Ocean Spirit | Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Pricing Options
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
Overview
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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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 here without too many crowds. The area is best known for its seabird population, and the underwater reefs are home to lots of sea turtles, beautiful corals, and colourful fish.
Important Information
The minimum age for introductory scuba diving is 12 years. Certain medical conditions, medications and height restrictions may preclude some people from participating in optional in-water activities. After a single dive, a wait of 12 hours is recommended before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater. If doing multiple dives an interval of 24 hours is suggested.
Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
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
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary
- Complimentary glass of sparkling wine on return journey
What's Extra
- Coach transfers are available at an additional cost with pick-ups from most Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodations.
- Introductory scuba diving and marine biologist guided snorkel tours.
Diving Information
- The minimum age for Introductory Scuba Diving is 12 years. Certain medical conditions, medications and height restrictions may preclude some people from participating in optional in-water activities. For advice, contact our office. After a single dive, a wait of 12-24 hours is recommended before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater. If doing multiple dives an interval of 24 hours is suggested.
- Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
Cancellations
Free Cancellation - Up To 24 Hours Before Departure
No-shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
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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 3 reviews
