Set sail aboard the five star catamaran and visit a natural and pristine sand cay, which is Michaelmas Cay. The day is then yours to explore.  

The Michaelmas Cay Cruise offers a wide range of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving (both certified and first time beginner), semi-submersible coral viewing, coral cay scientific tours, nature walks among a bird sanctuary, live musical entertainment and a glass of champagne on the homeward sail. 9 to 1 passenger to crew ratio ensures a 5 Star Service is delivered to all the guests.  

Michaelmas Cay is a small vegetated coral cay (1.5 ha in area and 3.5 m high) lying 43 km north-east of Cairns. The cay sits on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, a mid-shelf reef formed by living coral animals, polyps which secret a limestone skeleton.  

The cay itself was formed when fragments of the reef (coral, algae and shells) were washed to the leeward side of the reef by wave action and prevailing winds, to form a single bank. In the sheltered areas behind the sand bank, seeds deposited by birds and waves are able to establish, stabilising the cay and encouraging seabirds to roost and nest. Their droppings fertilise the sand and more plants are able to grow. Vegetation covers the centre of the cay. 

Island Fauna 
Michaelmas Cay is a major seabird nesting island in the northern Great Barrier Reef, and one of the most accessible along the entire reef for day visitors. 38 species of birds have been recorded on Michaelmas Cay (3 woodland species and 35 seabirds). The main breeding species are sooty terns, crested terns, common noddies and lesser crested terns. Occasional breeders include silver gulls, black-naped terns, bridled terns, black noddies, roseate terns and ruddy turnstones. Breeding activity and care of young occurs throughout the year, with sooty terns breeding every 8.5 months and others breeding annually. 

Michaelmas Cay is monitored monthly by the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage and works directly with the staff of tourist operations that visit the cay and utilise the waters around the reef to educate visitors not to disturb the natural history of the area, but still allow total enjoyment of this spectacular pristine environment. 

Optional Extras:

• Introductory Diving - Start in the shallow waters of the cay and practice the basic skills under the close supervision of your instructor. After your first scuba dive you'll receive a PADI certificate of Recongnition and memories to last a lifetime. (subject to medical questionaire)
• Certified Diving - We access the best dive sites and our dive instructor will give you a full site briefing to ensure you have a first class dive on the Great Barrier Reef.
• 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

Inclusions: Coach transfers to and from your accommodation, morning and afternoon tea, an informative reef presentation by a Marine Biologist, superb seafood smorgasbord lunch, snorkelling equipment and instruction, semi-submarine coral viewing tours, a Marine Biologist guided bird walk, live musical entertainment on homeward sail and a complimentary glass of champagne.

What to bring: Hat and sunscreen, camera, swimming costume, shirt for sun protection, beach towel, cash for refreshments at the bar and onboard souvenirs.

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