Whitsunday Helicopter Rides - Are They Worth the Splurge?

Welcome to the Whitsunday Islands, where there’s pure white sand and pristine blue waters as far as the eye can see. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel, or sail to your heart’s content and marvel at its diverse marine life. But there’s no better way to get the complete picture of the archipelago’s captivating 74 islands, as well as the world’s most extensive coral reef system, than with a Whitsundays helicopter flight.

At thousands of feet up in the air, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sprawling Great Barrier Reef, gorgeous beaches, and more. With a front-row seat to the natural wonders, you won’t want to miss a single moment. But the problem is: how do you pick the right one for you?

We’ve broken down the details of the best Whitsundays helicopter tours available to help you decide whether to splurge or save.

It all comes down to the kind of experience you want. Whitsunday chopper flights are generally pretty pricey. However, more affordable options will fly you above the most famous sites and give you a great view of the islands.

On the other hand, the more expensive helicopter tours typically take longer, giving you more time to take in the sights. They also come with more inclusions, like lunch, time at the beach, and snorkelling equipment, so you’re getting more than just a chopper ride.

Each Whitsunday helicopter tour also takes different routes. Some tours focus on the islands, while others spend more time soaring above the Great Barrier Reef. If you have specific sites you want to see, make sure to check the tour’s itinerary first to know if they’re included.

Spending the holiday at Cairns? Take some time to hop on a plane to soar above the Great Barrier Reef and view its wonders that you won’t see from the ground. This 40-minute Great Barrier Reef tour will give you a taste of North Queensland’s highlights, from the secluded Green Island and the massive Upolu Reef, to the vibrant Palm Cove.

Departing from Cairns Airport, the tour includes bus transfers to and from the city, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. It only allows a maximum of eight passengers per ride to guarantee a window seat for each person and maintain an intimate and exclusive experience.

Take to the skies from Airlie Beach and be treated to amazing views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef on this Whitsunday helicopter ride. For 60 minutes, you’ll be flown above the archipelago and spot the white sands of White Haven Beach, the lush trees of Daydream Island, and the cobalt-coloured waters of Hamilton Island.

This Whitsundays scenic flight includes transfers from Airlie Beach hotels for maximum convenience. Each passenger will enjoy window seats, so no one will miss out on seeing the reef and the islands.

If you’re keen to see the best of the best of the Whitsunday Islands, then this is the tour for you. Onboard a comfy plane with big windows, you’ll glide above Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the swirly sands of Hill Inlet after enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.

This hour-long Whitsundays flight experience offers complimentary bus transfers from Airlie Beach. It’s ideal if you’re staying in town and don’t want to worry about pesky transportation to the airport. It also includes pilot commentary, so you’ll get to hear all the fascinating facts about the islands and the reef.

Instead of spending two hours travelling to Whitehaven Beach by boat, take a plane instead (which only takes 15 minutes!) and enjoy more time at the beach. From your hotel, you’ll be transported to the airport, where you’ll board a plane and get to take in the magnificent Whitsundays from the skies. Touchdown at Whitehaven Beach and take advantage of the snorkelling equipment and stinger suits to see the colourful fish underwater. You can also take a paddleboard to roam around the island’s crystal clear waters.

This four-hour Whitehaven Beach experience includes lunch and drinks, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy paradise. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the amazing sights and great memories!

This Whitsunday helicopter tour sets itself apart as it takes place in a chopper, while the others take place in a plane. This means that this tour flies closer to the water than seaplane flights, so you can actually see the fish from your seat.

From Airlie Beach, this 60-minute Whitsundays flight allows you to pick from different itineraries. There’s an option for people who want to marvel at Whitehaven Beach from way up high, see more of the Great Barrier Reef, or view the reef and spend time at Whitehaven Beach. 

Make the most out of your time on the coast and combine a Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday helicopter tour with coral viewing at a private reef location at Whitehaven Beach. This jam-packed Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach tour includes lunch, hotel pick-up, snorkelling equipment, and stinger suits. The only thing you have to bring is your camera—everything else is taken care of.

After flying from Airlie Beach, you’ll soar above the Great Barrier Reef and get a front-row view of the iconic coral and marine life. Then, you’ll land at the private Hardy Lagoon and enjoy two hours to snorkel, swim, and see the vibrant corals. After, you’ll head to the heavenly Whitehaven Beach, where you can relax and take IG-worthy photos of the white sand and crystal clear blue waters.