Great Barrier Reef Helicopter tour

Are you dreaming of a private sandy cay in the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef? Aren’t we all? Did you know you can live your dream with this Vlasoff Cay Heli tour? 

How do you get to Vlasoff Cay?

Just imagine it now! You jump onto a Helicopter and take off at the Cairns Marina. Sooner or later, you will find yourself climbing high into the air. Here you are treated to 360 degrees view of Cairns. With the mountain ranges behind you, you look out the window to see oceans as far as the eye can see. Seeing as you are so high up, you look down and spot the shadow of your Heli mirror off the ocean. You notice the subtle change in colour of the water to a shimmering turquoise.

Looking down, you can also see the boats travelling out to the Great Barrier Reef for the day. They seem so tiny, and you wonder what kind of day that large group of tourists will have. But you look up and remember you are on your private helicopter. Something catches your eye. There sparkling in the distance are the golden sands of a small cay. A little slice of paradise. That’s when you realise that little piece of sandy paradise is waiting for you. This stunning location is Vlasoff Cay.

Experience the thrill of your helicopter touching down on the sandy cay, in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. After all, nothing compares to that feeling as you step off the helicopter and dig your toes straight into the warm golden sand. The first thing to remember is that now it’s up to you how much or how little you would like to do!

What do you do on Vlasoff Cay?

Family entering the water at Vlasoff Cay with water toys
Make the most of your Family Day at Vlasoff Cay and spend some time in the shallow waters surrounding the cay.

Are you travelling with a loved one? Indeed, make the most of the romantic vibes and take a little stroll around the cay.

On the other hand, are you travelling with little ones? Break out the beach toys and frolic in the shallow waters surrounding Vlasoff Cay. Are you feeling a little more adventurous? A coral Reef surrounds Vlasoff Cay. There is so much opportunity to go for a little snorkel in any direction! By all means, the choice is yours! You will have 2 hours to explore or relax on Vlasoff Cay.

While off exploring or relaxing, your pilot will put together the most delicious gourmet picnic under the beach umbrella. Sit back and be pampered while enjoying a delightful meal and sparkling wine. This unique experience is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

But the day is far from over! After you have explored all, there is to Vlasoff Cay. It’s sadly time to return home. Jump on the heli for the return journey, where you will get another Scenic Flight over the reef before it’s time to land back in Cairns.

Next, what about a day trip to Lizard Island?

 

Highlights

Great Barrier Reef Helicopter tour Highlights

  • Private Helicopter Flight
  • 40 Minute Scenic Flight (20 Minutes each way)
  • 2 hours on Vlasoff Cay
  • Snorkelling on Vlasoff Cay
  • Fly over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Return Hotel Transfers

Itinerary

Great Barrier Reef Helicopter tour itinerary

  • Pickup from your hotel
  • Transfer to the Helipad at Cairns Marina
  • 20 Minute Scenic Heli Flight over the Great Barrier Reef
  • Beach landing on Vlasoff Cay
  • 2 hours on the Sandy Cay
  • 20 Minute Scenic Heli Flight back over the Reef as you return to Cairns.
  • Return transfer back to your accommodation.

Included

Included in your Sand Cay tour
  • 30-minute scenic reef flight
  • 2 hours on the sand cay
  • Gourmet picnic including refreshments
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas
  • Return transfers from your Cairns/Northern Beaches accommodation
  • In-flight commentary from your expert pilot

What to bring

What to bring for this Great Barrier Reef Helicopter tour

  • Swimwear and Towel
  • Sunglasses – Polarised are best to see the Reef without all the reflection!
  • Bottle of water
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+ is best!)
  • Camera
  • Spare change of dry clothes
  • Jacket for the cooler months

Because the storage space on the helicopter is limited, please make sure that you pack the above items into a soft-sided bag.

Important Information

It is important to note
  • Vlasoff Cay is a public sand cay and as such can not be reserved.On the rare occasion it is occupied on our arrival we will not be permitted to land. If this occurs passengers will receive an extended reef scenic flight back to the Pier Heliport  (total flying time 45 mins including initial 20 mins from Cairns to Vlasoff Cay).  Passengers will be able to keep their picnic lunch and our reservations team will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.
  • Please advise all passenger weights at the time of booking in the booking message section. If the weight variance is greater than 10% at the time of travel, additional fees may apply.
  • As this tour includes snorkelling, you will need to complete a snorkel safety questionnaire to share with your pilot. This will be shared with you at the time of booking and can be completed prior to travel, or on the day.

Tour Features

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