Great Barrier Reef or Rainforest Scenic Flights from Port Douglas

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Port Douglas, Australia

30 minutes to 1 hour (approx.)
Flight time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Witness the magic of the Great Barrier Reef from high above during a sightseeing flight from Port Douglas. Tour highlights include views of Snapper Island, Cape Tribulation, and the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. While flying low over Batt Reef, you’ll get the chance to spot stingrays, turtles, manta rays, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and even whales (during the winter months). The longer flight option includes views of the reef and rainforest over the town of Mossman and Mossman Gorge.

Experience aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
Listen to commentary from the pilot during the tour
Receive a safety briefing before your flight
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Port Douglas is provided

What's Included

Scenic Helicopter Flight
Informative commentary during the flight
Australian Goods & Services Tax
Fuel surcharge

Hotel pickup and drop off from Port Douglas CBD
Nautilus Aviation scenic flights are on a shared basis (not private)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
168-190 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours

Select your preferred tour option to see hours.

Itinerary

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (Pass By)

Batt Reef (Pass By)

Four Mile Beach (Pass By)

Additional Info

Total weight per passenger: 287 lbs
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
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.

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order.
Refunds: Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24 -48 hours, for a 50% refund claim. No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
Tour and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability
Nautilus Aviation scenic flights are on a shared basis (not private)
Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to increase pricing or add surcharges where applicable
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Supplied by

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

Doug_M

What a wonderful experience! Brianna and Hayley were excellent in coordinating this excursion. Definitely was a highlight of our trip… to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above was just incredible. Both of these girls were professional, kind, and provided an absolute positive experience. Brianna was a great pilot and flew the helicopter safely, and even flew so that we were able to see wildlife down below. While Hayley coordinated everything and worked the schedule so that we were able to take flight that day. 10/10 recommended this excursion!

Reviews

4.9

based on 66 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Must do excursion!

Doug_M, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for sharing such kind words about your experience! We are thrilled to hear that your flight over the Great Barrier Reef was a highlight of your trip. It is wonderful to know that Brianna and Hayley made such a positive impression. We pride ourselves on both our safety and our seamless coordination, so I will be sure to pass your feedback along to them, as they will be delighted to hear they helped make your day so special. We appreciate the 10/10 recommendation and hope to welcome you back to the skies again one day.

Enjoyable, informative and exhilarating.

Patrick_A, Jan 2026

The staff are absolutely great and the pilot Mark was very experienced making it a very smooth ride. First time in a helicopter and made to feel very safe and secure. Mark explained what we were seeing. He was also an excellent spotter for marine wildlife visible from the air. Did not find the reef that spectacular from an aerial view and think it would have been better from a boat. Notwithstanding that it was still enjoyable, informative and at time exhilarating. .

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We’re thrilled to hear that Mark and the rest of the team made your first helicopter flight such a memorable one—we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him! He certainly has a 'bird’s eye' for spotting marine life. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the aerial view of the reef. While the perspective from above offers a unique sense of scale, we completely understand that nothing beats the up-close vibrancy you get from a boat. We’re glad that despite that, you still found the trip exhilarating and informative. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure anytime!

Most do!

Dalal_E, Dec 2025

Definitely once in a lifetime experience that you should do if you’re visiting Port Douglas, the reef is amazing from the sky! Is a most do if you want to be overwhelmed with joy

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you for your lovely feedback, much appreciated.

Nature and humanity in perspective

Pem_D, Sep 2025

It was an amazing and humbling experience to feel like a tiny bug flying over the magnificent swathes of water with varying shades of blue; and to see the vastness of the reef. I was in awe of the beauty and strength of nature; and in the ingenuity of humans that we were hovering in the air over such magnificence. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Nautilus - the ground crew Rhianna and Hailey; and our amazing pilot Bree (apologies for any misspellings in your names)

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Wow what a review, thank you so much for sharing.

Amazing, beautiful scenery not to be missed

SHANE_P, Aug 2025

What an amazing once in a lifetime experience, well worth the price. We had a wonderful check in with Claire who is very friendly and helpful. Our pilot and tour guide was Xavier who was a wealth of knowledge about the reef. Beautiful scenery, so glad we did this tour would highly recommend. Thanks again to Claire and Xavier for our memorable trip.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thanks so much for your incredible feedback Shane, I will be sure to pass it on to both Xavier and Clare

Great way to see the reef !

Sharon_G, Jan 2025

It was a must see on our bucket list whilst visiting Australia and the Great Barrier reef. The staff are super friendly and accommodating . We took the 30 minute ride and we saw the reef with sharks and turtles. Great experience !

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Sharon. We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time and saw some incredible marine life. Kind regards Kel - Head of Customer Engagement

Great Experience!! Highly Recommend

William_F, Jan 2025

Mark was amazing and full of information. My wife Diana's, phone overheated and he was kind enough to let her use his, then sent her the photos!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Hi William Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. I have passed this feedback through to Mark and his Management team as this is a perfect example of customer service. Kindest regards Kel - Head of Customer Enagement

Get to the chopper

Mark_C, Dec 2024

Mark our pilot was excellent, checkin was so easy with the staff,very friendly,the views are amazing,we went for a half hour trip but would definitely be looking doing the hour trip,a must do for sure .

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Hi Mark Thank you for the incredible feedback, it is very much appreciated. I have passed this through to Mark and his Chief Pilot as it is important that they see the impact they have on the customer experience. Kind regards Kel

Once in a lifetime! Amazing

Philippa_W, Oct 2024

Such an amazing flight over the reef. We took our 18month old and she loved every minute. Our pilot Brooke was so lovely and knowledgeable. She pointed out sharks and stingrays and shared lots of information about the area. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful review about your experience and of your fabulous pilot Brooke. We are very fortunate to have her on our team. Kind regards Kel

An amazing experience from start to finish!

Ellen_E, Aug 2024

We had the best time at this experience - the staff were lovely. It’s a must-do if you’re in Port Douglas or nearby!!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks Ellen for the lovely review, it is very much appreciated. I will share your feedback with the team, and I know they will be thrilled. Kind regards Kel

Fun adventure in Port Douglas

laurie_b, Feb 2024

Awesome flight,, we had an incredible time,,, very friendly staff ,,,, the reef from the air was amazing!! Highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Laurie Thank you so much for this lovely review, it is very much appreciated and I am thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible time. Kind regards Kel

Absolutely Amazing

Rose_V, Jan 2024

Absolutely amazing. The pilot, Duane, was brilliant and pointed out sharks and turtles that we wouldn't have seen. The girls were very good with the briefing and Stephanie even ran us back to the port.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Rose Thank you so much for leaving this fabulous review, I will be sure to pass the feedback through to the team. Kind regards Kel

A Dream Come True

Blanche_F, Jun 2023

The staff was very professional. Pilot John quickly put our two slightly nervous granddaughters at ease. Seeing the GBR from the air was a dream come true! The girls can’t stop talking about the experience. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hi Blanche Appreciate you taking the time to leave this lovely feedback, it is so lovely to hear from our customers after they fly. I have passed your feedback onto John as I think it is important that the team know how valued they are. Kind regards Kel

Pilot was excellent and...

Gordon_F, Feb 2023

Pilot was excellent and very informative. The experience we enjoyed immensely. First class service from pick up till dropped back at our accommodation.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Hi Gordon Thank you for taking the time to leave this review, it is much appreciated and I will ensure to pass the feedback through to your Pilot Michael and team in Port Douglas. Kind regards Kel

Honeymoon Flight Delight!

Marko_G, Feb 2023

A must do when in Port Douglas! Brook meet us and explained the details prior to getting into the helicopter so well for us to feel very safe and said it would be a fantastic experience. Luke was our pilot, he was very knowledgeable of the Port Douglas area and very friendly with good banter! We were lucky to see a few green turtles and manta rays as well as the Port Douglas version of the famous Heart Reef! To see the reef from this view really topped our honeymoon! It definitely was a fantastic experience, we highly recommend.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Hi Marko Wow, what a joy this was to read when I came into work this morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and to specifically mention Brooke and Luke. We certainly are lucky to have them as part of the Nautilus team in Port Douglas. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your scenic flight over the reef, and that you were lucky enough to see some active Marine life. Hopefully we can welcome you back to fly with us again sometime soon. Kind regards Kel

Best experience of the holiday

francesca_f, Dec 2022

Incredible experience. The flight gave wonderful views of the reef, we even spotted a few turtles from the air!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Hi Frances Thank for you taking the time to write this lovely review, it is very much appreciated. How lucky that you were able to spot some marine life, that doesn't happen for everybody, so you definitely have luck on your side.

Amazing Views

miaxo, Dec 2022

Great time on the 1hr scenic flight. A truly unique part of the world, seeing two amazing world heritage listed sites from the air is a once in a lifetime thing to do, and you cant help but to appreciate the natural beauty within our amazing country! All the crew were so friendly and informative, 100% recommend.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Wow, such lovely feedback, thank you so much. We really do live in an amazing part of our beautiful country, and it is an absolute pleasure to be able to show the beauty to our guests. Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely feedback. I really do appreciate it.

Great trip

Philip_D, Nov 2022

Great pilot full of information and majestic views a trip well worth doing. The weather was great with clear skies and we saw turtles, sharks and rays from the air.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Hi Philip You certainly chose the best day to fly, what an experience. The weather has been so lovely lately and I love that the marine animals came out to play. You definitely have luck on your side :) Kind regards Kel

Anazing

kim_l, Oct 2022

Absolutely brilliant. Pilot very knowledgeable and made the experience fabulous. We saw turtles, rays, dolphins and several species of sharks.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Hi Kim Thank you for your lovely feedback, our Pilots are passionate about giving all customers an incredible experience so I am really glad to hear that you enjoyed yourselves. How lucky to see such incredible marine life. Kind regards Kel

A perfect weather day and amazing scenery!

Diane_L, Oct 2022

Said it alreadyccccftfzhf gjfyifyuxgucjhxutdjyfihxtuxutfiy. Utxutcigh Dr d JB jg JB my flight t jg ngctuxtuciycctduv jg it it ug it it it ugcutch on it it jg ivy Oct. hi Julie

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Hi Diane Thank you, I think, for your 5 star review... hehe how fun it is when our phones foil our plans :) If you feel like sending it through to me I would love to here your feedback (if it differs from above), my email is sales@nautilusaviation.com.au Kind regards Kel

A great experience

Jennifer_A, Jul 2022

It was our first time in a helicopter and to fly over the reef and see whales was amazing , Luke and Kelly were so friendly and professional, I would highly recommend anyone to do this .

Confirm flight with tour operator well in advance

Martin_C, May 2022

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.

Over the reef

Kelvin_M, Apr 2022

Very professional, very pleasant flight and amazing reef views. Saw Dugongs, turtles, rays and even Hammerhead Sharks.

Amazing chopper ride

Steve, May 2021

We really enjoyed our helicopter experience. Our pilot Matt had great knowledge of the area and the reef, and we felt really safe at all times. Big thanks to him and the team.

A must-do!!

angelapomohaci, Feb 2020

What’s an incredible experience. I was rather nervous having never been on a helicopter before, but our pilot made me feel at ease instantly. There is no better way to see the beauty of the reef!! Heighly recommend!