Sail the Coral Sea with Cairns Sailing to Michaelmas Cay. Enjoy a relaxing day of sailing and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.
$288
Ocean Spirit Cruises – Michaelmas Cay Day Tour
• Ocean Spirit Cruises to Michaelmas Cay, a stunning coral sand island on the Great Barrier Reef
• Snorkel vibrant reefs straight from the beach or pontoon
• Relax on white sand with the reef stretching out before you
• Glass bottom boat tours for non-swimmers
• Spot colourful reef fish, giant clams and seabirds
• Spacious catamaran with smooth sailing from Cairns
• A truly iconic Great Barrier Reef island experience
About Ocean Spirit Cruises
Ocean Spirit Cruises is one of the most relaxed and rewarding ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran to a pristine coral cay. Surrounded by crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs and incredible marine life, you can snorkel, swim, relax on the sand or explore beneath the surface on a glass bottom boat all in one unforgettable day.
Reef and Island Experience – Michaelmas Cay
After departing Cairns Marina, enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Michaelmas Cay, a protected sand island and important seabird sanctuary located on the outer reef.
Once anchored, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
What you’ll do and see:
• Snorkel over colourful coral gardens straight off the cay
• Relax on the sandy beach with uninterrupted reef views
• Join a guided snorkel tour for extra confidence and insight
• Take a glass bottom boat tour to see coral without getting wet
• Swim in clear, shallow waters ideal for beginners
• Watch seabirds nesting and soaring above the cay
• Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard the vessel
Highlights:
• Unique coral cay setting (not a resort island)
• Easy access snorkelling for all abilities
• Calm, sheltered reef conditions
• Plenty of space to relax or explore
Why You’ll Love It
• One of the most beautiful coral cays on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Ideal balance of snorkelling, relaxation and discovery.
• Friendly, knowledgeable crew who make it easy and enjoyable.
• Perfect for first-time reef visitors and families.
• No pressure enjoy the day your way.
• Excellent reef visibility and marine life.
• A classic Cairns reef experience you’ll always remember.
FAQs
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Ocean Spirit Cruises Michaelmas Cay is family-friendly and suitable for children who enjoy the water.
Can I snorkel if I’ve never snorkelled before?
Absolutely. The crew provide guidance, and the shallow waters make it ideal for beginners.
What happens if the weather changes?
The itinerary may be adjusted to ensure the best and safest reef experience possible.
Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?
No, all snorkelling equipment is included, though you’re welcome to bring your own.[/toggleYes. You can snorkel, relax, swim or take a glass bottom boat tour at your own pace.
Conclusion
Cruise to one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful coral cays. Enjoy a day of snorkelling, relaxation and reef magic. Book your Ocean Spirit Cruises Michaelmas Cay tour today 🌊🐠
Ocean Spirit Cruises Highlights
• Cruise to Michaelmas Cay, a stunning coral sand island on the Great Barrier Reef
• Snorkel vibrant reefs straight from the beach or pontoon
• Relax on white sand with the reef stretching out before you
• Glass bottom boat tours for non-swimmers
• Spot colourful reef fish, giant clams and seabirds
• Spacious catamaran with smooth sailing from Cairns
• A truly iconic Great Barrier Reef island experience
Ocean Spirit Cruises Itinerary
7:30 am — Check-in
If you don’t have a digital boarding pass, check in at the Ocean Spirit counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, and collect your boarding pass.
8:00 am — Boarding
Board Ocean Spirit, the spacious 32-metre sailing catamaran. Complimentary tea and coffee are served before departure, giving you time to settle in and get ready for your day on the Great Barrier Reef.
8:30 am — Depart Cairns
Set sail from Cairns for Michaelmas Cay. The journey takes approximately two hours, combining motor and sailing depending on the conditions.
9:00 am — Reef and snorkelling briefing
During the journey, the crew conducts the safety demonstration, reef briefing and snorkelling demonstration so you’re ready to explore when you arrive.
9:30 am — Marine Biologist presentation
Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef during an informative Marine Biologist presentation.
10:00 am — Introductory diving briefing
Guests who have booked an optional introductory scuba dive attend their dive briefing and prepare for their underwater experience.
10:30 am — Arrive at Michaelmas Cay
Arrive at beautiful Michaelmas Cay, a protected coral cay and important seabird sanctuary surrounded by fringing reef.
Spend approximately four hours at the reef. Snorkel in the cay’s calm, shallow waters, join the included semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat experience, watch the fish-feeding presentation, explore the permitted beach area or simply relax aboard Ocean Spirit. A beach buggy shuttle operates between the vessel and beach throughout the day.
Optional activities include a Marine Biologist guided snorkel tour and introductory scuba diving.
12:00 pm — Buffet lunch
Return to Ocean Spirit for a hot and cold buffet lunch served onboard. Afterwards, there’s plenty of time to head back into the water or continue enjoying Michaelmas Cay.
2:30 pm — Depart Michaelmas Cay
Return aboard for afternoon tea while the crew completes the final safety headcount. Ocean Spirit then begins the journey back to Cairns.
Relax on the homeward cruise with cheese and crackers and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine while enjoying the tropical views. A further Marine Biologist presentation is also scheduled during the return journey.
5:00 pm — Return to Cairns
Arrive back in Cairns after a full 8.5-hour Great Barrier Reef experience, including approximately four hours at Michaelmas Cay.
Ocean Spirit Cruise includes:
– Return Ocean Spirit cruise from Cairns
– Experience 4 hours at Michaelmas Cay on the Reef.
– Morning tea with muffins and focaccia
– Afternoon tea with tropical fruit platter and cake of the day.
– Hot and cold buffet lunch, including fresh prawns.
– Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits.
– Buoyancy vests.
– Marine Biologist presentation.
– Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary.
– Fish feeding presentation on arrival.
– Glass of complimentary sparkling wine served on the homeward journey, with cheese and crackers.
Optional Extras
• Introductory scuba diving
• Certified scuba diving
• Underwater photos and video packages
• Wetsuit hire
• Souvenirs and reef merchandise
What to Bring
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Light jacket for the cruise
• Camera or phone
• Cash or card for optional extras
Getting There:
• Easy walk from Cairns CBD accommodation
• Taxi and rideshare access available
• Paid parking available nearby
Check-in details and departure time will be confirmed after booking.
Important Information
• Suitable for most fitness levels
• Snorkelling available for beginners and confident swimmers
• Diving subject to medical clearance and conditions
• Weather conditions may affect reef location or itinerary
• The cay is a protected seabird sanctuary access areas may vary
• Tour order and activities may change for safety and comfort
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date and/or name change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are 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 our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavor to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Children: 4-14 years, prices as shown, 3 years and under cruise free of charge.
Family Fare is 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply & operational costs a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure.
Not operating on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday also on refit from 2nd June – 30 June 2025.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay, or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Please inform us of any special requirements before your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
