Zoom Helicopters Review
Zoom Helicopters is a small owner-operated helicopter company at Cairns Airport, and it is the easiest way to see the size of the reef. The short flights head inland over Barron Falls and Kuranda, the reef flights cross Green Island, Arlington Reef and Vlasoff Cay, and the longer ones do both. Prices include the fuel surcharge and you need at least two seats. Your pilot talks you through what you see the whole way.
Zoom Helicopters flights and prices
20 minute rainforest flight
Redlynch, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge and Falls, Kuranda. About 45 km at 2,500 ft. Flight time confirmed when you book.
30 minute rainforest flight
Lake Morris and Copperlode Dam, Mt Williams, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Kuranda. About 60 km. Flight time confirmed when you book.
30 minute reef flight
Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Reef. About 75 km at 500 to 1,000 ft. Flight time confirmed when you book.
40 minute outer reef flight
Adds the outer edge of Arlington Reef. About 100 km at 500 to 2,500 ft. Flight time confirmed when you book.
45 minute reef and rainforest flight
The reef, then Double Island, Kuranda and Barron Falls. About 120 km. Flight time confirmed when you book.
60 minute reef and rainforest flight
The full loop, about 180 km. A landing on Vlasoff Cay is possible if conditions allow. Flight time confirmed when you book.
Price per seat, fuel surcharge included, minimum 2 seats per booking. The maximum weight is 130 kg per seat, and we ask everyone’s weight when you book.
What is included on Zoom Helicopters
- Scenic helicopter flight of your choice
- Pilot commentary throughout the flight
- Complimentary refreshments
- Fuel surcharge
Is a Zoom helicopter flight right for you?
How the day runs
How a 30 minute reef flight runs.
Before you go
The full review
From a boat the reef is something you swim in. From a helicopter you finally see how big it is, with Green Island, Arlington Reef and the little sand cay of Vlasoff laid out below you. If there is one splurge in Cairns that people never regret, it is this one.
The 30 minute reef flight is the one I suggest first. It covers Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Reef at low altitude, so you see the colours and often the turtles. If you have already done the reef by boat, the 20 minute rainforest flight over Barron Falls and Kuranda is a good second choice and the cheapest way up.
The 45 and 60 minute flights combine the reef with the rainforest. On the 60 minute flight you can ask your pilot about landing on Vlasoff Cay, which is possible only when the conditions allow. Wear sunglasses, bring a camera, and keep bags small and soft.
Why it earns Best Helicopter Scenic Flight and a 4.9: a small local team, clear routes and prices with the fuel surcharge already in. The catch: you need two seats, and the weight limit is 130 kg per seat.
Zoom Helicopters FAQs