Get High | Evolution Reef Cruise & Heli Flight
Departure Times
Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns.
Pricing Options
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Evolution’s ultimate adventure package, the best way to experience the reef wonder!
- Cruise at high speeds aboard Evolution, an award-winning superyacht
- Enjoy up to 5 hours on the reef, snorkelling and diving at 2 exclusive locations
- Add up to 3 spectacular introductory or certified scuba dives to your day
- Take to the sky on a luxury scenic flight over the Outer Reef
- The best value day of adventure on the reef for all ages and groups
Snorkel amongst flourishing coral walls, soak up the tropical sun, try your hand at scuba diving and soar above the sprawling reef from above, the Get High: Evolution Reef Cruise & Heli Flight package is the best way to experience the phenomenal diversity of the Great Barrier Reef!
Cruise to the Outer Reef aboard a 35-metre, airconditioned superyacht, visiting two reef sites teeming with unique corals and vibrant marine life throughout the day. At your second reef destination, board the luxury Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for a blissful scenic flight. The ideal way to see everything the reef has to offer!
Features
- Full day tour visiting two Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations
- Comfortable, stable vessel with airconditioning
- Three spacious deck levels for relaxation
- Unlimited snorkelling with high-quality equipment provided
- Luxury Nautilus Aviation Helicopter 10-minute scenic flight from Hastings Reef
- Add on up to 3 introductory or certified dives to your day tour (extra)
- Aussie BBQ lunch with steak, prawns and tropical salads
- Complimentary glass of wine & snack on return
- Onboard licensed bar facilities
Important Information
- Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
- Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.
Sample Itinerary
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Snorkelling
Cruising from the Cairns mainland to two Great Barrier Reef destinations, you will be able to soak up the biodiverse, technicolour coral gardens for up to five hours during your sun-soaked day! Begin your day with a snorkelling adventure at either Saxon or Norman Reef, before heading to Hastings Reef after lunch. Chosen for their sensational variety, these Outer Reef destinations ensure an unforgettable experience for beginners, experienced and child snorkellers with glassy waters and excellent visibility. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for schools of unique fish, sea turtles and giant clams!
Scenic Helicopter Flight
You’ve explored the remarkable coral-clad depths of the Great Barrier Reef from below, now it is time to leave your sunbathing and take to the sky from Evolution’s exclusive helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef! Soaring above the world’s largest reef system in a luxury Nautilus Aviation helicopter, the turquoise lagoons and sprawling reefs can be experienced from a whole new perspective. With the best seat on the reef, spot marine life such as manta rays and migrating whales during the winter months and learn all about the sheer size of the reef during your scenic flight!
Scuba Diving
Dial up the adventure and dive deeper with an introductory or certified scuba dive during your Evolution Reef Cruise! Alongside qualified PADI instructors, learn the basics of scuba or advance your diving skills at some of the best diving reefs in the world. Enjoying up to 3 scuba dives during your day, scuba diving is an incredible way to check out the greater depths of the Great Barrier Reef. For first-timers, rest assured that no prior experience is necessary just a smile on your dial!
Semi-submersible Reef Tour
For visitors who aren’t snorkelling or diving adding on a semi-submersible tour is the best way to glide above the sprawling reef ecosystems and spot the abundance of unique marine life and corals that thrive below. With a marine naturalist guide, the incredible biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef will be revealed without getting into the water. Perfect for young families, avid marine learners and those who aren’t entering the water.
Reef Sites
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During your day tour aboard Evolutions, you'll get to visit two exquisite reef locations on the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. The captain will select the best reef sites based on the conditions that day, but popular locations include:
- Saxon Reef - Has shallow sections of reef perfect for snorkellers and sloping coral bommies for experienced divers
- Norman Reef - Amazing snorkel and dive...
Read More
During your day tour aboard Evolutions, you'll get to visit two exquisite reef locations on the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. The captain will select the best reef sites based on the conditions that day, but popular locations include:
- Saxon Reef - Has shallow sections of reef perfect for snorkellers and sloping coral bommies for experienced divers
- Norman Reef - Amazing snorkel and dive spot with lagoons and caves, depths ranging from 1 - 20 metres
- Hastings Reef - Packed with tropical fish and unique corals, sea turtles and reef sharks often spotted here as well
More Information
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What To Bring
- Towel and swimsuit
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases
- Change of clothes and warm jumper/ jacket for cooler days
- Certified Divers must bring C Card
- Dive Medical if required
What's Included
- Full day tour visiting two Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations
- 5 hours of snorkelling time with high-quality equipment provided
- Nautilus Aviation Helicopter 10-minute scenic flight from H...
Read More
What To Bring
- Towel and swimsuit
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases
- Change of clothes and warm jumper/ jacket for cooler days
- Certified Divers must bring C Card
- Dive Medical if required
What's Included
- Full day tour visiting two Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations
- 5 hours of snorkelling time with high-quality equipment provided
- Nautilus Aviation Helicopter 10-minute scenic flight from Hastings Reef
- Aussie BBQ lunch with steak, prawns and tropical salads
- Tea, coffee, and mini muffins
- Complimentary glass of wine & snack on return
- Add on up to 3 introductory or certified dives to your day tour (extra)
- PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
- Free lycra/sun-suit hire
What's Extra
- Up to 3 Introductory or Certified Dives
- Marine Biologist Snorkel Tour
- Semi-submersible Tour
- Return transfers ($23pp from Cairns City, $34pp from Northern Beaches)
- Wetsuits $10pp onboard
- Underwater Camera Hire
- Bar purchases
Terms and Conditions
Important Information:
- Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
- 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for scuba diving?
Divers must be at least 12 years of age and be medically fit to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
Where and when is check-in for the tour?
Guests must check in at Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870) at 7:15am at the Down Under Cruise & Dive desk.
How long is the helicopter flight?
The Nautilus Aviation Helicopter scenic flight from Hastings Reef is 10 minutes. This may sound short but you can cover a lot of ground and get spectacular views over the reef in 10 minutes!
How many hours do we get out on the reef?
Between two reef sites, you'll have 5 hours total of quality time out on the Great Barrier Reef.
What food is included?
There is an Aussie BBQ lunch with steak, prawns and tropical salads, plus tea, coffee, and mini muffins. You'll also get a complimentary glass of wine and snack on return to Cairns.
Can my dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, please let us know upon booking if you have any dietary requirements!
How many dives can we do?
You'll have time for up to 3 dives during your day tour on Evolutions.
What reef sites do we visit?
Saxon Reef, Norman Reef, and Hastings Reef are among the most popular locations, though the boat captain will pick the best reef sites on the day based on conditions at sea.