Ocean Spirit Cairns Sailing to Michaelmas Cay
- Daily departures
- Check-in starts at 7.30 am at the Reef Fleet terminal
- Return is approximately 5.00 pm
Embark on an unforgettable journey as you set sail to Michaelmas Cay, a pristine gem nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Onboard the magnificent Ocean Spirit, a 32-metre sailing catamaran, your adventure begins daily from Cairns at the crisp and inviting hour of 8:30 am. This marvellous vessel promises an extraordinary four-hour experience on the captivating reef, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant marine life and dazzling underwater world.
Michaelmas Cay
Michaelmas Cay is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Forty-three kilometres from Cairns and 17 kilometres north of Green Island. A spectacular fringing Reef surrounds the island.
Michaelmas Cay is a National Marine Park-protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds.
This vegetated coral reef island is 1.8 hectares and rises to a height of 3.5 metres above sea level. Michaelmas Cay is home to 23 different species of sea birds.
This picturesque sand island is rich in historical and environmental significance.
Cruise
First, we will glide along the Coral Sea on a 32-metre sailing catamaran.
After the 90-minute sailing cruise, you will arrive at the unique Michaelmas Cay.
Michaelmas Cay is at the tip of Michaelmas Reef. During your Michaelmas Island tour, see brightly coloured coral and marine life.
While at Michaelmas Cay, the beach buggy shuttle will transfer guests between Ocean Spirit and the beach.
You can enjoy the reef on many different levels. Choose from snorkelling, scuba diving or a semi-submersible tour.
Onboard Ocean Spirit has a spacious sundeck where you can relax and work on your suntan.
Ocean Spirit has options for all levels of swimming experience so everyone can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Semi-Submersible
Next, try a semi-submersible tour with marine commentary and view the reef in air-conditioned comfort. This tour provides an awesome view of one metre below the waterline and is perfect for nonswimmers. During this tour, you can watch a fish feeding presentation.
Guided Snorkelling tours
During the day, you can take a guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist learning even more about the Great Barrier Reef.
This tour is conducted straight from the beach. Next, encounter giant clams, turtles, and also brightly coloured fish. Furthermore, this tour is fun and also educational.
Introductory Scuba Diving
Discover the amazing reef life below the surface during a handheld introductory scuba dive. Introductory scuba diving is fun and easy with a professional scuba diving instructor.
Afterwards, on our journey back to Cairns, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with cheese and crackers.
Last, we arrive at the Cairns Marina at five pm after a wonderful day with Ocean Spirit.
Highlights
Michaelmas Cay
Itinerary
Your Ocean Spirit Adventure Begins
07:30 – Check-in at Ocean Spirit’s counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal
08:00 – Boarding commences. Morning tea with muffins and focaccia.
After that, it’s time to get underway!
08:30 – Depart Cairns
09:00 – Reef Brief, safety, and snorkel demonstration
09:30 – Marine Biologist slide show presentation
10:00 – Dive brief for introductory divers
10:30 – Arrive at Michaelmas Cay. Reef activities commence:
- Fish feeding presentation
- Snorkelling
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
- Introductory scuba diving. (Dive sessions are 11:00 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:30 pm)
Noon – Buffet lunch onboard
13:00 – Continue Reef activities
14:30 – Afternoon Tea onboard
15:30 – Commence sailing back to Cairns. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine along with cheese and crackers.
17:00 – Arrive back in Cairns
Included
Your 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
- Coach Transfers
- Introductory Scuba Diving
- Guided snorkel tour
What to bring
What to Bring:
- Hat and shirt for sun protection Swimwear and towel
- Camera
- Professional photo service on board (additional cost)
- Cash or credit card for option activities or onboard purchases
How to get there
Ocean Spirit Cruises departs daily from the Cairns Marina.
Visitors are required to first check in inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Check-in time is 7:45 am am for an 8:30 am departure returning to the Cairns Marina at 5 pm.
Important Information
Safety Comes First onboard Ocean Spirit!
It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world. It also has the safest scuba diving record. The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates us, and we comply with all regulations.
We recommend that our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact our office at 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected]
Or you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms ‘AS.4005.1
Flying after Scuba Diving
For a single no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
