Ocean Rafting 60 Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef And Whitehaven
Tour overview
See the Whitsundays the way most visitors never do. This 60 minute scenic flight with Ocean Rafting takes off from Whitsunday Airport, just 8 minutes from Airlie Beach, and heads out over the Whitsunday Islands to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
From the air you will see Heart Reef, the swirling white sands of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, and many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Every guest gets a window seat, and your pilot points out the sights with live commentary through your headset the whole way.
Flights depart six times a day, and a courtesy bus picks you up from your mainland Airlie Beach accommodation and drops you back afterwards, so the whole experience fits easily into a morning or afternoon.
Tour Highlights
- Fly over Heart Reef, one of the most photographed sights on the Great Barrier Reef
- See the swirling white sands of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach from above
- Cruise over the outer Great Barrier Reef and its turquoise reef patterns
- Spot many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands on the way out and back
- Guaranteed window seat with large viewing windows for photos
- Live commentary from your pilot through your own headset
- Courtesy bus pickup and drop-off from mainland Airlie Beach accommodation
Itinerary
*Example itinerary only. The flight path and timing may change on the day due to weather and operating conditions.
Pickup From Airlie Beach
The courtesy bus collects you from your mainland Airlie Beach accommodation and takes you to Whitsunday Airport at Flametree, about 8 minutes away.
Whitsunday Airport
Check in at the airport lounge, store your bags in a secure locker and get weighed for seating. Your pilot then gives a short safety briefing before boarding.
The Whitsunday Islands
Fly out over the Whitsunday Islands with your pilot pointing out the islands, bays and passages below.
Heart Reef And The Great Barrier Reef
Head out to the outer Great Barrier Reef for views of Heart Reef and the reef patterns stretching across the water.
Hill Inlet And Whitehaven Beach
On the way back, see the swirling sands of Hill Inlet and the long white stretch of Whitehaven Beach from above.
Whitsunday Airport And Airlie Beach
Land back at Whitsunday Airport, then the courtesy bus drops you back at your Airlie Beach accommodation.
Good to know
Weights required: full names and exact weights for every passenger are needed at booking so the pilot can balance the aircraft, and everyone is weighed before boarding. For bookings within 24 hours of departure, call Ocean Rafting on (07) 4946 6848.
Is This Tour Suitable For You?
What's included
Included
- 60 minute scenic flight
- Guaranteed window seat
- Headset with live pilot commentary
- Courtesy bus transfers from mainland Airlie Beach accommodation
- Airport lounge, secure lockers and free airport parking
- All fees and taxes
Not included
- Transfers for Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream or Long Island guests
- Food and drinks
What To Bring
You only need a few things for the flight.
- Camera or phone for photos
- Sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
What Will I See On The Scenic Flight?
The flight covers the highlights of the Whitsundays in one hour. You will see Heart Reef and the outer Great Barrier Reef, the swirling sands of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, and many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands along the way.
Will I Get A Window Seat?
Yes. Every seat on the aircraft is a window seat, and the large viewing windows make it easy to take photos of the reef and islands below.
Why Do I Need To Give My Weight?
Small aircraft need to be balanced carefully, so the pilot uses each passenger's weight to plan the seating. Please give exact weights when you book. All passengers are weighed again before boarding, and the maximum weight per seat is 125 kg.
Is There A Pickup Service From Airlie Beach?
Yes. A courtesy bus collects you from your mainland Airlie Beach accommodation about 45 minutes before your flight and drops you back afterwards. If you are staying at Port of Airlie, you can be collected from the Greyhound bus terminal. Guests staying on Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream or Long Island cannot join this flight.
Flight Airport Departure Point Map
Flights depart from Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour), 12 Air Whitsunday Drive, Flametree, about 8 minutes from Airlie Beach. Free parking is available if you prefer to drive.
Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight Reviews On Google
Terms and Conditions Of Travel
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. Flights may be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, and you will be offered another time or a full refund. Full names and exact weights for every passenger are required at booking. Bookings within 24 hours of departure must be made by calling Ocean Rafting on (07) 4946 6848. Flights are operated by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVE Air Pty Ltd, AOC CASA.AOC.0067.
Health & safety: All passengers are weighed before boarding and the maximum weight per seat is 125 kg. Please follow the pilot's safety briefing and instructions at all times. The aircraft is not wheelchair accessible.
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