GSL Aviation Fly & Snorkelling Adventures

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See the Great Barrier Reef from a window seat, then get in the water: a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns over Green Island and the outer reefs, followed by an afternoon snorkel-only trip with Pure Snorkelling and more than two hours in the water.

Days

Full day

Age

6 years and over

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Cairns Airport / outer Great Barrier Reef / Marlin Marina, Cairns
Marlin Marina, around 5 to 5:30pm

Return

Marlin Marina, around 5 to 5:30pm

Transport

High-wing light aircraft, then a purpose-built snorkel boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of GSL Aviation Fly & Snorkelling Adventures

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Included experiences

Reef Hopper flight — 40 minutes over Green Island and the reef
Palm Cove and Double Island — coastline views on the way back
Marine life talk — presentation from marine biologists before sailing
Outer reef — more than two hours snorkelling with guides

GSL Aviation Fly & Snorkelling Adventures

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BOARDING AT CAIRNS AIRPORT

Your day starts at GSL Aviation's own small terminal at Cairns Airport, where you can leave bags in a locker before the flight. After check-in and a safety briefing you climb aboard a small high-wing plane. With the wing above the windows nothing blocks your view, and every seat is a window seat. Your pilot talks you through the 40-minute Reef Hopper flight, so keep your camera or phone handy.

THE REEF FROM THE AIR

Within minutes of take-off the mainland falls behind and the water turns from green to turquoise. Green Island is a coral cay 27 km from Cairns, named by James Cook in 1770 after his ship's astronomer, Charles Green, and from above you can see its rainforest ringed by white sand and reef flat. Further out lie Arlington Reef, one of the largest reefs off Cairns, and Upolu Reef, with its small sand cay. The Great Barrier Reef stretches about 2,300 km and has been World Heritage-listed since 1981. The plane then swings back along the coast past Double Island and Palm Cove, whose beachfront is lined with old paperbark trees, before landing back at the airport.

MIDDAY: MARLIN MARINA AND THE MARINE TALK

From the airport you make your way into town to Marlin Marina, the main reef boat harbour on the Cairns waterfront, where Pure Snorkelling leaves from D Finger. Before the boat sails around midday, marine biologists give a free talk on the reef's wildlife, so you'll know what you're looking at in the water. The boat was built for snorkellers only, with a platform that lowers into the sea, two toilets and a freshwater shower. No divers, no queue for the water.

AFTERNOON: SNORKELLING THE OUTER REEF

The crew choose the reef on the day to suit the weather, from outer reefs such as Moore Reef, Briggs Reef, Sudbury Reef and Thetford Reef. On the outer reef the water is usually clearer than close to shore. You spend more than two hours in the water, and snorkel guides help beginners and point out giant clams, parrotfish and the turtles that rest on the coral. The boat is back at Marlin Marina in the late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: GSL Aviation's passenger terminal at Cairns Airport, Royal Flying Doctor Street, for the flight; then Pure Snorkelling at D Finger, Marlin Marina, Spence Street, Cairns, for the reef trip.
Departure time: The flight is earlier in the day, with the reef boat leaving around midday. Arrive at the airport terminal at least 30 minutes before your flight; exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back at Marlin Marina in the late afternoon, around 5 to 5:30pm.
Minimum age: 6 years, for the snorkel trip.
Fitness: You need to be able to swim; the trip is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with limited mobility. The small plane takes a little more effort to get in and out of than an airliner.
Please note: Maximum passenger weight on the flight is 125 kg, and you need to give your accurate weight when you book. Flights run at the pilot's discretion, and passing tropical showers can delay take-off by 30 to 60 minutes.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Comfortable tropical clothes and enclosed shoes for the flight
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Camera, phone or a hand-held GoPro (no selfie sticks on the plane)

What is included

40 minute Reef Hopper scenic flight from Cairns Airport
Guaranteed window seat and in-flight pilot commentary
Half-day afternoon snorkel trip with Pure Snorkelling
Marine life presentation before departure
Snorkel equipment
Snorkel guides and reef interpretation

Not included

Transfer from the airport to Marlin Marina (GSL's courtesy bus to Cairns city may be available)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

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.