Great Barrier Reef: Michaelmas Cay & Hastings Reef Small Group Snorkel Tour

Summary

First boat to Michaelmas Cay then wild reef colors at Hastings

You’ll set off early from Cairns for a small group day trip to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel with guides, spot wildlife above and below water, enjoy lunch onboard, and relax as you cruise back — it’s less about rushing around and more about soaking in each moment.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about snorkeling — but standing on the deck of Seastar at Cairns Marina, coffee in hand, I realized it’d been years since I’d done this. The crew greeted us by name (I liked that), and there was this mix of sleepy excitement among the 30-something folks boarding. It’s a small group, so you actually notice people — one couple from Melbourne had matching bucket hats. The air smelled faintly salty and like sunscreen already.

After about an hour out, we reached Michaelmas Cay. Our guide, Jess, grinned as she told us we were the first boat there (“best part of leaving early!”). The island is basically a sand patch with wild birds everywhere — honestly louder than I thought it’d be. When I slipped into the water for the guided snorkel tour, everything went quiet except my own breathing and these flashes of parrotfish below. There’s something weirdly calming about just floating there. At one point Jess pointed out a giant clam — really blue inside — and I tried to touch it but chickened out last second.

The second stop was Hastings Reef. You could see breakers marking the edge where deep ocean meets coral cliffs. The glass bottom boat ride was short but funny because someone kept trying to take photos through the glass and getting only their own reflection (I did too). Lunch on board was actually good — better than expected for a boat buffet — and I ended up sitting next to Li, who told me how locals check stinger suit zippers for each other (“safety first!”). After swimming again, we all just lounged in the sun on the way back. My skin felt tight from salt and wind; I still think about that view over open water heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Outer Great Barrier Reef tour

• Check in at Cairns Marlin Marina
• Travel to Michaelmas Cay island
• Explore Michaelmas Cay and surroundings
• Visit Hastings Reef for snorkeling
• Enjoy food on air-conditioned vessel
• Return to Esplanade Cairns

Top questions

How many people are on this Great Barrier Reef tour?

The maximum group size is 36 people per tour.

Does this day trip include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy vests or noodles are included.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Cairns Marlin Marina (E finger).

What are the main stops on this reef cruise?

The main stops are Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served onboard after visiting both reef sites.

Are wetsuits or stinger suits included?

Yes, wetsuits or stinger suits are provided depending on season.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; guided snorkel tours are included.

Can I scuba dive on this Great Barrier Reef trip?

Introductory diving may be available but depends on medical conditions; some restrictions apply.

What’s included

Your day includes morning check-in at Cairns Marina with coffee, all snorkeling gear (mask, fins, vest), access to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef with guided snorkel tours at both spots, use of wet-suit or stinger-suit depending on season, glass bottom boat ride, morning and afternoon tea plus a buffet lunch served onboard before returning to Cairns in the afternoon.