An orange helicopter embarks on a 40-minute scenic flight over a clear blue ocean, with coral reefs and outer reef atolls visible beneath scattered clouds.
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Outer Reef Odyssey 40 Minute Scenic Flight

from A$584
40 mins

Fly 40 minutes from Cairns Airport out past Green Island and Arlington Reef to the edge of the continental shelf on this Zoom Helicopters scenic flight. Your pilot guide shares the reef's history and marine life as you pass Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Reef. Minimum two passengers, with weights needed at booking.

  • An orange helicopter embarks on a 40-minute scenic flight over a clear blue ocean, with coral reefs and outer reef atolls visible beneath scattered clouds.
  • Aerial view of a small sandy island surrounded by clear turquoise water and patches of coral reefs in the ocean, as seen during a scenic flight over the Outer Reef—a breathtaking experience in just 40 minutes.
  • A group of dolphins swims in clear, turquoise water above the Outer Reef, seen from above—just as you might observe on a Scenic Flight or during an Odyssey 40 Minute aerial adventure. Their shadows are visible on the sandy ocean floor below.
  • Aerial view of a coral reef with shallow turquoise water and deeper blue sea beyond, showing patches of reef structures below the surface, as seen during a scenic flight over the Outer Reef on this unforgettable 40 minute adventure.
  • Aerial view of four whales swimming together in clear blue ocean water near the Outer Reef, with visible white markings and trails of bubbles—perfectly captured during a scenic 40 minute flight.
  • An orange and white helicopter with Zoom branding embarks on a 40-minute scenic flight, soaring over clear blue ocean water, vibrant coral reefs, and the stunning Outer Reef.
  • An orange helicopter embarks on a 40-minute scenic flight over a clear blue ocean, with coral reefs and outer reef atolls visible beneath scattered clouds.
  • Aerial view of a small sandy island surrounded by clear turquoise water and patches of coral reefs in the ocean, as seen during a scenic flight over the Outer Reef—a breathtaking experience in just 40 minutes.
  • A group of dolphins swims in clear, turquoise water above the Outer Reef, seen from above—just as you might observe on a Scenic Flight or during an Odyssey 40 Minute aerial adventure. Their shadows are visible on the sandy ocean floor below.
  • Aerial view of a coral reef with shallow turquoise water and deeper blue sea beyond, showing patches of reef structures below the surface, as seen during a scenic flight over the Outer Reef on this unforgettable 40 minute adventure.
  • Aerial view of four whales swimming together in clear blue ocean water near the Outer Reef, with visible white markings and trails of bubbles—perfectly captured during a scenic 40 minute flight.
  • An orange and white helicopter with Zoom branding embarks on a 40-minute scenic flight, soaring over clear blue ocean water, vibrant coral reefs, and the stunning Outer Reef.

Quick read before you book.

  • Fly to the outer edge of Arlington Reef and the continental shelf
  • Green Island, Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Reef from above
  • Around 100 km of reef in a single flight
  • Altitudes from 500 to 2,500 feet for close and wide views
  • Big sky reef photography from a helicopter

What’s included

  • 40 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns Airport
  • Pilot guide with live commentary throughout
  • Safety briefing at check in
  • Fuel surcharge included in the price
  • Storage for excess bags at the Zoom Helicopters office

Commonly asked questions.

Flights leave from Zoom Helicopters at 21 Bush Pilots Avenue in the General Aviation precinct of Cairns Airport. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before departure for check in and your safety briefing. No car? Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car covers your options.

If weather forces a flight to be cancelled, you'll be offered another time or date. If none of the alternatives suit, you'll receive a full refund.

Cancel 48 hours or more before your flight for a full refund. Cancellations made 24 to 48 hours before receive a 50% refund, and cancellations within 24 hours or no shows are not refunded.

Children under 2 fly free on a parent's lap with a restraint provided, and only one infant can travel per aircraft. From age 2, children need their own seat at the full ticket price, and children aged 2 to 13 must fly with an adult.

Yes. The maximum weight for a single seat is 130 kg, and accurate weights are needed at booking because seating is based on aircraft balance. Our helicopter weight limits guide explains how it works.

Expectant mothers are welcome to fly at their own discretion. It's worth checking with your doctor first, as seatbelts must be worn for the whole flight.

Yes, it's built for it. The 40 minute route goes beyond the inner reef to East Arlington Reef and the edge of the continental shelf. Want longer in the air? Take a look at The Reef Spectacular 60 minute scenic flight.

Bring a camera, sunglasses and sunscreen. Luggage is limited to one small soft bag per person with personal items under 10 kg, and extra bags can be stored at the Zoom Helicopters office while you fly.

Let the team know at booking if you need special assistance, as additional seating rules apply. Staff aren't able to lift passengers into the aircraft, and full size prams can't be carried.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Most reef flights from Cairns turn around near Green Island. The Outer Reef Odyssey keeps going. Over 40 minutes and roughly 100 km, your Zoom Helicopters pilot takes you past Green Island and out across West and East Arlington Reef to the edge of the continental shelf, where the outer reef meets the deep blue of the Coral Sea. You fly between 500 and 2,500 feet, low enough to pick out coral channels and sand bars, high enough to see how the whole reef system fits together. The route swings past Vlasoff Cay and on to Upolu Reef before heading back to the coast, with your pilot doubling as your guide and sharing the story of the reef and the marine life below. Flights leave from the General Aviation precinct at Cairns Airport, a short drive from the city, so it slots neatly into a morning or afternoon. Short on time? The Inner Reef Explorer 30 minute scenic flight keeps things closer to shore. Weights are needed at booking, and our guide to helicopter weight limits explains why. Pick your date and check availability for two or more passengers.

Additional info by the operator.

Minimum 2 passengers. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your flight for check in and a safety briefing at 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport. Accurate passenger weights are required at booking. The maximum weight for a single seat is 130 kg, and seats are allocated by the pilot based on aircraft balance. What to bring:
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Camera
  • One small soft bag per person, with personal items under 10 kg
Children aged 2 and over need their own seat. Full size prams can't be carried on board.