Reef Flight Plus Cruise Combo

GSL Aviation pairs a 40 minute Reef Hopper flight with a Big Cat full-day cruise to Green Island, buffet lunch included. It rates 4.4 across 127 reviews. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

This package pairs a 40 minute scenic flight with a full day cruise to Green Island, run by two operators working together. GSL Aviation flies the first leg, a Reef Hopper circuit over Cairns, Green Island, Palm Cove and Arlington Reef in a high-wing aircraft where every passenger has a window seat. The pilot provides commentary throughout the flight.

After landing, a courtesy bus runs between the airport and the Cairns Reef Terminal. From there the day continues with Big Cat's Reef Rocket to Green Island, roughly a nine and a half hour day in total. The cruise includes a buffet lunch plus either a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour or snorkel equipment hire. Self-guided island walks and fish feeding cost nothing extra, and the Big Cat vessel stays available as an air-conditioned base while you are on the island.

It suits travellers who want the reef twice over: from the air in the morning and from the water after. Reviewers repeatedly single out the flight as the highlight, and several also praise the organisation of the day from transfers through to the cruise itself.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Scenic flight from CairnsThe 40 minute Reef Hopper flight departs Cairns Airport in a high-wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats and pilot commentary.
2. Bus to the reef terminalA courtesy bus transfers you from the airport to the Cairns Reef Terminal. Note that the listing does not state hotel pickup.
3. Cruise to Green IslandBoard Big Cat's Reef Rocket for the sailing across to Green Island.
4. Time on the islandYour ticket covers a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour or snorkel equipment hire. Self-guided walks and fish feeding are also included, and the Big Cat vessel serves as an air-conditioned base.
5. Buffet lunchLunch is a buffet served as part of the cruise package.
6. Return cruiseSail back to the Cairns Reef Terminal, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of a day that runs from morning take-off to late afternoon docking.

• Window seat. Every passenger gets a window seat on the flight, which several reviewers confirmed and appreciated for photos. The high-wing design keeps views downward clear. Bring a camera or phone with space for plenty of shots.
• Choose reef viewing. On the island you pick between the glass bottom boat coral viewing tour and snorkel equipment hire. One reviewer noted the boat option works well for anyone not comfortable with snorkelling, so decide before you board.
• Weather matters. Flights depend on pilot discretion, weather, aircraft availability and air traffic control, so a clear morning is not guaranteed. One reviewer counted themselves lucky with the conditions. If GSL Aviation cancels, they will try to reschedule or refund the affected booking.
• Transfers run smooth. The courtesy bus links the airport and the reef terminal. One reviewer described the transfers between plane and boat as well organised and efficient, and another mentioned the pilot personally driving the van to the terminal.
• Pace and food. The day is long, at 9.5 hours, with the flight first and island time after. Buffet lunch is included, and one reviewer found it good, though another felt it was not provided; confirm meal arrangements on the live booking page before you go.
• Optional extras. One reviewer mentioned a guided boat trip for snorkelling available on the island for an extra fee, and suggested it could be worth offering as an option at the time of booking. If the standard inclusions sound limited, it is worth asking about that option before the day.

Common issues. The flight is weather dependent, and the operator states plainly that times may vary and cancellations can happen, with rescheduling or a refund offered in those cases. One reviewer reported that lunch was not provided despite the listing, so it is worth confirming inclusions on the booking page. Another felt the snorkelling fell short of expectations without the paid guided boat option. Infants under 3 travel free on a paying adult's lap, and the listing says to contact GSL Aviation for clarification on that. Hotel pickup is not part of the package, only the airport to terminal bus.

Choosing A Tour