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

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Airlie Beach, Australia
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· OanaAndreea_J ·
Dec 2025
Breathtaking views, fantastic flight (Sam was such a good pilot and guide) and a seamless experience beginning to end. So happy we decided to do this just before leaving the area.
· Elaine_H ·
Oct 2025
Fantastic experience . Professional and expert commentary during the flight . Would thoroughly recommend as it was an incredible experience . Well organised and a great trip to remember .

Overview

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.
  • Experience aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef
  • Choose between several departure times throughout the day
  • Depart from Whitsunday Airport, near Airlie Beach
  • Arrange for convenient hotel pickup

What's Included

  • 60 minute reef and island scenic flight
  • Views of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and Great Barrier Reef
  • Pilot commentary
  • Courtesy bus transfers
  • Guaranteed window seats with big window viewing
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Air-conditioned airport lounge
  • Secure lockers
  • Free parking at Airport
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • This tour does not pick up or depart from Hamilton Island. You can join this tour from Airlie Beach.

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Courtesy coach door to door transfers are included from Airlie Beach accommodation or you may choose to meet at Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. The airport is located 9 minutes from the main street of Airlie Beach. For Port of Airlie - please meet the bus at the Greyhound Terminal

or

Meeting point

  • Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour) - Airlie Beach
    12 Air Whitsunday Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia

    Please head inside main terminal for check in on the flight - Please ensure you are at Whitsunday Airport - Shute Harbour 45 mins prior to departure

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Heart Reef (Pass By)

Heart Reef (Pass By)

Whitehaven Beach (Pass By)

Hill Inlet (Pass By)

Whitsunday Islands (Pass By)

Whitsunday Islands National Park (Pass By)

Whitehaven Beach (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Maximum weight - 125kg per person
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Melissa_G
We were picked up from our hotel and transported to the airport quickly and with ease. Once we arrived, we were able to watch some helicopters and planes take off which was so fun! Then, we were given a short safety brief and boarded the plane. The plane we were seated in did not seem to have any bad seats, but there were seats that had better views than others. Our pilot was wonderful and made sure to go around each point of interest so that both sides of the plane were able to get a good view. The whole process of being picked up, boarding the plane, and enjoying the flight was painless. It was definitely worth the money to see these beautiful views. If you are going to take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsundays, this company is the way to go. This is a great way to see the outer reef without having to endure multiple hours on a boat.

Reviews

4.9
based on 139 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent tour. The...

Steven_L, Apr 2026
Excellent tour. The scenery was superb. The pilot, Josh, was extremely helpful as was his commentary in pointing out all the important views.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thrilled to hear you had such a great tour! 😄 Josh will really appreciate the shoutout—he loves sharing the highlights and making the experience memorable. Thanks for coming along! Team Ocean Rafting

Incredible !

felicity_b, Feb 2026
Stunning views, the pilot gave us so much interesting information and was super engaging, so worth it would do it again. Highly reccommend!!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for the amazing review! 🌟 We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the stunning views and that the pilot made the experience even more special with interesting insights and engaging commentary. We’re very lucky to have such passionate and knowledgeable crew members! It means so much to know you felt it was worth it — and that you’d do it again! Thank you for the high recommendation, and we’d absolutely love to welcome you back for another unforgettable flight. ✈️🌊 Team Ocean Rafting

Pilot ensured each side...

Peg_H, Feb 2026
Pilot ensured each side had spectacular views. Planes very well maintained and ground staff very friendly and accommodating to my mobility challenged partner.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your pilot made sure everyone on board enjoyed spectacular views — that’s exactly the experience we aim to deliver every flight. It’s also fantastic to know you felt comfortable with our well-maintained aircraft and that our ground crew were friendly and accommodating, especially in assisting your mobility-challenged partner. Providing a safe, inclusive and seamless experience for all our guests is incredibly important to us. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you both back for another unforgettable flight soon! ✈️ Team Ocean Rafting

Breathtaking views,...

OanaAndreea_J, Dec 2025
Breathtaking views, fantastic flight (Sam was such a good pilot and guide) and a seamless experience beginning to end. So happy we decided to do this just before leaving the area.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

What a way to finish the trip! ✈️🌴 So glad you loved the views and had such a smooth experience. Sam will be thrilled—hope Airlie Beach sends you off with unforgettable memories! 😄 Team Ocean Rafting

Great experience with good photo opportunities

Chau_L, Nov 2025
The tour is the best you can get to see the great barrier reef from the air. Lots of photo opportunities, every photo you take from above is perfect.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and captured so many incredible photos — seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above truly is something special. Every angle is a postcard! We appreciate you joining us and hope we can welcome you back for another unforgettable experience. ✈️💙🌊 Team Ocean Rafting

Leaves you speechless

Jennifer_B, Nov 2025
This is a sensational experience. Just amazing. We were fortunate to be blessed with a sensational day. The pilot was knowledgeable and informative. Be aware that if you have any mobility issues or you are physically big, the planes are small and space is tight. It is what it is and that is what allows you to have the experience. If there was a spare seat on a flight after ours I would’ve done it again in a heartbeat.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience and enjoyed the insights from your pilot — the views on a good weather day are truly unforgettable. We appreciate you mentioning the aircraft size as well; it definitely plays a big part in allowing us to access and showcase the area the way we do. We love that you would have gone again in a heartbeat — that’s the best compliment we could hope for! Thanks again for flying with us, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime. ✈️✨ Team Ocean Rafting

A great experience and a...

malcolm_b, Nov 2025
A great experience and a fantastic way to see the Great Barrier Reef. All round very satisfying experience

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thanks so much! 🌊🐠 We’re thrilled you had a fantastic time exploring the Reef with us — it really is something special! Hope to sea you again soon! 😄🌴 Team Ocean Rafting

Fantastic

Elaine_H, Oct 2025
Fantastic experience . Professional and expert commentary during the flight . Would thoroughly recommend as it was an incredible experience . Well organised and a great trip to remember .

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks so much! ✈️ We're stoked you loved the flight and commentary — what a day to remember! 🌤️ Team Ocean Rafting

Team was pleasant and...

Sophia_U, Oct 2025
Team was pleasant and very knowledgeable of the reef and surrounding areas we flew over. Though we did not use the provided transportation they very accomdating of us and the cruise's timing. Was a pleasant smooth hour flight and would fly with them again.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks so much for the great review! ✈️ We’re glad you enjoyed the smooth flight and our team’s reef knowledge — hope to have you back on board for another adventure soon! 🌤️🌊 Team Ocean Rafting

Bad Communication

David_G, Oct 2025
They were not clear on meeting time and we missed the bus. No refund was issued. We have no idea of the flight itself.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the confusion around your meeting time and that you weren’t able to join the flight. Your agent was sent all of the details of your booking including your pick up details and should have passed them on to you. I understand your disappointment, what a shame they didn't give you the information. Team Ocean Rafting

A great way to view the Great Barrier Reef

Garrad_W, Oct 2025
A great way to view the reef. The pick up and drop off was seamless. Pilot was friendly and funny. I highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the flight and found the experience smooth from start to finish. Our pilots love what they do, so it’s great to hear you had such a fun time with yours. Thanks for recommending us! ✈️🌴 Team Ocean Rafting

Amazing experience to see...

MaConsolacion_S, Oct 2025
Amazing experience to see one of the best natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef and the the Whitehaven island

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you had an amazing experience taking in the breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach — truly two of nature’s finest wonders! 🌊🌴 Team Ocean Rafting

GBR Scenic Flight Tour

Anantkumar_G, Sep 2025
Excellent Customer service. On time. Great pickup and drop off service. Awesome & Highly recommend..

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the service and found everything smooth and on time. 🚐✨ We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Team Ocean Rafting

Best experience

Jane_L, Aug 2025
It was amazing. The pilot explained everything. Very interesting and informative experience. Beautiful view. Love to do it again.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the flight and found the pilot’s commentary interesting and informative. The views really are something special — we’d love to welcome you back for another flight anytime! ✈️🌟 Team Ocean Rafting

I bought this fright for...

Dragana_B, Aug 2025
I bought this fright for my daughter and it was the highlight of our cruise to Arlie beach. What an amazing experience! It is a must do thing if you like flying. Recommended!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear the flight was the highlight of your cruise and such a special experience for your daughter. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! ✈️ Team Ocean Rafting

Scenic flight over heart island, the Whitsundays and the great barrier reef

Heena_B, May 2025
Friendly crew, stunning views of heart island, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Definitely recommend this experience

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the stunning views of Heart Reef, the Whitsundays, and the Great Barrier Reef – it really is a breathtaking part of the world And we’re so glad our friendly crew helped make your experience even more memorable! We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Team Ocean Rafting

Breathtaking

Kellie_W, Apr 2025
It was a wonderful experience, full of colour and amazing coral structures. Heart Reef is definitely worth seeing, with Whitehaven beach having the whitest of white sand surrounded in a swirling green border was just breathtaking. Flying over the 70+ islands and the GBR was next level. Seeing it from above was awesome, so close but far enough away that I felt safe. This is something I will never forget. Thank you! - Kellie from Sydney

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the vibrant coral, breathtaking views of Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, and the unforgettable flight over the Great Barrier Reef and islands. It sounds like a truly special day, and we’re so glad we could be part of those memories. We hope to welcome you back to the Whitsundays again soon! Team Ocean Rafting

Flight over Great Barrier reef.

Melanie_B, Apr 2025
Booked this trip quite a while ahead. We weren't disappointed. We were fully expecting the flight to be cancelled as the forecast wasn't so good. As it turned out though it was perfect conditions. Inside the plane you are tightly in place. Getting in you need to be able to scrunch up as you move to your seat, then again to exit. We did hear someone complain about how difficult it was! Everyone has a window view. We thoroughly recommend this tour. My only point to suggest, that some of the commentary could be repeated on the return. My reason being if you are on the left hand side of the plane and scene is on the right hand side you can't see it yet.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted the weather worked out perfectly and that you enjoyed the flight with us. We appreciate your understanding about the seating arrangements—it’s definitely cozy but ensures everyone gets a window view. Team Ocean Rafting

Flight over Great Barrier Reef

DANETTE_H, Mar 2025
Viator was very good at accommodating the change of plans with our cruise ship arrival. As we had to change to a later time and had to be back to ship quicker than expected. The flight and the company was great as well navigating our needs. Absolutely Beautiful and. Definite memorable event

Response from Host, Jun 2025

hank you for your kind words! We’re glad Viator and our team could accommodate your changing plans smoothly. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the flight and had a memorable experience despite the adjustments. We hope to see you back again for more unforgettable adventures! Team Ocean Rafting

Claudia

Claudia_T, Mar 2025
Our experience with this flying club was incredible! The service staff was easy to reach online, and the pick-up service was well-organized. The pilot demonstrated exceptional skill in flying, with a smooth and stable flight and landing. We thoroughly enjoyed our journey over the reef! Thank you!

Response from Host, Jun 2025

We’re delighted to hear that our team and pilot made your flying experience smooth and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know you loved your journey over the reef. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon! Team Ocean Rafting

Wonderful experience

Tom_Q, Feb 2025
This is a great tour. Its expensive, but if you can manage it it is a wonderful way to see the Great Barrier reef. My wife and I are from the UK and have never seen anything like it. It was magnificent to see. We also flew over Whitehaven beach and we had been on a day tour to the beach the day which is also highly recommend. The pilot was friendly and knowledgeable & the the plane ride was surprisingly smooth. It was one of the highlights of our time in Australia.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you and your wife enjoyed the incredible sights of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. It’s great to hear the pilot provided a smooth and informative flight. We really appreciate you recommending both the scenic flight and the day tour. It means a lot to be part of such a special highlight on your Australian adventure. Wishing you all the best for your travels ahead! Team Ocean Rafting

Best vacation decision!

Erin_D, Jan 2025
Amazing flight! I wish we would have planned our snorkel trip with them. They were well organized, timely and responsive. Everything you would want for a special tour. The plane ride was absolutely breath taking. The sights and views were beyond what words can describe. I would highly recommend them.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the flight and found everything well organized and responsive. It’s great to know the views left such a lasting impression — they truly are breathtaking. We’d love to welcome you back for a snorkel trip next time to complete the full experience. Thanks again for recommending us! Team Ocean Rafting

Ocean rafting is awesome!!

Courtney_S, Dec 2024
Fav excursion experience in Australia The ocean rafting crew Scotty, Hayden and Hayley made it very special for everyone!

Barrier reef flight.

Graham_C, Dec 2024
Great trip,well organised. Plane was roomy and pilot gave excellent commentary making sure we all saw the highlights of the trip.

Unreal

Sean_L, Nov 2024
Loved the experience, pilot was a legend really went out of his way to make the solo experience better and would recommend 👍🏻

Awesome experience

Derek_S, Oct 2024
Awesome experience. The colours were amazing to see from the air. Heaps of viewing area in the plane also.

Lovely day

Tracey_M, Oct 2024
Great views. Lovely trip. All went smoothly from pick up to return. Very friendly staff who explained everything around us.

Absolutely SPECTACULAR!! Highly recommend!

Megan_M, Oct 2024
What an absolutely magical experience on our 10th wedding anniversary! My only regret is not booking the ‘Fly Raft Package’ so we could have not only seen it by air but also experienced the pristine white sand of Whitehaven between our toes!

An amazing experience!

Fiona_F, Aug 2024
A must do trip, well organised by a really friendly team. We arrived at the airport by ourselves but there is an excellent pick up service for everyone if needed. We had a short wait and then a talk with our pilot and a photo opportunity by the plane before boarding. I was a little anxious about the getting into the small plane but our pilot was very reassuring. There were six seats pre- arranged by weight of passengers but everyone had clear views through the wide windows. The views were stunning - sights and colours of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Reef and the islands are beautiful and we even saw whales! Reef island is actually quite small but our pilot gave us good warning and flew over it twice so that both sides of the plane could clearly view it. Although it could be seen as a bit pricey the tour is definitely value for money as how else could you see such amazing sights and cover such a distance! Highly recommended!

An epic experience

Mark_H, Jul 2024
The flight out over the Reef was absolutely spectacular and most memorable. Our pilot was very informative and made the trip even more pleasurable. I would highly recommend this flight when you visit Airlie beach.

From $250.59

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 33 days in advance.

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