“It’s only when you’re flying above it that you realise how incredible the earth really is” – Philippe Perrin

The Whitsundays, Australia

The view from the air on our helicopter Whitsunday tour

Complete isolation on Whitehaven beach with a private helicopter

Front seat view in the helicopter over Hill Inlet Whitsundays

Considered to have some of the most stunning beaches in the world, the Whitsundays are nothing short of picture-perfect. There is no denying that the best way to appreciate the 74 idyllic islands that make up this area, is by air. Choosing a helicopter tour with Helireef Whitsundays is the ultimate romantic gesture. Here you can find what’s included in the itinerary, the best bits about this tour and why’s it’s an ideal choice for a special occasion.

What’s the itinerary?

Your flight departs from Airlie Beach, taking you out over the ocean to view multiple reefs and islands. The height you fly at in the helicopter is high enough to appreciate the overall surroundings but low enough to still capture larger marine life too. Heart Reef, Bait Reef and Hook Reef are just some of the reef systems you will admire. From here, the helicopter flies towards Hamilton Island, passing over Hill Inlet, before landing on Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy an hour on the world’s purest sand completely alone with a bottle of bubbles, a picnic blanket and a shade umbrella, before making your way back towards the mainland.

If you are visiting Airlie Beach soon, check out our Hotel Pick: Peppers Airlie Beach.

Why should you choose this tour?

This tour incorporates some of the most sought-after photo spots in the Whitsunday region, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Most boat trips will help you reach these jaw-dropping locations for a much lower price, but what they can’t offer is a bird’s-eye view that makes the photos and videos out-of-this-world beautiful.

Choosing a helicopter over this region doesn’t mean you have to forfeit seeing marine wildlife. From the air, we saw manta rays, turtles and reef sharks, with the crystal clear waters being ideal for spotting their distinctive silhouettes.

Just when you think it can’t get any more perfect, the real treasure of this particular itinerary is you’ll touch down on a section of Whitehaven beach where there are no other people.

What was our ‘best bit?’

Seeing Heart Reef had always been high on our bucket list and its inclusion in this tour was one of the main motivators for choosing it. Not only did we finally get to see it, but the helicopter pilot circled it twice. This means you have plenty of time to get the photographs you want, as well as being able to truly appreciate it’s beauty and environment. On on our second loop, after I’d captured my long-sought-after photographs … Matt popped the question!

Why is this tour an ideal choice for your special occasion?

It doesn’t get any more special than a helicopter proposal with a pristine backdrop, followed by an hour of isolation on the whitest sand you’ve ever laid eyes on. Helireef staff were fantastic at helping accommodate Matt’s special plan, as well as being super discrete towards me as the main booker. Not only do you have their guidance to make sure your day is perfect, but they also take care of the very important little touches, such as a bottle of champagne with the Helireef logo on and two glasses that just appear out of nowhere. They also offer the option to pay a little extra and book the helicopter exclusively, or you can chance it like us and if you’re lucky, end up with no one else booked on your tour.

There are so many wonderful scenic tours available in the Whitsundays. Find the Helicopter or Seaplane that’s just right for your special occasion with these Whitsunday Tours.

Finally my view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays Australia by air

Waiting for our helicopter tour to begin at Abell Point Marina in the Whitsundays

Is there anything else you should know?

We enjoyed the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Ultimate Indulgence tour. Helireef Whitsundays offer a variety of helicopter tours, all of which can be found on their website using the link below. Your helicopter seats three passengers plus the pilot, and your tour cost is $799pp. If you make a booking for two people and want to purchase the third seat to ensure a private tour, this costs an extra $299. The tour takes approximately two hours from your take off at Abell Point Marina to when you land back on the helipad.

You are allowed to take photographs and videos during the entire tour but are advised not to stick arms out of the air vents to get better shots. If you are doing this tour during stinger season (October to May) the company will provide stinger suits at no extra cost so you can still enjoy the ocean. Flattering? No. Great fun? Yes! Scoop up white silica sand, laugh at each other’s outfits and enjoy serenity and isolation in one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see.

If you can’t quite stretch to a helicopter or seaplane, the most cost-effective way to visit Whitehaven Beach is definitely with a boat tour.

Are you currently saving for an adventure? We found these 26 Super Effective Ways to Grow Your Vacation Fund super useful for travel saving.

Complete isolation on Whitehaven beach in the Whitsundays

In our stinger suits and ready to go in from Whitehaven Beach in Australia

The Whitsundays are without a doubt a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What better way to absorb their full beauty than by combining remote island privacy with ariel views. You will cherish your helicopter tour Whitsundays complete with aerial views of this pristine paradise. Photographs of the whitest silica sands, unique marine life and a helicopter beach-landing make for a wonderful special occasion story that you will enjoy telling over and over again.

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Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our other Beach Breaks For Two now.

You can now watch our homemade go pro video of our special moment over Heart Reef

Our Hotel Pick: Peppers Airlie Beach

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