Zoom Helicopters Coral Cay Bubbles

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A helicopter flight from Cairns across the Great Barrier Reef with a 30 minute landing on Vlasoff Sand Cay and a glass of bubbles.

Days

1 hour

Group size

Private

Start / finish

Cairns Airport, General Aviation / Cairns Airport, General Aviation

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter; make your own way to the airport

Meals

A glass of bubbles on the cay

Route

Map of Zoom Helicopters Coral Cay Bubbles

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Included experiences

Vlasoff Sand Cay — 30 minute landing
Green Island — from the air
Arlington and Upolu reefs — reef flight

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AND THE TIDES

This flight is timed around the tide, so after you book Zoom Helicopters contacts you with a check-in time when a landing on the cay is most likely. Meet at the Zoom Helicopters base in the general aviation area at Cairns Airport, where you and your bag are weighed and your pilot gives the safety briefing and talks you through the plan for the day. Life jackets are worn over the water.

30 MINUTES OVER THE REEF

Lift off and head out past Green Island, a coral cay about 6,000 years old with its own patch of rainforest, named by James Cook after the Endeavour's astronomer, Charles Green. The flight then crosses West Arlington Reef, part of Arlington Reef, one of the largest reefs in the northern Marine Park. From the air the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981, shows itself as a maze of coral in every shade of blue, and turtles and rays are often seen in the shallows.

30 MINUTES ON VLASOFF CAY

Then the helicopter sets down on Vlasoff Cay, a sand island in the middle of the reef that shrinks to a few square metres at high tide. You have about half an hour to walk the sand barefoot, paddle at the water's edge and raise a glass of bubbles with nothing but reef in every direction. The cay is public, so a landing only happens when the tide allows it and no one else is on it. If you can't land, the flight carries on to the Outer Reef instead, climbing to 3,000 feet for a wider view.

UPOLU REEF AND HOME

After the cay you fly over Upolu Reef and its small sand cay, where reef day boats anchor for snorkelling, then turn for the coast with the rainforest of the Great Dividing Range rising behind Cairns, and land back at the airport about an hour after leaving.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Zoom Helicopters, Building 21, Bush Pilots Avenue, Aeroglen (Cairns Airport). The check-in time is given at booking, based on the tides.
Please note: Minimum 2 passengers. The maximum single seat weight is 130 kg. Weights more than 10% over those advised at booking may incur extra charges or reduced luggage, and Zoom Helicopters may refuse travel with a 100% cancellation fee.

What to bring

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Small soft bags only; personal items no more than 10 kg

What is included

30 minute scenic helicopter flight
30 minute landing on Vlasoff Sand Cay
A glass of bubbles

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.