Inner Reef Explorer (30 mins)
Category: Helicopter Flights Scenic Flights
Region: Cairns Region
State: QLD
Duration:
30m
This 30-minute reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef.
Operated By:
Minimum – 2 passengers
This 30-minute flight departs the Cairns airport and tracks out from the
mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing
False Cape, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike
out to the inner edge of the reef starting with Green Island, a 6,000 year-old
coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system.
Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef,
home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and manta
rays.
Continuing north we’ll circle Vlassoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the
reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high
tide. From Vlassoff Cay we head west, over Upolu
Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland
coastline framed by the lush rainforest covered eastern slopes of the
Great Dividing Range.
What to bring:
Sunglasses
& sunscreen.
Camera, small soft bags only.
Personal items should
not exceed 10 kg.
Weight restrictions apply – please follow the booking
form.
Share:

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Samantha
05 Jan 2025
Brandon was amazing !! This was hands down one of the best experiences my partner and I have had an highly recommend. The views are stunning and loved the outer reef flight. Was so personalised and private thank you again Brandon !!
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Rose
02 Jan 2025

Really enjoyed it! Amazing to see the scale of the reefs from the air!
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zak_lb
02 Jan 2025

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Mary
01 Jan 2025

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Rose
01 Jan 2025
This was a great experiance. Flight was nearly an hour long and takes you over the reef and up into the hills over the Barron River. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Would thoroughly recommend this company.
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Clint
28 Dec 2024

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Charmi
24 Dec 2024

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Ian
20 Dec 2024
An absolutely unforgettable experience! Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above on the helicopter tour was simply breathtaking. The views were stunning — vibrant coral formations, crystal-clear blue waters, and the sheer scale of the reef from the air left us in awe.
The tour was perfectly organized, and the team was professional and friendly, making the whole experience seamless from start to finish. This is truly a must-do for anyone visiting the area. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’ll never forget!
The tour was perfectly organized, and the team was professional and friendly, making the whole experience seamless from start to finish. This is truly a must-do for anyone visiting the area. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’ll never forget!
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Marion
17 Dec 2024
We had the most amazing time yesterday flying over the Great Barrier Reef on a Zoom helicopters tour. Chris and his team are fantastic. This whole trip being a bucket list adventure was very much understood by Chris. He knows how lucky they are to fly over this magnificent natural wonder each and every day of the year. I was able to communicate with Chris multiple times prior to our trip and he completely handled every detail for us. I highly recommend Zoom helicopters if you are planning your bucket list trip to Australia. Thanks Zoom and thanks Chris for an experience of a lifetime!
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Ron
13 Nov 2024
What a great experience to fly with Zoom Helicopters. Easy booking, personable staff, and quite flexible to make our flight special to us. The helicopter ride was a great experience that everyone should try, beautiful views over the Great Barrier Reef and we learned so much from our pilot during the flight. Great opportunities to take photos and experience views you can't get anywhere else. I would definitely recommend and can't wait to go again with my next visit to Cairns! Thanks again to the team at Zoom Helicopters for making my trip a memorable moment!
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Lee
14 Oct 2024
What an amazing experience with our pilot Chris at Zoom. Comfortable new helicopter offering unparalleled views of both the Cairns waterways and reefs as well as the gorgeous Kuranda rainforest along the coastal ridge. Highly recommend your personal insights and hope to join you again!
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B
02 Jul 2024

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Brett
02 Jul 2024

My daughter and I did the Rainforest Fusion flight this morning with Niels and it was absolutely amazing.
I am scared of heights, but this fear was quickly forgotten thanks to the beautiful scenery and our pilots lovely friendly manner.
From booking, right through to actually experiencing the flight, they’ve been a great company to deal with. I would 100% recommend Zoom Helicopters too everyone
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Lara
08 Jun 2024

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Laverne
17 May 2024

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favianfls15
28 Apr 2024

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Wannanotherholiday
20 Apr 2024

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Saki1811
19 Apr 2024
What a fantastic experience!
We were lucky enough to land on the sandy cay and enjoy a cold beverage, while watching the turtles, reef sharks and rays swim around us in the shallows. The Zoom team are extremely professional, accommodating and of course excellent pilots. Highly recommend when visiting Cairns.
We were lucky enough to land on the sandy cay and enjoy a cold beverage, while watching the turtles, reef sharks and rays swim around us in the shallows. The Zoom team are extremely professional, accommodating and of course excellent pilots. Highly recommend when visiting Cairns.
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Dan
14 Apr 2024
We were visiting Cairns after a work trip to Brisbane for @brownrigg.insure and my cousin was able to get us a helicopter tour for the 6 of us. Both Chris and Niels were humorous, sincere and amicable.
We look forward to re-living these precious memories through video. They say, God makes no mistakes - seeing just a portion of the Great Barrier Reef reminds us of how sacred nature really is...
Thank you, again!
Best Regards,
Farzin, Troy, Farhana, Sharmin, Aqmar & Muhith
We look forward to re-living these precious memories through video. They say, God makes no mistakes - seeing just a portion of the Great Barrier Reef reminds us of how sacred nature really is...
Thank you, again!
Best Regards,
Farzin, Troy, Farhana, Sharmin, Aqmar & Muhith
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Farzin
05 Apr 2024
My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a 30-minute helicopter ride from Cairns Airport to Green Island and the stunning nearby reefs, all thanks to the expertise of Pilot Niels from Zoom Helicopters. This experience was nothing short of wonderful and amazing!
The weather was perfect, allowing for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the azure waters below. Throughout the journey, I felt incredibly safe and secure, as Pilot Niels skillfully navigated the helicopter, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
What truly made this experience exceptional was Pilot Niels himself. His knowledge and passion for the area were evident, as he shared fascinating insights and trivia about the landmarks we flew over. He was more than happy to answer any questions we had, making the journey not only visually stunning but also intellectually enriching.
Pilot Niels' friendly and approachable demeanor made us feel at ease right from the start. He had a warm and welcoming personality, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the flight. It felt like flying with a friend who genuinely cared about our experience.
The helicopter ride with Pilot Niels was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all expectations. The combination of stunning views, perfect weather conditions, and Niels' expertise and friendliness created an experience that will stay with me forever. I wholeheartedly recommend Zoom Helicopters and Pilot Niels to anyone seeking a truly remarkable aerial tour. Five stars doesn't do justice to the excellence of this journey!
The weather was perfect, allowing for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the azure waters below. Throughout the journey, I felt incredibly safe and secure, as Pilot Niels skillfully navigated the helicopter, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
What truly made this experience exceptional was Pilot Niels himself. His knowledge and passion for the area were evident, as he shared fascinating insights and trivia about the landmarks we flew over. He was more than happy to answer any questions we had, making the journey not only visually stunning but also intellectually enriching.
Pilot Niels' friendly and approachable demeanor made us feel at ease right from the start. He had a warm and welcoming personality, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the flight. It felt like flying with a friend who genuinely cared about our experience.
The helicopter ride with Pilot Niels was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all expectations. The combination of stunning views, perfect weather conditions, and Niels' expertise and friendliness created an experience that will stay with me forever. I wholeheartedly recommend Zoom Helicopters and Pilot Niels to anyone seeking a truly remarkable aerial tour. Five stars doesn't do justice to the excellence of this journey!
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Victoria
02 Apr 2024
Had a wonderful experience with Zoom Helicopters. For best experience, book direct with Zoom! 100% they went above and beyond to take care of us. This was a bucket list tour during our 274 day Ultimate World Cruise port stop.
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Terri
19 Mar 2024
We were trying to squeeze in a helicopter tour of the reef very last minute. After being turned down by multiple places and thinking we missed our opportunity, Zoom Helicopters answered their phone and were happy to take us out on one last tour for the day. Even though it was later in the day, the views were spectacular and the tour was more than we could have asked for. I highly recommend Zoom Helicopters.
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Heather
03 Jan 2024
An outstanding trip flying out to Green Island from Cairns Airport and back inland to Barron Falls and Gorge. Certainly the most spectacular way to see the reef and fall.
I would highly recommend this flight to everyone and could only give this flight 10/10
I would highly recommend this flight to everyone and could only give this flight 10/10
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Dave
03 Jan 2024
Excellent host Chris Cooper, he took us on a last minute flight on the helicopter and gave us a extended tour to the coral reef. Highly recommend
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Trendz
01 Jan 2024

you do have to put it on your bucket list
want to thank the team chris & the staff dennis for a great journey
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tnqm2022
20 Dec 2023

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lindymcleod3
09 Dec 2023

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386ge0rgie12
08 Dec 2023

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Reagan
02 Dec 2023

We were checked in last Saturday and piloted by Niels, a friendly , gentle , respectful and knowledgeable helicopter pilot .. who took us up and out over all the reef , at various heights to get the best views, and at a relaxing gentle speed that put us totally at ease .
We learned about the eco system of the reef , the area in general , the sand bars , Green Island.. It was to use superlatives , a life affirming and unforgettable experience ..
I’ve paid a lot more money for a forgettable meal for two than we were charged for this fantastic flight ..
May Niels and the team at Zoom go on to further great things ..
thank you !
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TonyF22
28 Nov 2023

Support a locally owned business and see the reef speedily and elegantly without having to bother with runways!
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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-12-03
Thank you very much for your great and detailed review! I'm thrilled to hear you had such a great time flying with Niels! A helicopter flight with us over the reef is indeed such a great way to see the vast expanse of the reef outside Cairns. All the best
J7J8J
25 Nov 2023
I had an amazing experience with Zoom Helicopters in Cairns! The city flyover was a blast, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to explore the area from above. The staff was incredibly friendly and informative, making sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire journey. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and I felt safe and well taken care of the entire time. If you're looking for a fun and memorable adventure in Cairns, I highly recommend Zoom Helicopters
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mlarsen
29 Oct 2023

It was a gift for my 18 year olds birthday and it was the perfect present a memory forever!
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FNQGBR
18 Oct 2023

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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-10-14
Hi there, thank you for your lovely review. Fantastic to hear you enjoyed the flight with Niels!

jtbgy9229
08 Oct 2023

His knowledge and experience made the flight.
I would happly recommend to anyone looking a great experience.
Cheers.
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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-10-14
Thank you so much for your review! Great to hear Johnno was able to contribute to the highlight of your holiday.

r0bj0nes1
08 Oct 2023

Would recommend Zoom a 100 times over and we will definitely fly again with Zoom, Next time we are in town we will be taking the kids to fly the Reef.
Thank you again Zoom Helicopters!
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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-10-14
Thanks for your review and flying with us Jamee! Next time you're in town we'd love to welcome you back on board with the kids!

supergirljamee
03 Oct 2023

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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-10-14
Thank you so much for leaving us a wonderful review. Great to hear Niels was able to help make your trip to Cairns a special one.

D-Ctraveltime
30 Sep 2023

Chris runs a very professional and experienced aviation adventure, par excellence.
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J7075AKchrisc, Manager at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-10-14
Thank you for your detailed review Sean, great to hear you enjoyed the flight with Niels!

seanglendenning1965
28 Sep 2023
Super relaxed and awesome flight. Skilled pilot and very welcoming.
Would recommend as also does rainforest flights. Only a 10min uber from the city as well. If you ask nicely the pilot might even let you have a coconut.. :)
Would recommend as also does rainforest flights. Only a 10min uber from the city as well. If you ask nicely the pilot might even let you have a coconut.. :)
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jamesvini
17 Sep 2023

I was met by the lovely Niels, my warm and welcoming pilot. After a clear safety briefing, we took off, after he had offered free drinks, including champagne for my flight! Nice touch.
The trip itself was amazing and Niels was full of knowledge about everything we saw and much that we didn’t!The hour went super quick, so if money allows I would always recommend getting the longest flight you can..
The helicopters used by Zoom are not like those you see taking off by the beach, they are smaller and bubble like, meaning the windows are much larger all the way around giving a great view wherever you sit! These guys are based just outside town by the airport. I would personally say it is well worth going with a small company like Zoom as you really to get fab service and the best views. Highly recommend.
Thanks Niels
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Glenda
09 Sep 2023

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BLfNL
07 Sep 2023

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dilorenzoc1
25 Aug 2023

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seeda64
21 Aug 2023

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B9626JHheatherc
18 Aug 2023

We spotted whales and large turtles ( with a little help from Chris’ eagle eyes )
Zoom is a top notch business and deserves every 5 star rating from customers
Well done Chris and thank you for making our 20th anniversary so wonderful
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DamoNSW
18 Aug 2023

It was fascinating to hear the conversations between air traffic control and Johno, our pilot, before take off. Safety was paramount. The flight was smooth, but got very exciting with some of the tight turns to see some marine life on the reef. The view is pretty much unobstructed. We saw turtle, rays and a large shark on the edge of the reef. We returned over Green Island.
Our Johno was very informative and jovial. You are also provided with a usb stick with a video recording.
I would certainly do this again. It even has made me consider taking lessons. Loved the feeling of freedom and flying.
Get a taxi to the site, as it is not that obvious to get to.
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SAMARSHALL77
14 Aug 2023

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Chris C, Owner at Zoom Helicopters, responded to this review - 2023-08-15
Hi there,
Thank you for your review. I’m very pleased that you were well looked after by the pilot, but at the same time I’m disappointed that the weather took the edge off your experience. We’ve certainly had some very unseasonal weather this month.
Scheduling flights during these times can be challenging. We only proceed if we genuinely feel that we can deliver a flight that provides all the sights and experiences that we describe on our website. I know that the pilot proceeded exactly on this basis and flew the entire flight as best he could.
Occasionally we have to alter our flight paths. Sometimes this is for Air Traffic Control requirements, and sometimes (such as in this instance) it is due to the weather conditions. Whilst the total duration was no less than what was expected, it was necessary to cut short a section of the reef, so I do understand your frustration which is very much shared.
Very best regards,
Chris.

bobbiebartkus45
08 Aug 2023

Learned interesting things about Cairns and it’s Islands. A million thanks to our pilot.
A faire et à refaire!! Expérience inoubliable !!! On recommande sans hésitation. Merci!!
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Tatiana_aaaaaaaaaa
07 Aug 2023
Mine and my partners first time ever in a Helicopter and Jonno was absolutely brilliant, we could not have asked for a better experience. He explained all the Islands and reefs as we were flying out to them. Thanks for an unforgettable experience mate!???? 10/10 would recommend
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Connor
21 Jul 2023

We did this experience with our son (1 years old), they give us the equipment for him and he was seat on our legs.
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Audinoe
11 Jul 2023

Unforgettable and highly recommended for anyone visiting Cairns.
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brunoosorio98
08 Jul 2023
Amazing first helicopter experience and what a ride it was! Johnny was the perfect man for this, relaxing me with his joyful attitude, lovely smile that never leaves his face and just overall great storytelling, guiding and high skill, making sure I’m comfortable on all turns. He was also very flexible, as we changed our date and time literally on the morning of the ride, seeing as the weather was forecasted to rain on our original booking date. Beautiful ride, an absolute must do in Cairns for the view of the reef. I 100% recommend Zoom, we did the 40min Outer Reef ride and I wished we booked the longer version with a stop on the sand island! Next time! Thank you Johnny ❤️
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S
05 Jul 2023

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Kingdavid215
29 Jun 2023

The reef was spectacular, mantas, rays and turtles a plenty kept use excited.
Thanks Dave.
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bigbronta
10 Jun 2023
I had an absolutely unforgettable birthday experience with Zoom Helicopters.
From start to finish, they exceeded my expectations and made my scenic helicopter tour an incredible adventure.
The moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable Pilot (Niels), who made me feel at ease. He took the time to explain all the safety protocols and ensured that I was comfortable throughout the entire journey.
The helicopter itself was top-notch. It was impeccably clean and well-maintained, instilling confidence in the overall safety of the tour. Niels was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable. He shared fascinating information about the reefs, adding an educational aspect to the breathtaking views.
Speaking of views, they were absolutely mesmerizing! I couldn't have asked for a more scenic route.
The duration of the tour was just right, allowing me to soak in the beauty of the surroundings without feeling rushed. The entire experience was so smooth and well-coordinated.
From start to finish, they exceeded my expectations and made my scenic helicopter tour an incredible adventure.
The moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable Pilot (Niels), who made me feel at ease. He took the time to explain all the safety protocols and ensured that I was comfortable throughout the entire journey.
The helicopter itself was top-notch. It was impeccably clean and well-maintained, instilling confidence in the overall safety of the tour. Niels was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable. He shared fascinating information about the reefs, adding an educational aspect to the breathtaking views.
Speaking of views, they were absolutely mesmerizing! I couldn't have asked for a more scenic route.
The duration of the tour was just right, allowing me to soak in the beauty of the surroundings without feeling rushed. The entire experience was so smooth and well-coordinated.
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Maria
07 Jun 2023

The moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable Pilot (Niels), who made me feel at ease. He took the time to explain all the safety protocols and ensured that I was comfortable throughout the entire journey.
The helicopter itself was top-notch. It was impeccably clean and well-maintained, instilling confidence in the overall safety of the tour. Niels was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable. He shared fascinating information about the reefs, adding an educational aspect to the breath-taking views.
Speaking of views, they were absolutely mesmerizing! I couldn't have asked for a more scenic route.
The duration of the tour was just right, allowing me to soak in the beauty of the surroundings without feeling rushed. The entire experience was so smooth and well-coordinated.
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marialston
06 Jun 2023

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835lesleyg
05 Jun 2023

Absolutely superb flight with an awesome pilot who provided a commentary on various points of interest during the flight. We landed on an uninhabited sand island off the coast and observed sea birds experienced the reef from here, the reef water had amazing clarity and the coral reef were stunning
Highly recommend Zoom for a recreational flight.
Added bonus the aircraft was brand new so clean and comfortable and we received an inflight video recorded of our flight experience too.
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dermo2023
02 Jun 2023
Unbelievable bucket list moments - fantastic views. Experienced guide Niels who had knowledge of the reef and area. Loved that it’s no more than 3 people at a time all with window seats! Well worth the $$$
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Kelly
31 May 2023

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allinservice
24 May 2023