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Michaelmas Cay, Coral Reef Day Cruise
Cairns Cruise| Tour Includes |
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Four Full Hours on the Reef| Optional Extras |
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Itinerary
Michaelmas Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds - one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere
Michaelmas Cay is a small vegetated coral cay (1.5 ha in area and 3.5 m high) lying 43 km north-east of Cairns. The cay sits on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, a mid-shelf reef formed by living coral animals, polyps which secret a limestone skeleton.
The cay itself was formed when fragments of the reef (coral, algae and shells) were washed to the leeward side of the reef by wave action and prevailing winds, to form a single bank. In the sheltered areas behind the sand bank, seeds deposited by birds and waves are able to establish, stabilising the cay and encouraging seabirds to roost and nest. Their droppings fertilise the sand and more plants are able to grow. Vegetation covers the centre of the cay.
Introductory Diving
Start in the shallow waters of the cay and practice the basic skills under the close supervision of your instructor. After your first scuba dive you'll receive a PADI Certificate of Recognition and memories to last a lifetime
Certified Diving
We access the best dive sites and our dive instructor will give you a full site briefing to ensure you have a first class dive on the Great Barrier Reef. All divers must complete a medical questionnaire on board before diving. Certain medical conditions may prohibit diving in accordance with the law.
Additional Info
Your vessel is a very large sailing catamaran that takes passengers out to the beautiful Michaelmas Cay.
This trip is included in the range as it is uniquely different. It is 5 star material and offers passengers a total reef experience with all the trimmings. The crew to passenger ratio is very high, and they offer excellent service.
Michaelmas Cay itself is the largest bird nesting rookery in the southern hemisphere and a beautiful, but fragile place.
