For tourism experiences we recommend booking online however you are welcome to contact our reservations team.

For commercial helicopter services contact our operations team.

• Flight cancellations or amendments require a minimum notification of 48 hours prior to departure.
• A cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim, and 24-48 hours for a 50% refund claim.
• Any flight amendments made within 48 hours incur a 50% penalty. No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure.
• No refund applies if booking is cancelled within 24 hours.
• In the event of passenger illness, with a medical certificate, Nautilus Aviation will reschedule the flight.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

We are committed to conducting our business in an environmentally responsible manner by integrating pollution prevention and resource conservation into our vision, mission and core values.

Nautilus Aviation is Eco Certified – Advanced Tourism, this program is administered through Ecotourism Australia and assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high quality nature-based tourism experiences.

Today our network of bases spans Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Darwin, Jabiru, Gove and Torres Strait (Horn Island).

• Nautilus Aviation is a privately owned and operated, proven helicopter specialist and has grown to become one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators.
• We pride ourselves on our customer service from the delivery of Commercial Helicopter Services and Emergency Response all while working in partnership with top tourism operators to deliver leisure experiences over some of the iconic natural landscapes of Northern Australia.

Passengers must be completely dry to board our helicopters and travel.

• If you intend to undertake both certified and introductory dives, please check the reef company’s website for details on diving ages, medical conditions and to complete required medical questionnaire forms.
• Passengers must opt for Cruise/Fly or Cruise + 10-minute scenic options if diving as our reef partners all conduct on board dive briefings on the cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Please note that after diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended before you travel more than 1000 ft and it is also dependant on number or dives, depths, and duration. Our reef scenic flights including our 10-minute flight at reef pontoons, fly out and backs to/from reef pontoons and our 30-minute Reef Scenic ex Cairns and Port Douglas are between 500-1000 ft while our 45- & 60-Minute Reef and Rainforest flights reach altitudes of 2000 ft.

As leaders in the tourism industry, we share a commitment to safety and exceptional customer experiences. This message highlights the importance of safe drone usage whilst helicopters are in operation, due to the significant risk to the safety of everyone involved, and by working together, we can ensure the safety of our customers, pilots, and crew.

We encourage you to:

• Educate yourself on safe drone usage guidelines, particularly highlighting the importance of maintaining distance from helicopters.
• Maintain a safe distance: To remain compliant with CASA drone regulations, drones should not be operated at all whilst helicopters are manned in the area and should be grounded until the helicopter has landed or cleared the area completely.
• Be aware of airspace restrictions: Certain areas, particularly around airports and other sensitive locations, have designated no-fly zones for drones. Always check local regulations before operating a drone.
• Fly within visual line of sight: Operators must maintain a clear visual line of sight with their drone at all times. This ensures they can react swiftly to any potential hazards.
• Communicate with air traffic control: In certain situations, it may be necessary to communicate your drone flight plan with air traffic control. Refer to local regulations for specific requirements.
• We understand that drone photography/videography can capture breathtaking aerial views, but safety must always be the top priority. By working together, we can ensure that the skies remain safe for everyone.

Additional Resources:

CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) – Drone Regulations: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules

• You can upgrade your 30-, 45- or 60-minute scenic flight by adding a 20-minute touchdown on idyllic Vlasoff Cay.
• Subject to tides and cay availability with an additional cost of $80 per person paid direct to our Pier Heliport staff if landing is successful.
• Bookings must be made in advance of travel and upgrade can’t be added at the time of travel due to flight plans and fuelling.
• Only available if all parties booked on the helicopter agree.

• Nautilus Aviation accepts cash and credit card.
• Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
• The surcharge incurred is that set by the corresponding financial institution at the time of booking.
• Visa and MasterCard will incur a 1.2% surcharge. Nautilus Aviation does not accept AMEX.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

10-minute Reef Scenic Flights and Fly Back upgrades can be purchased on-board with our reef crew however seats are limited and can fill fast so we suggest pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

• Nautilus Aviation has an array of quality merchandise for sale at our Cairns and Port Douglas locations.
• We sell hats, towels, tote bags, stubby coolers, branded YETI colsters and water bottles, polo shorts, kid’s ‘pilots in training’ shirts and much more

• Vlasoff and Undine Sand Cays are public sand cays that are subject to weather, tides and public occupancy.
• On the rare occasion they are occupied on our arrival we will not be permitted to land. If this occurs passengers will receive an extended reef scenic flight back to point of departure.  Passengers will be able to keep their picnic lunch, and our reservations team will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.

• For our helicopter scenic flights departing Cairns, 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.
• For our helicopter flights ex all other bases check-in is 30 minutes before departure or otherwise specified by our team.
• 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.

Our reservations team will advise you of your departure point upon confirmation:

• Departing Cairns City: Pier Heliport, 2 Pier Point Road Cairns City
• Departing General Aviation Cairns: Hangar, 7 Bush Pilots Avenue Aeroglen
• Departing Port Douglas: Helipad across the highway from Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Road
• Departing Townsville Airport: Hangar, 15 Gypsy Moth Court Garbutt
• Departing Darwin Airport: 15-22 Lancaster Road, Eaton
• Departing Jabiru: Jabiru Aerodrome
• Departing Gove: Gove Airport, Melville Bay Rd
• Departing Torres Strait: Horn Island, Airport Rd

• 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.

• Helicopters have a limited capacity for the carrying of luggage. It is for this reason all passengers are restricted to a maximum allowance of 15 kg per person (including hand luggage). Small bags worn around the neck or waist are not permitted as these interfere with the life jackets you are required to wear.
• Permissions to carry additional luggage for infants is subject to the combined weight (passengers and luggage) being under aircraft specifications on the day of travel. Full size prams do not fit in luggage compartments and capsules/child seats cannot be fitted in the helicopter.
• Due to the size and dimensions of helicopter cargo compartments, luggage is required to be packed into 1x carry on size case or soft duffle bag per person.
• Please note, excess luggage may be stored at the Nautilus Aviation Office.

Single passenger tourism bookings are welcome however our products require a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order. For instant confirmation please contact us.

With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure. No fuel surcharge is presently applicable.

Payload limits apply to all aircraft. Accurate individual passenger body weights are required at time of booking.  Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130 kg.  For passengers exceeding 130kg, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance.

• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with passengers requiring special assistance as additional seating regulations apply.
• Collapsible wheelchairs can only be carried on select aircraft and due to WHS requirements, staff are unable to lift any passengers.
• In conjunction with a traveller needing special assistance 1 x Carer / Companion Card Holder is entitled to a 25% discount off the Retail Price of the desired product for all Direct Nautilus Products (excludes packages with third party suppliers). Terms and conditions apply.

Nautilus Aviation can only visit Undine Sand Cay seasonally as some 242 species of birds have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park of which 22 seabird species breed on cays such as Undine. These breeding sites are also globally significant migratory sanctuaries limiting visitation to between 1 April and 31 August only.  We operate Vlasoff Sand Cay departing Port Douglas from 1 September to 31st March annually to ensure year-round Sand Cay experiences for guests visiting the region.

Flights are not on a private basis unless chartered. They are shared with other customers. The exception to this is if an exclusive experience is booked (Vlasoff and Undine Sand Cays).

Window seats are not guaranteed on Nautilus Aviation flights and are subject to the pilot’s discretion. The pilot makes seating assignments based on the helicopter’s weight and balance.

Strictly no smoking in or around the helicopter at any time.

Please refer https://www.nautilusaviation.com.au/drone-safety/

Nautilus Aviation carries insurance for all operations undertaken including passenger liability insurance, as required by Australian Aviation Law.

• In accordance with Australian aviation law, Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to refuse any passenger who, in the opinion of the pilot in command, may provide a hazard to the flight or to the safety and comfort of other passengers.
• Passengers may be refused for reasons including, but not limited to erratic, offensive or threatening behaviour; perceived intoxication; or implied risk to the safety of the flight.
• Nautilus Aviation supports the decision of its pilots and staff members who decide to refuse a passenger.
• In the event a passenger is refused, full charges may apply.

• Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control, and availability.
• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.
• Nautilus Aviation strives to ensure your flight takes off as planned. However, unexpected circumstances like inclement weather, staffing issues, or unscheduled maintenance may arise. In these instances, we will do our best to rebook you on another flight. If possible, we will happily reschedule your trip for a different date that works for you. Flight rebooking is subject to availability.  If rebooking isn’t an option, you will receive a full refund for your cancelled flight. Please note the refund will be no greater than the flight amount.

• Pregnant passengers are welcome to enjoy all flights at their own discretion.
• Nautilus Aviation advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation and that seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.

In accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority CAAP 235-1 (para.11) all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.

Upon check-in, passengers will receive mandatory safety briefing.  The safety briefing is available in English, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin).

By Nautilus Aviation

• Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability.
• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.
• Nautilus strives to ensure your flight takes off as planned. However, unexpected circumstances like bad weather, staffing issues, or unscheduled maintenance may arise. In these instances, we will: Do our best to rebook you on another flight: If possible, we’ll happily reschedule your trip for a different date that works for you. Flight rebooking is subject to availability. Offer a full refund: If rebooking isn’t an option, you’ll receive a full refund for your cancelled flight. Please note the refund will be no greater than the flight amount.

By Direct customer or Travel Agent on behalf of the customer

• Flight cancellations and or amendments require a minimum notification of 48 hours prior to departure.
• Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.
• Any flight amendments made inside 48 hours with incur a 50% penalty. No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure.
• No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• In the event of passenger illness, with medical certificate, Nautilus Aviation will reschedule the flight.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

By ‘Other’

• Nautilus Aviation accepts no responsibility for any expenses incurred by a passenger because of any domestic or international flight delay, reschedules, alterations, poor weather or unscheduled maintenance.
• Where possible, Nautilus Aviation will attempt to delay the departure of flights providing it does not affect other passengers, products and connecting flights.
• Where a flight cannot be held resulting in a private charter being required, the flight is subject to availability and will incur an additional cost.
• It is recommended that all passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

• EMC is an Environment Management Charge of $8.00pp payable to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• When applicable the EMC applies to all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area.
• Down Under Dive – All prices exclude the Down Under Cruise & Dive $20 levy payable on-board on travel day directly to Down Under Cruise & Dive staff, the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the Down Under Cruise & Dive $20 levy, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.
• Great Adventures – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.
• Quicksilver Cruises – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.
• Reef Magic – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.
• Sunlover Reef Cruises – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.

• All charter flights are confirmed subject to availability and weather.
• All tours are confirmed subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.
• Single passenger tourism bookings are welcome however our products require a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order. For instant confirmation please call the team on (07) 4034 9000.
• Nautilus Aviation accommodates both FIT and Group passengers on our 30-, 45- and 60-minute Scenic Flights from Cairns daily. To ensure smooth operations, passenger Check-in comfort & minimise delays, all 30-, 45- & 60-minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport (2 Pier Point Road Cairns) while all Bookings for 7+ passengers (2+ Helicopters) depart from our General Aviation Airport location (Hangar 7 Bush Pilots Avenue Aeroglen). All Reef Partner Packages with Down Under Cruise & Dive, Great Adventures OBR and Green Island, Reef Magic and Sunlover Reef Cruises depart and return from / to the Pier Heliport.
• In accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority CAAP 235-1 (para.11) all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.
• Seat allocation including window seats for scheduled flights (non-exclusive) are decided based on weight and balance and at the discretion of the pilot or ground crew to ensure the safe carriage of all passengers.
• Reservations are held only when weights are received, and full payment is made – unless credit facilities have previously been arranged.

Aircraft tasked for tourism flights are allocated by Nautilus Aviation. Aircraft for charter flights may be selected by the client – subject to availability, task appropriateness and combined weights of passenger and luggage complying with aircraft specifications.

• 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.
• Upon check-in, passengers will receive mandatory safety briefing.
• 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.
  Upon check-in, passengers will receive mandatory safety briefing.

• Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price.
• Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
• Children under the age of 3 are classified an infant and may travel free of charge.
• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.
• Under Australian regulations, an infant is a passenger who has not reached their 3rd birthday.
• Routinely one (1) infant (under 3 years of age) is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s or guardian’s lap with a company provided infant seat belt restraint.
• If travelling with more than one infant, please contact Nautilus Aviation.
• Regarding luggage, prams and seat capsules for infants, please refer to Luggage Allowance.

• Although all care is taken, Nautilus Aviation accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings, luggage or personal injury due to events beyond our control and will not be liable for additional expenses or inconvenience arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service.
• Nautilus Aviation works in conjunction with other tour operators and is not liable for other operator’s acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by these operators, which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage.
• For terms and conditions of partnered tour operators, please refer to relevant website.

• Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
• The surcharge incurred is that set by the corresponding financial institution at the time of booking.
• Visa and MasterCard will incur a 1.2% surcharge. Nautilus Aviation does not accept AMEX.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

Quicksilver Cruises, Great Adventures, Sunlover Reef Cruises, Reef Magic, Down Under Cruise & Dive conduct on board dive briefings on the cruise to the outer reef. Passengers wishing to enjoy a helicopter flight and dive activities (Intro, Certified, Guided Snorkelling Ocean Walker or Sea Walker and Scuba-Doo) with all vessels, must book the ‘Cruise/Fly’ or Cruise/Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic packages.

• Nautilus Aviation endeavours to deliver all flights as described on our website or other collateral.
• Due to pilot discretion, weather, Air Traffic Control and other operational considerations beyond our control, flight paths and flight times may at times vary. For these reasons, Nautilus Aviation cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times and will therefore not be liable for additional expenses arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service as outlined in our *Conditions of Carriage.

With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure. No fuel surcharge is presently applicable.

• Whilst we want you to enjoy the tour there are strict aviation regulations that apply to the carriage of disorderly or abusive passengers and those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Should the situation arise where any passenger is deemed to pose a safety risk to the flight at any point of the tour, the pilot in command reserves the right to refuse travel to that passenger. In the event of this occurring no refund will be issued, and the passenger shall be responsible for making their own arrangements to return to Darwin.
• Customers are responsible for the safe use and care of the fishing equipment provided during the tour. This includes, but is not limited to, rods, reels, lines, tackle, hooks, and other equipment issued to you. Customers are expected to treat all equipment with care and respect and follow instructions from your Pilot / Guide. If any fishing equipment is damaged during the tour due to misuse, negligence, or accidents caused by the customer, the customer will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Examples of damage includes but is not limited to broken rods or reels. Replacement costs will be charged at wholesale prices and are due at the conclusion of the tour.

• To redeem, the gift voucher (or voucher number) is required upon booking and bookings are essential.
• Gift vouchers are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.
• The expiration date of all gift vouchers is three (3) years from the date printed. The flight must be booked and used within this timeframe.

Nautilus Aviation carries insurance for all operations undertaken including passenger liability insurance, as required by Australian Aviation Law.

• In accordance with Australian Aviation Law, Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to refuse any passenger who, in the opinion of the pilot in command, may provide a hazard to the flight or to the safety and comfort of other passengers.
• Passengers may be refused for reasons including, but not limited to erratic, offensive or threatening behaviour; perceived intoxication; or implied risk to the safety of the flight.
• Nautilus Aviation supports the decision of its pilots and staff members who decide to refuse a passenger.
• In the event a passenger is refused, full charges may apply.

• Resort Stays and Charters
• Helicopters have a limited capacity for the carrying of luggage. It is for this reason all passengers are restricted to a maximum allowance of 15kg per person (including hand luggage).
• Permissions to carry additional luggage for infants is subject to the combined weight (passengers and luggage) being under aircraft specifications on the day of travel. Full size prams do not fit in luggage compartments and capsules/child seats cannot be fitted in the helicopter.
• Due to the size and dimensions of helicopter cargo compartments, luggage is required to be packed into 1x carry on size case or soft duffle bag per person.
• Please note, excess luggage may be stored at the Nautilus Aviation Office.
• Reservation Office Hours: 7:00am to 6:00pm.

• Pregnant passengers are welcome to enjoy all flights at their own discretion.
• Nautilus Aviation advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation and that seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.

• Fares are listed per person, in Australian currency (AUD) and are inclusive of GST.
• All rates listed on the website are current year and valid 01 April to 31 March annually.

• Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.
• No refund applies if the booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• If passengers do not show for a pick-up or flight, a full 100% cancellation fee applies. If the flight is booked through a third-party website or agent, the third-party will be contacted and notified of applicable charges.
• If a segment of a paid tour was experienced e.g. the helicopter portion or cruise portion of the ‘Fly/Cruise’, ‘Cruise/Fly’ or ‘Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic’, the component not experienced will be refunded, not both.
• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

• The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority, with no exception.
• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regard to the carriage of luggage, seat allocation and whether a flight is to proceed during times of inclement weather.
• All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior departure.
• When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight. Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to charge $300.00 to any individual / passenger who inflates the life jacket whether accidental or on purpose, except when instructed to do so in the event of an emergency.
• Strictly no smoking in or around the helicopter at any time.

• Vlasoff and Undine Sand Cays are public sand cays that are subject to weather, tides and public occupancy.
• On the rare occasion they are occupied on our arrival we will not be permitted to land. If this occurs passengers will receive an extended reef scenic flight back to point of departure. Passengers will be able to keep their picnic lunch, and our reservations team will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.

• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with passengers requiring special assistance as additional seating regulations apply.
• Please note, collapsible wheelchairs can only be carried on select aircraft and due to WHS requirements, staff are unable to lift any passengers.
• In conjunction with a traveller needing special assistance 1 x Carer / Companion Card Holder is entitled to a 25% discount off the Retail Price of the desired product for all Direct Nautilus Products (excludes packages with third party suppliers).
• Must be a direct booking only. Discount does not apply to bookings via third parties including Travel Agents or other distribution.
• Companion card cannot be used when associated with any other Discount / Campaign Nautilus Aviation may be running at the time.
• Card must be provided at time of booking and sighted on day of travel along with ID to verify companion card holder.

For the specific product information and terms and conditions of partnered tour providers, please visit their individual website or contact the operator directly.

• Helicopters (as with all light aircraft) are subject to strict weight specifications per aircraft type.
• Accurate individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised upon booking.
• It is a legal requirement for all passengers and luggage to be weighed at the time of check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee and/or luggage allowance may be further reduced.
• Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130kg. For passengers exceeding 130kg, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance.