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Down Under Dive | Fly & Cruise Half Day Package

FROM: $489
7
SingleDay
Min. Age
All Ages

Departure Times

Departs: 12:40 pm - Daily
Returns: 4:30 pm - Daily

Departure Point: Nautilus Aviation office Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City

Pricing Options

$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0-2 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
$489 AUD / Person - Adult or Child (3+ years) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)

See the Great Barrier Reef's spectacular beauty from air and the sea!

  • Half-day tour from Cairns to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
  • 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef 
  • Up to 1.5 hours for snorkeling amongst the diverse marine life
  • Included BBQ lunch and glass of wine on the boat ride back to Cairns
  • A family-friendly adventure that is perfect for travelers who are short on time

On this ultimate Fly & Cruise Half Day Package, you’ll get to pack in all the highlights of the Great Barrier Reef! Depart from Cairns on the Nautilus Aviation Helicopter and sail to the reef in style. Take in the aerial views of the coral reefs aboard this luxury vessel before landing at the Evolution superyacht. Spend up to 1.5 hours snorkeling in the warm waters of Hastings Reef before hopping on board the boat, having a delicious lunch, and cruising back to Cairns. If you only have a short time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, this half-day tour is the best way to do it!

Features 

  • Helicopter flight departing from Cairns
  • 25 minutes of air time aboard the Nautilus Aviation Helicopter
  • Meet up with the Evolution Reef Cruise at Hastings Reef
  • Up to 1.5 hours of snorkeling time
  • Snorkel equipment, lycra suits, and flotation devices provided
  • Hearty BBQ lunch with tea and coffee included
  • Comfortable cruise back to Cairns aboard the Evolution
  • Air-conditioned superyacht with modern lounges
  • Complimentary glass of wine and a light snack provided for the journey home

girl snorkeling with fish


Important Information:

  • Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.
  • Diving: unfortunately as this is a half-day tour, there is no time to scuba dive. You will be able to snorkel and swim.

Sample Itinerary

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Departs from Cairns at 12:40pm via luxury helicopter

Check in 45 minutes before departure and then board the cozy, 6-seater cabin of the Nautilus Aviation Helicopter. Spend 25 minutes soaring over the vibrant natural colors and unique coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef! A scenic flight will provide you with new perspectives and a new appreciation for the vast grandeur and beauty of the ...

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Departs from Cairns at 12:40pm via luxury helicopter

Check in 45 minutes before departure and then board the cozy, 6-seater cabin of the Nautilus Aviation Helicopter. Spend 25 minutes soaring over the vibrant natural colors and unique coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef! A scenic flight will provide you with new perspectives and a new appreciation for the vast grandeur and beauty of the reef. 

helicopter


Land at Hastings Reef and join the Evolution Reef cruise

After the flight, your pilot will drop you off at Hastings Reef. Here you will join the Evolution Reef Cruise for an afternoon of snorkeling, swimming, and getting up close to the reef. After a quick safety briefing, suit up with the provided snorkel gear and take to the water! You’ll have time for around 1.5 hours of exploring the fascinating marine world before it’s time to get back on the yacht. 


Lunch and relaxing aboard the Evolution on the way back to Cairns

Refuel and relax aboard the award-winning Evolution superyacht! This 35-metre luxury yacht is spacious, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Enjoy a late lunch, tea and coffee, and free time to lounge on the yacht as you cruise back to Cairns. A glass of wine and a light snack is also included for your return journey. 

boat at sea

Reef Sites

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Hastings Reef

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hastings Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Admire diverse marine life and check out some truly amazing corals with your 1.5 hours of snorkelling time. There's a reason why this is a natural wonder of the world!

two people snorkelling on the great barrier reef

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Hastings Reef

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hastings Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Admire diverse marine life and check out some truly amazing corals with your 1.5 hours of snorkelling time. There's a reason why this is a natural wonder of the world!

two people snorkelling on the great barrier reef

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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Delicious BBQ Lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak, and a variety of fresh salads. Vegetarian option is also available, and other special dietary restrictions will be catered for (contact reservations prior to travel).

plate of food

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Delicious BBQ Lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak, and a variety of fresh salads. Vegetarian option is also available, and other special dietary restrictions will be catered for (contact reservations prior to travel).

plate of food

More Information

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What To Bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Sun protection including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Spare clothes to change into (bring a jacket for cooler days)
  • Cash or credit card for onboard bar and souvenir purchases

What's Included

  • Half-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef
  • 25-minute scenic flight with Nautilus Aviation Helicopter
  • Join Down Under Cruise & Dive's Evolution superyacht at lunchtime
  • Experienced and knowledgeable staff
  • 1.5 hours o...

Read More

What To Bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Sun protection including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Spare clothes to change into (bring a jacket for cooler days)
  • Cash or credit card for onboard bar and souvenir purchases

What's Included

  • Half-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef
  • 25-minute scenic flight with Nautilus Aviation Helicopter
  • Join Down Under Cruise & Dive's Evolution superyacht at lunchtime
  • Experienced and knowledgeable staff
  • 1.5 hours of snorkeling time at Hastings Reef
  • Snorkeling equipment, lycra/sun-suit, & floatation devices
  • BBQ lunch
  • Tea & coffee 
  • Complimentary glass of wine and a light snack on return
  • Air-conditioned modern lounges and an upper deck where you can relax

What's Extra

  • Bar purchases
  • Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
  • Return transfers ($23pp from Cairns City, $34pp from Northern Beaches)
  • $20pp Levy Collected On Arrival (Included In Advertised Price)

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

  • Please note that scuba diving is not available as this is a half-day tour. 
  • Individual passenger weights are required at the time of booking. A per-person weight limit of 130kg applies to all helicopter flights.
  • Please check in for your scenic flight at least 45 minutes before departure. 

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

*Bookings made from the 1st of March 2023 include Levy Fee.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All client cancellations forfeit 25% of total ticket price. No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (24 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Cairns Tours. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we check in for the departing flight?

Please check in 45 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, and customers will not be allowed to check in at this time. 

Where is check in?

Check in at Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City. 

Where do we return after the cruise?

After joining the Evolution Reef Cruise, you'll return at 4.30pm to Marlin Marina, 1 Spence Street, Cairns.

How much time do we have to snorkel on the reef?

After arriving by helicopter, you'll have 1.5 hours of snorkelling at Hastings Reef with all gear provided. 

How long is the scenic flight?

It's a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to the reef. 

Is lunch provided?

Yes, a delicious BBQ lunch is provided on the Evolution Reef Cruise when you arrive. Snacks, tea, and coffee are also available. 

Are there any weight restrictions?

A per-person weight limit of 130kg applies to all helicopter flights.

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