Seastar Cruises travels daily to 2 locations, Michaelmas Cay & Hastings Reef, and It takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to their first location on their fast air-conditioned motor catamaran. Seastar offers a personalised service keeping their passenger numbers to maximum of 36 people.
The day starts with visitors travelling to Michaelmas Cay, the largest uninhabited coral cay in the Cairns region. The cay has a permanent low grassy area (size of 2 football fields) where is home to up to 35 different species of sea birds.
Seastar is the first vessel to arrive at Michaelmas Cay in the morning, making it a private and special experience to all guests. Only a few tour boats are allowed access to this beautiful and sensitive cay and Sea Star is one of the lucky ones.
The cay is one of the best destinations to try snorkelling and diving, and this is because the sloping beach provides visitors with a gentle and easy entry into the water. Perfect for kids or first time snorkellers. Also, the reef is located just off the beach so snorkellers don't have to travel very far to start seeing the beautiful reef and its gorgeous marine life.
After half day on Michaelmas Cay Seastar takes visitors to Hastings Reef located at the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. This is where the coral best grows, away from the influence of the rivers and streams. The corals look healthy and colorful creating a good environment for the marine life.
Also, Hasting Reef is shallow on top making it a great condition for snorkellers, and steep on the sides making it perfect for divers.
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 07:15 - 07:50 | Check-in directly to the vessel Seastar located at E finger, Cairns Marina |
| 08:00 | Boat departs Cairns Marina |
| Travel time is 1 hour & 15 minutes direct from Cairns to the reef | |
| 09:15 | Boat arrives at the reef |
| Enjoy around 5 hours & 30 minutes exploring 2 locations on the outer reef | |
| 14:45 | Boat departs the reef |
| 16:00 | Boat arrives back in Cairns |
Please Note:
All Divers: In accordance with Australian Diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving
Flying after Diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving, (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.
| Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Main Tour (Snorkelling) |
$250.00 per adult $160.00 per child $820.00 per family |
|
| Additional Extras | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | |
| Return Coach Transfer (Cairns City) | $25.00 per adult / $25.00 per child | |
| Return Coach Transfer (Northern Beaches) | $35.00 per adult / $35.00 per child | |
| 1 Introductory Dive | $85.00 per adult / $85.00 per child | |
| 1 Certified Dive | $65.00 per adult / $65.00 per child | |
| 2 Certified Dives | $110.00 per adult / $110.00 per child | |
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Reef Tax: $10.00 is levied for all adults and children entering the Great Barrier Reef. This charge and other levies are INCLUDED in the cruise fares.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.