Great Barrier Reef Sail and Snorkel Cruise from Cairns
Highlights & inclusions
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April 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Michaelmas Cay, such a beatiful place on Great Barrier Reef.
We went on Michaelmas Cay 18 years ago, and we came back again. Marvellous place, very lucky to be so close to Mather Nature. The Crew were fantastic, efficient, the marine geologist was fantastic explanation from the person who show love and commitment for the job that She does. Well done Ocean Spirit.
A really well organised tour with lovely staff that were very attentive.
A really well organised tour with lovely staff that were very attentive. A great tour for seeing the most amount in the smallest time. The guided snorkel with Will was a personal highlight and one I’d definitely recommend paying the extra money for. Especially if you’re an inexperienced snorkeler like myself. He was patient with our small group of 3 and pointed out all the amazing wildlife to us. Having the semi sub was another great option for seeing the marine life in Michaelmas Cay for those that don’t particularly don’t want to snorkel.
What you can expect
Enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled day on the Great Barrier Reef with this full day cruise from Cairns, perfect for families, couples, and first-time reef visitors.
Cruise out to a beautiful coral cay surrounded by calm, clear waters and vibrant marine life. You’ll have around four hours to explore the reef at your own pace, whether that’s snorkelling, spotting colourful fish, or simply soaking up the sunshine.
This experience is designed to be easy and enjoyable for everyone. All snorkelling equipment is included, along with helpful demonstrations and guidance, making it ideal for beginners and kids trying snorkelling for the first time.
Back on the water, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Relax on the spacious vessel, or hop on board the semi-submersible to view the reef from below without getting wet — a great option for younger guests or non-swimmers.
The coral cay is also a protected National Park and an important bird sanctuary, offering a unique chance to see native wildlife in a stunning natural setting.
With a full day itinerary, departing Cairns at 8:30am and returning at 5:00pm, this is a memorable and easy way to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef together.
Location
What you need to know
- Return cruise to The Great Barrier Reef on a luxury sailing vessel
- 8 hour cruise experience with 4 full hours on the reef
- Morning and afternoon teas
- Superb hot and cold buffet lunch including seafood
- Snorkelling demonstrations and tuition
- FREE use of all snorkelling equipment
- FREE use of flotation vests
- Informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists
- Informative tour on an air conditioned semi-submersible coral viewing vessel
- Guided nature tours of the island and bird sanctuary
- Hotel pick ups and drop offs
- Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected either via a payment link sent via text prior to travel or see our check in counter on day of travel. (Adult - $4 AUD, Child - $2 AUD).
- Introductory scuba diving
- Marine biologist guided snorkel tour
- Cruises depart daily from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8.30am and returns at 5pm. Boarding commences at 8am
- This experience departs from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City, QLD 4870.
- Camera
- Towel and swimmers
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat and shirt for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Cash/credit card for on board purchases
- Change of clothes
- In the event of inclement weather, passengers will be offered an alternative day of travel, or a refund will be authorised
- Please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected either via a payment link sent via text prior to travel or see our check in counter on day of travel. (Adult - $4 AUD, Child - $2 AUD).
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before your travel date. You’ll receive a text message and an email prompting you to complete it. On the day of travel, please present your digital boarding pass at the Ocean Spirit vessel, located at Marlin Marina, next to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870. Boarding begins at 8:00 am, and the vessel departs promptly at 8:30 am. If you haven’t checked in online, please bring your booking voucher to the Ocean Spirit check-in counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal from 7:30 am to collect your boarding pass.
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
We had only one day in Cairns to get to see the reef and lucked out with our choice.
We had only one day in Cairns to get to see the reef and lucked out with our choice. Weather was a little poor which inadvertently worked for us as it made for a smaller group on our boat. The breakfast and lunch served on board was excellent, and the crew friendly. Gorgeous vessel with plenty of seating indoor and out and sparkly clean restrooms. The marine biologist was an amazing addition to the day, I was amazed at how quickly she was able to identify the things I would show her in pictures from the reef. Additionally, the semi sub is a must do addition to this tour. My wife, who isn't a swimmer and does not snorkel, got to see the reef up close and personal thanks to this awesome addition. The cay itself is beautiful with plenty of great snorkeling and bird watching to do. All in all I would recommend this tour.
This was the perfect first snorkel trip for my kids, ages 7 and 9.
This was the perfect first snorkel trip for my kids, ages 7 and 9. I was hopeful they would like it but didn’t want to push them too hard either. Well, the staff really blew it out of the water with them (literally). From the second we stepped on the boat, Carlos was kind and funny and put them at ease immediately. Teresa gave a really fantastic marine biology talk and then Michael was the star of the show with the guided snorkel tour. I did pay extra for this because, like I said, it was the kids’ first time and I wanted it to be extra fun. He really went above and beyond to engage them and even helped carry them back to shore when they were cold and tired. At the end of the trip, he even came up to them and asked if they had any further questions and showed us some really awesome pictures he has been taking to watch the coral go through bleaching and then returning to a healthier state. It was so much more than what I expected. Super highly recommend, especially if you have kids. Of note, multiple people did get really seasick so, just know yourself. Thanks Ocean Spirit for introducing me and my kids to the GBR and snorkeling!
My daughter and I loved the marine talks given by the marine biologists on both the way out and in
This was the best reef cruise I have been on. My daughter and I loved the marine talks given by the marine biologists on both the way out and in. The cay itself was beautiful. The water was crystal clear and the snorkeling was amazing. There was plenty of food all day. Awesome day out.