Tour ID: 10000144

Michaelmas Cay is a little piece of paradise. The protected waters of the cay is the perfect spot to snorkel. It is rich in marine life and coral gardens making it easy to see the beautiful colours of the reef fish. Michaelmas Cay is also home to 20,000 seabirds, a spectacular sight. With limited numbers allowed on the island this is the perfect place to see the Great Barrier Reef.

  • 2 hour cruise to Michaelmas Cay
  • Snorkel instruction
  • Coral viewing from a semi submersible
  • 4 hours on the reef
  • Marine biologist presentation
  • Introductory dive (optional extra)
  • Guided snorkel tour (optional extra)
  • Morning & afternoon tea & lunch

Departing daily from Cairns, 32m luxury sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit, sets sail for a day to remember at picturesque Michaelmas Cay’s unique Great Barrier Reef environment where visitor numbers are limited. A pristine vegetated sand cay encircled by a spectacular fringing reef teeming with colourful marine life, it is also a bird lover’s delight and an important protected bird sanctuary.

Ocean Spirit, a schooner rig sailing catamaran, departs Cairns at 8:30am for the two hour journey to Michaelmas Cay. Upon arrival, watch the fish feeding presentation from onboard Ocean Spirit. The “Beach Buggy” transfer vessel begins transfers between the boat and the island. Cruising in the air-conditioned semi-sub you’ll get a diver’s view of the reef without getting wet! With the large viewing windows, the crew provide an informative commentary on the corals and marine life before your eyes.

Snorkelling is conducted directly from the beach in the cay’s protected shallow waters. Michaelmas reef is renowned for an abundance of giant clams and sea turtles amongst a myriad of colourful marine life. For the more adventurous, you can experience an exciting introductory scuba dive (additional cost applies).

If you prefer a more relaxing day, laze on the beach or soak up the tropical atmosphere under the sails and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is served onboard Ocean Spirit and consists of a delicious hot and cold buffet selection including seafood.

On the homeward journey, relax in the air-conditioned cabin, outside or on the spacious foredeck under the sails. (Sailing is weather dependent). To top off your Michalemas Cay experience, a glass of complimentary sparkling wine is also served on the homeward journey should you desire.

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Tour Details

  • Included in price:

    Four hours at Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef,
    Morning & afternoon teas,
    Delicious hot & cold buffet (includes seafood),
    Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary,
    Fish feeding presentation,
    Use of snorkelling equipment and instruction,
    Buoyancy vests, lycra suits,
    Informative maine biologist ecological presentations,
    Complimentary sparkling wine on homeward journey.

  • Available for purchase/hire:

    Introductory Scuba Diving,
    Drinks from the licensed bar,
    A range of souvenirs & merchandise,
    Sunscreen lotions and underwater cameras,
    Hire of wetsuits.
    Onboard photographer,
    Prescription Masks available.

  • Duration:

    8.5 hours

  • Departure:

    8:30 AM Daily

  • Return:

    5:00pm

  • Departure points:

    Cairns, Palm Cove, Cairns Beaches, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach and Holloways Beach

  • Pickup/departure instructions:

    Coach transfers are available from most Cairns and Northern Beaches (Palm Cove, Clifton, Kewarra, Trinity, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways) accommodation with pick up times advised at time of booking. Alternatively you can make your own way to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St. To obtain your boarding pass, please check-in at Ocean Spirit's check-in counter located inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding commences at 8.00am.

  • What to bring:

    Cash or credit card for onboard purchases,
    Towels, swimmers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

  • Fitness level required:

    Low

  • Child policies:

    Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive. Three years and under travel free of charge.
    Only children over the age of 12yrs may scuba dive.

  • Additional Information:

    Rates are per person per tour and quoted ex wharf.
    Rates are in Australian Dollars including GST.
    Family fare - maximum of 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
    All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice.
    A Government Environmental Management and Admin Charge of $7 per person is levied for all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. This charge is payable direct to Ocean Spirit/Great Adventures on check-in.

  • Destinations:

    Great Barrier Reef, Michaelmas Cay and Outer Barrier Reef

Booking dates