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!
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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Start your day bright and early and enjoy a sail out to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
There is plenty to do during your day of exploring! Guests on board Ocean Spirit will get to snorkel directly from the beach into the cay's protected shallow waters to explore the colourful reefs that fringe the sand island! Guests can take time to relax on board, or they can take a spin in the sem...
Read More
Start your day bright and early and enjoy a sail out to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
There is plenty to do during your day of exploring! Guests on board Ocean Spirit will get to snorkel directly from the beach into the cay's protected shallow waters to explore the colourful reefs that fringe the sand island! Guests can take time to relax on board, or they can take a spin in the semi-submersible and enjoy a diver's point of view, getting to see the reef in a whole new way. Those with a little more taste for adventure can even hop in the water and try out an intro dive for an even more immersive experience. Ocean Spirit has something for everyone! Michaelmas Cay is also a bird sanctuary, giving bird-lovers a chance to enjoy fascinating bird species up close and in their natural environment. Guests on board can look forward to a reef presentation by a marine biologist as well as a fish feeding from on board the boat so that they can enjoy every part of the wildlife on the reef and cay. Morning and afternoon tea are served on the boat, as well as a delicious buffet lunch.
Scuba diving
Ocean Spirit offers guests the chance to experience the fun and immersive art of scuba diving during their one day tour. You will get to see the reef from a new point of view as you enjoy the most amazing type of encounter with the Great Barrier Reef. No experience is necessary to take a fully supervised, guided introductory dive. The only requirements are that divers are over 12 years of age, pass the onboard medical questionnaire and participate in our 30-minute dive brief! Take part in this fun activity that will allow you to immerse yourself into the vibrant reefs for a unique and awesome experience.
Snorkelling
You can snorkel right from the beach during your trip with Ocean Spirit! The sheltered reefs around the cay provide a safe and comfortable place from which to explore the underwater world. Swim among colourful fish, vast corals and even perhaps a sea turtle or two! Lycra suits are included, and guests can also opt to join a guided snorkel tour for a next-level experience!
Semi-submersible
If you can't swim, the semi-submersible is for you! This unique boat is a great way to experience the reef if you don't want to get in the water, allowing you to still see everything up close. This is a great option for those travelling with small children, or just for those who want a relaxed point of view, allowing everyone to see the beauty of the coral reefs.
More Information
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What To Bring
- Hat, towel, swim wear, 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 presentatio...
Read More
What To Bring
- Hat, towel, swim wear, 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
- Extra costs: Government Environmental Management Charge of $6.50pp is payable on check-in
- Coach transfers are available at an additional cost with pick-ups from most Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation
- Introductory scuba diving and marine biologist guided snorkel tours
- 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 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.
Terms and Conditions
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.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1.5% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.
You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Any cancellations made after 6pm on the day prior to departure will result in forfeit of full trip fees.
For cancellations between 12 midday and 6pm on the day prior to travel, a 75% cancellation fee will apply. All other cancellations results in a 25% cancellation fee of the recommended retail price (RRP), not discounted or sale prices.
If the sailing company has to cancel the trip (prior to the boat's departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
Please note it is the responsibility of ALL passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of ANY medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
Thank you for booking with Mr Travel/Cairns Tours. If you would like any advice or assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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. Return Cairns City transfers are $32 per adult and $20 per child. Return Northern Beaches transfers are $39 per adult and $22 per child.
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
