OVERVIEW

MICHAELMAS CAY
Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds ... one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Michaelmas Cay offers a great day for SNORKELLING, DIVING & SAILING on Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Set Sail aboard our five star catamaran and enjoy a reef experience - a day to remember.
  

Why Choose Us?

• Cruise to an exclusive beach ‘Nature’s Own Pontoon’
  Michaelmas Cay is an exclusive reef location. You can cruise on our luxury vessels to this unique sand cay and explore the island without even getting your feet wet.
• Snorkel and dive from the beach rather than a pontoon into deep waters
  Feeling a little anxious? Not to worry, instead of jumping straight into the deep end (don’t mind the pun!) ease into the experience from the shallows waters of Michaelmas Cay.
• Large sailing catamaran at low speed assures maximum comfort at sea
  Our luxury sailing vessels are quite smooth as we cruise slower than the other catamarans on the reef; this is to ensure that you have a calm and comfortable experience.
• Spacious wide open foredeck perfect for sunbathing
  Soak up the sun and relax on our spacious outdoor sundecks as we sail to the exclusive Michaelmas Cay. Our sundeck features mats and cushions perfect for lazing about and taking in the spectacular scenery.
• Comfortable lounge seating rather than ferry style seating
  Sit back and relax! We believe you shouldn’t have to be cramped and uncomfortable for the cruise journey, which is why we have fitted our vessels with spacious lounge style seating – so you can enjoy your trip to Michaelmas Cay.
• Environmentally friendly sailing catamaran with low fuel consumption
  Enjoy a wonderful day cruising to areas of the Great Barrier Reef knowing that you are not harming any of the marine life in the process!
• Visit the only protected bird sanctuary on the reef
  Michaelmas Cay is a protected bird sanctuary and a haven for nature lovers. Michaelmas Cay is home to over 20,000 migratory seabirds and is one of the most important protected seabird breeding habitats in the southern hemisphere.
• Menus are freshly prepared on board during the cruise
  We believe that to be able to provide a quality experience, it is important for all elements of the cruise to be top notch! The menu provided is all part of that cruise experience, hence why all menus are freshly prepared on board.
• Ideal romantic reef trip for couples and honeymooners
  Spend a luxurious day on the magnificent Michaelmas Cay with your special someone – whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon or simply on a romantic vacation, this reef experience is one you won’t forget!
• No overcrowding – only 150 guests each day
  Passenger numbers are strictly controlled to well below the vessels licenced capacity ensuring unmatched space, comfort and attentive service.
• Best reef experience for non-swimmers
  If swimming isn’t your thing, that’s ok! We have a variety of activities for those that wish to stay dry but still see the best the Great Barrier Reef has to offer! Our fully air conditioned, comfortable semi-submersible offers an informative tour of this incredible underwater world. Our qualified Marine Biologists also deliver guided information tours of the island and bird sanctuary.
• Recommended by 5 star hotels
  Our products are endorsed by the major 5 star hotels in the region. Our cruises are of great quality and offer an experience to be remembered!

 

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
* Return cruise to The Great Barrier Reef on a luxury sailing vessel
* 8.5 hour barrier reef experience with 4 full hours on the reef
* Morning & afternoon refreshments
* Superb hot & cold buffet (includes seafood)
* Snorkelling demonstrations and tuition
* FREE Use of all snorkelling equipment
* FREE Use of flotation vests
* Informative ecological presentations by our qualified marine biologists
* Informative tour on our air conditioned semi-submersible viewing vessel
* A complimentary glass of Australian sparkling wine
* High crew to guest ratio (1:9)
* Inclusive of GST

WHAT TO BRING:
* Towel, swimmers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, change of clothes, camera
* Cash or credit card for on board purchases

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
* Guided snorkelling tours with our qualified Marine Biologist
* Certified and introductory diving
* Drinks & snacks from the fully licensed bar
* Sunscreen lotions and underwater cameras
* Hire of wet/lycra suits
* Professional photographer on board
* A range of quality souvenirs and merchandise

See below for a detailed tour itinerary of your cruise experience with Ocean Spirit Cruises. This trip is sure to create memories that last a life time!

• 7.45am -  Boarding commences. Complimentary tea and coffee, served until departure.
• 8:30am - Depart Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef.
• 9:00am - Safety demonstration, reef brief and snorkelling / dive demonstration.
• 9:30am - Informative Marine Biologist slide show presentation.
• 10:30am - Arrive at destination. Reef activities commence including snorkelling, coral viewing on our air conditioned semi-submersible, beach walks, scuba diving and swimming.
• 12:00 - noon Buffet lunch served on board.
• 1:00pm - Continuation of reef activities.
• 2:30pm - Freshly baked cake and afternoon tea is served. On completion of safety head count we depart Michaelmas Cay for a return sail to Cairns.

Snorkelling
Snorkelling is super fun! The Great Barrier Reef and Michaelmas Cay in particular, offer excellent snorkelling with a vast range of aquatic & coral life!  It is a fact that 90% of the reef’s diversity occurs in the top 4m of water, so you can see most things you would want to see by snorkelling.

You don’t need any complicated equipment for snorkelling, just a well-fitting mask, a snorkel and fins – all of which we supply to you free of charge.  When you first get into your snorkelling gear, you are sure to have a giggle at yourself and feel a bit out of place but rest assured our qualified staff will be able to show you the basics of snorkelling before you slowly walk off sandy Michaelmas Cay into the water!

Michaelmas Cay is recognized as one of the top dive sites on the reef offering safe, family friendly snorkelling in shallow, calm water.  As most areas are quite shallow you can snorkel and stop for a rest when you need to – if you would prefer to wear a safety buoyancy vest while snorkelling, we offer this completely free of charge.  With a buoyancy vest, all you have to do is kick and enjoy the amazing views in front of your eyes. 

OCEAN SPIRIT I
Technical Details - Schooner Rig Catamaran
Length: 32 metres
Beam: 12.8 metres
Draft: 1.8 metres
Displacement: 118 tonnes
Main Mast Height: 32.3 metres
Mizzen Mast: 32.9 metres
Fuel: 7330 litres
Fresh Water: 10,000 litres
Max Passenger Load: 135

Australia's magnificent marine park - the Great Barrier Reef for diving, snorkelling & sailing. Set sail aboard our 5 Star Catamarans & capture the spirit of the Great Barrier Reef. Try our Michalemas Cay Cruise, Oyster Reef & Upolu Reef Cruise, Sail & Snorkel Cruise experiencing the multi coloured coral and fish species.

Visitors & locals alike enjoy this Great Barrier Reef Experience of Australia second to none, with the best that nature has to offer. Snorkelling, Diving, Sailing - a day to remember on the Great Barrier Reef.

OR, for an outstanding evening adventure discover the delights of our Dinner Cruise, savouring the sights of the city lights set against the rainforest clad mountains, while enjoying an award winning gourmet tropical feast.

Standards for luxurious cruising to the Great Barrier Reef.

* Sailing to naturally formed islands on the Great Barrier Reef off of Cairns, Australia
* High crew to guest ratio of 9:1 - a limited number of guests on all of our cruises
* Informative and interpretive snorkel and dive tours conducted by our marine biologist
* Award winning gourmet cuisine on all our reef cruises and our dinner cruise with our chefs preparing the feast on board
* Live entertainment on board for two of our Great Barrier Reef cruises and the Dinner cruise along Trinity Inlet, Cairns
* 19 year record of quality & safety with highly trained crew and snorkel / dive instructors
* Multi lingual dive crew and instructors
* Semi-submersible vessel for coral viewing and glass bottom boat tours

Queensland’s GREAT BARRIER REEF has taken out the prestigious international Tourism for Tomorrow award for Best Destination at this year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal. The award was one of only four issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) at its 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. The award was significant recognition for the combined efforts of governments, industry bodies and individual operators and others who continue to address the environmental concerns of the GREAT BARRIER REEF.

"TAKE ONLY PHOTOS AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS"

The Great Barrier Reef is made up of million upon millions of tiny coral polyps. The skeletons that they secrete are what make up the vivid and spectacular gardens of colour that amaze thousands of people each year. Approximately 500 species of coral are known in the Indo-Pacific region and 70% of these are found on The Great Barrier Reef.

An individual coral polyp consists of a fleshy sack topped with a ring of tentacles around a central mouth opening. Many corals have a brownish-coloured alga living within the polyp. The alga uses sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce food for the polyp and this may provide as much as 98% of its diet. Corals that don’t have a partnership with these algae rely on capturing prey with their stinging cells. This could include microorganisms, worms, urchins and even fish.

Coral grow at varied speeds with the quickest being the stag horn which can add as much as 15 cm each year to their branching tips. Due to its rapid growth it is very brittle and many years of growth can be broken off very easily if they are bumped or stepped on. Other corals such as the brain coral can grow into massive boulders nearly three metres high. Formation such as this may be nearly 1000 years old!

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonderland of fish and coral, and thousands of people travel here each year to marvel at its beauty. To preserve its beauty there are hefty fines for anyone who decides to take some of this living fossil home with them. Ocean Spirit’s fully trained biologists and naturalists on board are there for you to ask as many as many questions in your discovery of the Great Barrier Reef.

Your day on The Great Barrier Reef will be one that you will never forget, but remember our motto:
"TAKE ONLY PHOTOS AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS"

Payment Policy
A deposit is payable upon confirmation.
The balance of  payment is required in full upon arrival for your departure.

Cancellation Policy
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:
Cancellations received within 3 days prior to travel will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

Cancellation Policy – Groups
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:
• 50% of full value if cancelled 10 days or less prior to sailing
• 100% of full value if cancelled 5 days prior to sailing

All trips are subject to weather/tidal conditions. All prices and times quoted are subject to change without notice. Trips may be cancelled at the discretion of the Operator.

Group Booking Policy
1 x FOC Tour Guide or Tour Escort per 15 full paying passengers with a maximum of 3 FOC Guides or Escorts per group. Group numbers less than 15: Tour Guide or Escort travels at 50% off retail rate.

DISCLAIMER
The above information including the rates, itinerary or other services are correct at the time of issue. The Operator Reserves the right to alter or amend the rates, itinerary or other services without notice and without incurring any liability.

Please note: The Operator operates Non Smoking Cruises.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.