5 Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach to Build a Day Around

1.Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,810 reviews · 1h 10m · from $211Our pick

Fly from Whitsunday Coast Airport over Conway National Park, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the islands, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, live English commentary, and a small group of up to seven people. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach are included, though the airport transfer can take 30 to 40 minutes each way.

“I was obsessed with the scenic flight over the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef. 10/10 recommend.”

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2.Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 1 hour · from $237

Fly from Whitsunday Airport with Ocean Rafting for one hour over the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, pilot commentary, hotel pickup, lounge access, and a short transfer from Airlie Beach. Pilots such as Josh, Katie, Lewis, and Joey are praised for clear explanations and calm service.

“The most AMAZING experience! Perfect from start to finish, couldn’t recommend enough!”

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3.Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,188 reviews · 1h 5m · from $274

Take a 65-minute flight from Airlie Beach over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Whitsunday Islands, and Heart Reef. You get a window seat, large panoramic windows, live commentary in English or Chinese, and return transfers from central pickup points. Pilots such as Chris, Alex, and Bilal are praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“This really was the icing on the cake for our stay at Airlie beach. Words cannot describe how stunning this trip was and how beautiful the reef is. Great information from the pilot and a magical trip to remember.”

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4.Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 788 reviews · 1 day · from $378

Fly over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, then join Ocean Rafting for a fast, wet ride to Hill Inlet, two snorkel sites, lunch, and beach time. You get a guaranteed plane window seat, guides such as Heath, Jenna, Tori, and Brad on recent trips, and a small group capped at 12 people.

“Both parts of the tour absolutely amazing!! Take note that December is rainseason in Airlie Beach. My flight was scheduled for Friday but had to be canceled due to difficult weather conditions on that day, but the team did an amazing effort in rebooking it for the next day. For the rafting part (still happened on the original day), skipper Ben and guide Georgia on boat Black Betty did a great job in keeping our mood high - we had so much fun on the boat and during the tour, they put the music up and it was a real party - were even rewarded with sunshine at Whitsunday Coast,…”

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5.1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 746 reviews Top rated

Fly from Airlie Beach over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef on a 60-minute flight with a guaranteed window seat. Your pilot points out Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and marine life below. Pickup is available, groups are capped at 13, and the full experience takes about 90 minutes.

“Amazing experience and journey, pilot was amazing and very informative. Real bucket list journey. Scenery and reef stunning.”

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