GREAT BARRIER REEF BY AIR & SEA: HELI TOURS NORTH QUEENSLAND
We have ticked off so many items off our bucket list and if there was one thing that should be at the top of yours, it's a helicopter tour over the Great Barrier Reef.
This is honestly, hands down one of the best experiences we have ever done to date. I am confident it will be at the top of just about every "best of" lists that we write in the foreseeable future. The Great Barrier Reef is best explored by suiting up and going for a scuba dive, however if you want to truly appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the worlds biggest barrier reef, then you need to take it to the skies.
Your flight leaves from Cairns airport and as the shoreline disappears behind you, you are treated to spectacular views of the famous Green Island. If you weren't ready with your cameras, this is the time as we wouldn't be surprised if you went through your entire vacations SD card in the space of a few minutes.
Landing on Vlasoff Sand Cay
If your jaw hadn't dropped yet or you had time to pick it back up, the next part is where the magic happens. A speck of white sand in the distance slowly approached us as we started to descend into the reef. Before I knew what was going on we were landing on this tiny and secluded sand cay.
As I am writing this article I am brought back with memories of the absolute shock that we had as we landed on our own private and secluded beach. I can't put into words how incredible it is, the photographs will do it better justice.
Bek and and Matt from Helitours North Queensland sure know how to put on a show and especially know how to end 2016 the right way. Deck chairs, champagne and food were laid out on the white sand. If I hadn't proposed to Jess in the Maldives, this would be my second choice!
Exploring the Reef
We had made it out to the barrier reef, of course we were going to go out and explore it. Stinger suits on and a snorkel in hand we headed out to see the reef for the first time since touching down in Cairns. We dived in and were surrounded by tropical fish and colourful corals.
As we dried off and made our way back to the helicopter, it was hard to say goodbye, but the best part was - we were only half way done as we continued to explore the outer reef by air on our way back to Cairns.
Helicopter Tour over Great Barrier Reef Video
As always we film our daily travel adventures on YouTube, so make sure you check out our day exploring the reef by air and sea. If you enjoy the video we would love for you to hit subscribe and make sure you let Bek and Matt know we sent you so they can hook you up with the best price!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVsBcY9JwQg
You can book a 30 minute Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour from AUD$375 per person.
Flying The Nest was welcomed as a guest of Heli Tours North Queensland, however as always all opinions are our own.
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