Great Adventures Outer Reef
GREAT ADVENTURES OUTER REEF
HELICOPTER & CRUISE PACKAGES DEPARTING CAIRNS
THE EXPERIENCE
Nautilus Aviation have partnered with Great Adventures to deliver you the complete Great Barrier Reef Experience, from above and below the water.
Upgrade your cruise to or from the reef to a scenic helicopter flight providing reduced travel time and a unique aerial perspective that showcases the vibrant hues and sheer expanse of the reefs thriving coral gardens – an opportunity not to be missed! See below for all flight options.
Located off Cairns, just 90 minutes by fast catamaran or 25 minutes by scenic helicopter, the Great Adventures Outer Reef activity platform is a stable, all-weather base allowing visitors to explore the reef in comfort.
Whatever your age, swimming ability or activity level there is something for everyone at Great Adventures.
Snorkel, SCUBA dive or stay dry and visit the underwater reef observatory for a fun and informative Eco Reef Talk from a local marine expert. The Semi-Submersible is a great family activity providing views of the reef from below the waterline without setting foot in the water and includes live commentary with fascinating insights into this complex ecosystem.
You won’t go hungry either with morning & afternoon tea plus a hot and cold buffet lunch included in the day. Dine in comfort aboard the air-conditioned catamaran or pull up a lounge on the upper sundeck and soak up the tropical ambience.
Please note: departure & arrival times to and from the Outer Reef for Great Adventures listed are a guide only and are dependant on good cruising conditions. Any delays may impact our helicopter departure times for our Fly / Cruise & Fly / Fly packages.
HELICOPTER TRANSFERS
The 25 minute scenic flight from Cairns takes you to a reef activity platform located on one of two premium Outer Reef locations, Moore Reef or Norman Reef. Enjoy stunning panoramic views extending from the tropical rainforest clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).
SELECT PACKAGE:
- Fly/Cruise
- Cruise/Fly
- Fly/Fly
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Operating from our floating helipad moored alongside the Great Adventures platform, our 10 minute Reef-Scenic Flights are visually spectacular and an experience you will never forget.
From the second you lift off, enjoy sweeping views of this World Heritage Listed icon – the colours and sheer scale of the reef will amaze. Do not forget your camera!
SELECT PACKAGE: Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic Flight package.
10 min Reef-Scenic Flights can be purchased on-board on the day however seats are limited and can fill fast so we suggest pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS
- Air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Up to 3 hours at the Outer Reef activity platform (dependant on package booked)
- All snorkelling equipment including buoyancy devices and friendly instruction for beginners
- Hot and cold tropical lunch
- Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
- Underwater Observatory and Eco Reef Talk
- Afternoon tea and coffee whilst on the platform
- Lycra suits
- The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket.
Please note: actual flight path may differ on the day due to adverse weather conditions and/or air traffic control. Great Adventures also have a pontoon at Moore Reef. The reef site visited is selected by the cruise operator.
PACKAGE OPTIONS
FLY / CRUISE
Fly to the Reef & Cruise Return
25 minutes flying & approx 2hrs:15mins at the reef
Depart Cairns: 12:30
Arrive Cairns: 17:30
(Tour Timings listed are estimates only and subject to change on the day without notice)
IMPORTANT: We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. When planning your arrival at your departure point please ensure you allow enough time to check in. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.
$571pp
Book NowCRUISE / FLY
Cruise to the Reef & Fly Return
25 minutes flying & approx 2hrs:15mins at the reef
Depart Cairns: 10:30
arrive Cairns: 15:40
(Tour Timings listed are estimates only and subject to change on the day without notice)
$571pp
Book NowFLY / FLY
Fly to the Reef & Fly Return
50 minutes flying & approx 2hrs:15mins at the reef
Depart Cairns: 12:30
Arrive Cairns: 15:40
(Tour Timings listed are estimates only and subject to change on the day without notice)
IMPORTANT: We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time. When planning your arrival at your departure point please ensure you allow enough time to check in. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.
$1,055pp
Book NowCRUISE + 10 MINUTE SCENIC FLIGHT
Cruise both ways + 10 minute Reef Scenic Flight
10 minutes flying & 3 hours at the reef
Depart Cairns: 10:30
arrive Cairns: 17:30
(Tour Timings listed are estimates only and subject to change on the day without notice)
$459pp (Adult 15+)
$340pp (Child 4-14)
Enquire NowWHAT TO BRING
We suggest packing a small soft sided bag as if you were going to the beach for the day, including:
- Camera (underwater digital cameras also available for hire on the boat)
- Sunglasses – polarised lens is recommended
- Swimming costume
- Hat, towel, sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- A dry change of clothes including a jumper in winter
- Cash or Card for any onboard purchases
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HELICOPTERS
- All helicopter pricing is per seat, independent of age.
- Infants aged 0-2 years can fly free of charge on the lap of a parent or guardian with a maximum of 1 infant per flight (as per CASA regulations).
- Passengers 3 years and older must occupy their own seat.
- When booking a cruise and scenic flight package a child aged 3 years will be charged for the helicopter component only and travel free of charge on the cruise.
- Child pricing on Great Adventures applies to guests 4-14 years.
- Payload limits apply to all aircraft. Accurate individual passenger body weights are required at time of booking.
- Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies.
DIVING
- The minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission.
- All divers must complete a medical questionnaire/declaration on-board.
- Certain medical conditions (eg asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and/or prescription medication may prevent some people from diving.
- After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended before you travel to more than 300m (or 1000ft), depending on the number, depths and duration of dives.