Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Check in at 7.30 am at Cairns Marlin Marina, E finger directly on board Seastar.

   30 min

2. Located 22 nautical miles (40 km) from Cairns, the same as the distance across the English Channel, and close to the outer reef systems, Michaelmas Cay is the largest of the uninhabited coral cays in the Cairns region; in fact it is huge in comparison. Seastar is the first vessel to arrive at Michaelmas Cay. Very few tour vessels are now permitted access to this sensitive island and now there are only two which travel daily that are permitted the right to use and access the Cay.

   2 h

3. Our second location where we stop is Hastings reef, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Hastings Reef is located 30 nautical miles out from Cairns and is a typical outer reef, on most days a line of breakers marks where the deep ocean swells break onto the reef wall. The reef itself is shallow on top, with steep sides reminiscent of cliffs falling away into the surrounding water.

   2 h

4. After visiting Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef and enjoying the food provided on board our air conditioned vessel, we will drop you back off at the Esplanade, hoping you had a fantastic experience with us!

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1,078 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Snorkelling at the Reef with Seastar

  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!

  X5771CLsharontOctober 2026via Tripadvisor

• 4Nice tour company but not for the motion sick!

  This is very hard to rate. So, I was traumatized and spent the whole time vomiting. That's not the company's fault -- apparently I was taking expired herbal remedy pills instead of actual dramamine (oops!) And they were very nice to me amid all the vomiting. But did I actually enjoy this? No, no I did not. The boat is very small. I've been on half a dozen cruises and half a dozen snorkel tours and never gotten sick like that -- people should go in with open eyes about small boats on the open sea.

  andreanicolefullerOctober 2026via Viator

• 5Brilliant tour of the reef

  Absolutely brilliant! The best snorkeling trip I have ever been on. The crew thought of everything - they even had prescription snorkeling masks - and the team was friendly, knowledgeable and happy to answer lots of questions. Highly recommend

  O3123EUannemOctober 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5You must book!

  Amazing tour! Love that it's family owned and they are one of the last few tours that runs small groups. Feels so much more personal and the whole day was amazing! The team have so much knowledge and love for what they do

  carla_DOctober 2026via Viator

• 5Perfect day on the reef

  Had a great day on the reef with Seastar. The weather was perfect and the crew did an amazing job. The buffet lunch was a feast. We had a great small group and would highly recommend this experience. Of note, if doing an introductory dive and taking ANY medications, you need clearance from a Queensland physician to participate.

  Alaskachick907October 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Amazing Reef snorkel trip

  Such an amazing and fun day out on the Reef. A great friendly crew, professional and knowledgeable making sure everyone was looked after at all times. We snorkelled only and really enjoyed ourselves. Their guided snorkels point out regular highlights like sea turtle, anemone fish, giant clams, Angel fish, triggerfish. There is enough time to self explore also with plenty of fish to see all around as well variety of corals and sponges, sea slugs and anemone. There is a glass bottom boat option at Michelmas Cay. Life vests, pool noodles and other assistance also available for those who are less confident swimmers. Equipment provided was in good condition and makes it easy that snorkels (including some prescription ones) and fins, wetsuits/ stinger suit are all provided. Everything was clean and in working order. The provided snacks and lunch was also great with a bar to purchase additional beverages an option. I've been out to the Reef a number of times and this ranks a one of my best trips ever. Nice and relaxed in the water with ample time to just explore and enjoy. The variety of sea creatures was superb and being able to spot some top faves such as anemone fish, sea turtle was exciting! Top crew in terms of friendliness and professionalism. They really can cater for all levels of water confidence. Thank you Seastar! Would definitely choose them again on a return trip.

  fl927September 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Cairns & the Tropical North

• Its from-price is 17% above the median of the 255 experiences we list in Cairns & the Tropical North.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 9 of 255.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cairns & the Tropical North

Cairns is the gateway to Far North Queensland, with the Great Barrier Reef offshore, Daintree rainforest to the north and the Atherton Tablelands inland.

Cairns sits on Trinity Bay between the sea and a wall of forested ranges. The Esplanade has a public saltwater swimming lagoon and a long boardwalk beside mudflats where wading birds feed, and the Botanic Gardens hold tropical plants and a rainforest boardwalk. The city is the departure point for boats to the Great Barrier Reef, including the coral cay of Green Island and the rocky Fitzroy Island, and for flights over the reef.

Top-ranked sights in Cairns & the Tropical North: Great Barrier Reef, Barron Gorge National Park, Green Island.

See all 255 experiences in Cairns & the Tropical North