Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Fun but too short

The helicopter ride was absolutely beautiful! Our pilot, Jules, was really down-to-earth and fun to talk to. We were supposed to go to the sand cay and have that to ourselves but there was a tour there already so the helicopter was not allowed to land there. Instead we were flown to the Green Island. We were provided a picnic lunch and a bottle of champagne! The thought is very cool but the practicality of being able to have lunch, drink the champagne, and snorkel in just 2 hours is not realistic. Apparently the 2 hours includes the time of us getting off and on the helicopter, walking to the beach, and setting up the chairs. We sat in the chairs for maybe 10 minutes, snorkeled for 50 minutes, then when we got back we were rushed to leave since Jules had another tour to attend to. For the amount of money we had to pay for a "private" lunch and helicopter ride, I think the amount of time to wherever we end up going to should be longer especially since we did not end up getting any privacy.

Great- just check equipment!

The experience was Amazing but my husband who has received this as a gift. Unfortunately mine was not so great with different size flippers and a child’s mask, so couldn’t snorkel- so disappointed. Pilot was lovely, food great. disappointing I haven’t heard from Nautilus

Absolutely Breathtaking!!!!! 10/10

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!! Planned this surprise on NYE, crystal clear water, breathtaking views, very friendly staff, once in a lifetime experience so 100% worth the money! Vlassof Cay is literally perfection! Made to feel like a VIP! Best thing I’ve ever done (I’ve travelled a lot) so this beats any other attraction in Cairns. You need to see the GBR from above to understand it’s true beauty. Most amazing day of my life!!! Thank you Nautilus Aviation ❤️🚁

Incredible views and fun trip out on the reef

First time in a helicopter at 50 years of age and can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner. Pilot Michael was very reassuring- the trip was smooth and had beautiful views of the reef. We even saw a turtle and a stingray. Lovely picnic hamper. Very enjoyable experience and would definitely do it again.

The BEST experience ever

One of the best experiences I’ve ever had!!! You cannot put a price on this outstanding trip. The day was absolutely perfect and the pilot was very knowledgeable and friendly. We forgot his name but he was such a great pilot. We were fortunate enough to land on the sandcay and have a beautiful picnic followed by snorkelling. The food in the picnic was absolutely awesome!!! We got given so much and it was delicious! The picturesque views were one of a kind and the snorkelling was fantastic. We got to see so much of the reef - it was the best!!! I would do this trip over and over again if I could. Thank you so much it was the best day ever!!! If I could give 10 stars I would.

Disappointment

We made a reservation for the day trip with flight over the coral reef, snorkelling around and lunching on the cay. This was for a special occasion and we were looking for it for a very long time. It was the main reason we came to Cairns actually. We were supposed to be picked up at the hotel at 0745. At 0815 since no one had shown up I called Nautilus and was told that there were some technical problems but that someone would pick us up at 0845. We walked around and were back at the hotel at 0845. At 0900 since no one had shown up I called again and was told that the pick up car was delayed due to traffic. Eventually the car showed up and we were driven to Nautilus Aviation. At that stage we were welcomed by a very embarrassed officer who explained that there had been a technical problem on an helicopter which could not be fixed. Hence the trip had to be cancelled. We were proposed instead either to postpone to the next day - which was not possible since this was when we had to leave - or a 30’ flight at no cost to us. This is what we did. We were not charged and the company apologised. The flight was nice but nothing to compare to the full day trip. We also regretted very much the fact that no one had called us at 0745 to explain the situation. In conclusion, the company behave properly in trying to address the issue but the information did not come on time and the overall experience a great disappointment.

This tour was amazing!! It was once in...

<p>This tour was amazing!! It was once in a lifetime. Spend the money!</p>

It's really worth the money. The...

<p>It's really worth the money. The entire small island was completely for us only! How great was it! Everyone we met was friendly and very knowledgable. I definitely will recommond this tour to my friends.</p>

The opportunity to visit idyllic...

<p>The opportunity to visit idyllic Vlasoff Cay is wonderful, however the reality of this happening seems incredibly slim.</p> <p>We booked this trip based on the plan fuelled by many lovely photos of visiting Vlasoff Cay, however we ended up on Turtle Beach. The tour company are thorough from every angle to ensure you understand that if Vlasoff Cay is occupied, then landing on Turtle Beach is the alternative - they make you sign numerous disclaimers agreeing you understand this. However, what they failed to do was advise from their experience, how unlikely it is that you will land there. We emailed quite a few times beforehand asking for the odds and even asked for photos of Turtle Beach so we could make an informed decision it's a lot of money! but didn't receive anything useful back. We even suggested leaving earlier in the morning to ensure we'd be able to land, but were told that we couldn't due to tides - our pilot on the day said the tides wouldn't have stopped us flying early. </p> <p>On the day we flew it seemed like they already knew we couldn't land there. This meant we flew out for 15mins over the reef and then landed on Turtle beach. The beach is lovely, but exactly like all the others along the coast. The 'champagne' was sparkling Jacobs Creek and the picnic was squashed sandwiches, they could do a much better job of this. It's also worth noting that the pilot stays with you, which isn't explained in the description. </p> <p>This trip has the promise of being amazing, but for us it didn't get anywhere close to that, and ended up being one VERY expensive helicopter ride and average picnic. </p> <p>We wouldn't recommend this trip.</p>

I would give a three and a half star...

<p>I would give a three and a half star review. The Nautilus Helicopter staff were fabulous. The only downside was the flight was quite short and although the trip did go to the reef we all thought it would be further out where the day trippers go. Having said that the snorkelling was enjoyable, the little island we landed on was lovely and we had a delicious lunch. So well worth doing.</p>

Amazing!! We ended up on Turtle...

<p>Amazing!! We ended up on Turtle beach, had our breakfast there and went snorkeling a bit. </p> <p>It was super nice and relaxing. The pilot was great and amazing she took us for a tour around the reef, just beautiful.</p>

Just do it<br/> 5 of 5 stars Pending...

<p>Just do it<br/> 5 of 5 stars Pending review<br/> Nautilus helicopters excelelnt trip out to the reef, what else can I write, you own little part of the Great Barrier Reef for two and a half hours.<br/> Both ground staff and our pilot Jenna provided excellent no hassle service, from check-in, to both the out-bound and in-bound flights.<br/> The condition of the helicopter look new, fresh out of the box so to speak very clean.<br/> Jenna provided a running comentry concerning the reef on both the outbound and inbound flights and answered any questions.<br/> Being educated in England with we know little or nothing of Australians geography or history.<br/> Food hamper was again excellent, nice to sit back, eat and watch the world go by on your own little atoll.<br/> The helicopters arrival temporary disturbs the resident birds who return minutes latter.<br/> The snorkling was just enough, you have to go to the edge of the sand bar in order to see any local inhabitants.</p> <p>Well worth it, excellent staff unlike those I encounter at offshore check in's around the world.<br/> Get your money out, just do it you will not regret it.</p>

The weather was the problem, the...

<p>The weather was the problem, the pilot did all he could to make the most if it but we couldn't have the picnic. I was dissapointed but it couldn't be helped. Wish I had more days there so I could have rescheduled in better weather.</p>

The people at the tour company were...

<p>The people at the tour company were very friendly and comfortable to be around. The food was fantastic! We weren't exactly sure what we expected, but this experience far exceeded everything we could have imagined! Highly recommend it to anyone wanting a "private" experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Much better than riding 2 hours each way in a boat and having to spend 4hrs on a pontoon with numerous other vacationers.</p>

For a special occasion, or even just...

<p>For a special occasion, or even just because, this is a sensational trip to do. On time, professional pick up from our hotel, followed by a required safety information session, but it wasn't long til we were in the sky. Landing on Middle Cay just as the tide was receding was fantastic. While we snorkelled, our pilot laid out a picnic rug and champagne brunch - a very generous offering compared to others we have experienced! Having two hours to snorkle, swim, lie in the sun and just enjoy the reef was wonderful. An experience we couldn't recommend more highly!</p>

I definitely recommend this trip to...

<p>I definitely recommend this trip to anyone - great experience with a very friendly and knowledgable pilot.</p>

The helicopter flight was wonderful...

<p>The helicopter flight was wonderful, the staff, pilot and food provided were excellent. Unfortunately it was quite breezy on the day but you wouldn't have known it in the helicopter. Cannot rate the experience highly enough and will definitely do it again.</p>

The Heli charter was awesome. My wife...

The Heli charter was awesome. My wife and I were on the Cay for a memorable mimosa and picnic. Water was a bit rough due to a storm, but you cant control a storm, can you. Great moments for our honeymoon! Food was OK, Mimosa was wonderful. Highly recommend. Note The pilot and the helicopter stay with you on the Cay. We did have some unwelcome boaters dock but left after 15 minutes. Also, if other people have arrived at the Cay before you, the helicopter cannot land and your package becomes a 1 hour great barrier reef and rainforest tour.

we had a fantastic time. Our Pilot was...

we had a fantastic time. Our Pilot was very informative about the area and very easy going and friendly. We have been telling everyone about our trip. It was the best thing we've ever done!

I would highly recommend this tour to...

I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. The picnic lunch was wonderful and the pilot was very personable. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had a fantastic time on this trip...

We had a fantastic time on this trip and would definitely recommend it. Our pilot was excellent, really interesting and good fun and helped make the trip even more special. Please pass on our thanks! The food was also excellent and loads of it. Sitting drinking champagne at 10am on a deserted sand island surrounded by sea was a perfect way to spend my boyfriend's birthday!