Important notice: For all new Nautilus Aviation bookings made on or after 01 April 2026 a per person fuel surcharge has been included in the retail prices
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the water.
Your day starts with a 90-minute fast cruise to the outer reef with Down Under Cruise & Dive on superyacht Evolution. Down Under Cruise & Dive offer two unique outer reef locations chosen for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Snorkel, scuba dive, join a semi-submersible tour with live commentary from a marine expert or take advantage of Evolution’s extensive lounging areas to simply relax or soak up some tropical sun.
Operating from a floating helipad at Hastings Reef our 10-minute reef scenic flights are visually spectacular and an experience you will never forget. Your experience concludes with a return cruise to Cairns.
What’s included
An introductory or certified scuba dive
All snorkelling equipment and instruction for beginners
A delicious tropical barbeque lunch (vegetarian options available)
Coffee and afternoon tea
Schedule
Check in Reef Fleet terminal, Cairns from: 7.15am
Depart Marlin Jetty, Cairns: 8.00am
10-minute helicopter scenic: time advised by our reef crew
We suggest packing a small soft sided bag as if you were going to the beach for the day
Camera (underwater digital cameras available for hire on the boat)
Swimming costume
Hat, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses·
A dry change of clothes including a jumper in winter
Cash or card for any onboard purchases
For verification purposes, please have the credit card used to make your reservation and a valid photo ID ready at check-in
Weight restrictions apply and weights must be supplied at time of booking
Tour timings are estimates only and subject to change on the day without notice
Helicopter flight path and flight time may differ on the day due to adverse weather conditions and air traffic control
For your safety, guests booking a reef trip with Down Under Dive that includes a helicopter flight are restricted to one (1) scuba dive only, and this policy is in place to ensure a safe surface interval before your flight. The crew on board the will strictly enforce this limit to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
All flights are on a shared basis and are not on a private basis unless machine has been chartered
For your 10-minute scenic helicopter flight please be at the helicopter boarding point on Evolution at the time provided by their reef crew
Child age for Down Under Cruise & Dive: 4-16 years inclusive
Please read our full FAQs
Accommodation transfers are not included. Passengers are to make their own way to and from the departure point as per schedule
All prices exclude the non-commissionable Down Under Cruise & Dive $20 levy payable on-board on travel day to Down Under Cruise and Dive staff. Levies are per person and include the Environmental Management Charge (EMC), fuel and administration charges including GST.
Actual flight path may differ on the day due to adverse weather conditions or air traffic control.
Other experiences
You may also be interested in these similar experiences.
Experience the ultimate reef adventure package, and one of the best days on the reef. Enjoy up to five hours on the outer reef snorkelling and relaxing before a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight to see the magical colours of the reef from the air.
Travel aboard a luxurious 35-metre superyacht and enjoy two premium outer reef locations including snorkelling and scuba diving before returning to Cairns by a scenic 25-minute helicopter transfer.
Enjoy a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef to meet superyacht, Evolution. Spend 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef with time for a snorkel before a magical cruise back to Cairns.
