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Helicopter with Picnic & Sparkling For 2 - Great Barrier Reef
Meals included






Highlights
What you can expect
There are some pieces of paradise that are out of reach unless you make the effort to get there. Like the tiny pristine beaches hiding in the huge expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. You’re going to have to go by helicopter, and yes, it’s going to be worth it.
Hop on board your helicopter ride, just for two, and prepare to be launched high in the sky over the turquoise blue waters surrounding Cairns. The only thing better than the view from the top, is the thrill of soaring over it. For about 20 minutes you’ll be racing over the reef on your way to Vlasoff Cay - a beautiful, sequestered sand cay miles away from the bustling beaches back on land.
This is an opportunity to occupy your own private oasis right in the heart of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. Once your helicopter drops you off on the white sand island, you’re all set for an absolutely unforgettable beach picnic undisturbed by other beach-goers. Pop the sparkling wine, dig into your gourmet hamper, and kick back in your private paradise. For two hours you can eat, drink, explore the shoreline, lounge in the shallow crystal waters or snorkel the colourful reef straight off the cay. There’s a whole bustling world of marine life you can investigate right off shore with just your swimmers and a snorkel.
When the time comes you’ll climb aboard for your helicopter to return to Cairns and take flight back over the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re into flying, beaches and snorkeling, this is the experience for you.
Info
Inclusions
- Exclusive return helicopter flight to Vlasoff Sand Cay
- Approximately 40 minute flight time
- Approximately 2 hours on Vlasoff Cay
- Gourmet picnic hamper
- Sparkling wine
- Snorkelling equipment
- Umbrella and chairs
- Fuel Surcharge from 01 April 2026
Exclusions
- Accommodation Transfers - Make own way to departure point
- Please note: For travel from 1 December 2026, this experience departs from Nautilus Aviation's General Aviation Airport Helipads at Hangar 7, Bush Pilots Avenue, Aeroglen.
- Guests can make their own way to the departure point or add a return transfer from a designated Cairns CBD pick-up point for an additional $20 per person
Extras
- Guests can make their own way to the departure point or add a return transfer from a designated Cairns CBD pick-up point for an additional $20 per person.
Time
- Allow around three hours for this experience, including two hours on the cay and approximately 40 minutes scenic flight time
Departure Location
- 2 Pier Point Road Cairns Marina (opposite Salt House) - THIS DEPARTURE applies for travel up to 30 November.
- PLEASE NOTE!!! For travel from 1 December 2026, this experience departs from Nautilus Aviation's General Aviation Airport Helipads at Hangar 7, Bush Pilots Avenue, Aeroglen.
- Guests can make their own way to the departure point or add a return transfer from a designated Cairns CBD pick-up point for an additional $20 per person.
What To Bring
- Swimmers and a towel
- Sunscreen, hat and other sun protective gear
Additional Information
- All passenger weights must be advised at time of booking
- Minimum of 2 passengers
- All passengers will be weighed before flight to confirm weights
- Children are defined as being aged between 3-13 years
- 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
- Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130KG. For passengers exceeding 130KG, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance
- We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time at Pier Heliport for Fly / Cruise product
- Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time
- When planning your arrival at your departure point please ensure you allow enough time to check in
- Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid
- PLEASE NOTE!!! For travel from 1 December 2026, this experience departs from Nautilus Aviation's General Aviation Airport Helipads at Hangar 7, Bush Pilots Avenue, Aeroglen.
- Guests can make their own way to the departure point or add a return transfer from a designated Cairns CBD pick-up point for an additional $20 per person.
Terms And Conditions
- We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time at Pier Heliport for Fly / Cruise product
- Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time
- When planning your arrival at your departure point please ensure you allow enough time to check in
- Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid
- Retail price includes current $51 fuel surcharge as of April 1st 2026
Cancellation Policy
- Flight cancellations and or amendments require a minimum notification of 48 hours prior to departure.
- Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.
- Any flight amendments made inside 48 hours with incur a 50% penalty. No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure.
- No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
- In the event of passenger illness, with medical certificate, the supplier will reschedule the flight
Location
2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City, Queensland 4870
Recent reviews
Very happy customer!
Very happy with this experience and the professionalism shown by the Nautilus team. My partner and I recently completed this experience (December - rainy season) but were very fortunate to have weather which allowed this experience to go ahead. The team ensured that we were well prepared for the flight and made sure that we were equipped with a satisfying lunch, all of which remained cool using cool bags and ice packs. The wine was also quite delicious! The equipment given to us (umbrella, snorkling equipment, body suits, etc) were well prepared and given to us without having to ask. We were very fortunate that we had a pilot which put us in the best position to land on the sand cay (E.g. managing his time effectively.) Two hours was a sufficient amount of time to sit, swim and enjoy the luxuries of the GBR. Highly recommend, especially if others are as fortunate to land on the sand cay!
Amazing!
This was fantastic, was like you had your own little island for the day. Highly recommend and would do again!
Happily Engaged!!
My partner and I purchased the Private Helicopter experience for our 8 year anniversary and it did not disappoint!! The catering was absolutely delicious and did not hesitate when I mentioned my dietary requirements. My partner proposed as we were about to depart for our return and of course I said YES. If you are looking for a romantic and private getaway I would highly recommend!!! Hands down one of the best experiences I've ever had.
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