Great Barrier Reef & Michaelmas Cay Sailing Cruise from Cairns
Sail to Michaelmas Cay & Snorkel the Reef in One Day from Cairns
You board at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8am and sail two hours to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend four hours snorkeling, viewing the reef from a semi-submersible, or exploring the island's birdlife, with a marine biologist presentation and buffet lunch included. Return by catamaran at 5pm with complimentary wine and cheese on the way back.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Sail to Michaelmas Cay and explore reef
- Arrive Reef Fleet Terminal and check-in
- Board Ocean Spirit and enjoy muffins
- Depart Cairns for Michaelmas Cay
- Safety and snorkeling demonstration
- Marine Biologist reef presentation
- Fish feeding presentation on arrival
- Free time: snorkel, semi-submersible, relax
- Buffet lunch served onboard
- Optional scuba diving and guided snorkel
- Relax on return sail with refreshments
- Disembark at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
What’s included
Your day includes roundtrip cruise from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay, snorkel equipment and lyra suit, viewing the reef from an air-conditioned semi-submersible, presentations by a marine biologist, morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet lunch with prawns, complimentary sparkling wine and cheese on the return, and the environmental management charge. A fully licensed bar is available for additional drinks and snacks.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by The Quicksilver Group
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
"You'll see more turtles than you expect," one of the crew told me as we boarded the Ocean Spirit at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal just after 8am. The catamaran leaves at 8:30am sharp for a two-hour motorized sail out to Michaelmas Cay, a sand island ringed by fringing reef on the Great Barrier Reef. On the way, muffins and focaccia come around, and a marine biologist gives a proper talk about what you're about to see, not a sales pitch, just facts about the coral gardens, the fish, the turtles, the rays. It sets the tone for the whole day.
Once you arrive at the cay, you get four hours to do what you want. Most people snorkel straight into the shallow protected waters off the beach. The reef is right there, and the fish come close enough that you stop thinking about technique and just watch. If you don't want to get wet, the semi-submersible takes you down to a diver's view without the gear or the certification. There's also a fish feeding presentation, birdwatching on the island itself (it's a protected sanctuary), or you can just lie on the sand and let the day happen. Introductory scuba dives are available if you're certified or willing to learn, and guided snorkel tours run if you want someone pointing out what you're looking at. Lunch (a hot and cold buffet with prawns) is served onboard between noon and 1:30pm.
The return journey is when you notice the design of this trip. The cabin is air-conditioned, the foredeck is spacious, and the sails are up if the weather allows. Complimentary sparkling wine, seasonal fruit, cheese and biscuits come out, and the bar is there if you want something else. You're back at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal by 5pm, which means you've had a full day on the reef without arranging your own boat, your own guide, or your own food. The environmental management charge is included, so there are no surprise fees when you arrive.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full Great Barrier Reef day without arranging transport, equipment, meals or timing yourself: the fixed schedule and included meals mean you show up at the terminal and the rest is managed for you.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What time does the boat leave Cairns?
Boarding starts at 8am, and the Ocean Spirit departs at 8:30am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
How long is the sail to Michaelmas Cay?
The motorized sail takes two hours each way.
How much time do you have at Michaelmas Cay?
Four hours of free time to snorkel, use the semi-submersible, birdwatch, or relax on the beach.
Is snorkel equipment included?
Yes, snorkel equipment and lyra suits are included in the tour price.
Can you scuba dive on this tour?
Introductory scuba dives are available for an additional cost. Minimum age is 12 years, and you must complete a health questionnaire before diving.
What food is provided?
Morning tea, muffins and focaccia, a hot and cold buffet lunch with prawns, afternoon tea, and complimentary sparkling wine and cheese on the return journey.
What time does the boat return to Cairns?
The Ocean Spirit returns to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 5pm.
Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. The semi-submersible lets you view the reef without entering the water, and there's plenty of space to relax on the beach or the boat.
Great Barrier Reef & Michaelmas Cay Sailing Cruise from Cairns
8h 30m · EN
from AU$ 288 per person
≈ US$ 205 in your currency
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