Outer Reef Odyssey - 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight

Overview

Available languages

English

40 minutes

Mobile ticket

This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet.

The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

40 minute reef scenic flight

All Fees and Taxes

Informative, in-flight commentary

Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional

Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional

What To Expect

Great Barrier Reef

A fabulous scenic helicopter flight. In forty minutes, we’ll go beyond the inner reef, to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. The additional time allows us to explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage listed icon.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

No Transfers

Make own way: No transfer included - make own way to Zoom Helicopters base at 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport.

Reviews

4.93

71 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great views of the reef, excellent service.
Shaunince,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The 40 minute reef Odyssey tour is in a small helicopter, perfect for a couple because it's a private experience with no others in the helicopter with you. The views are excellent and the staff on the ground and the pilot were excellent. Easy to get to from Cairns. Great All round.
Brilliant OuterReef Helicopter ride in Cairne
Gg117316,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful view of outer reef in sky to get a sense of the magnitude of the varsity of the Great Barrier Reef, which you can not appreciate from the sea. A must do in Cairne. Pilot provided a smooth ride with perfect landing.
The Great Barrier Reef from above
Rainier Y,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Haley moved our tour in the afternoon and we ended up having the helicopter to ourselves! What a way to see the reef up in the air. We spotted sharks, sting rays, manta ray and turtles. We took this tour because my spouse gets motion sickness on the boat and we had no desire to snorkel (been there, done that in Hawaii). It’s not cheap but you have more time to do other things if you tour the reef by air.
100% recommend this tour!!!
Jean W,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Thanks to Chris for making our experience so awesome! Great casual narration and knowledgeable discussion!
Once in a Lifetime
Laura M,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful experience of a lifetime to see the aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef. The staff was very professional and experienced. Highly recommend this experience.
Family Flight in October
ksfujimoto,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My family and I had a great flight! They were very polite & pleasant! Owner was very nice and let us relax. Smooth flight and fun, good items to shop
Super recommended
Tamara P,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing, Haley was very attentive, friendly and a super quiet flight... She was explaining everything to us during the journey. I recommend the 40 min flight because the time there flies by. Spectacular views.
Spectacular!!
Christina20160223,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a spectacular way to see the Great Barrier Reef!! The weather was perfect, the reef gorgeous, and our fabulous pictures captured it all!!! Hayley was the best helicopter pilot we’ve ever had (and we’ve taken many scenic helicopter tours during our travels!)!!!! Thank you, thank you, Hayley!!! Keep flying high!!
An Amazing Experience!
micor1,
May 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I dealt with Zoom directly on their website to book my flight about a year before. We e-mailed back and forth and Niels even called me on the phone to make my flight a go. Excellent customer service considering the time difference between Australia and Canada. He hooked me up with another couple so I did not have to pay for 2 people as it is a minimum 2 per booking. I did the 40-minute reef flight and it was well worth the money. Just amazing! It was a cloudy, drizzly day but the pictures were still beautiful. I also did not have the sun glare off the water so that was great. Our pilot talked and told us history and all about the reef. He even landed on a small atoll so we could take pictures...we couldn't get out but being right there on the water level was amazing. Worth every penny and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Very good
paulacH6743MP,
Apr 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The captain was amazing. I told him I wanted to take professional photos, and he did what he could to avoid the glare and show me the best angles. I'm only giving four stars because, during the pre-flight, we were shown a helicopter whose windows could be opened. I asked the operator if that was going to be the case, and I was told it would, but it was not the case.