Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay Day Trip
About This Activity
Sail from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay aboard Ocean Spirit, a spacious 32-metre sailing catamaran. Spend four hours at this protected coral cay enjoying snorkelling, reef viewing, marine-life presentations and time to relax on the beach or onboard.
Highlights
- Spend four hours at Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Snorkel from the cay’s sheltered beach with equipment and instruction provided.
- View the reef without getting wet on a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour.
- Learn from a marine biologist and watch the fish-feeding presentation.
- Enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Full Description
Ocean Spirit combines a scenic sailing journey with a full day at Michaelmas Cay, a protected seabird sanctuary surrounded by fringing reef. The shallow lagoon and beach access make it suitable for first-time snorkellers as well as experienced swimmers.
Snorkelling equipment, instruction and buoyancy vests are included. Guests can also join the included semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour, attend the marine-biologist presentation, watch the fish-feeding presentation, or simply relax on the beach and spacious catamaran decks.
Morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet lunch, and a glass of sparkling wine with cheese and crackers on the return journey are included. Introductory diving and guided snorkel tours may be available at additional cost.
Itinerary
| Check-in: | Ocean Spirit or Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, unless a digital boarding pass has been issued. |
| Boarding and departure: | Board Ocean Spirit before the morning departure from Cairns. |
| Sailing journey: | Safety briefing, reef information and marine-biologist presentation en route. |
| Michaelmas Cay: | Approximately four hours for snorkelling, reef-viewing activities, lunch and beach time. |
| Return: | Afternoon tea is served before the return sailing to Cairns, with sparkling wine and cheese and crackers on the homeward journey. |
**For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Includes
- Return Ocean Spirit cruise from Cairns
- Approximately four hours at Michaelmas Cay
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Hot and cold buffet lunch
- Snorkelling equipment, instruction and buoyancy vests
- Fish-feeding presentation
- Marine-biologist presentation
- Semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat coral-viewing tour
- Glass of sparkling wine, cheese and crackers on the return journey
Not Included
- Introductory scuba diving
- Guided snorkel tour
- Coach transfers unless separately arranged
- Onboard purchases
Not Suitable For
The standard cruise suits a broad range of guests. Optional introductory diving has a minimum age and medical requirements, and some medical conditions, medications or height restrictions may prevent participation in optional in-water activities. Confirm individual needs with the operator before booking.
Meeting Point
Check in at the Ocean Spirit or Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Guests with a digital boarding pass may proceed directly to the vessel as instructed.
Important Information
Advise dietary requirements when booking. The tour operates in changing marine conditions, so sailing, activities and timings may vary. Smoking is not permitted onboard and is allowed only in designated island areas.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Towel, swimwear and a change of clothes
- Hat and comfortable shoes
- SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses
- Card or spending money for onboard purchases
Not Allowed
- Drones and smoking onboard are not permitted.
Know Before You Go
Guests without a digital boarding pass should check in before boarding. Optional introductory diving is available only to eligible guests and is subject to availability and medical requirements.
