Heart Reef
Heart Reef
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Heart Reef and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
118 within 3 miles
Attractions
21 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
411 reviews
Excellent
338
Very good
51
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
2
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
George G
Bribie Island, Australia430 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a flight in either of 2 small planes. Our plane was an 8 seater and I was lucky enough to be the co pilot. Not that that means anything though. I was just lucky enough to be sitting beside the pilot and therefore had a great view for the whole trip. The pilot was well informed and told us all about where we were going and what to see throughout the flight. We got some great photos and this is a great experience to do.
Written June 22, 2021
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.
Mellsie1210
Brisbane, Australia111 contributions
Feb 2020
We fly over the reeef with Helireef scenic flight. Well worth it. She looped around several times to make sure everyone got the best shot. Gave us lots of information whilst in the air. PErsonalised service.
Written February 18, 2020
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.
blueskiesitis
5 contributions
Feb 2022
Words can not describe how beautiful this place is. My family took a helicopter tour via Hamilton Island. Just sensational, an experience we will never forget. Well worth it, just try to pick a day with good weather and clear skies.
Written March 9, 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.
Lucia Guimarães
Niteroi, RJ23 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We booked the tour in advance and what a surprise! They canceled less than 24 hours in advance! Bad company! I traveled from Brazil to see the barrier reef and I will return without seeing it. Who will reimburse all the expenses I incurred to get here? Terrible, total lack of respect!

Written September 20, 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.
Debbie V
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Absolutely a 10/10 moment in our lives.
Traveled by helicopter with Hamilton Island Air.
Trip took 3 hours, with glass bottom boat ride, snorkelling & champagne.
The whole trip was 6 Star, impeccable service, small group(5 on our helicopter) and great value.
Highly recommend this trip you will never forget it.
Traveled by helicopter with Hamilton Island Air.
Trip took 3 hours, with glass bottom boat ride, snorkelling & champagne.
The whole trip was 6 Star, impeccable service, small group(5 on our helicopter) and great value.
Highly recommend this trip you will never forget it.
Written January 9, 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.
Charlotte H
19 contributions
Dec 2019
One of the best things we did whilst travelling the East Coast. Taking a sea plane over the reef was breathtaking, the views were out of this world. The plane is small but feels very safe and everyone has a window view so no one misses out on the views. We circled over the heart of the reef which was great to see. I would definitely recommend this experience!
Written March 23, 2020
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.
DML
Hallett Cove, Australia1,501 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Took a seaplane trip from Whitehaven Beach with GSL Marine out over the reef including Heart Reef. Amazing colours and coral formations. Heart reef is smaller than I thought and it passes underneath in a flash. Thankfully our pilot gave us a good heads up and did a couple of passes. Simply stunning and well worth the extra cost to take the flight.
Written May 2, 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.
Bob S
Hervey Bay, Australia514 contributions
Sep 2020
Took an hour flight with G.S.L aviation out of Proserpine. Transport from Airlie to the airport was provided. The flight was magnificent and everyone had a window view. We flew over the Islands, Whitehaven Beach on the way to the outer reef. When near Heart Reef our pilot counted us in and flew low so everyone had a good view. It was really magic. Thank you GSL, anothr ticked off our bucket list.
Written September 23, 2020
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.
mollykirk05
Albion Park26 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We had the most amazing day with #GSL Aviation on their Panorama tour. We had a seaplane out to Whitehaven beach ( the landing was an experience on its own) where we could relax while they set up our lunch under 2 huge gazebos. Crockery, cutlery, wine beer and soft drink. Two course meal so good ( we were the envy of everyone) then back on the plane to look at all the islands and reef. Wow how awesome to see from above. Next stop the reef to snorkel and enjoy. You can relax on the boat( we transferred) if you prefer. Then back on the plane and home. Our pilots Steve and Trent were fabulous as was our bus driver Jenny that picked us up. Thank you for one of the best days
Written June 3, 2021
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.
jenni-graps
Melbourne, Australia42 contributions
May 2014 • Family
We flew out to the reef in a seaplane. It was one of the best things I have ever done. We flew over the heart reef - it is gorgeous!
Written July 23, 2014
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.
Hi Joan,
I plan to do an air sight of the reef next year. But as I am a photographer, I wanted to know what in your opinion would the the easiest to shoot from ? Seaplane, or helicopter ?
Thank you very much,
Florent
Written December 15, 2015
Hello Sandra,
I'm going to the Whitsunday Islands and want to do a flight over the reef.
I am a photographer, and really don't want to miss a shot.
So I wanted to know if it's easy to take shots (with the place or helicopter turning around so we can take pix) ? And what company/tour did you take ?
Thank you very much.
Florent
Written December 15, 2015
Had a wonderful day but was extremely disgusted buy martin the diver through reef safari who treated my daughter and my nease in the most unprofessional way.. I have never witnessed such a ruse dive instructor or underwater photographer...
Written October 19, 2015
Can anyone here shed some light on the cheapest operator or way to see the Heart Reef? E.g. the cheapest operator and where they take off from as most normal flight would take off from the PPP airport which means we would need to factor in the return airport transfer costs for 2 adults, which would be $80 from what I can see on the internet. Where do the sea planes take off from? We will be staying at the Airlie Beach Hotel.
Written September 2, 2015
pouvons nous reserver des billets pour la visite de painted desert à la réception
Written January 6, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing