We took a day long scenic cruise to this cay. The catamaran provided a smooth two hour cruise to the cay. The crew was efficient in reviewing safety measures, handling logistics and moving about 100 folks from Cay to boat many times during the day. The snorkeling was great, the reefs were nearby. Scuba diving was also offered. Buffet lunch, snacks, enough food! I was happy we settled on this site.
Had a great time. The boat was comfortable and the food on board was plentiful and yum. The staff were great, we learnt a lot about the animals and coral and really enjoyed the ample time we had to snorkel. The water was clear and the semi submersible tour was also really interesting. Enjoyed doing a bit of sun baking on the deck on the way home too enjoying a drink and the music. Maybe the masks could have been of a better quality, but hey....had a great day out.
The tour on Ocean Spirit was just what we were looking for. My wife does not swim so she was able to enjoy the reef from the shore of Michaelmas Cay and then on the glass bottom boat while I was in the water. The reef is very close to shore so it is very easy to see scores of different fish species. Probably more than 100 different corals and the colors are just as you would expect. Ride both ways was comfortable even though it was a bit choppy. The larger vessels such as Ocean Spirit are the way to go if you may be uncomfortable with motion sickness. A previous poster commented on lack of storage lockers. In my opinion lockers are not needed. There are enough crew and passengers present that no one is likely to mess with your camera or personnel gear while you are in the water. Crew was great...gave all the advice you desired or no advice at all if you didn't want any. Both of us feel that we got our money's worth with this tour.
At 1 hour from Cairns this Cay is a bird sanctuary (seen more than 10 different sea birds!), and a snorkeling reef area with lots of colorful fishes. Ask for Ocean Spirit boat ride!
Many migratory birds on the island. Average place for swimming. Not so many fishes though in the area/
The trip to Michealmas Cay was great - perhaps it was sheer luck but we've seen there manta rays and sea turtles, fantastic experience. We went there with SeaStar cruises early in the morning, so we were the first ones to arrive. The water is very shallow there so better for snorkling rather than diving. Also, because of the Cay there may be much sand in the water - definitely better to visit when there is little wind and the waves are small.
We stopped to snorkel here - what a spectacular spot! I saw my first wild turlle. So exciting. Leave the birds alone.
Such a perfect tropical paradise. We visited Michaelmas Cay with an Ocean Spirit tour and it was absolutely lovely, the staff were friendly and we met some really interesting people. Snorkeling off the beach here was absolutely stunning (especially as there were a few turtles hanging around that day). The glass bottom boat tour is a must do as well, you get an awesome view of the marine life that lies a bit further out. I highly recommend it!
Not the best. Don't plan any day boat or trip around this little sand hill.Its completely covered in birds (i.e. their poop) and there is not a lot of room to move around as most of it is blocked of as a reserve for wildlife. So really its about a 7 meter stretch of sand that you can stand on and look back at the boat you came on.Not to mention if multiple boats are there at the same time there are 30+ people shoulder to shoulder on this sandy area. Its not what the brochures make it look like. Shame
Loved the snorkeling on Michaelmas Cay! The waters were a little rough due to a cyclone coming in, but for a first-timer, it was truly a wonderful experience.