4.9 (1.1 k) · Cairns & the Tropical North · By Seastar Cruises ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with a maximum of 36 guests.
Enjoy guided snorkel tours.
Explore the reef with our glass-bottom boat.
Optical masks are provided for your comfort.
Receive complimentary Facebook photos, posted daily.
✓ Buoyancy vest and noodle for comfort in the water.✓ A luxurious cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.✓ A delicious buffet lunch served onboard.✓ A scenic Glass Bottom Boat Tour at Michaelmas Cay.✓ Access to the world-famous Michaelmas Cay island.✓ Complimentary morning and afternoon tea.✓ Provision of a wet-suit or stinger-suit (depending on the season).✓ Expert-guided snorkel tours at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef.✓ Mask, snorkel, and fins for your underwater exploration.✕ Round-trip bus transfers to and from Cairns City or Northern Beaches areas.✕ Additional cold drinks and snacks available for purchase.✕ Introductory and certified diving experiences offered as optional extras.1 Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips
Board the Seastar at Cairns Marlin Marina, E finger, at 7:30 AM.
· 30 min
2 Michaelmas Cay
Arrive at Michaelmas Cay, a large, uninhabited coral cay located 22 nautical miles (40 km) from Cairns.
Seastar is one of only two vessels permitted daily access to this protected island.
· 2 h
3 Great Barrier Reef
Continue to Hastings Reef, a typical outer Great Barrier Reef location, situated 30 nautical miles from Cairns.
Discover the reef's shallow top and steep underwater sides.
· 2 h
4 Return to Cairns
After enjoying the onboard amenities and lunch, you will be returned to the Esplanade around 4:00 PM.
· 30 min
Your ticket can be presented as either a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Check-in at 7:30 AM on board the Seastar, located at E Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina.
The tour returns at approximately 4:00 PM.
Check-in at 7:30 AM on board the Seastar, located at E Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina.
The tour returns at approximately 4:00 PM.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Important note for Introductory Divers: Certain medical conditions, medications, or recent surgeries may prevent you from scuba diving. You might need a Dive Medical certificate compliant with Australian Standard AS4005-1. Snorkel Only This package includes a luxury catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, all necessary equipment, and two guided snorkeling tours. Book in advance, especially during peak season. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture memories. Inform the crew of any dietary requirements or medical conditions. Listen carefully to the safety briefings before snorkeling. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 58578P1
Activity offered by Seastar Cruises via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Snorkelers Nature lovers Tourists seeking reef experiences Individuals of all fitness levels Luxury catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Visit the iconic Michaelmas Cay. Explore vibrant coral at Hastings Reef. Guided snorkeling tours included. Glass Bottom Boat tour for non-swimmers. Small group size for a personalized experience.
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 25° Jan 25° Feb 24° Mar 22° Apr 21° May 19° Jun 19° Jul 19° Aug 21° Sept 23° Oct 24° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the maximum number of participants on this tour? + The tour has a maximum capacity of 36 people.
What is included in the tour price? + The tour includes a luxury cruise, buffet lunch, glass bottom boat tour, island access, morning and afternoon tea, snorkel equipment, and guided snorkel tours. A wetsuit or stinger suit is also provided seasonally.
Are there any optional activities available? + Yes, introductory diving and certified diving are available as optional extras.
What should I do if I have a medical condition that might affect diving? + Some medical conditions, medications, and recent operations can prevent you from scuba diving. You may need a Dive Medical certificate to Australian Medical Standard AS4005-1.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Worst Tour Ever Sea Star
560cecilw, October 2026
By far SeaStar Cruises was the worst tour/cruise I have ever experienced. They cater to certain groups and ignore others. Safety is a joke by letting kids run wild both on boat and in water. Do yourself a favor and book another Great Barrier Reef Cruise tour experience
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Worst Cruise Ever
653cecilw, October 2026
The Great Barrier Reef was one of my top bucket lists items for traveling and last week i finally made it and scheduled a tour with Sea Star Cruises worst mistake ever. When you first get on the boat the captain gives a safety meeting remember this. Then we start from the beginning I noticed the crew catered to the very young and families if you single forget it you are at best last class. Last to get wet suit, mask and fins, last to get food because they don’t tell to top deck the food is ready until all the young people on the lower floor are served. Once at the reef you are ignored from having pictures taken both on the boat and in the water but all the young kids and families have theirs taken, plus you have to deal with young kids swimming over you and kicking you in the water because the guides don’t care.Now for safety I know the captain preaches safety but when kids are running on the boat running into people, kids swinging on the stair railing so when you go up or down on the boat you have kids kicking you well this is not safety. I sorry I booked with Sea Star and I’m sorry Sea Star gave me the worst tour I have ever had especially for one on my dream trips. I would never recommend Sea Star Crusies.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great experience...
Richard_O, October 2026
Great experience especially scuba diving. Ride out was a bit unnecessarily bumpy but ride back was completely fine. The reef itself was awesome as well.
Response from the operator · SeastarCruises Thank you for taking the time to write your review, it is very much appreciated.
We're very happy to hear you enjoyed your day at the Great Barrier Reef at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef with Seastar we cater for a small group of 36 passengers. We hope to have you
back on board sometime in the future
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Absolutely Amazing Highly Recommend
HazelL171, October 2026
Today was our second snorkeling trip with SeaStar. We first saw the reef with them in 2024 which was an amazing experience so our choice on this trip was to travel with them again. The snorkeling was amazing, a great variety of marine life including turtles, various corals and schools of large fish. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. Would definitely recommend to anyone planning a snorkelling trip to the beautiful reef. Thanks so much and we will see you again next time we are in Cairns
Response from the operator · SeastarCruises Thank you for taking the time to write your review, it is very much appreciated. It was a pleasure having you travel with us again.
We're very happy to hear you enjoyed your day at the Great Barrier Reef at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef with Seastar we cater for a small group of 36 passengers. We hope to have you
back on board sometime in the future
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Snorkelling at the Reef with Seastar
X5771CLsharont, October 2026
An outstanding adventure, with an abundance of fish and beautiful coral to discover at two different reefs! The friendly staff provided excellent safety briefings and equipment fittings. Delicious food was offered throughout the trip, and everything ran smoothly, with departure and return right on schedule. A fantastic experience!
Response from the operator · SeastarCruises Thank you for taking the time to write your review, it is very much appreciated.
We're very happy to hear you enjoyed your day at the Great Barrier Reef at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef with Seastar we cater for a small group of 36 passengers. We hope to have you
back on board sometime in the future
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