Hamilton Island Air
Hamilton Island Air
4.5
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About
Hamilton Island Air - The Heart of the Great Barrier ReefHamilton Island Air provides guests with an exceptional range of helicopter and seaplane tours from Hamilton Island, encompassing the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Our most popular destinations are the iconic Whitehaven Beach and the world famous Heart Reef. We operate a fleet of modern luxury helicopters and seaplanes to provide the ultimate 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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4.5
452 reviews
Excellent
394
Very good
27
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
20
vicnot
Melbourne, Australia353 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
We did the one hour Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef scenic flight - one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen (possibly the top).
It started with being picked up from the helipad at Qualia (felt like celebrities) and an introduction to our pilot and safety briefing. I apologize I didn't get his name properly ('Bruz'?) - it was a bit noisy! He was so nice and so enthusiastic, great information and we felt completely safe.
The Great Barrier Reef is so beautiful from the air, and Heart Reef is just adorable. We also saw a shark and stingrays.
I am so pleased we did this - if you have the opportunity on a sunny day and low tide, go for it. Well worth the money.
The only gripe was the booking process. You can only do it online, and although the helpful girl on the landline said there were two spaces, she couldn't hold them or take the booking/payment. I was unable to use the internet, ultimately Qualia booked it for us.
It started with being picked up from the helipad at Qualia (felt like celebrities) and an introduction to our pilot and safety briefing. I apologize I didn't get his name properly ('Bruz'?) - it was a bit noisy! He was so nice and so enthusiastic, great information and we felt completely safe.
The Great Barrier Reef is so beautiful from the air, and Heart Reef is just adorable. We also saw a shark and stingrays.
I am so pleased we did this - if you have the opportunity on a sunny day and low tide, go for it. Well worth the money.
The only gripe was the booking process. You can only do it online, and although the helpful girl on the landline said there were two spaces, she couldn't hold them or take the booking/payment. I was unable to use the internet, ultimately Qualia booked it for us.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneySally
Sydney, Australia245 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
My husband and I did the Heart Reef flyover and the landing on Whitehaven Beach. The scenic flight was fantastic, we had perfect weather and the views were amazing. Saw whales, stingrays and a couple of turtles from the air which was an added bonus.
We then landed on Whitehaven, spending about 45 mins swimming in the turquoise water and drinking the complimentary bubbly. Just incredible. We felt so very lucky to able to do this trip.
If you do the trip, pay the extra for the beach landing, yep it is expensive but the extra for the beach landing and the opportunity to swim at this stunning beach is not that much more. We found it worth every cent.
Lastly a huge thanks to Naomi, our fabulous pilot! She was awesome! She is relatively new to the area and it was our pleasure to be passengers on her first solo flight for Hamilton Island Air.
We then landed on Whitehaven, spending about 45 mins swimming in the turquoise water and drinking the complimentary bubbly. Just incredible. We felt so very lucky to able to do this trip.
If you do the trip, pay the extra for the beach landing, yep it is expensive but the extra for the beach landing and the opportunity to swim at this stunning beach is not that much more. We found it worth every cent.
Lastly a huge thanks to Naomi, our fabulous pilot! She was awesome! She is relatively new to the area and it was our pleasure to be passengers on her first solo flight for Hamilton Island Air.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard T
Canberra, Australia3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Shout to Simon for a great flight and service over and above! Looked after us and a great experience. Thank you.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara V
46 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Once in a lifetime bucketlist activity. My husband and I did the journey to the heart 💜 and also the whitehaven getaway we were lucky enough to get Seb and Paddy for the heart, Seb is an amazing pilot, he explained so much about the aircraft, how wind affects the aircraft, it was truly amazing and he landed the helicopter so gently i could barely feel the craft touch the ground- Paddy was amazing in explaining the different corals, how global warming has effected the reef and how fragile the corals are, he has a real love for Australia and its conservation and protectiong the reef and wildlife there. The next day we were lucky enough to get Seb again for our whitehaven adventure- most beautiful beach in the world- Thx for an amazing experience-worth every penny.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine P
Raleigh, NC15 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Journey to the Heart was an EPIC trip! We started out in a helicopter flying out to the Great Barrier Reef and landed on a pontoon anchored near the Heart Reef - our pilot Chris was amazing and we felt very safe. We then took a glass-bottom boat ride out to the Heart Reef with Paddy driving and telling us all about the reef. After the boat ride we did some snorkeling and saw so many different types of fish swimming around the coral. After drying off we had a glass of champagne and then headed back on the helicopter. It was absolutely incredible and our pilot and guide were fantastic hosts. The only thing I wish was different - there is no toilet facility once you start this tour - so make sure you are prepared for that!! (they do warn you about this). I would highly recommend this trip.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave L
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
We did two tours with Hamilton Island Air, their Journey to the Heart tour and a 20-minute scenic photo flight, and both were excellent. Our pilots, David and Tom, were professional, friendly and gave an interesting commentary as we flew past various sights, and our host, Paddy, in the Journey to the Heart tour was a great character and took great care of us out at the pontoon. They (and everyone else we were involved with) were thoughtful and proactive in helping us have great tours, both were unforgettable experiences, and we couldn’t have been happier.
In both cases there were lots of sights, and we took heaps of photos.
In both cases there were lots of sights, and we took heaps of photos.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JBE137
Cranford, NJ74 contributions
May 2023
Did the Heart Reef Flyover with Whitehaven Beach Stopover combo. It was an amazing experience. Jack, my pilot, was tremendous and a good dude. Flying over the Great Barrier reef was truly a special experience. Also, landing on Whitehaven beach and having it basically to yourself with a bottle of sparlking wine was truly unforgettable. I would highly recommend this trip even though its not inexpensive. Highlight of my trip.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goblin54
Plymouth, UK243 contributions
Apr. 2023
Short 20 mins flight out to see Whitehaven Beach. Views were very good and our pilot, Richard, gave an informative commentary. Not cheap, but worth doing.
Written 20 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle R
Engadine, Australia332 contributions
Jan. 2023
We booked a one hour helicopter flight over The GRB, Heart Reef and Whitehaven and it was one of the most amazing flights we have ever done. The GBR from above is absolutely stunning and the Heart Reef truly was amazing. We had a beautiful clear sunny afternoon and even though expensive, it was well worth every cent just to see the reef from above. Tristan our pilot was so informative and I would highly recommend anyone to do this flight. Definitely the highlight of our holiday.
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigwilie_4163
Brisbane, Australia226 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Couples
Utter contempt , booked the Whitehaven Funseeker by Seaplane
and was informed at 4.30 pm on the evening before we were supposed to go that they had cancelled the trip !!
Not giving us enough time to try and reschedule an alternative way to reach Whitehaven Beach
Really poor customer service .
We were told to ask for a refund , the money was promptly taken from our account on booking the trip tho’
Way to go Hamilton Island Air .
and was informed at 4.30 pm on the evening before we were supposed to go that they had cancelled the trip !!
Not giving us enough time to try and reschedule an alternative way to reach Whitehaven Beach
Really poor customer service .
We were told to ask for a refund , the money was promptly taken from our account on booking the trip tho’
Way to go Hamilton Island Air .
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suniba
Sydney, Australia
Hi,
Is the Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef & Whitehaven Stopover by Helicopter, a private tour or would it be combined with other groups/individuals?
Thanks,
Suni
bushmanfred
Bedfordshire, UK26 contributions
The helicopters seat 4/5 passengers. We paid extra for the spare seat to have it to ourselves.
Midwife195
Kuranda, Australia11 contributions
Can you book a trip back to Hamilton Island from the reef on the day and how much is it ?
Junior J
80 contributions
Bonjour quel est le prix de l'excursion en seaplane de la grande barrière de corail et halte sur la plage Whitehaven?
Global545477
Conselve, Italy
È possibile trovare da dormire in isola al momento o è meglio prenotare dall italia prima. Io parto sabato 1 settembre
andyrand2016
Ciutadella, Spain2 contributions
Is there a helicopter trip from Hamilton to Whitehaven beach,landing there, for Five adults.....17 August?
drl_smit-may
466 contributions
Yes they have that service
lowennapascoe
Newquay21 contributions
Hi, when you book the $330 helicopter ride is that a private one with just the two of you? Or do you have to pay extra to get a private ride? Thanks
Mayke2
Anaheim, CA76 contributions
When you book the Whitehaven beach getaway, it's $330 per person with a minimum of 2 people. They might try to book maximum 2 other guests. Or you might want to pay $660 just for your self.
largo20
Lyon, France38 contributions
Hello
We are on Hamilton Island to 12/22/2017 to 12/26/2017 with 3 children 10, 7 and 5 years old (whitsunday appartments).
We would Like to visit the withsundays Island /heart reef / great barrier reef and make a break on the whitehaven beach.
Seaplane? Hélicopter? I dont know
What the price for 2 adults and 3 children for the 23th or 24th or 25th december? We dont have preference for the day.
What is your advise for A tour with 3 children ?
Thanks you for the answer.
Anne et Quentin
Largo20 hotmail
Lyon
France
Jan W
52 contributions
Hello how much for 2 adults to do an hour helicopter tour between the 3rd and 5th Jan 2018? Leaving from Hamilton Island.
Jenny613126
Nottingham, UK6 contributions
We paid £800 for the trip but loved every minute of it
MichelleMeow
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
All the tours I checked say a minimum of 2 people is required but I plan to travel by myself. Has anyone traveled alone in Hamilton Island and booked the helicopter tour successfully?
GCSteph
Gold Coast, Australia11 contributions
We had two so I can't say for sure. They may book in with another solo traveller if you ask