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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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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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, birdwatching, and cruising around in a semi-submersible. A delicious buffet lunch as well as morning and afternoon tea are included throughout the day to ensure you have plenty of energy for exploring!
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
- 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.
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 information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.
Your Responsibilities:
Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours/Mr Travel and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. Please refer to the specific tour page for full check-in instructions.
Prices/Extra Costs:
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Travel Risk/Insurance:
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 the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly 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. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Transport:
It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.
Merchant Fees:
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other:
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Transfers:
The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.
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
Client Cancellations:
All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. Client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 50% of the total ticket price.
Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers' discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to: admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations:
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.
Refunds:
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Accountability/Misconduct:
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Information & Advice:
All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Cairns Tours/ Mr Travel. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
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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. 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.
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