Helicopter and Snorkelling Day Tour

Nautilus Aviation work in partnership with the Evolution - Reef Cruise to offer great reef packages. You can choose from a Fly/Cruise half day trip, Fly/Fly half day trip or Cruise/Fly full day trip.

Evolution Boat Information:

The Evolution vessel offers a memorable reef experience to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A large, sleek vessel cruising at high speed provides a comfortable ride and takes up to 140 passengers. Professional, friendly and attentive staff help ensure a safe and enjoyable fun-filled experience. Evolution has reef permits for Saxon and Hastings Reef Sites.

Cruise/Fly Full Day Package 

Departs Cairns: 8.00am

Returns Cairns: 4.00pm

Package Includes:

• 2 Outer Reef sites
• 5 hours at the Reef
• snorkel equipment and flotation provided
• BBQ lunch
• 25 minute helicopter flight over the Reef back to Cairns

Fly/Cruise Half Day Package

Departs Cairns: 12.15pm

Returns Cairns: 4.45pm

Package Includes:

• 25 minute helicopter flight over the Reef from Cairns to join the Evolution boat
• 1 Outer Reef site
• Up to 2 hours at the Reef (snorkel time is a bit less)
• snorkel equipment and flotation provided
• BBQ lunch
• Complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live onboard entertainment for the cruise back to Cairns

Fly/Fly Half Day Package 

Departs Cairns: 12.15pm

Returns Cairns: 3.30pm

Package Includes:

• 25 minute helicopter flight over the Reef from Cairns to join the Evolution boat
• 1 Outer Reef site 
• Approx 75 minutes at the Reef
• snorkel equipment and flotation provided
• BBQ lunch
• 25 minute helicopter flight over the Reef back to Cairns
• Return bus transfers to/from cairns hotel

10 Minute Scenic Flight Packages

Departs Cairns: 8.20am

Returns Cairns: 4.30pm

Package Includes:

• 2 Outer Reef sites
• 5 hours at the Reef
• snorkel equipment and flotation provided
• BBQ lunch
• 10 minute helicopter flight over the Reef
• Introductory/Certified dive (if applicable)

Please note all helicopters have a weight restriction protocol – read carefully:

Weight protocol has two components:

a) 10% weight variance from advised; and

b) Exceeding a certain weight limit

 Weight Variance:

• Passengers are allowed a weight variance of up to 10% over original recorded weight. Should this variance be found to be more than 10%, the company reserves the right to charge an additional fee. No refund will apply. 
• This fee comes into effect when a guest weighs in 10% heavier than advised and results in us having to use a bigger helicopter or put up additional flights. 
• The dollar amount of this fee is not specified, as it will be circumstantial to covering our additional incurred costs.

 Weight limit:

• Any passenger who weighs over 110kg will need to purchase an additional seat, which will be charged at 50% of the fare rate and payable directly to Nautilus Aviation on the day of travel.
• This is to ensure we don’t exceed individual helicopter seat limits and that we do task the appropriate helicopter for the job; and for the comfort of all guests travelling. 
• Please ensure Nautilus is aware of any booking over 110kg, as we will need to close a seat on the appropriate flight template. 
• The fee may be waived on the day should we happen have a vacant seat on the helicopter anyway.