What’s the best way to experience the Heart Reef?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Heart Reef. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Airlie-Beach/Whitsunday-Islands-and-Reef-Scenic-Flight-60-minutes/d28628-74405P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Airlie-Beach/Great-Barrier-Reef-Scenic-Flight/d28628-6381P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1 Hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Airlie-Beach/Heart-Reef-and-Whitehaven-Rest-and-Relax-Package-2-5h-Helicopter-Tour/d28628-412975P6" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - 2.5Hr Helicopter Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Airlie-Beach/Reef-and-Whitehaven-Spectacular-Tour-60-Minute-Helicopter-Tour/d28628-412975P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Reef & Whitehaven Spectacular - 60 Minute Helicopter Tour</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit the Heart Reef in 2026?

While visiting the Heart Reef is free, you’d need your own boat or airplane to get there as it’s about 50 miles (80 kilometers) offsh. Fortunately, you can see it on a guided tour. Hour-long helicopter tours start at around US$230, and longer helicopter packages with beach touchdown cost around US$850.

How long do tours to Heart Reef typically last?

The length of your tour to Heart Reef depends on which tour you select. Flight sightseeing tours over the reef in an airplane or helicopter typically last a couple of hours. Full-day boat adventures around the Great Barrier last around 10 hours, while a sailing adventure might span days.

What types of tours are available to see Heart Reef?

There are various types of tours available to see Heart Reef, including flight tours and boat tours. Many travelers agree that the best way to see Heart Reef is from the air, so sightseeing flights in either a small airplane or a helicopter are among the most popular.

Can I snorkel or dive at Heart Reef, or is it just a sightseeing destination?

No, you cannot snorkel or dive at Heart Reef, nor can you swim or do any water-based activities. This regulation protects the fragile coral ecosystem of Heart Reef. It's why many choose to see it on a flight tour. You can, however, snorkel in the surrounding Hardy Reef.

What should I bring with me on a Heart Reef tour?

While on a Heart Reef tour, you'll want to bring sun protection (including high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses) to shield you from the strong Australian sun; a camera or smartphone to capture images; and motion or seasickness medication if you require it.

Heart Reef Tours and Tickets

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1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

Take off on a flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and see sights including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Catch a bird’s-eye view of many of the Whitsunday Islands and fly over Whitehaven Beach and picturesque Hill Inlet before heading toward the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll see one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, plus enjoy pilot commentary.

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1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

1 hourFree Cancellation

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The rainforest-clad islands, white-sand beaches, and vast coral reefs of the Whitsundays are even more impressive when viewed from above. With this tour, take off on a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and admire the views from the panoramic windows. Fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Heart Reef, and enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Live commentary is available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

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1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Looking to fill something from your bucket list? This is the tour for you! This one hour helicopter tour gives you a birds eye view of The Whitsunday Islands, and The Great Barrier Reef. First we head out past South Molle Island Island as we approach Whitsunday Island where we take in the natural beauty of Whitehaven Beach, and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. We then set out to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef. We'll be seeing some of it's most famous reefs, including Hook Reef, Bait Reef and Hardy Reef, with it's world Famous Heart Reef. As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island and Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb.

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Reef & Whitehaven Spectacular - ~60 Minute Helicopter Tour

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - ~2.5Hr Helicopter Tour

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Dreamed of visiting Whitehaven Beach, or the gorgeous Heart Reef? Then look no further! This two & a half hour** helicopter tour takes you to Whitehaven Beach, where you'll enjoy a one & a half hour stay, complete with nibblies and ice cold beverages. First we head out to the beautiful Whitsunday Island, where we'll land on the world famous Whitehaven Beach for a one and a half hour stop**. Enjoy complimentary snacks and a drink before some free time to explore the beach. We then take off past the beautiful Hill Inlet, heading for the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Where we visit some the renowned Heart Reef. As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island, Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb. **Times are approximate

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Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - ~2.5Hr Helicopter Tour

2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Great Barrier Reef Luxury Expedition Cruise cabin booking 7 days 6 night

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest & most diverse eco system in the world. It is the world’s largest Marine Reserve, about half the size of Texas. The Reef is visible from outer space appearing as a thin white line along the Queensland coast. Within the Reserve are more than 10% of the world's species of marine fish, over four thousand species of hard & soft corals and six of the world’s seven species of turtles. Giant Humpback Whales migrate to its warm crystal clear waterways every year to give birth to their babies John & Lynne Boyce are your key to discovering Australia’s most treasured water wonderland. In recognition of Lynne's expertise The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has granted her the title : Master Reef Guide She has published “Gourmet Sailing..Delicious Dining on the Great Barrier Reef”, a cook book detailing the meals they serve. The duo have been exploring the Reserve for more than 30 years & they look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience

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Great Barrier Reef Luxury Expedition Cruise cabin booking 7 days 6 night

Price varies by group size

What are people saying about Heart Reef

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

BEI_W, Oct 2026

great experience with...

great experience with amazing scenic flight, good weather , good captain! when Heart Reef came into view, it was such a stunning moment

Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

Sylvia_M, Oct 2026

Fantastic! I would highly...

Fantastic! I would highly recommend this activity. What a priviledge to see this wonder of the world.

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Anna_C, Oct 2026

A must do!

What an absolutely incredible experience! The views over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef were breathtaking! Our pilot Chris was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole experience even more memorable. Definitely a highlight of our holiday and an absolute must-do! Thanks Chris and Fly Charter! 💛

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Gabriela_M, Oct 2026

the most wonderful...

the most wonderful experience ever, the best way to view the natural wonders of Whitsundays and the great barrier reef

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Qingyi_R, Sep 2026

Breathtaking Scenic Flight Over the Whitsundays

An unforgettable scenic flight over the Whitsundays! The views of the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach were absolutely breathtaking. The flight was smooth, the staff were friendly and professional, and everything was well organised. One hour was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the incredible scenery from above. Definitely a must-do experience in the Whitsundays!

Heart Reef

5.0

(1,403)

The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island

Know before you go

Heart Reef is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s must-see sites.
Sightseeing flights normally guarantee window seats for all passengers.
Pilots usually provide information as you fly over the reef.

Heart Reef Tours and Tickets

6 results

What are people saying about Heart Reef

Heart Reef

People Also Ask

What’s the best way to experience the Heart Reef?

How much does it cost to visit the Heart Reef in 2026?

How long do tours to Heart Reef typically last?

What types of tours are available to see Heart Reef?

Can I snorkel or dive at Heart Reef, or is it just a sightseeing destination?

What should I bring with me on a Heart Reef tour?