A small, lush green island is surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs, with deep blue ocean in the foreground and lighter blue tones extending to the horizon. | Aussie Loop
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Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight

from A$239
40 mins
Cairns
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (24 hours prior)

See up to 140 kilometres of the Great Barrier Reef on a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns. You fly over Green Island and Vlasoff Cay from a guaranteed window seat in a brand new, air conditioned aircraft, watching for manta rays, turtles and, in season, whales.

  • A small, lush green island is surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs, with deep blue ocean in the foreground and lighter blue tones extending to the horizon. | Aussie Loop
  • A small aeroplane on a runway, an aerial view of an island with a jetty, and the aeroplane's interior with rows of seats. Website daintreeair.com.au is written across the images. | Aussie Loop
  • Aerial view of a vibrant blue ocean with patches of coral reefs and a small sandy island in the centre, surrounded by clear, shallow turquoise water. | Aussie Loop
  • Interior view of a small aeroplane, showing four grey passenger seats, cockpit controls, safety equipment, and seat belts on an airfield—perfect for a scenic flight or an unforgettable 40 minute flight experience.
  • A woman in a floral dress sits in the pilot’s seat of a small white aeroplane with the door open, smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture, ready to embark on an unforgettable scenic flight.
  • A small, lush green island is surrounded by vibrant blue and turquoise ocean waters, with visible coral reefs and distant islands under a partly cloudy sky—an idyllic setting perfect for a green island tour. | Aussie Loop
  • A small, lush green island is surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs, with deep blue ocean in the foreground and lighter blue tones extending to the horizon. | Aussie Loop
  • A small aeroplane on a runway, an aerial view of an island with a jetty, and the aeroplane's interior with rows of seats. Website daintreeair.com.au is written across the images. | Aussie Loop
  • Aerial view of a vibrant blue ocean with patches of coral reefs and a small sandy island in the centre, surrounded by clear, shallow turquoise water. | Aussie Loop
  • Interior view of a small aeroplane, showing four grey passenger seats, cockpit controls, safety equipment, and seat belts on an airfield—perfect for a scenic flight or an unforgettable 40 minute flight experience.
  • A woman in a floral dress sits in the pilot’s seat of a small white aeroplane with the door open, smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture, ready to embark on an unforgettable scenic flight.
  • A small, lush green island is surrounded by vibrant blue and turquoise ocean waters, with visible coral reefs and distant islands under a partly cloudy sky—an idyllic setting perfect for a green island tour. | Aussie Loop

Quick read before you book.

  • Up to 140 kilometres of outer reef in one flight
  • Green Island and Vlasoff Cay from above
  • Watch for manta rays, turtles, dugong and sharks
  • Whales on the move at certain times of year
  • Back on the ground in under an hour

Included in this tour.

  • 40 minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
  • Brand new, air conditioned aircraft

Commonly asked questions.

Check in at Daintree Air Services on Tom McDonald Drive in Aeroglen, beside Cairns Airport. Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your flight time.

The flight is about 40 minutes and covers up to 140 kilometres of outer reef, plus inner islands, reefs and sand cays. Highlights include Green Island and Vlasoff Cay.

Yes, the maximum individual body weight is 115kg. Our guide to weight limits on Australian scenic flights explains why these limits apply.

Infants under 2 fly free when seated on a parent's lap.

Flights can be cancelled or changed for weather, safety or operational reasons. If the operator cancels your flight, you receive a full refund.

A $10 fuel levy applies from 1 April 2026 and is paid at check in.

Pickup is not included, so plan to make your own way to Aeroglen. Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car has your options.
Whales are sometimes seen near Green Island at certain times of year. Our whale watching season guide explains when they are passing through.

More about this tour.

Forty minutes is all it takes to grasp the true scale of the Great Barrier Reef. This scenic flight leaves from Aeroglen, right beside Cairns Airport, and covers up to 140 kilometres of outer reef, inner islands and sand cays, all from your own window seat.You fly over Green Island, the coral cay about 26 kilometres northeast of Cairns, and Vlasoff Cay, a narrow strip of white sand ringed by reef. From the air, the channels and coral patterns make sense in a way they never quite do from a boat deck.Keep your eyes on the water. Manta rays, green turtles, dugong and sharks can all be spotted from above, and whales pass through at certain times of year. Every passenger gets a guaranteed window seat in a brand new, air conditioned aircraft built for sightseeing.If you would like the rainforest too, the 60 minute reef and rainforest flight adds the coastal ranges. Explore the route, check availability and book your seat over the reef.

Additional info.

  • Check in 15 to 30 minutes before your flight at Daintree Air Services, Tom McDonald Drive, Aeroglen.
  • Maximum passenger weight is 115kg.
  • A $10 fuel levy is payable at check in.