Heart Reef Tours and Tickets

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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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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Get close-up views of Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a full-day journey to Reefworld. The spacious, innovative pontoon provides gear, instruction, and expert guides for snorkeling and diving in the tropical waters. Alternatively, observe the reef without getting wet when taking a semi-submersible ride, accompanied by informative commentary by reef experts. This tour gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder and is suitable for all levels of experience.

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Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure

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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

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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

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

Yuan_W, Sep 2026

Well organised and...

Well organised and friendly staff. Our pilot Jordan gave us a nice trip even our day was super windy. My mother has serious motion sickness and she survived too! Thank you team.

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Judith_V, Aug 2026

Insane views, great flight

Wow. Best views in my life. It was such a smooth flight. It is just worth it! The landscape was insanely beautiful and the captain explained what we were seeing. I totally recommend it!

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Shylie_B, Aug 2026

10/10 must do in Airlie!

The plane trip was a highlight of our trip to Airlie beach! The views of the reef are next level and the team were awesome! The kids will remember this always!

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Marie_R, Aug 2026

Reef flight

An excellent trip. The flight was superb. Felt very safe and professional. Excellent length of time with the Pilot giving constant updates and pointing out points of interest. Such beauty has to be experienced from above. Heart Reef was just amazing!!

Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

ShinYen_C, Jun 2026

10 out of 10 Scenic and Snorkelling Combo Tour 💯

Scenic flight was SPECTACULAR ✨ the courtesy bus driver was super friendly and helpful that he made sure we were on the right bus to the flight tour and to the snorkelling tour after. The pilot was the same, he even helped us taking photos with the helicopter before our journey, service was definitely on point 💯 We got to see the beautiful Long Island, Hook Island, Whitehaven beach, different reefs and many many more from up the sky, super worth it! Snorkelling and beach tour next, we were with Jenna, Gary and Ben on Freebird! Love how interactive and energetic they are! Jenna and Gary are the loveliest people ever, they kept checking in with us if we’re alright throughout the whole trip. Jenna is also secretly a great photographer, remember to ask her for photo when you’re at Hill Inlet Lookout 🤭 Gary has lots of bad jokes so just a heads up, you have to be prepared for that. 😆 Ben the boat captain was very detailed on everyone’s safety throughout the trip to make sure we had a safe and enjoyable time on the boat, salute to Ben 🫡 For bus pick up arrangement, I would suggest travelers to contact the organiser 48 hours prior to the trip to confirm your pickup location and time and if you have any special requests, and keep yourself reminded to be there on time as it’s our responsibility to know our own schedule, to prevent inconvenience for them. Overall, it’s a budget friendly yet fun and amazing tour! I love the arrangement of this tour, combo of scenic flight and snorkelling/beach time, ticks off two of my bucket lists in one go ✅ Thank you Ocean Rafting for this incredible experience!

Heart Reef

5.0

(1,887)

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

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