This is an amazing and exciting day where travellers fly in style from Cairns to the reef, have a day filled with activities on the brand new Evolution vessel, and fly again back to Cairns. It is quite a special day.
The day starts at lunch time with passengers boarding the helicopter and flying over beautiful parts of the Great Barrier Reef. During the flight travellers will be able to see the reef from an unique angle. From the air the colours of the reef are brighter, more colourful and even more beautiful. Also, it is a great opportunity for them to take gorgeous photos of the area, including some marine creatures such as turtles, stingrays and whales.
Down Under Cruise and Dive operates Evolution, a fast, large and modern catamaran that provides to their guests a luxury and superior tour with a personalised service. This brand new $5 million dollar vessel offers class and style of a motor yacht.
The catamaran is quite spacious with decks over 3 levels and the interior on the main and upper decks are large and cozy. The outdoor offers a lot of seating options away from the sun including comfortable lounges. Also, the fold-down platforms at the end of the vessel provide easy and safe access to the water to all passengers.
Visiting two outer reef sites in one day travellers spend over 5 hours in the water exploring the reef with a short travelling time. The reef locations, Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs, have been chosen for their good clarity of water and the their diversity of marine species. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful coral formations and the different coloured fish around.
The day package deal includes an amazing return low helicopter flight to and from the outer reef, free guided snorkelling tours, scuba diving lessons, onboard entertainment, morning, afternoon tea and a barbecue lunch. For travellers who have never snorkeled before this is not a problem, they can have an one-on-one tuition on gear use and snorkeling techniques.This is also great for kids. Also a selection of buoyancy aids (foam noodles, life jackets and wetsuits) are available to all guests.
Extra activities include:
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 11:00 - 11:45 | Check in at the Helicopter office in the marina |
| 12:00 | Helicopter departs Cairns Marina |
| Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight from Cairns to the outer reef | |
| Travel time is approx 30 minutes | |
| 12:30 | Helicopter arrives at the outer reef |
| Enjoy around 2 hours & 30 minutes exploring the outer reef from Evolution vessel | |
| 15:00 | Helicopter departs the reef |
| Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight from the outer reef back to Cairns | |
| 15:30 | Helicopter arrives back in Cairns |
| 15:35 | Clients make their way back to the hotel |
Please Note:
All Divers: In accordance with the Australian diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving.
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.
Flying after Diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended. This is not applicable for low helicopter flights over the reef.
Helicopter Passengers: Weight Check: Please note that client’s body weight must be advised prior to the reservation being confirmed as per Australia's Aviation Policy. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee.
Insurance: The helicopter operator carries full insurance including Public Liability Insurance of $50,000,000.00.
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Reef Tax: $20.00 is levied for all adults and children entering the Great Barrier Reef. Note: The AU$20 levy needs to be paid on board by the client on the day of travel.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.