Sailing Catamaran Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

• Catamaran cruise
• Glass-bottom viewing with commentary
• 4-hour stop at Michaelmas Cay
• Morning tea (muffins and focaccia)
• Afternoon tea (tropical fruit platter and cake)
• Hot and cold buffet lunch
• Snorkeling equipment and instruction
• Buoyancy vests and lycra suits
• Marine biologist presentation
• Fish-feeding presentation
• Sparkling wine, cheese, and biscuits

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Introductory scuba diving
• Marine biologist guided snorkel tour

Check in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street, Cairns)

Check availability to see starting times.

The cruise departs from Cairns Marina at 8:30 am and returns to Cairns at 5:00 pm.

• Customer-requested cancellations made at least 6 days prior to travel will receive a refund of 95% of the total booking amount. The remaining 5% will be retained as a non-refundable administration and booking fee. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
• Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
• Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Absolutely. The included semi-submersible reef tour lets you see coral and marine life while staying dry, and the short beach transfer uses a glass-bottom vessel. You can also enjoy the fish-feeding and marine biologist presentations, watch the seabirds and relax on the catamaran or sandy cay.

Yes. Snorkelling begins from the sandy beach at Michaelmas Cay, where the water is generally calm and shallow and the coral starts a short distance from shore. Equipment, a lycra suit, a buoyancy vest and a snorkelling demonstration are included, giving first-timers a comfortable way to ease into the water.

Yes. Michaelmas Cay’s shallow sandy swimming area, beach entry and designated visitor area make it a relaxed choice for families. Children can enjoy the water with a parent or guardian nearby, while the semi-submersible tour gives the whole family another way to see the reef without swimming.

You’ll travel aboard a spacious 32-metre sailing catamaran, with the crew using the sails when the day’s wind and operating conditions are suitable. Motor power is also used when needed to maintain the planned journey and your four hours at the reef.

The crossing takes around two hours each way, and the large catamaran has spacious indoor and outdoor areas where you can settle in for the journey. Complimentary ginger tablets are available onboard, and motion-sickness medication can be purchased. If you know you are prone to seasickness, it is best to prepare before the vessel gets underway.

Yes, toilet facilities are available onboard the catamaran. There are no toilets on Michaelmas Cay itself, so it is best to use the onboard facilities before taking the short beach transfer.

Vegetarian options are available in the hot and cold buffet, and menu items are labelled with their ingredients. Other dietary requirements need to be advised in advance. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.