SeaStar Cruises Review
SeaStar visits two locations in a single day: Michaelmas Cay, an uninhabited coral sand cay 55 km offshore with 23 nesting seabird species, then Hastings Reef for a second guided snorkel session. The group cap is 36 and everything is included, from buffet lunch to wetsuits and guided snorkels at both stops. It is a good fit for snorkellers and divers.
GuestTours Verdict
GuestTours award: Best Small Group, Michaelmas Cay. GuestTours rating: 4.8 / 5.
What's included in your ticket
- Return ferry crossing
- Landing on Michaelmas Cay
- Guided snorkel, Michaelmas Cay
- Guided snorkel, Hastings Reef
- Snorkel gear, mask and fins
- Wetsuits
- Swim vests
- Glass bottom boat tour
- Buffet lunch
- Morning tea
- Afternoon tea
Your day, hour by hour
7:30 AM
Depart Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence St, Cairns. Earliest departure of any island tour from Cairns. Maximise time on the outer reef.
~9:00 AM
Arrive Michaelmas Cay
Land on the uninhabited coral sand cay on the outer reef. Morning tea served. Explore the seabird sanctuary.
Mid-morning
Guided snorkel session, Michaelmas Cay
Outer reef fringing coral around the cay. 23 seabird species visible above the water. Glass bottom boat available simultaneously.
Midday
Buffet lunch on board
Lunch served on the vessel while transferring to the second reef location.
Early afternoon
Transfer to Hastings Reef
Short transit to the second outer reef snorkel location. No other Michaelmas Cay operator offers this second stop.
Afternoon
Guided snorkel, Hastings Reef + afternoon tea
Second guided snorkel session. Diving add-ons also take place at Hastings Reef. Afternoon tea served on board.
~3:00 PM
Depart for Cairns
Return crossing to Cairns. Approximately 75 minutes.
~4:15 PM
Arrive Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Times approximate and subject to conditions.
Optional extras
Intro Dive, 1st dive
No certification needed. First dive on the outer reef at Hastings Reef. One of the cheapest intro dive prices in Cairns.
$95 pp
Intro Dive, 2nd dive
Second introductory dive on the same day. Add this when booking the first.
$55 pp
Certified Dive, 1 dive
For certified divers. One dive at Hastings Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
$75 pp
Certified Dive, 2 dives
Two certified dives in one day. Best value for experienced divers wanting maximum bottom time.
$130 pp
Hotel Transfer, CBD
Return coach transfers from Cairns CBD hotels to Reef Fleet Terminal. Book when making your reservation.
$30 pp
Hotel Transfer, Northern Beaches
Return transfers from Northern Beaches area hotels. Book when making your reservation.
$40 pp
The full review
SeaStar is the only Michaelmas Cay operator that visits two locations in a single day: the cay itself, an uninhabited coral sand cay on the outer reef and a seabird sanctuary, then Hastings Reef for a second guided snorkel session. No other Michaelmas operator offers that combination. The group cap is 36, and everything is included: buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, snorkel gear, wetsuits, swim vests, glass bottom boat, and guided snorkels at both stops.
Dive pricing is the most affordable of any Cairns island operator: intro first dive $95, second $55, certified diving from $75. The 7:30 AM departure is the earliest from any island tour out of Cairns. No fuel levy, $280 adult is what you pay. No family rate is listed; ask us about group pricing when you book. The strongest Michaelmas Cay option for snorkellers and divers.
Common questions
SeaStar is the only Michaelmas Cay operator that also visits Hastings Reef, giving you two distinct snorkel locations in one day. The group is also capped at 36, which keeps the day more intimate. The diving add-ons are also priced significantly lower ($95 for an intro dive vs Ocean Spirit's $174).
Michaelmas Cay is a small uninhabited coral sand cay sitting on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Unlike Green Island or Fitzroy Island, there is no resort, no buildings and no facilities, just reef, sand and seabirds. It's a National Park and an important protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Visitors can land on the cay in a designated zone.
Excellent. Michaelmas Cay sits directly on the outer reef, coral health and water visibility are significantly better than at inner reef islands like Green Island or Fitzroy. You're well out on the outer reef, inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The guided snorkel ensures you're shown the best spots rather than finding your own way around.
Yes. Introductory diving is $95 for the first dive (no certification required) and $55 for a second dive. Certified divers can book one dive for $75 or two dives for $130. These are some of the most competitive diving prices of any Cairns operator. Confirm minimum age requirements for diving when booking.
Yes. The glass bottom boat tour is included for those who prefer not to get in the water, and swim vests are provided for those who want to snorkel but are less confident in the water. However, snorkelling is the primary activity, if water activities aren't for you at all, a Green Island day trip with more land-based options may be a better fit.
No family rate is published for SeaStar Cruises. Pricing is per person: $280 adult, $180 child (aged 4-14), levies included. If you need family group pricing, ask us when you book and we'll sort it out for you.
SeaStar doesn't add a fuel levy, but it does list $20 per person in levies and port admin fees on top of the base fare. The total you pay is $280 adult and $180 child, which is what we quote.
Both operate day trips to Michaelmas Cay from Cairns. SeaStar's key advantages are: a group capped at 36, two snorkel locations (Michaelmas Cay plus Hastings Reef vs Ocean Spirit's Michaelmas Cay only), and lower diving prices. Ocean Spirit's advantages are: a 32-metre sailing catamaran, a semi-submarine, marine biologist presentations on board, and a glass of sparkling wine (or juice) on the sail home. Price: SeaStar $280 with levies included vs Ocean Spirit $288 with the Environmental Management Charge included.
Return hotel transfers are available as an add-on: $30 per person from Cairns CBD hotels, or $40 per person from the Northern Beaches area. Book when making your reservation.
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear and a towel. Snorkel gear, wetsuits and swim vests are all provided. Lunch and all refreshments are included. Card is useful for any additional purchases on board. Leave valuables at your hotel.
Free cancellation if you cancel 48 hours or more before departure. Within 48 hours the booking is non-refundable. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you receive a full refund or can reschedule.
The crossing to Michaelmas Cay takes about 90 minutes. The early departure ensures you have a full day on the outer reef, with time at both Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef before returning by 4:15 PM. Most other island tours (Green Island, Fitzroy) depart later because those islands are only 27-29 km from Cairns. The 7:30 AM start is non-negotiable for an outer reef day trip.
SeaStar Cruises
Michaelmas Cay Full Day · Cairns
Ticket Prices (all-inclusive)
Adult
Full day · buffet lunch incl.
$280
Child (4-14)
Full day
$180