Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch

About this tour

Helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef landing on Vlasoff Cay, a remote sand island where you'll snorkel and picnic for two hours. This 3.5-hour experience begins with a 25-minute scenic flight from Cairns, then transitions to exploring shallow reef waters and white sand beaches with full snorkelling gear provided. A gourmet picnic hamper and sparkling wine await on the island, along with beach umbrellas and loungers.

Highlights

• 25-minute helicopter flight over coral gardens from Cairns
• Private landing on Vlasoff Cay in the Great Barrier Reef
• Snorkel directly from the cay into live reef ecosystems
• Gourmet picnic hamper with sparkling wine included
• Two hours on white sand beach with full beach setup
• Snorkelling equipment and beach chairs provided

What to expect

You'll arrive at the heliport 45 minutes early for weight checks and safety briefing. The flight itself offers unobstructed views of the reef's coral formations and turquoise channels. Landing on Vlasoff Cay, you'll find yourself on genuine sand with minimal facilities—this is a natural island, not a resort. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkelling; visibility and marine life vary seasonally. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The picnic is set up on your arrival. Note: the cay is public, so occasionally it's occupied by other visitors or boats.

Good to know

Check in 45 minutes before departure; gates close 30 minutes prior. Weight and baggage must be declared at booking; passengers over 130kg require an additional seat (50% of ticket price). Children under 3 fly free on laps; those 3+ need full-price seats. Poor weather may trigger rebooking or refund. If the cay is occupied, you'll receive an extended 45-minute reef flight instead.