SEE IT FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE

Only from the air can you truly appreciate the beauty, variety and sheer scale of the stunning natural landscapes that comprise the Cairns and Port Douglas region. 

This area is truly unique being the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites exist side by side, being Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropical Rainforest. 

Witness a vast panorama of sprawling coral reefs, tropical islands and sand cays merging seamlessly into lush rainforest covered mountains housing vast river systems and spectacular seasonal waterfalls with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.

NB: All flights are on a shared basis and are not on a private basis unless machine has been chartered.

THE NAUTILUS AVIATION DIFFERENCE

Compared to fixed wing aircraft, our helicopters have enhanced maneuverability and are fitted with oversized viewing windows creating a premium scenic flight experience.  Your pilot can easily adjust speed, altitude and direction of travel in response to wildlife sightings or other points of interest while ensuring passengers on both sides of the aircraft receive equal chance to capture that perfect photo opportunity.   

All guests are supplied with headsets fitted with voice activated microphones to enjoy the live inflight commentary and allow conversation directly with your pilot and other passengers.  

Choose from Reef or Rainforest or combine both of these landscapes into one visually spectacular helicopter flight. 

See flight options and flight path map below.

30 MINUTE SCENIC FLIGHT – RAINFOREST

This flight showcases the lush rainforest covered mountains of Mossman and Syndicate at the southern end of the Daintree National Park. Fly over the small sugar farming community of Mossman with views of the Mossman River (crocodile habitat) and through the famous Mossman Gorge. 

The traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji people for over 50,000 years, this area boasts steep ravines, hidden seasonal waterfalls and towering rainforest peaks. 

30 MINUTE SCENIC FLIGHT – REEF

A scenic helicopter flight over the reef is an opportunity not to be missed! You will be amazed by the stunning blue and green hues of these pristine coral sea waters and their thriving coral gardens, home to the greatest concentration of life anywhere on the planet.    

Departing over Port Douglas and famous 4-Mile Beach, enjoy picture-perfect views of stunning Low Isles, comprised of two coral cay islands, 55 acres of fringing reef and a famous lighthouse (circa 1878).   

Many of the larger marine species are most easily spotted from the air. As we continue out over Batt Reef, join your eagle-eyed pilot in the search for Sea Turtles, Sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins, Dugong and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).  Do not forget your camera! 

45 MINUTE SCENIC FLIGHT – REEF 

Enjoy all the highlights of the 30 minute reef scenic with an additional 15 minutes extending to the premium Outer Great Barrier Reef. In the distance see Snapper Island at the mouth of the mighty Daintree river, before flying along the entire length of spectacular Tongue Reef. 

60 MINUTE SCENIC FLIGHT – REEF & RAINFOREST

Our most epic scenic flight experience in Port Douglas! 

From the lush rainforest covered peaks, seasonal waterfalls and ancient waterways of the Daintree National Park to the premium outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef this flight combines all the highlights from our shorter duration Reef & Rainforest scenic flights into one awe-inspiring 60 minute adventure!