THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day on an air-conditioned vessel to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef—guided snorkels, glass-bottom viewing, buffet lunch and island access. This full-day tour covers outer-reef highlights 22–30 nautical miles from Cairns.
Spend a day on an air-conditioned vessel to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef—guided snorkels, glass-bottom viewing, buffet lunch and island access. This full-day tour covers outer-reef highlights 22–30 nautical miles from Cairns.
Sea spray hits the rails as Seastar slips away from Cairns Marlin Marina at first light, the city shrinking into a line of roofs while the ocean widens into a sheet of turquoise and deep blue.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Seastar Cruises · Cairns, Queensland
Sea spray hits the rails as Seastar slips away from Cairns Marlin Marina at first light, the city shrinking into a line of roofs while the ocean widens into a sheet of turquoise and deep blue.
On this full-day cruise visitors reach Michaelmas Cay—about 22 nautical miles (40 km) offshore—and Hastings Reef roughly 30 nautical miles out. Michaelmas Cay is an uninhabited coral cay dominated by sand and seabirds; Hastings Reef presents a classic outer-reef profile with shallow reef flat and steep drop-offs where the ocean falls away. The boat accommodates up to 36 guests, runs a guided snorkel program, offers glass-bottom viewing, and includes buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and mask, snorkel and fins.
Geology here is coral-built: living reef frameworks growing on ancient volcanic basement, sculpted by waves into reef terraces and walls. The cay’s sands are biogenic—ground coral and shell—while the outer reef channels expose sudden walls that test depth and visibility.
Practicalities: check in at 7:30 a.m. at the E-finger, return around 4:00 p.m. The operator supplies buoyancy vests and seasonal wetsuits or stinger suits; optical masks are available. Expect guided shallow-water snorkels suitable for beginner to confident swimmers, and glass-bottom boat runs for low-mobility guests.
Plan for sun, salt and motion: reef-safe sunscreen, a light stinger suit in summer, and seasickness prevention if you’re prone. Respect marine park rules—no touching coral, no feeding wildlife—and allow the reef to keep its edge for the next visitor.
The crossing to Michaelmas Cay is roughly 22 nautical miles (about 40 km) and typically takes around 90–120 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Yes—wet suits or stinger suits are provided seasonally and recommended during stinger season (generally October–May in this region).
Yes—non-swimmers can use buoyancy vests and enjoy glass-bottom boat viewing and island time; guided snorkels are optional.
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; cancellations for bad weather or insufficient numbers may also be refunded.
Seastar Cruises operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Sea spray hits the rails as Seastar slips away from Cairns Marlin Marina at first light, the city shrinking into a line of roofs while the ocean widens into a sheet of turquoise and deep blue.
Sea spray hits the rails as Seastar slips away from Cairns Marlin Marina at first light, the city shrinking into a line of roofs while the ocean widens into a sheet of turquoise and deep blue.
On this full-day cruise visitors reach Michaelmas Cay—about 22 nautical miles (40 km) offshore—and Hastings Reef roughly 30 nautical miles out. Michaelmas Cay is an uninhabited coral cay dominated by sand and seabirds; Hastings Reef presents a classic outer-reef profile with shallow reef flat and steep drop-offs where the ocean falls away. The boat accommodates up to 36 guests, runs a guided snorkel program, offers glass-bottom viewing, and includes buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and mask, snorkel and fins.
Geology here is coral-built: living reef frameworks growing on ancient volcanic basement, sculpted by waves into reef terraces and walls. The cay’s sands are biogenic—ground coral and shell—while the outer reef channels expose sudden walls that test depth and visibility.
Practicalities: check in at 7:30 a.m. at the E-finger, return around 4:00 p.m. The operator supplies buoyancy vests and seasonal wetsuits or stinger suits; optical masks are available. Expect guided shallow-water snorkels suitable for beginner to confident swimmers, and glass-bottom boat runs for low-mobility guests.
Plan for sun, salt and motion: reef-safe sunscreen, a light stinger suit in summer, and seasickness prevention if you’re prone. Respect marine park rules—no touching coral, no feeding wildlife—and allow the reef to keep its edge for the next visitor.