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Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

4.5 (125)
Cairns City, AU
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Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

4.5 (125)
Cairns City, AU
Share
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Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with the Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay tour. Step aboard a luxury sailing catamaran in Cairns and set sail to the picturesque Michaelmas Cay, a pristine sand cay surrounded by stunning coral gardens and vibrant marine life. Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters to get up close and personal with curious Green Sea Turtles, Blue-Spotted rays, and a variety of colorful fish. Explore the reef's coral gardens from a semi-submersible submarine and marvel at the underwater world. Indulge in a delicious hot and cold buffet lunch, including fresh prawns, and enjoy complimentary bubbles and cheese while you soak up the beauty of Michaelmas Cay. With ecological presentations by qualified marine biologists and the use of snorkel equipment provided, this tour offers an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-9 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Lunch
  • Ecological presentations by qualified marine biologists
  • Use of snorkel equipment and lyra suit
  • Roundtrip cruise from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay
  • Coral viewing in air-conditioned semi-submersible,
  • Environmental Management Charge
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

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More about this experience

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Michaelmas Cay, a mesmerizing sand cay nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Join the Ocean Spirit, a luxurious sailing catamaran, as it sets sail from Cairns and immerses you in the wonders of this natural paradise. Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant coral gardens, curious Green Sea Turtles, and graceful Blue-Spotted rays that call this reef their home. Not only is Michaelmas Cay a haven for marine life, but it also serves as a protected bird sanctuary, attracting migratory seabirds from far and wide.

What to expect?

During this thrilling excursion, you can anticipate a day filled with exploration and awe-inspiring encounters. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel alongside exotic fish, discovering the sheer beauty of the coral gardens. If you prefer a different perspective, hop aboard the semi-submersible submarine for an incredible underwater journey. For the adventurous souls, scuba diving opportunities await, allowing you to delve deeper into this underwater wonderland. Indulge in delectable morning tea, a sumptuous hot and cold buffet lunch (including mouthwatering prawns), and an afternoon tea served on board, ensuring that your hunger is sated as you revel in the wonders around you.

Who is this for?

This captivating experience is perfect for all nature enthusiasts, ocean lovers, and adventure seekers. Whether you are a seasoned marine explorer or a first-time snorkeler, the Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay is designed to accommodate all skill levels. Bring along your family, friends, or even embark on a solo journey of discovery. The flexibility of activities ensures that everyone can choose their own adventure, be it snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the pristine beach. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory.

Why book this?

By booking this exclusive tour, you are guaranteed an exceptional and unparalleled experience. The Ocean Spirit offers luxury and comfort, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey throughout the day. With a knowledgeable crew at your service, you'll receive expert guidance and insights into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The opportunity to explore Michaelmas Cay, a place brimming with biodiversity and natural beauty, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Immerse yourself in the unique marine ecosystem, create unforgettable memories, and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.

Good to know

Please note that check-in for this incredible adventure begins at 7:30am at the Ocean Spirit counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Make sure to collect your boarding pass before boarding commences at 8:00am. The total duration of this tour is approximately 510 minutes, allowing you ample time to fully experience the wonders of Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef. Onboard, indulge in delicious meals throughout the day, including a buffet lunch and afternoon tea. To enhance your journey, a glass of complimentary sparkling wine, a seasonal fruit platter, and cheese and biscuits are offered on the homeward journey. Bring your sense of adventure, curiosity, and love for nature, and let the Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay be the highlight of your visit to Cairns.

Reviews

Those who have experienced the Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay cannot help but sing praises of this captivating tour. Travelers have shared their utter delight at witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the coral gardens, encountering an array of marine life, and being surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Michaelmas Cay. The professionalism and knowledge of the crew have been commended, ensuring an informative and enjoyable journey for all. Guests have expressed their gratitude for the seamless organization, comfortable amenities onboard, and the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you are seeking an extraordinary adventure that brings together nature's wonders and a touch of luxury, put the Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay at the top of your list.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Ocean Spirit Cruises

Arrive to the Reef Fleet Terminal from 07:30am and check-in at the Ocean Spirit counter. Obtain your boarding passes and be directed to the vessel boarding area at the marina. Boarding commences from 08:00am. Enjoy Muffins and Focaccia on your journey to Michaelmas Cay. Complimentary Tea & Coffee served prior to departure. Ocean Spirit departs strictly at 08.30am for a two hour motorized sail to Michaelmas Cay.

Great Barrier Reef

Sail aboard Ocean Spirit to the unique reef environment of Michaelmas Cay, a picturesque sand cay encircled by beautiful fringing reef. Watch our crew perform a safety demonstration, reef brief and snorkeling demonstration. This is followed by an informative Marine Biologist Reef Presentation.

Michaelmas Cay

Enjoy an onboard Fish feeding presentation upon arrival at Michaelmas Cay followed by 4 hours free time. Snorkel from the cay's shallow protected waters, cruise in the semi-submersible for a diver's view of the reef and discover the island's birdlife. If you prefer to just relax on the beach or onboard and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. The choice is yours! If you would like to dive the Great Barrier Reef, introductory dives for novices and marine biologist guided snorkel tours are also available. Buffet Lunch is served onboard between 12:00pm to 1:30pm.

Admission Included

Great Barrier Reef

On the homeward journey, relax in the air-conditioned cabin, outside or on the spacious foredeck under the sails. (Sailing is weather dependent). To top off your Ocean Spirit experience, a glass of complimentary sparkling wine, seasonal fruit platter, cheese and biscuits is also served on the homeward journey should you desire. Access our fully licensed bar to purchase additional snacks and drinks!

Cairns

Disembark from Ocean Spirit at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 5.00pm.

Reviews

(125)

4.5 (125)

issymoneyc

Honestly couldn’t imagine a better day on the Great Barrier Reef. The marine biology talk was so lovely and then going to see the coral in person. The staff made it so relaxing and not daunting at all. Especially because I struggle sometimes with snorkelling.

HweeTee_W

Ocean spirits crews were very friendly. I love how they organise the whole trip and be flexible if needed. I and my son truly enjoyed the entire trip and the food provided on the cruise. The staffs are absolutely amazing! We highly recommend this to family with kids or elderly.

mariedC5196IJ

Overpriced for value received. Staff sporadically present and not customer friendly. We were left on our own and we were not the only couple who had this opinion. A recommendation: send your staff to see how zigzag staff does it on their Whitsunday snorkel tour on the Great Barrier Reef ! Zigzag team sure demonstrates enthusiasm, devotion and careful attention to all …. We got totally the opposite with Ocean Spirit team and were very disappointed as we did not have our money’s worth We do not recommend this tour with Ocean Spirit.

Sunita_N

Great experience, very friendly staff . Good food . I did snorkeling tour with the biologist which was the most amazing experience to see the corals . Must do if you are here in reef for the first time. Will do it again and again .

95ks95

Ocean Spirit was well organized and nicely handled. Takes 2 hours from Cairns to arrive but a pleasant trip over with stuff to listen to. Nice equipment, staff was friendly and helpful. Snorkeling was very nice. Reef isn't too deep in fact only 2 feet under in spots but you can easy snorkel around whereever you wanted Plenty of areas to go, lots to see. Visability was pretty good -- not excellent -- but pretty good. Say shark, eel, stingray, and a few friendly small jellyfish. Wish we knew the jellyfish in the area were not the ones you need to worry about -- I would have been friendlier to them :) You get tendered into shore where you put on your gear and head out. The dives cost money - even the trial dives - that was not well communicated up front. Many in our group did the submarine thing and said it was just OK. I'm glad that I went back to snorkel even more. I'm sure the outer reef is even better but we really did enjoy our experience. 8 hour tour. Plenty of snacks -- good lunch.

Arkay56

The Liverpudlian Captain seemed disinterested in his clients and his attitude to suggestions was rude. e.g. many come on board wanting to experience snorkelling the great barrier reef for the first time. Unfortunately he drops us off on shore 50m from the reef, and nervous swimmers won't go out that far. Other cruise companies use a long rope for people to hold on to, above the reef. A platform was suggested but there may be marine park issues. The boat was comfortable and we were well supplied with equipment, food and drink. The only disappointment was as anove; if you are a beginner you won't see a lot.

Nmaisuria22

Everything was incredible, first time diving felt amazing! Thanks Jasper for your guidance! Also to the captain and all of the crew that were very attentive, professional and lots of fun!

NorthStar27322865565

Great trip, definitely a must see, the tour guides were amazing and we absolutely loved the island and the food aboard was great.

Texast3

What an amazing day. Almost everything about this trip was incredible including the boat, the crew, the food, the reef, the little Cay, the equipment, etc. My wife enjoyed the semi-sub while I snorkeled from the island with the birds. One thing to consider is Ocean Spirit uses Michaelmas Cay which is a tiny island where you snorkel from. This is very good for a person who might be prone to getting seasick because you can spend some time on solid land. The reef was colorful and easy to navigate. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

jessicagX6550ZL

Was a wonderful experience! The crew took good care of everyone, food was great, views were amazing! Definitely with the money!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-23 12:48