Bucket list Flight see heart reef from above
Scenic Flight To Heart Reef
Premium Tour Operator
Free Cancellations - Up To 24 Hours Before DepartureDeparture Times
- Departs:
- See Notes
- Returns:
- See Notes
- Departure Point:
Departure Point: Airlie Beach
Departure Times: Click To See Notes
Pricing Options
- RRP $345$329 AUD/ Person — General (Ages 2+)(01 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027)
- $0 AUD/ Person — Infant (Ages 0-23 months) (10 Feb 2025 to 31 Mar 2027)
Shorts
Enjoy the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef from above!
- Enjoy a bird's eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands with a guaranteed window seat!
- Fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet
- Head out to the Great Barrier Reef and see Heart Reef from above
- Guaranteed window for ALL flights
- Only fixed wing scenic flight company departing from Whitsunday Airport
Overview
Make the most of your time in the Whitsundays by joining Ocean Rafting for a unique and memorable flight and sightseeing experience. See the Whitsundays from above with a stunning Whitsunday scenic flight over the islands and Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach!
Marvel over panoramic views for the entire duration of the flight with a guaranteed window seat. Your local pilot will also provide informative in-flight commentary, pointing out particular islands, sites, reefs and marine life in a truly unique experience!
Highlights
- Guaranteed window for ALL flights
- Fly over the Great Barrier Reef
- Fly over some of the 74 Whitsunday Islands
- See the swirling sands of Hill Inlet from above
- Informative in-flight commentary
- Chance to spot marine life!
- Door to Door courtesy bus transfer
- Short 7 minutes drive from Airlie Beach Main street to Whitsunday Airport
- Spend MORE TIME in the AIR & LESS TIME on a bus!
- Only fixed-wing scenic flight company departing from Whitsunday Airport
- Flights depart 6 times a day
- Suitable for all ages
- Courtesy pick up and drop off from local Airlie Beach/Cannonvale Hotels/Parks/Hostels
Couple the 60-minute scenic flight with a day boat cruise on the Ocean Rafting Fly & Raft Package!
Itinerary
Enjoy a bird’s eye view as you soar above the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly over Whitehaven Beach and the picture-perfect postcard of Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, pilot commentary and the best views of the Whitsundays!
Daily Flight Times Available:
Offering 6 departure times per day, please select your flight time on the check out screen.
- 7:00am – 8:00am
- 8:30am – 9:30am
- 10:00am – 11:00am
- 11:30am – 12:30pm
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm
- 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Tour Map
The Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight follows the blue-dotted flight path:
What's Included
- Scenic one-hour flight over the Islands and the Great Barrier Reef
- In-flight commentary
- Guaranteed window seat
- Includes Scenic views of Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef
- Small group tour
- GST and all Marine Parks Fees
- Courtesy pick up and drop off from local Airlie Beach/Cannonvale Hotels/Parks/Hostels
What's Extra
- This is an all-inclusive tour. Optional upgrade to "Fly & Raft" package available - ask us for more details!
What to Bring
- Polarised glasses make the reef clearer
- Camera/Video Camera
- Light jacket for cooler months
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit in one plane?
Ocean rafting has two different types of planes: one with 7 seats for guests, and the other with 11. Both are roomy, comfortable and feature guaranteed window seats, so get ready for dreamy island panoramas with an excellent view.
Can I do the flight while I am pregnant?
Yes, you can. From start to landing, the flight is very smooth and lasts for an hour. However, if you're in doubt about your own personal flying condition, consult your doctor.
Is there a toilet onboard?
There are no toilets on the plane during the hour you're onboard. However, there is a bathroom in the airport that you can use before and after your flight.
Can I bring my luggage?
There is not much space in the plane, so you can only bring a small selection of personal items onboard (phone, camera, water bottle). If you need to though, you can store your luggage in one of the lockers at the airport, or drop them at our Airlie Beach Bag Storage prior to your tour.
Do I have time to eat something at the airport?
You won't have time to eat something from one of the airport cafes prior to boarding. We recommend eating before your trip or ordering something after your flight to eat on the way back.
Will I see anything on a cloudy day?
Yes! The plane flies under the clouds, so you can view the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands even on an overcast day.
Can I talk on the plane?
It is a bit loud in the plane and you will wear headphones with commentary from your pilot, making it a bit difficult to have an in-depth conversation with your neighbour! Some headphones have a microphone, some do not, but you will always be able to understand the pilot!
Will air pressure be a problem?
While every passenger is different, the air pressure change isn't too intense. However, if you are recovering from ear surgery, or have been scuba-diving within 12 hours of your flight, consult your doctor to check that this experience is suitable for you.
Will I get airsick?
Your scenic flight team and pilot pride themselves on offering a smooth, comfortable journey over the stunning Whitsunday Islands, and the vast majority of guests have no problems at all! However, there are sick bags provided for the worst-case scenario!
Can I stand up and walk around during the flight?
No, you can't stand up and move around the plane while you're in the air. But, you'll probably be glued to your panoramic window, taking in views of island havens, turquoise waters and reef marinelife like whales, dolphins and coral gardens!
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight has no minimum age requirement. Children ages 2 and up do require their own seat.
Reviews
Wonderful, everything was perfectly organized and the sightseeing flight was spectacular. If you're in the area, you absolutely must take the flight.
It was 100% worth it. A real highlight of my trip. I could have kept flying for hours! I would definitely do it again.
Loved every second of it. Absolutely worth it!
awesome
