Ocean Spirit: an Adventure to Michaelmas Cay
Prepare for a fantastic journey to Michaelmas Cay aboard the magnificent 32-metre-sailing Catamaran Ocean Spirit. The excitement begins with a scenic 2-hour motorised sail through the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef. As you approach Michaelmas Cay, you’ll find a world of adventure and natural beauty waiting for you to explore.
Michaelmas Cay Activities
- Snorkelling: Dive into the protected shallow waters surrounding the cay and discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s an activity suitable for all ages and experience levels. Drift quietly over vibrant corals and colourful fish, and immerse yourself in this underwater paradise.
- Introductory Scuba Dive: For those eager to delve deeper, try an introductory scuba dive in the fringing reefs. Explore the mesmerising underwater world under the guidance of our experienced instructors.
- Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat: Experience the reef uniquely with our semi-submarine or glass bottom boat. It’s like having your aquarium, offering a diver’s view of the mesmerising marine life.
- Fish Feeding Presentation: Join us for an informative fish feeding presentation and witness the colourful fish as they gather to enjoy their meal.
- Bird Watching: Observe the abundant bird life on the island, including the migratory seabirds that call Michaelmas Cay home. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Relaxation: If you prefer a leisurely day, unwind on the pristine beach or bask in the sun on Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. The choice is yours, and we encourage you to make the most of your day.
Our convenient “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you throughout the day between Ocean Spirit and the beach, ensuring easy access to all the island’s attractions.
Snorkelling
- Included Activity: Snorkelling is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. With the beach steps away, it’s accessible for people of all ages and experience levels.
- Equipment Provided: We provide everything you need for a fantastic snorkelling adventure, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. Our qualified crew is always on hand to offer guidance and assistance if needed.
- Buoyancy Vests: Stay effortlessly afloat with the help of our provided buoyancy vests. These vests ensure your comfort and safety as you discover the incredible underwater world.
- Snorkelling Tips
- Catch our crew’s fun demonstration during your journey to Michaelmas Cay for great snorkelling tips and tricks.
Lycra Suits
- Sun Protection: Lycra suits are available for adults and children, offering sun protection while reducing the risk of stings and irritations from marine stingers that may be present in tropical waters seasonally.
- Fun Fashion: These suits aren’t just practical. A fun fashion statement and an excellent photo opportunity. Get ready to make a splash in style!
- Safety First: Remember, while snorkelling is a delightful activity, it can also be strenuous. Please exercise caution and inform our attentive crew of any medical conditions to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Your day at Michaelmas Cay with Ocean Spirit promises various adventures, whether exploring the underwater wonders, lounging on the beach, or taking in the sights from our spacious decks. Get ready for a day of excitement, relaxation, and natural beauty in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Discovery Tour: Dive into the World Below
Prepare for an incredible underwater adventure without getting wet! Our air-conditioned semi-submarine (or glass bottom boat) takes you on a captivating Reef Discovery tour, offering a unique diver’s view of the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders. And the best part? It’s an included activity during your day at Michaelmas Cay.
What to Expect
- In-Depth Exploration: Situated just one metre below the waterline, our semi-submarine provides an up-close and personal encounter with the reef’s vibrant marine life. You’ll be in the heart of stunning coral formations, witnessing a bustling community of underwater creatures in their natural habitat.
- Informative Commentary: Our expert crew is your guide to the underwater world. They’ll provide engaging commentary, sharing insights about the colourful corals and fascinating marine life right before your eyes. Learn about the incredible biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef in this interactive tour.
- Marine Marvels: Get ready to encounter a treasure trove of marine wonders. The reefs surrounding Michaelmas Cay are home to an array of spectacular giant clams, graceful sea turtles, majestic giant trevally, colourful hump-headed parrotfish, sleek black-tip reef sharks, and a mesmerising variety of tropical reef fish.
The Experience
Hope onboard the Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat Reef Discovery tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, offers a captivating journey into the heart of the reef’s underwater splendour. The large viewing windows ensure you don’t miss a single detail of this remarkable world beneath the surface.
This extraordinary encounter with the reef is included in your day’s activities at no extra cost. So be sure to hop on board and join us for an unforgettable, up-close exploration of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef. It’s an experience that promises wonder, amazement, and lasting memories.
Dive into Knowledge with the Marine Biologist-Guided Snorkel Tour
For those eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Great Barrier Reef, we offer an exciting optional activity—the Marine Biologist-Guided Snorkel Tour. Join our marine biologist and become part of a small, curious group as you embark on an extraordinary journey into the underwater realm.
What to Expect
- Up-Close Exploration: This guided snorkel tour is your passport to an up-close and personal encounter with the mesmerising marine life of Michaelmas Cay. Our marine biologist will be your expert guide, sharing valuable insights about the reef’s unique ecosystem.
- Reef’s Abundance: Michaelmas Reef is celebrated for its wealth of marine treasures, including giant clams and graceful sea turtles. As you snorkel, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible diversity of marine life. You might encounter a stunning array of hard and soft corals (there are over 400 types on the Great Barrier Reef!), vibrant parrotfish and fusiliers, schools of colourful fish, trevally, playful clownfish (Nemo!), sea cucumbers, and majestic giant clams.
- Educational Adventure: This guided tour isn’t just an adventure; it’s an educational experience. Learn about the intricate relationships between these underwater creatures and the reef’s fragile ecosystem. It’s a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of the marine world.
The Tour Details
- Location: The tour is conducted directly from the beach in the protected waters of the Cay, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.
- Duration: Get ready for a 45-minute adventure that promises knowledge and loads of fun. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together.
- Equipment Included: We’ve covered you with all the necessary equipment, including snorkeling gear and a comfortable lycra suit that provides sun protection and reduces the risk of stings from marine stingers.
Pricing
- Adult: $76.00
- Child: $40.00
- Family: $192.00
So, whether you’re a budding marine biologist or simply curious about the secrets of the reef, our Marine Biologist-Guided Snorkel Tour is your chance to explore, learn, and have an unforgettable adventure. Join us and dive into the magic of the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater world!
Discover the Magic Below with Introductory Diving at Michaelmas Cay
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to explore the underwater world from a fish’s perspective? With our Introductory Scuba Diving option at Michaelmas Cay, you can experience the reef uniquely. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, glide past stunning coral formations, and swim alongside schools of fish as you uncover the secrets of this special underwater world.
What to Expect
- No Experience Needed: Don’t worry if you’ve never scuba-dived; this adventure is designed for beginners. Our professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
- Age and Requirements: To participate, you must be over 12 and pass a simple onboard medical questionnaire. Additionally, a 30-minute dive brief will prepare you for the underwater adventure.
- The Perfect Dive Site: Michaelmas Cay is ideal for first-time divers. It offers wind protection and calm, shallow waters, creating a safe and comfortable environment for your dive. You’ll start with a skills practise session in the shallows, preparing you for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
- Certificate of Recognition: At the end of your introductory scuba dive, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition to commemorate your achievement and the thrilling memories you’ve made.
Booking Information
- Pre-Booking: We recommend pre-booking to secure your spot, as places are limited, and this adventure is highly sought-after.
Pricing
- Adult: $150.00
Advice for Water Activities:
- Minimum Age: The minimum age for introductory scuba diving is 12.
- Medical Considerations: Some medical conditions, medications, and height restrictions may affect participation in optional in-water activities. For personalised advice, feel free to contact our office.
- Safety: After a single dive, waiting 12 hours before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater is recommended. If you plan to do multiple dives, a 24-hour interval is suggested.
Are you ready to take the plunge and experience the magic of scuba diving at Michaelmas Cay? It’s a thrilling adventure that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of the Great Barrier Reef’s mesmerising underwater world. Dive in and discover the beauty beneath the waves.
Important Note: Prices are valid until March 31, 2024.
Michaelmas Cay
Your Ocean Spirit Adventure Begins
07:30 – Check-in at Ocean Spirit’s counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal
08:00 – Boarding commences. Morning tea with muffins and focaccia.
After that, it’s time to get underway!
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
- Snorkelling
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
- Introductory scuba diving. (Dive sessions are 11:00 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:30 pm)
Noon – Buffet lunch onboard
13:00 – Continue Reef activities
14:30 – Afternoon Tea onboard
15:30 – Commence sailing back to Cairns. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine along with cheese and crackers.
17:00 – Arrive back in Cairns
Your cruise includes:
– 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.
– Hot and cold buffet lunch, including fresh prawns.
– Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits.
– Buoyancy vests.
– Marine Biologist presentation.
– Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with commentary.
– Fish feeding presentation on arrival.
– Glass of complimentary sparkling wine served on the homeward journey, with cheese and crackers.
What to Bring:
– Hat and shirt for sun protection. We recommend marine-friendly sunscreen.
– Swimwear and towel.
– Camera.
– Professional photo service on board (additional cost).
– Cash or credit card for option activities or onboard purchases.
Transfers (Optional):
Coach transfers provided by Quicksilver Connections and Down Under Tours
- Your camera and also Go Pro
- Swimming costume, towel in addition to a hat and sunscreen
- Cash or credit card for onboard purchases, souvenirs or optional activities
Ocean Spirit Cruises departs daily from the Cairns Marina.
Visitors are required to first check in inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Check-in time is 7:45 am am for an 8:30 am departure returning to the Cairns Marina at 5 pm.
Safety Comes First onboard Ocean Spirit!
It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world. It also has the safest scuba diving record. The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates us, and we comply with all regulations.
We recommend that our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact our office at 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected]
Or you may like to consult your 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.