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Ocean Spirit | Michaelmas Cay Cruise

FROM: $144
100
SingleDay
Min. Age
All Ages
5.0 (2 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 8:30am - Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun
Returns: 5:00pm - Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun

Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Pricing Options

$276 AUD / Person - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$144 AUD / Person - Child (4-14 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
RRP $210 $176 AUD / Person - Family (2A + 2C) ($704 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (Between: 01 Jan 2023 and 31 Mar 2026)
$84 AUD / Person - Add on: Guided Snorkel Tour - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$44 AUD / Person - Add on: Guided Snorkel Tour - Child (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$212 AUD / Person - Add on: Guided Snorkel Tour - Family (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$168 AUD / Person - Add on : Introductory Dive (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$35 AUD / Person - Add on: Transfers from Cairns - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$22 AUD / Person - Add on: Transfers from Cairns - Child (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$44 AUD / Person - Add on: Transfers from Northern Beaches - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$24 AUD / Person - Add on: Transfers from Northern Beaches - Child (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)

Sail to beautiful Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef for a day of excitement and adventure!

  • Visit a stunning sand island and bird sanctuary
  • Snorkel in the vibrant fringing reefs right off the shore
  • See the marine world from a unique perspective in a semi-submersible
  • Go on an introductory dive for a whole new experience
  • Ideal for the whole family to experience the Great Barrier Reef

Make your way to the beautiful Michaelmas Cay on board Ocean Spirit. Set sail for this beautiful and unique Great Barrier Reef sand cay, set amongst beautiful fringing reefs that are teeming full of life! Spend the day exploring, snorkelling from the shores of the cay, enjoying the stunning world that awaits below the surface. 

Features

  • Set sail to picturesque Michaelmas Cay
  • Spend 4 hours exploring the sand island and the reef
  • Cruise on board a spacious 32m sailing catamaran
  • Glass of complimentary sparkling wine served on the journey home
  • Fish feeding presentations
  • Snorkel with quality equipment 
  • Go below the waves with semi-sub for a diver’s view of the reef 
  • Observe the birdlife on the island sanctuary
  • Try out scuba diving
  • Hot and cold buffet lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea included
  • Guided marine biologist tours available
  • Smooth and comfortable sailing experience

Sample Itinerary

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Depart Cairns for Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef

Leave from the Cairns Marina in the morning and prepare for an exciting day out in nature! Enjoy a peaceful cruise through the vibrant tropical scenery before arriving at the stunning Michaelmas Cay. You'll have the whole day to soak in the natural beauty and try fun activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, sunbathing, birdw...

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Reef Sites

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Your reef site for the day is Michaelmas Reef, located about 43km northeast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Michaelmas Cay is a small sand island located on the edge of the reef, so this pristine location combines tropical beach activities with reef adventures like snorkelling and scuba diving. Michaelmas Cay and Reef have restricted access, so you're sure to have a tranquil experience her...

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More Information

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What To Bring

  • Hat
  • Towel
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash or credit card for souvenirs or optional activities
  • Camera (drones are not permitted)

What's Included

  • Return Ocean Spirit cruise from Cairns
  • Experience 4 hrs at Michaelmas Cay on the Reef
  • Morning and afternoon teas
  • Hot and cold buffet lunch served onboard Ocean Spirit
  • Fish feeding presentation by crew
  • Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits and buoyancy vests
  • Marine Biologist presentation
  • Se...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in starts from 7am at the Ocean Spirit Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street. The boat is located at the end of Finger A Jetty, boarding commences at 8am for an 8:30am departure.

When will it return?

You’ll arrive back into Cairns Marlin Marina around 5pm.

Are transfers included?

Return transfers are available for an additional fee. 

Will there be sharks or crocodiles?

If you’re lucky, you may see a little white or black tip reef shark swimming by, but rest assured they are timid creatures and will swim away from you. Crocodiles prefer to hang around the murky waters of rivers, lakes and swamps. So the water is too clear for them out on the reef. It’s also a long distance for them to swim from the mainland, making it extremely rare to see them on the Great Barrier Reef.

How long does it take to travel to Michaelmas Cay?

Travelling time from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay is approximately 2 hours. It’s a beautiful relaxing cruise passing other sand cays and reefs along the way.

Is Michaelmas Cay suitable for young children?

Yes! As Michaelmas Cay is a shallow, sandy beach area, it’s perfect for children and families to play and swim. Just make sure to bring suitable sun protection.

Can I scuba dive with no experience? What is the minimum age?

Absolutely! As long as you are in general good health to dive, the highly qualified dive instructors will teach you all the basics you need to know about scuba diving. Certain medical conditions may preclude some people from Scuba Diving. Please check with your doctor ahead of time if you have any concerns. The minimum age to participate is 12 years.

How many hours do we get at Michaelmas Cay?

You will get a full 4 hours at Michaelmas Cay, which gives you plenty of time to explore the area and participate in all of the included activities - with some time for relaxation too!

Does the boat still go out if it is raining?

Yes it does. When you are going out to experience the reef you are most likely going to get wet anyway! Often when it is raining in Cairns, it can be fine offshore. If you are worried about the weather please contact the reservations team. They will be able to let you know the latest conditions. You can change your date of travel 24 hours prior to departure, without incurring any fees.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Yes! A spread of hot and cold buffet lunch is on offer, including vegetarian options. Other special requests are sometimes possible with adequate notice prior to the day of your trip. Please let us know when booking if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements.

Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 2 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Jess, 12 Mar 23
This was an amazing day out on the reef! Made even better by the stunning weather we had! The cruise out to Michaelmas Cay was chill, saw a dolphin and the marine bio talk was interesting. The white sandy Cay was beautiful, had the best visibility. It was my first time seeing turtles on the reef and there were soo many! I counted at least 6. They were so chill, munching on sea grass. That was the highlight for me! Also saw a cute little nemo hiding amongst the anemone and a lot of giant clams! Shout out to crew members Becky and Anthony. Friendly and helpful. :) Would definitely recommend this trip!
Grace Oliver , 25 Dec 22
Amazing day seeing something a little bit different with Michaelmans Cay! The birds on the cay were an incredible sight and we were lucky enough to some fluffy white chicks as well. The boat is comfortable with plenty of shaded or deck space to relax on. The complimentary glass of bubbles on the way home topped off an incredibly relaxing and memorable day.
Lou
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