Fuel levy: +$4 per adult at check-in
The $8.50 Environmental Management Charge is already included in the advertised ticket price. The only additional cost at check-in is the $4 fuel levy per adult. We'll confirm for you whether the levy also applies to children when you book.
GuestTours Review
Ocean Spirit Review 2026: The Premium Sailing Experience to Michaelmas Cay
Ocean Spirit's 32-metre sailing catamaran is the most impressive vessel doing day trips out of Cairns. When conditions allow, the sails go up and you cross 55 km of open water to Michaelmas Cay under canvas. The inclusions are broad: buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, snorkel gear with stinger suit and swim vests, a semi-submarine, marine biologist presentations on board, fish feeding, and sparkling wine on the return. The $8.50 EMC is already built into the advertised price; the only extra at check-in is the $4 per adult fuel levy.
The main trade-off versus SeaStar is group size, Ocean Spirit's boat is larger, and SeaStar adds a second stop at Hastings Reef. Ocean Spirit's advantages: the semi-submarine, marine biologist programme, and a family pass at $734 (two adults, two children) that SeaStar doesn't offer. The choice comes down to whether you prioritise group size and two reef sites (SeaStar) or the sailing experience, semi-sub and family pass (Ocean Spirit).
GuestTours Verdict
The best choice for families heading to Michaelmas Cay, and the only option if you want a genuine sailing experience. The 32-metre catamaran, semi-submarine, marine biologist and sparkling wine set it apart. If group size and two reef sites matter more, look at SeaStar instead.
Honest Assessment
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuine 32-metre sailing catamaran
- Semi-submarine included (dry reef viewing)
- Marine biologist on board for all guests
- Family pass available ($734, no competitor has this)
- EMC already included in advertised price
- Sparkling wine on the return crossing
- Buffet lunch + morning and afternoon tea
Cons
- Fuel levy $4 per adult charged at check-in
- Complimentary coach pickup covers Cairns and Northern Beaches only, not Port Douglas
- Larger group than SeaStar (less intimate)
- Only one snorkel site vs SeaStar's two
- Intro dive add-on priced at $174, more expensive than SeaStar
What's Included
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Return sailing catamaran crossing
- Landing on Michaelmas Cay
- Snorkel gear, lycra stinger suit and swim vests
- Semi-submarine (dry viewing, no swimming required)
- Marine biologist presentations on board
- Fish feeding demonstration
- Buffet lunch
- Morning tea and afternoon tea
- Glass of sparkling wine on return crossing
- EMC ($8.50) included in ticket price
Not included: Fuel levy $4 per adult (payable at check-in) · Scuba diving intro dive ($174 adult, minimum age 12) · Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel ($89 adult / $50 child)
Complimentary coach transfers are included from most major Cairns hotels and the Northern Beaches (not available for Port Douglas).
Day Schedule
What Happens on the Day
Boarding commences at 8:00am, the vessel departs at 8:30am sharp and returns to Cairns at approximately 5:00pm. Total duration approximately 8.5 hours.
Morning
Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Check in at 1 Spence St, Cairns. Pay $4 fuel levy per adult at check-in. Board the 32-metre sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit.
~1.5 hr
Crossing to the outer reef
90-minute crossing. Sails raised when wind conditions allow. Marine biologist presentations on board covering reef ecology and wildlife before you arrive.
Arrival
Arrive Michaelmas Cay + morning tea
Arrive at Michaelmas Cay on the outer reef. Morning tea served. Land on the coral sand cay and explore the protected seabird sanctuary (23 nesting species).
Reef time
Snorkelling, semi-submarine and fish feeding
Snorkel directly from Michaelmas Cay on the outer reef. The semi-submarine provides a dry viewing alternative. Fish feeding demonstration included for all guests.
Midday
Buffet lunch on board
Buffet lunch served on board the catamaran. Included for all passengers.
Afternoon
Continued reef time and afternoon tea
More time in the water. Afternoon tea served. Optional Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel add-on (+$89 adult / +$50 child) available for those who want guided in-water commentary.
Return
Depart Michaelmas Cay + sparkling wine
Depart the cay and begin the 90-minute return crossing. A glass of sparkling wine served on the sail back to Cairns.
~8.5 hr
Arrive back at Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Return to 1 Spence St, Cairns, approximately 8.5 hours after departure.
Practical Details
Before You Book
Departure Point
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Duration
Approximately 8.5 hours
Child Age Range
Ages 4 to 14 at child rate. Under 4 free (we'll confirm with you at booking).
Cancellation
Free cancellation 48+ hours before departure. Non-refundable within 48 hours. Weather cancellations: full refund.
Hotel Transfers
Complimentary coach pickup from most major Cairns hotels and the Northern Beaches. Not available for Port Douglas.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel. Snorkel gear and stinger suit provided. Cash/card for fuel levy.
Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Boarding commences at 8:00am and the vessel departs at 8:30am sharp from the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns. Check-in opens after 7:00am. The vessel returns to Cairns at approximately 5:00pm.
A fuel levy of $4 per adult is charged at check-in, on top of the ticket price. Whether the levy also applies to children is not clearly stated in published materials. We'll confirm it for you when you book.
Yes. Ocean Spirit includes the $8.50 EMC in the advertised ticket price. The only additional charge at check-in is the $4 fuel levy per adult. No other surprise fees.
The semi-submarine is a vessel that sits partially underwater, with viewing windows at the waterline allowing you to watch the reef without getting wet. It is included in the Ocean Spirit ticket and is an excellent option for non-swimmers or those who prefer a dry reef experience alongside snorkelling. SeaStar Cruises (the other Michaelmas Cay operator) uses a glass bottom boat instead.
Yes. The family pass ($734 for 2 adults and 2 children aged 4-14) is one of Ocean Spirit's strongest selling points. The semi-submarine means children who are not confident snorkellers can still enjoy the reef. Marine biologist presentations are engaging for older children. Note: the $4 fuel levy per adult applies at check-in. We'll confirm for you whether it applies to children when you book.
Yes. Introductory scuba diving is available as an add-on at $174 for adults (minimum age 12, no certification required). This is more expensive than SeaStar's intro dive ($95 for the first dive). If diving is a priority, SeaStar offers more competitive pricing.
An optional in-water add-on at $89 adult / $50 child. A marine biologist accompanies you in the water and points out specific species, coral formations and reef features. The on-board marine biologist presentations are included for all guests. The guided snorkel is an in-water extension for those who want it.
Both operate to Michaelmas Cay. Ocean Spirit advantages: 32-metre sailing catamaran, semi-submarine, marine biologist on board, sparkling wine, family pass available, EMC included in price. SeaStar advantages: smaller group (max 36 guests), visits both Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef, lower intro dive price ($95 vs $174), slightly lower base price ($265 vs $288 + $4 levy). The choice comes down to group size, vessel type, and whether a family pass or two snorkel sites matters more to you.
Michaelmas Cay is an uninhabited coral sand cay on the outer Great Barrier Reef, approximately 55 km north-northeast of Cairns. It is a protected seabird sanctuary with 23 nesting species. There are no buildings, no resort, and no permanent facilities. Snorkelling directly from the cay reaches genuine outer reef, significantly better quality than the inner reef around Green Island or Fitzroy Island.
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear and a towel. Snorkel gear and stinger suit are provided. Bring cash or card for the $4 fuel levy at check-in and any additional drinks on board. All food (buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea) is included.
Free cancellation if you cancel 48 hours or more before departure. Within 48 hours the booking is non-refundable. If the tour is cancelled by the operator due to weather or sea conditions, you receive a full refund or can reschedule at no charge.
The vessel has both sails and motor. Sails are raised when wind conditions are favourable. It is a genuine sailing catamaran, not a motor vessel with decorative sails. Whether you sail on your departure depends on the weather that day.
Ocean Spirit Cruises
Michaelmas Cay Full Day · Cairns
Ticket Prices (EMC included)
Adult
Full day · buffet lunch incl.
$288
Child (4-14)
$149
👪 Family Pass
2 Adults + 2 Children
$734
⚠️ +$4 fuel levy per adult at check-in. EMC already included above.
🔒 Secure booking, no payment now
✉️ Confirmation within 1 hour
↩️ Free cancellation 48h+
We confirm availability with the operator and send a secure payment link by email. No charge until confirmed.