Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight: Aerial Views of the Reef
After seeing the Great Barrier Reef underwater, we took a little more altitude to see it from the sky. Cairns offers numerous flying experiences over one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We chose GSL Aviation after researching the best companies on TripAdvisor. A dream come true!
Weather Concerns Turn to Perfect Conditions
With the weather forecast predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms around our flying time, we were concerned our ride would be cancelled. Nervous, we drove to the airport looking up at the sky.
As we arrived, we were greeted with only white fluffy clouds dotting the blue sky. Great! We would fly over the reef in the best conditions possible - crystal clear visibility with just enough clouds to add drama to the photos.
Boarding the Cessna 208B
After a short briefing video and pre-flight safety demonstration, we boarded with another 8 people on the Cessna 208B. The fixed-wing aircraft had only one seat on each side of the aisle. With window seats for everyone, we would all have a perfect view over the Great Barrier Reef.
We sat in the front row which gave us a direct view to the front of the plane and the pilot. Can it get any better?
40 Minutes Over the Great Barrier Reef
After sitting on the tarmac waiting for clearance, we took off and enjoyed stunning views over our shoulders of Cairns and the coastal mountains.
The 40-minute flight took us over:
- Green Island - a coral cay with resort and day-trip facilities
- Upolu Cay - a small sandbank popular with birds
- Michaelmas Cay - a protected seabird rookery
- The surrounding outer reef - brilliant blues and turquoises
We could see the reef boats moored at their sites below - including the one we'd been on days earlier! The aerial perspective was completely different. From above, we could see the intricate patterns of the reef, the deeper channels between coral formations, and how the color shifted from deep ocean blue to brilliant turquoise over the shallows.
Aerial Perspective of a Natural Wonder
The experience was unbelievable. From the water, you see the reef's detail and marine life. From the air, you see the reef's massive scale and structure. The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast, and seeing even a small section from above helps grasp its enormity.
The scenic flight will undoubtedly remain the main highlight in Cairns. If you can only do one reef experience, it's a tough choice. But if you can do both snorkeling AND a scenic flight, you get the complete picture of this natural wonder.
Have you done a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef? Which company did you use? Did you fly from Cairns or Port Douglas? Did you see any specific sites (Green Island, Michaelmas Cay, Heart Reef)? How did the aerial view compare to snorkeling/diving? Was the flight smooth or bumpy? Share your Great Barrier Reef flight experiences in the comments below!
Tips for Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights
- GSL Aviation is highly rated on TripAdvisor. Other reputable operators: Reef Helicopters, GBR Helicopters. Research reviews before booking. Fixed-wing planes (Cessna) are cheaper than helicopters.
- Expect to pay $150-250 AUD for 40-60 minute flights. Helicopters cost more ($300-500+) but offer doors-off options. Book in advance for best prices and preferred times.
- Morning flights (8-10 AM) often have better visibility and calmer air. Afternoon can be bumpy and hazy. Flight durations: 30-60 minutes typical. Longer flights see more reef locations.
- Window seats for everyone! Cessna 208B has one seat each side - everyone gets window. Bring camera with polarizing filter to reduce water glare. Front row offers best unobstructed views.
- Clear skies = best visibility but harsh light. Few fluffy clouds add drama to photos. Avoid overcast days (flat lighting). Check weather forecast before booking.
- Popular sites: Green Island (resort island), Michaelmas Cay (seabirds), Upolu Cay, Arlington Reef, Moore Reef. Heart Reef (Whitsundays) is further north - different tour.
- Motion sickness: Small planes can be bumpy, especially in afternoon heat. Take motion sickness medication if prone. Sit near front for smoother ride. Morning flights are calmer.
- Weight restrictions apply! Be honest about weight when booking. Passengers are weighed before flight for balance calculations. Larger passengers may pay extra or need two seats.
- Aerial view shows reef patterns, channels, and scale impossible to see from water. Turquoise shallows vs deep blue ocean. You can spot boats, islands, and massive coral formations from above.
- Combine with snorkeling! Do reef boat trip AND scenic flight for complete experience. See reef from below and above. Some operators offer combo packages.
- Flights are weather dependent. Tours cancel if conditions unsafe. Be flexible with dates. We lucked out with perfect weather after forecast predicted thunderstorms!
Note:
The scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef was absolutely worth it! Sitting in the front row of the Cessna, we had unobstructed views of the reef's turquoise waters, intricate coral patterns, and massive scale. The aerial perspective complemented our snorkeling experience perfectly - seeing the reef from below shows its detail and life, from above shows its structure and immensity. If you're visiting tropical North Queensland, don't miss this opportunity to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders from the sky!