Nautilus Aviation 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight

Aircraft 

• Aircraft tasked for tourism flights are allocated by Nautilus Aviation.

• Aircraft for charter flights may be selected by the client – subject to availability, task appropriateness and combined weights of passenger and luggage complying with aircraft specifications.

Booking Conditions

• All charter flights are confirmed subject to availability and weather.

• All tours are confirmed subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.

• Single passenger tourism bookings are welcome however our products require a minimum number of passengers to proceed. Our Reservations team will reach out to confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order. For instant confirmation please call the team on (07) 4034 9000.

• Nautilus Aviation accommodates both FIT and Group passengers on our 30-, 45- and 60-minute Scenic Flights from Cairns daily. To ensure smooth operations, passenger Check-in comfort & minimise delays, all 30-, 45- & 60-minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport (2 Pier Point Road Cairns) while all Bookings for 7+ passengers (2+ Helicopters) depart from our General Aviation Airport location (Hangar 7 Bush Pilots Avenue Aeroglen).  All Reef Partner Packages with Down Under Cruise & Dive, Great Adventures OBR and Green Island &  Reef Magic  Cruises depart and return from / to the Pier Heliport.

• In accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority CAAP 235-1 (para.11) all passengers are required to provide full name, accurate weight and baggage details prior to their flight.

• Seat allocation including window seats for scheduled flights (non-exclusive) are decided based on weight and balance and at the discretion of the pilot or ground crew to ensure the safe carriage of all passengers.

• Reservations are held only when weights are received, and full payment is made – unless credit facilities have previously been arranged.

Check-In

• We recommend you are checked in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

• Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure, and you will not be able to Check-in after this time.

• When planning your arrival at your departure point, please ensure you allow enough time to Check-in. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.

• Upon check-in, passengers will receive mandatory safety briefing.
  
• For verification purposes, please have the credit card used to make your reservation and a valid photo ID ready at check-in.

Children and Infants

• Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price.

• Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.

• Children under the age of 3 are classified an infant and may travel free of charge.

• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.

• Under Australian regulations, an infant is a passenger who has not reached their 3rd birthday.

• Routinely one (1) infant (under 3 years of age) is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s or guardian’s lap with a company provided infant seat belt restraint.

• If travelling with more than one infant, please contact Nautilus Aviation.

• Regarding luggage, prams and seat capsules for infants, please refer to Luggage Allowance.

Conditions of Carriage

• Although all care is taken, Nautilus Aviation accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings, luggage or personal injury due to events beyond our control and will not be liable for additional expenses or inconvenience arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service.

• Nautilus Aviation works in conjunction with other tour operators and is not liable for other operator’s acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by these operators, which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage.

• For terms and conditions of partnered tour operators, please refer to relevant website.

Credit Cards

• Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.

• The surcharge incurred is that set by the corresponding financial institution at the time of booking.

• Visa and MasterCard will incur a 1.2% surcharge. Nautilus Aviation does not accept AMEX.

• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

Dive/Fly Policy

• Quicksilver Cruises, Great Adventures, Reef Magic, Down Under Cruise & Dive conduct on board dive briefings on the cruise to the outer reef. Passengers wishing to enjoy a helicopter flight and dive activities (Intro, Certified, Guided Snorkelling Ocean Walker or Sea Walker and Scuba-Doo) with all vessels, must book the ‘Cruise/Fly’ or Cruise/Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic packages.  For your safety, guests booking a reef trip with Down Under Cruise & Dive that includes a helicopter flight are restricted to one (1) scuba dives only.  

Drone Usage 

EMC

• EMC is an Environment Management Charge of $8.00pp payable to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

• When applicable the EMC applies to all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area.

• Down Under Dive – All prices exclude the Down Under Cruise & Dive $20 levy payable on-board on travel day directly to Down Under Cruise & Dive staff, the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the Down Under Cruise & Dive $20 levy, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.

• Great Adventures – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.

• Quicksilver Cruises – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.

• Reef Magic – The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is included in the price of your cruise ticket, and no additional funds will need to be collected by Nautilus Aviation.

Flight Cancellation By Nautilus Aviation

• Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability.

• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.

• Nautilus strives to ensure your flight takes off as planned. However, unexpected circumstances like bad weather, staffing issues, or unscheduled maintenance may arise. In these instances, we will: Do our best to rebook you on another flight: If possible, we’ll happily reschedule your trip for a different date that works for you. Flight rebooking is subject to availability. Offer a full refund: If rebooking isn’t an option, you’ll receive a full refund for your cancelled flight. Please note the refund will be no greater than the flight amount.

Flight Cancellation and or Amendments

By Direct customer or Travel Agent on behalf of the customer

• Flight cancellations and or amendments require a minimum notification of 48 hours prior to departure.

• Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.

• Any flight amendments made inside 48 hours with incur a 50% penalty. No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure.

• No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.

• In the event of passenger illness, with medical certificate, Nautilus Aviation will reschedule the flight.

• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

Flight Cancellation

By ‘Other’

• Nautilus Aviation accepts no responsibility for any expenses incurred by a passenger because of any domestic or international flight delay, reschedules, alterations, poor weather or unscheduled maintenance.

• Where possible, Nautilus Aviation will attempt to delay the departure of flights providing it does not affect other passengers, products and connecting flights.

• Where a flight cannot be held resulting in a private charter being required, the flight is subject to availability and will incur an additional cost.

• It is recommended that all passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Flight Paths and Schedules

• Nautilus Aviation endeavours to deliver all flights as described on our website or other collateral.

• Due to pilot discretion, weather, Air Traffic Control and other operational considerations beyond our control, flight paths and flight times may at times vary.  For these reasons, Nautilus Aviation cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times and will therefore not be liable for additional expenses arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service as outlined in our *Conditions of Carriage.

Fuel Surcharge

• With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. From 01 April 2026 until further notice a fuel surcharge has been included within the retail rates advertised and will be applied to all new bookings made on or after 01 April 2026. 

Gift Vouchers

• To redeem, the gift voucher (or voucher number) is required upon booking and bookings are essential.

• Gift vouchers are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

• The expiration date of all gift vouchers is three (3) years from the date printed.  The flight must be booked and used within this timeframe.

Insurance 

• Nautilus Aviation carries insurance for all operations undertaken including passenger liability insurance, as required by Australian Aviation Law.

Luggage Allowance

Resort Stays and Charters 

• Helicopters have a limited capacity for the carrying of luggage. It is for this reason all passengers are restricted to a maximum allowance of 15kg per person (including hand luggage).

• Permissions to carry additional luggage for infants is subject to the combined weight (passengers and luggage) being under aircraft specifications on the day of travel. Full size prams do not fit in luggage compartments and capsules/child seats cannot be fitted in the helicopter.

• Due to the size and dimensions of helicopter cargo compartments, luggage is required to be packed into 1x carry on size case or soft duffle bag per person.

• Please note, excess luggage may be stored at the Nautilus Aviation Office.

• Reservation Office Hours: 7:00am to 6:00pm.

Passenger Refusal

• In accordance with Australian Aviation Law, Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to refuse any passenger who, in the opinion of the pilot in command, may provide a hazard to the flight or to the safety and comfort of other passengers.

• Passengers may be refused for reasons including, but not limited to erratic, offensive or threatening behaviour; perceived intoxication; or implied risk to the safety of the flight.

• Nautilus Aviation supports the decision of its pilots and staff members who decide to refuse a passenger.

• In the event a passenger is refused, full charges may apply.

Passenger Weights

• Helicopters (as with all light aircraft) are subject to strict weight specifications per aircraft type.

• Accurate individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised upon booking.

• It is a legal requirement for all passengers and luggage to be weighed at the time of check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee and/or luggage allowance may be further reduced.

• Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130kg.  For passengers exceeding 130kg, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance. This 50% surcharge is payable direct to Nautilus Aviation reservations staff at the time of ticketing. 

Pregnant Passengers

• Pregnant passengers are welcome to enjoy all flights at their own discretion.

• Nautilus Aviation advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation and that seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.

Prices

• Fares are listed per person, in Australian currency (AUD) and are inclusive of GST.

• All rates listed on the website are current year and valid 01 April to 31 March annually.

Refunds

• Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim.

• No refund applies if the booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.

• If passengers do not show for a pick-up or flight, a full 100% cancellation fee applies. If the flight is booked through a third-party website or agent, the third-party will be contacted and notified of applicable charges.

• If a segment of a paid tour was experienced e.g. the helicopter portion or cruise portion of the ‘Fly/Cruise’, ‘Cruise/Fly’ or ‘Cruise + 10 Minute Scenic’, the component not experienced will be refunded, not both.

• When payment is made via credit card, the processing fee from the original transaction will not be returned in the case of a refund.

Safety

• The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority, with no exception.

• The decision of the pilot in command is final with regard to the carriage of luggage, seat allocation and whether a flight is to proceed during times of inclement weather.

• All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior departure.

• When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight. Nautilus Aviation reserves the right to charge $300.00 to any individual / passenger who inflates the life jacket whether accidental or on purpose, except when instructed to do so in the event of an emergency.

• Strictly no smoking in or around the helicopter at any time.

HeliFish Pub Crawl & Fishing Special Terms and Conditions

• Whilst we want you to enjoy the tour there are strict aviation regulations that apply to the carriage of disorderly or abusive passengers and those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Should the situation arise where any passenger is deemed to pose a safety risk to the flight at any point of the tour, the pilot in command reserves the right to refuse travel to that passenger. In the event of this occurring no refund will be issued, and the passenger shall be responsible for making their own arrangements to return to Darwin.

• Customers are responsible for the safe use and care of the fishing equipment provided during the tour. This includes, but is not limited to, rods, reels, lines, tackle, hooks, and other equipment issued to you. Customers are expected to treat all equipment with care and respect and follow instructions from your Pilot / Guide.  If any fishing equipment is damaged during the tour due to misuse, negligence, or accidents caused by the customer, the customer will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Examples of damage includes but is not limited to broken rods or reels. Replacement costs will be charged at wholesale prices and are due at the conclusion of the tour.

Special Assistance

• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with passengers requiring special assistance as additional seating regulations apply.

• Please note, collapsible wheelchairs can only be carried on select aircraft and due to WHS requirements, staff are unable to lift any passengers.

• In conjunction with a traveller needing special assistance 1 x Carer / Companion Card Holder is entitled to a 25% discount off the Retail Price of the desired product for all Direct Nautilus Products (excludes packages with third party suppliers).

• Must be a direct booking only.  Discount does not apply to bookings via third parties including Travel Agents or other distribution.

• Companion card cannot be used when associated with any other Discount / Campaign Nautilus Aviation may be running at the time.

• Card must be provided at time of booking and sighted on day of travel along with ID to verify companion card holder.

Sand Cay Experiences & Rainforest Waterfall Escape

• Vlasoff and Undine Sand Cays are public sand cays that are subject to weather, tides and public occupancy.  Rainforest Waterfall Escape landing is subject to large volumes of rain which can effect landings.

• On the rare occasion they are occupied on our arrival or there is too much water at Stewarts Creek Waterfall we will not be permitted to land. If this occurs passengers will receive an extended reef scenic flight back to point of departure.  Passengers will be able to keep their picnic lunch, and our reservations team will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.

Tour Partners

• For the specific product information and terms and conditions of partnered tour providers, please visit their individual website or contact the operator directly.

Other

• For further details, please contact info@nautilusaviation.com.au or phone +61 7 4034 9000