Destination Michaelmas Cay and Hastings
Duration Day Cruise
Departs Cairns Daily 8.15am
Returns Cairns Daily 4.30pm
The Cruise
Michealmas Cay is on the Great Barrier Reef us not only world renowned for its thousands of nesting sea birds but also for its myriad of colourful corals, giant clams and reef fish that grow right up to the cay itself. Very few vessels are permitted access to this sensitive cay and there are only three vessels that travel daily that are permitted access to the cay. As Seastar arrives at the Cay, as soon as the boat moors it is at once surrounded by large and friendly Batfish; these inquisitive, harmless fish enjoy swimming with snorkellers. From here, the boat’s comfortable tender can transfer you the short distance to the cay’s edge. Birdwatchers, ornithologists or birders take the first tender to the beach and enjoy the apprehensive and shy, black napped turn, little turn and ruddy turnstones, before they move out of sight into the restricted or nesting areas of the Cay, as the number of people on the beach increases.
Seastar is moored quite closest to the cay itself, so close, you can swim to it; you can easily enter the water via a full length rear platform at the stern of the vessel. If you have never snorkelled before or have not snorkelled in a while, you can take the ‘Dinghy Shuttle’ to the Island and from the beach. From here you can walk out into these shallow, protected waters; adjust your mask, fins and snorkel and begin to snorkel! To assist you there are wetsuits to keep you warm and floatation vests to help you swim. You do not have to swim far as the coral begins only a few metres from the water’s edge.
Introductory Scuba Divers find this is an excellent location to try their first dive; the shallow waters are not as intimidating for those unaccustomed to diving and with the assistance of our Dive Instructors you will be guided to interesting corals, clams and marine life only metres from the boat.
Certified Divers, you will feel at ease as patient, professional staff guide you. You can enjoy up to three dives if you wish. For those more experienced you will have a variety of dive locations.
With the beach, reef and corals being so easily accessible, Michaelmas truly is the perfect location to practice your snorkelling and diving before heading out to the more adventurous outer edge at Hastings Reef.
Lunch
To give you the ‘freest’ time at both destinations, a delicious Hot & Cold buffet luncheon with prawns, including a vareity of hot dishes, cold meat, selected breads, tropical fruits and salads is served enroute from whilst travelling from Michaelmas to Hastings Reef, where on arrival, you will be content, rested and ready to enter the water again.
While travelling over to Hastings Reef you will often see dolphins, turtles and whales during their migration.
Hastings Reef
After a short cruise from Michaelmas Cay you will arrive at Seastar Lagoon in the Fish Bowl, the best part of Hastings Reef right on the Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Hastings Reef is a very different reef to that of Michaelmas Cay. Typically of Outer Edge reefs; the reef rises steeply from the deep water ocean floor such that, the front the bow of the Seastar floats in 20 metres of water, while at the back, the stern of the boat hangs just off the reef edge in 3 metres of water.
After practicing and familiarizing yourself with the snorkelling and diving at Michaelmas Cay, you are now ready to experience the true wonders of this Outer Edge Reef. The are coral caves, coral overhangs, deep water drop offs, coral canyons, swim throughs and shallow coral bays that are only metres from the side of Seastar. Along the steep edges there are swirling schools of small fish, colourful parrot fish, turtles, giant clams, “friendly" little reef sharks, bright yellow butterfly fish, pairs of rabbit fish, countless varieties of brightly coloured damsel fish and of course, Nemo or Clown Fish.
In the snorkel area at Hastings Reef the depth of water over the top of the reef may be only one metre but at the bottom of the drop off on the reef edge the depth falls up to 10 metres. Having already snorkeled in the shallow waters of Michaelmas Cay, you will have gained the experience to tackle this magnificent reef.
Having snorkeled at from the shallow waters of Michaelmas Cay, most will find that the deeper water is no longer as daunting as you may have thought and by using the exact same equipment you used only an hour before, you should feel completely comfortable in the water. If you are still not quite comfortable snorkelling or would simply like to learn more about the reef and its inhabitants, you can join in on the vessel’s guided snorkelling tour.
Scuba Divers, this is your reef! Certified Divers, take your time and enjoy exploring all that this reef has to offer. Dive through swim throughs, search the coral caves and play with friendly fish. Wally the Giant Maori Wrasse might follow you around like a playful puppy, as he loves attention!
Introductory Divers, if you enjoyed your first dive at Michaelmas Cay, you will find that the experienced gained during your initial dive will assist you to fully enjoy your second dive at Hastings Reef. With a Dive Instructor by your side; you will be guided to the easily visited and more interesting areas of this truly amazing reef.
With over 5 hours at the reef you are able to enjoy up to 3 certified or 2 Introductory Dives if you wish. Prior to departing Hastings reef afternoon tea is served. Departing the reef at the end of a wonderful day you will have a little time to relax on the short journey home arriving in Cairns at 4.30pm
Glass Bottom Boat
Join in on a guided Glass Bottom Boat tour on the superviewer with full commentary to help you learn about the reef whilst staying dry.
Rates
Snorkelling
Introductory Diving
Certified Diving
Environmental Management Charge AU$10.00 per person payable on boarding
Trip Includes:
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