Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from Cairns

North Queensland, Whitsundays



Spend a day exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef and stunning coral cay. Enjoy guided snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, a delicious hot buffet lunch and plenty of time to relax.

Highlights

  • Small-group reef experience with a maximum of just 36 guests
  • Over 5 hours exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef and coral cay
  • Snorkel, dive or relax with expert crew and guided reef activities
  • View vibrant coral and fish from a glass-bottom boat
  • ECO-certified tour supporting reef conservation and sustainable tourism

Description

Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef on this premium, high-speed day cruise from Cairns aboard Seastar 1. With air-conditioned comfort and a fast cruising time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the reef. Your first stop is beautiful Michaelmas Cay, the largest of the region’s uninhabited coral cays. Here you can join a guided snorkel tour, explore the reef from a glass-bottom boat, try an introductory scuba dive (optional), or simply unwind on the sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters. After a short 20-minute cruise, continue to Hastings Reef, located on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. This vibrant reef site offers exceptional snorkelling and certified diving opportunities, with colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life. Guided snorkel tours are available, or you can explore independently at your own pace. Throughout the day, the friendly and experienced crew provide reef interpretation, snorkelling instruction, and attentive service. Morning and afternoon tea are included, along with a hot and cold buffet lunch served onboard.

Includes

Morning and afternoon tea with coffee to keep you refreshed all day Fresh hot & cold buffet lunch, suited to Vegetarians and Nut Allergy Fully guided snorkel tours at both reef locations High-quality snorkelling equipment including mask, snorkel and fins Optical prescription masks available from 2-6 Wetsuit or lycra stinger suit provided which are seasonal for comfort and safety Buoyancy vests and pool noodles for relaxed, confidence-building snorkelling Comprehensive reef briefing and marine interpretation from expert crew Glass-bottom boat tour at Michaelmas Cay for effortless coral viewing Transfers to and from Michaelmas Cay via tender Island circumnavigation for birdwatching (weather permitting) Small-group experience with attentive, personalised service ECO-certified tour supporting reef conservation and responsible tourism

Excludes

Hotel transfers: Available for an additional fee – AUD $30 per person (Cairns city) or AUD $40 per person (Northern Beaches & outer Cairns areas) Scuba diving (introductory or certified): Available at an additional cost and conducted by experienced, safety-focused instructors. To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, certain medical conditions, medications, or recent surgeries may limit participation. In some cases, a Dive Medical in line with Australian Medical Standard AS4005.1 may be required prior to travel. Our crew are always happy to discuss this with you before the day. Souvenirs and merchandise: Hats Additional snacks and cold drinks: Available for purchase onboard

Important Information

  • Scuba Diving (Introductory or Certified): If you plan to scuba dive, please note that certain medical conditions or prescribed medications may affect your ability to dive safely. Guests may be required to provide a current Queensland Diving Medical Certificate issued by a qualified diving doctor. All divers will complete a medical questionnaire onboard before diving, and their fitness to dive will be assessed by the dive instructor of the day. Our instructors are highly experienced and safety-focused, and are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have prior to your dive.
  • General Advice: Comfortable swimwear, sun protection, and a sense of adventure will ensure you enjoy the day to the fullest. First-time snorkellers and divers are warmly welcomed — our friendly crew provide guidance and support throughout the experience.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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