The 30min and 45min flight showcase the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing over Port Douglas and 4 Mile Beach, other highlights include sights of Snapper Island, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. Be treated to a picture-postcard view of Low Isles and flying low over Batt Reef there are opportunities to spot stingrays, manta rays, turtles, sharks, dugongs (many at Batt Reef), dolphins and even whales in the winter months!

For those looking to make the most of their time in Port Douglas why not extend your flight to a 60-minute reef and rainforest scenic. Departing over Port Douglas and 4 Mile Beach, first enjoy sights of Rainforest over the town of Mossman and Mossman Gorge, followed by the Daintree River mouth, Cape Kimberley and past Snapper Island with views of Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation. The flight concludes with breathtaking views of Low Isles & the Reef.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

Check-in will be at the Nautilus Aviation office located in the Sheraton.
Here you will do your safety briefing before your taken to the helicopter for your scenic flight.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, Queensland 4873 Australia

For those participating in the 60-minute scenic flight discover the beauty of the rainforest as you explore it from above.

Pass By: Batt Reef, 4805, Australia

Be treated to a picture-postcard view of Low Isles and Batt Reef.


Pass By: Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas 4877, Australia

Take to the air and explore Port Douglas from above.Other highlights include sights of Snapper Island, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in the distance

Reviews

Martin_C - 4/5
Our 30 minute scenic flight over the reef was excellent. Big thanks to Michael our pilot who was interactive and information. I gave only a four star review because we had originally booked and paid for a 45 minute flight months prior. Due to tour scheduling the day of our flight was amended by one day with all relevant confirmation and tickets provided. On confirming our flight, the day before, the tour provider advised they had us still recorded on the original date booked with no record of an amendment request. Following a number of discussions with the tour operator and Viator it was acknowledged the tour operator had badly messed up by not actioning the email amendment request from Viator after verbally approving the change. So rather than waiting the day prior to confirm a tour I strongly recommend clients review the the tour operator information on the Viator account to ensure relevant requirements are not lost in translation. Now that I’ve just about recovered from my frustrations I must acknowledge how good the flight over the barrier was.
Renae T - 4/5
My headset didn’t work properly so couldn’t ask any questions or let the pilot know when I spotted a pod of something in the water. Was a great way to see the area and reef from above.
Kelvin_M - 5/5
Very professional, very pleasant flight and amazing reef views. Saw Dugongs, turtles, rays and even Hammerhead Sharks.
KAss2014 - 3/5
This afternoon we went on the 45mins scenic flight over the reef out of Port Douglas. The reef was absolutely amazing and wonderful to see it from above however there was a big negative to it and that was the seating. It is pretty unbelievable to have a scenic tour with a 4 seater in the back whereby the 2 pax seated in the middle seats hardly can see and let alone take any pics. The price is exactly the same for the one seated up front or having the window seat. That part was extremely disappointing and impacted on the experience significantly and for $600 a rather expensive undertaking.
ArtVandelay00 - 5/5
The 30 minute flight over the reef was truly amazing. The reef looked stunning and it was great to see some stingrays. Definitely recommend.
Q6327QUlouises - 5/5
Best 30 minutes you’ll ever spend doing a helicopter ride with these guys. Very professional with reef great knowledge
ATravellingSquirrel - 4/5
Slightly disappointed with this heli scenic flight. When booking over the phone, it was promoted to us that it's a 3-seater flight from Port Douglas (sales person over the phone was highly promoting that it's different compared to their flights in Cairns where it's a 7-seater). On the day of arrival to the helipad, there were 6 of us and we were informed on the spot that they have decided to change our flight to a 7-seater. Bear in mind, there are 2 seats at the front and 4 across at the back (lesser views but with same pricing). I found this especially annoying as this wasn't the product that was promoted by their sales centre (cost of scenic flight is over $1k for 2 pax). I am not expecting a private flight but the company should not promote that it's a 3-seater heli (with the possibility of another guest only). Although I can understand why they need to maximise their profits during Covid-19 times but this should at least be conveyed to us the day prior to the flight, not at the helipad. I suppose this is the result of monopoly of the company within Port Douglas. Flight type: 45 mins scenic flight - Reef only The pilot was very friendly and tried his best to point out marine life to us. Good air-conditioning and comfort on the flight. Views of the Great Barrier Reef were indeed amazing. Would recommend it for the wonderful views but don't get your hopes high if the company tries to promote it as a 3-seater heli flight from Port Douglas.
hanny1995 - 5/5
In no short of words or less - wow! We were due to be on the group helicopter and got upgraded to the private! Our pilot was so kind and offered so much information and wow the views!!!! Absolutely breathtaking. I want to share photos but I think you need to go see it for yourself!!!!!
MPB3742 - 5/5
The 60 minute reef and rainforest flight was spectacular - we got to see and appreciate the enormity of our amazing coral reef, the stunning Mossman Gorge and everything in between. Michael our pilot was fab, plenty of good humour and knowledge of the area. Highly recommended!!
Ben W - 5/5
I can highly recommend Nautilus Aviation as a way of seeing the reef and the Daintree forest (we decided to do both over the course of an hour) in all their beauty. Luke our pilot was excellent as we soared into the skies in a comfortable helicopter. The ground staff were helpful as well. We will be back.

Inclusions

  • Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • Informative commentary during the flight
  • Hotel pickup and drop off from Port Douglas CBD

Exclusions

Terms & Conditions

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Additional Information

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Child Policy: Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price. Subject to conditions, children under 3 years may travel free of charge when seated on a parents/guardians lap. For bookings of more than one infant (under 3 years), conditions apply – please contact Reservations.
    • Weight Policy: Individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised at the time of booking. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130KG. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130KG are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of ticket price – this is non-commissionable and payable to Nautilus Aviation on day of travel.
    • Minimum of 2 people required for this tour to go ahead.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
    • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
    • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
    • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
    • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
    • Guides required to regularly wash hands
    • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
    • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
    • COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
    • Nautilus Aviation has a comprehensive COVID plan in place.