the most famous reef locations and islands in the region. Depending on the operator and package, you’ll visit one or more of these incredible destinations:
Moore Reef is one of Cairns’ most popular reef sites. From the air, you’ll see its turquoise lagoon and coral gardens. On the pontoon, guests enjoy snorkelling platforms, semi-sub rides, and family-friendly facilities including shaded areas and a kids’ swimming enclosure.
Located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Agincourt Reef is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic reef walls. A Fly + Cruise package here offers incredible snorkelling and diving, plus a helicopter return flight over the outer reef drop-offs.
Some packages include time on Green Island, a unique coral cay with its own rainforest. From the air, the emerald-green forest contrasts with the reef-blue lagoon. On the island, visitors can snorkel straight off the beach, walk rainforest boardwalks, or relax on Nudey Beach, often listed among Australia’s best.
Extended luxury packages may also include Fitzroy Island, where you can enjoy both rainforest walks and fringing reef snorkelling. These destinations combine aerial excitement with on-the-water exploration, ensuring you get a 360-degree experience of Cairns’ reef and islands..
Your safety and comfort are the top priorities on every Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns. Operators are fully accredited, and aircraft and vessels are maintained to the highest standards.
All flights are conducted by CASA-licensed pilots, and reef cruises are managed by experienced crew members who know the Great Barrier Reef inside out. Safety briefings are always provided before departure.
Fixed-wing aircraft feature large panoramic windows and noise-cancelling headsets, ensuring both comfort and clear commentary. Reef pontoons are equipped with shade areas, changing facilities, and safety equipment, making them family-friendly.
Fly + Cruise packages are designed to be accessible for children, families, and elderly travellers. Staff provide assistance with boarding, snorkelling gear, and in-water support where needed.
By combining world-class aviation standards with professional reef operators, these packages deliver not only an exciting adventure but also complete peace of mind.
A Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns gives you a full day of adventure with a perfect balance between air and sea. Here’s what a typical day looks like:
Your day begins at Cairns Marina, where you board a high-speed catamaran to the outer reef. During the cruise, enjoy morning tea and learn about reef safety from the crew.
Arrive at a spacious reef pontoon, your base for the day. Spend several hours snorkelling over coral gardens, joining a guided marine biologist tour, or viewing the reef from a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine. Lunch is usually served buffet-style with fresh seafood, salads, and tropical fruits.
In the afternoon, board your fixed-wing aircraft for the return journey. Flying over the reef’s lagoons, cays, and islands is the perfect way to end your day. The views of the Coral Sea and rainforest coastline make this a highlight of the trip.
By combining a cruise out and a flight back (or vice versa), you’ll experience the reef from every angle, underwater, on the surface, and from above..
A Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns is available in several price ranges, depending on the destinations, inclusions, and whether you fly one way or both ways.
Premium packages add private aircraft transfers, champagne service, and exclusive seating areas on the reef pontoon. These are perfect for honeymoons, proposals, or special celebrations.
This package includes a catamaran cruise to Moore Reef in the morning and a scenic flight back to Cairns in the afternoon. It typically includes snorkelling, lunch, and pontoon access.
Families travelling with children can access reduced child fares and group deals when booking together.
| Package | Duration | Inclusions | Price Range (AUD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full Day | Cruise + snorkel + lunch + flight return | $450--550 | Families, couples |
| Private Charter | Full Day | Private aircraft + gourmet extras + exclusive pontoon access | $1,200--1,500 (per aircraft) | Honeymooners, VIPs, groups |
| Green Island Combo | Full Day | Island visit + snorkel + scenic flight | $400--500 | Day-trippers |
With clear inclusions and flexible options, Fly + Cruise packages are one of the most complete Great Barrier Reef tours you can book from Cairns.
Discover the Great Barrier Reef from every angle with a Fly + Cruise Package from Cairns. Start your day with a reef cruise, explore coral gardens up close, and finish with a breathtaking scenic flight back to the coast.
Book online now to secure your seats and enjoy guaranteed window views plus full access to reef activities.
Planning a honeymoon, proposal, or group trip? Our team can arrange custom Fly + Cruise tours with luxury upgrades and private charters. Make your trip to Cairns unforgettable with this all-in-one Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Most packages include a scenic flight, a reef cruise, snorkelling equipment, buffet lunch, and access to a reef pontoon. Some premium options also offer extras like glass-bottom boat tours or scuba diving upgrades.
It depends on the package. Some itineraries start with a morning flight over the reef followed by a cruise, while others begin with a catamaran cruise and end with a scenic flight return.
These are full-day tours, usually lasting between 6–8 hours, including transfers, reef time, and the flight.
Yes. These tours are family-friendly, with discounts for children and safe facilities on reef pontoons. Many families prefer these packages as they combine both fun and education.
Prices range from AUD $229–449 for standard packages to AUD $600–1,000 for luxury upgrades. Factors affecting cost include flight type (helicopter or plane), destination reef, and inclusions.
Absolutely. Flights are operated by CASA-certified pilots, and reef pontoons are staffed with lifeguards and trained snorkel guides. Safety briefings are conducted before all activities.
Yes. Couples, honeymooners, or VIPs can arrange private aircraft transfers with luxury extras such as champagne service and reserved seating areas on the pontoon.
Tours operate year-round. The dry season (May–October) brings clear skies and calm seas, while the wet season (November–April) offers lush rainforest scenery and dramatic cloud formations.
A Fly + Cruise package is one of the most complete Great Barrier Reef adventures, combining air, sea, and reef exploration in a single day.
Have a question that’s not listed above? Give our friendly team a call on 0499 899 406 or send us an email at info@greatbarrierreefscenicflights.com.au or ask via our online form by clicking the button below.
Ask us anything you like. We’re happy to answer your questions.
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Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights provides safe and efficient Air Charter, Air Tours and Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights departing throughout Cairns Australia.