A Port Douglas helicopter tour takes you straight out over the Great Barrier Reef from town, with no transfer down to Cairns first. In 30 minutes you may see Low Isles, the reef shapes of Batt Reef and the long sweep of Four Mile Beach below you. Stay up longer and the route can stretch to Snapper Island, or turn north over the Daintree rainforest toward Cape Tribulation and the Mossman Gorge rainforest.
That last combination is the reason to fly from here: reef and rainforest in one flight, two World Heritage areas side by side, seen in a way you cannot get from a boat deck or a walking track.
All three flights on the Port Douglas hub are shared scenic helicopters that check in at the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas. None of them lands. What you choose is how long you stay up and how far the route goes.
Which Port Douglas helicopter tour to book
- Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Tour, from AUD 487 per person. About 30 minutes over the inner reef, with Low Isles, Batt Reef and Four Mile Beach on the list of possible sights. Commentary and the fuel surcharge are included. The lowest price on the hub.
- Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef 45-Minute Helicopter Tour, from AUD 676 per person. About 45 minutes on a longer reef route. You may see Snapper Island, with Low Isles and Batt Reef along the way.
- Port Douglas Reef and Rainforest 60-Minute Helicopter Tour, from AUD 965 per person. About 60 minutes combining the reef with the Daintree rainforest. You may see the Mossman Gorge rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Low Isles. The only flight on the hub that adds the rainforest.
Short on time or budget? The 30-minute flight gives you the inner reef. Want a longer reef route with a chance of Snapper Island? Take the 45. Want the reef and the rainforest coast in one go? Book the 60-minute flight.
Before you go
- Where: the helicopter desk inside the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas, not Cairns. Hotel pickup from the Port Douglas town centre is not included. Arrive about 30 minutes before departure, because check-in can close 30 minutes prior. The exact time is confirmed after booking.
- Group size: shared flights of up to 6 travellers, not a private charter. Adult pricing usually needs at least 2 passengers, and a flight can be cancelled if too few people book, with a refund or rebooking.
- Children: from age 3, children need their own seat and pay the full ticket price. Infants under 3 may fly on an adult’s lap, subject to conditions.
- Weight: maximum 130 kg per seat. Give passenger weights when you book. Above 130 kg you may need an extra seat at about half the ticket price, paid on the day.
- Landings: none. These are scenic overflights; the hub does not sell pontoon or cruise combinations.
- Weather and wildlife: flights depend on weather and cloud, and marine wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Cancellation: full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.
Not sure which Port Douglas flight suits you? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.