Sail the beautiful Great Barrier Reef
Glide along the Coral Sea on a 32-metre sailing catamaran. Sail and Snorkel Michaelmas Cay offers a relaxing day of sailing and snorkeling the world famous Great Barrier Reef
After the 90-minute sail trip, you will arrive at the unique Michaelmas Cay. This picturesque sand island is rich in historical and environmental significance. Michaelmas Cay is located at the tip of Michaelmas Reef, where the coral and marine life thrive.
You can enjoy the reef on many different levels, from snorkeling to diving or the semi-submersible coral viewing tour. Ocean Spirit has options for all levels of swimming experience so everyone can enjoy the Reef.
Itinerary
07:30 – Check-in at Ocean Spirit’s counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal
08:00 – Boarding commences. Morning tea with muffin and focaccia served.
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
- Snorkeling
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
- Introductory scuba diving. (Dive sessions are 11:00am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm)
12:00 – Buffet lunch onboard
13:00 – Continue Reef activities
14:30 – Afternoon Tea onboard
15:30 – Commence sailing back to Cairns. Complimentary sparkling wine, cheese and crackers are served.
17:00 – Arrive back in Cairns
Inclusions
- 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
- Delicious hot and cold buffet lunch, including fresh prawns
- Snorkeling equipment and instruction
- Buoyancy vests
- Marine Biologist presentation
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary
- Fish feedings presentation
- A glass of complimentary sparkling wine served on the homeward journey, cheese and crackers.
- Lycra suits
- Environmental Management Charge
What to Bring
- Your camera
- Swimming costumer and towel
- Hat and Sunscreen
- Cash or credit card for onboard purchases, souvenirs or optional activities
Optional Extras
Guided Snorkel Tour (extra cost)
A Marine Biologist guided tour to see and learn more while you snorkel
Introductory Scuba Dive (extra cost)
Michaelmas cay offers perfect conditions for introductory divers to experience diving. A highly skilled and trained dive instructor will dive along side you for a fully supervised dive. See more vibrant coral and stunning fish for a once in a lifetime scuba dive on The Great Barrier Reef.
What is an Introductory Dive? Introductory diving requires no previous scuba experience.
Important Information for Scuba Diving
We have a passion to show you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire prior to booking as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
We are very happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please Contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us
Or alternatively, you may like to consult your own 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