
Port Douglas Snorkelling Tours
Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Dive & Snorkel Excursions
Great Barrier Reef Cod Hole, Northern Reef & Coral Sea Live Aboard Tours
Great Barrier Reef Overnight Sailing Tours
Great Barrier Reef Island Day Tours
Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tours
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Rainforest Overnight Tours
Great Adventures Outer Barrier Reef Tour - Cruise & Fly
Duration: Full Day Tour
Departs: Cairns Daily
Returns: Cairns Daily


A pontoon (or activity platform) is essentially a man-made island, designed to offer a stable platform for guests by which to access the reef. A great choice for participants who want to see the Great Barrier Reef in comfort (as whilst the pontoon moves in the water, when standing on the pontoon, you cannot 'feel' the movement, unlike a boat anchored up at the reef in 'open water'). As we like to say, pontoons are the perfect option for those without 'sea legs'! Pontoons are also a good choice for those who want to see and experience the Great Barrier Reef without necessarily having to get into the water and snorkel. As there are a variety of activities to enjoy (other than snorkelling) including coral viewing tours via the semi-submersible submarine craft (with full commentary) and the 'underwater observatory' (built in the underwater level of the pontoon). There is also a delicious hot and cold buffet lunch included, comprising of hot and cold buffet selection, including cold meat platters, prawns, curries (and other buffet dishes) with garden fresh salads and tropical fruit platters with freshly baked bread rolls.
Of course for those who enjoy snorkelling or want to try snorkelling for the 'first time ever', all snorkelling equipment and instruction is included along with buoyancy vests and flotation aids being available. The vessel's friendly and obliging crew are always on hand to give tips and advice as well as being constantly on watch, to ensure all participants are safely able enjoy the in water activities.
Your Cruise & Fly Great Barrier Reef Adventure package allows for approximately 2.5 to just under 3 hours free time on the pontoon. In the later part of the afternoon it's time to get ready for your stunning aerial scenic helicopter flight back from the Great Barrier Reef into Cairns. Participants will enjoy an incredible flight over the Great Barrier Reef including Green Island and sandy cays with incredible reef formations, flying back into Cairns with stunning views of the city and marina, as you land right in the heart of Cairns at the Pier Complex & Marina's heliport, arriving at approximately 3.30pm.
Itinerary
- 9.30am / 10.00am: Check in at Great Adventures check-in counter at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns City
- 10.30am Depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal & Marlin Jetty on-board Great Adventures Luxury Catamaran
- 12.30pm Arrive Outer Reef Pontoon located at either Norman or Moore Reef locations
- 12.30pm to 3.15pm Enjoy included activities as per tour inclusions listed below
- 3.15pm Depart Outer Reef Pontoon by Helicopter for stunning reef scenic flight over the reef back to Cairns
- 3.40pm Arrive into Cairns for return coach transfer to accommodation
- Cruise by catamaran to the luxury multi level pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef
- Enjoy a delicious Hot and Cold Buffet Lunch on the Great Barrier Reef
- View the coral without getting wet on a semi-submersible submarine tour with commentary
- Full use of all snorkeling equipment, buoyancy vests will full instruction
- Underwater observatory with viewing windows out onto the Great Barrier Reef
- Spectacular helicopter scenic return flight to Cairns (approximately 25 minutes duration)
- Optional return coach transfers available from Cairns & Cairns Northern Beaches accommodation
Rates - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023
- Cruise & Fly Great Barrier Reef Adventure AU$561.00 per person
Important Booking Notes: Please ensure that you indicate your estimated individual weight details in lbs or kgs (we can do the conversion) in the Booking Form's Comments Box on making a reservation.
The operator can carry up to 6 to 7 participants from the one group, dependant of passenger weights and helicopter availability.
Optional Return Coach Transfers from Cairns & Cairns Northern Beaches Accommodation
- Adult - From Cairns City Accommodation AU$30.00
- Child (aged 4 - 14 years) - From Cairns City Accommodation AU$20.00
- Adult - From Cairns Northern Beaches Accommodation AU$38.00
- Child (aged 4 - 14 years) - From Cairns Northern Beaches Accommodation AU$21.00
Rates - Valid 01st of April 2023 to 31st of March 2024
- Cruise & Fly Great Barrier Reef Adventure AU$565.00 per person
Important Booking Notes: Please ensure that you indicate a close estimation of each participant's estimated individual weight details in lbs or kgs (we can do the conversion) in the Booking Form's Comments Box if making a reservation online.
The operator can carry up to 6 participants from the one group, dependent of passenger weights and helicopter availability.
From the 01st of April 2023 the helicopter operator will no longer offer Optional Return Coach Transfers from Cairns City or Cairns Northern Beaches accommodation. Passengers will be asked to check-in at the Heliport in Cairns City at the Pier Complex adjacent to the Marinas.
What to BringBring small soft sided day bags as luggage space is restricted on helicopters. Dress for the tropics and bring a hat, sunglasses, your swim suit & towel, sunglasses, camera, hat and sunscreen.
Terms & Conditions Passenger Weight Policy - Please Advise Of Estimated Weight Details in Comments Box On Making A Reservation
Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions a client’s body and luggage weight must be advised prior to the reservation being confirmed. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee.
Child’s Rate Policy
One (1) infant under their 3rd birthday may travel free of charge if seated on a guardian’s lap. A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations. Children 3 years and above pay full fare.
Insurance
The helicopter operator carries full insurance including Public Liability Insurance of $50,000,000.00.
Minimum and maximum passenger numbers
Minimum passenger numbers may apply. Groups larger than 6 passengers may require private charter. Please liaise with Cairns Visitor Centre at time of booking.
Fuel Surcharge
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.
Cancellation Policy
Booking Deposit Non Refundable. Cancellations made 24 hours or less prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee.