Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
A maximum of 36 people.
Guided Snorkel Tours.
Glass Bottom Boat.
Optical Masks Included.
Free Facebook Photos (Posted daily).
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Introductory Divers note, Some medical conditions, medications and recent operations can and may prevent you from Scuba Diving. You may require a Dive Medical to Australian Medical Standard AS4005-1.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips
Check in at 7.30 am at Cairns Marlin Marina, E finger directly on board Seastar.
Michaelmas Cay
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.
What‘s Included
Buoyancy vest and noodle
Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Buffet lunch
Island access to world famous Michaelmas Cay
Guided snorkel Tour at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef
Morning & afternoon tea
Wet-suit or stinger-suit (seasonal)
Mask, Snorkel and Fins
Return Bus transfer - Cairns City Area or Northern Beaches and Outer Cairns City Area
Cold drinks and snacks
Introductory Diving and Certified Diving available as optional Extra
Options
Snorkel Only
Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour includes luxury catamaran cruise all equipment and two guided snorkel tours
Reviews
1,007 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
In Our Opinion, The Best Great Barrier Reef Tour
JaneButterfield,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The small group (36 max) was just perfect for a trip of this nature. Safety a priority, expert knowledge of the area and reef, great equipment and the guides in the water for those more nervous snorkellers made the experience wonderful. Lunch was amazing and plentiful and the beers, wines and soft drinks reasonably priced. We couldnt reach one of the outer reefs due to winds but we cannot control the weather. After the trip finished and we were having a drink aboard the prawn star bar, the staff took a good while to fully clean the boat ready for the next day. An amazing team led by Chris. Plus all pictures taken on board are free to access via their Facebok page 😃
Look no further than seastar for your reef snorkel
355SarahB355,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome day out on the reef. The choppy weather meant that we couldn’t stop at Michaelmas cay which was a shame. But two snorkels at Hastings were brilliant. Crew fabulous all kit provided and they took photos all day (for free) Boat spotless lunch great and wine and beers on the way home very reasonable price. Would fully recommend Seastar for your reef snorkel
The best
FarAway20668440230,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00These guys are amazing so sincere and genuine the love for their environment is obvious and enhanced the trip don't go to any of the big tour guides really great safety taken very seriously also making sure you have a great experience
The crew of the ship...
Sebastian W,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The crew of the ship recommended to abort the tour as my mother felt dizzy that morning. Anyway they didn’t offer a rebooking on to another date or at least a partial refund. In such a case they could at least make some concessions. Additionally the boat has not that much space as advertised when it’s fully booked.
Experience of a lifetime
Susan A,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fabulous day aboard this big, clean and well managed ship. The skipper and crew for very professional, attentive and efficient in helping us to see one of the most remarkable snorkel places we have ever seen. They have a snorkel guide who helped steer us to amazing fish and coral and told us about the fish and wildlife we were seeing. The skipper clearly had everyone’s safety. A wonderful day in a magical place.
Great day on the water!
SunnySkiesGuelph,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Snorkel tour was awesome. Service and education were great and you can tell they take safety very seriously. Stinger suits were provided and so was glass bottom boat ride. Food and snorkel spots were very nice. You can tell the boat is older but it was great to have less than 25 people on the boat. Much better than the crowded ones you’ll see leaving the marina. Thank you for a great day!
Breath Barrier Reef Tour
joaquimsnt,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice tour to see the Great Barrier Reef. The boat is very good and the crew is very nice. I do recommend the tour. The coral reef is beautiful place to visit. Full of life and colors.
⭐ 5/5 — The Best Reef Experience You Could Ask For!
Ilyssamarie,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment we stepped onboard, the Seastar crew made the entire day unforgettable. They were amazing, caring, fun, and just overall incredibly cool people. You can tell they truly love what they do — they made us feel welcome, safe, and taken care of every single second. Our group wasn’t huge, which we loved, because the crew gave so much personal attention to everyone. Whether it was snorkeling help, reef facts, jokes, checking on how we were feeling, or just making sure we were having a great time — they were on it. It never felt rushed or crowded; it felt personal, genuine, and so special. And I have to give them a HUGE shoutout for being absolute legends during our surprise proposal. Not only were they the most trustworthy secret-keepers, but they went above and beyond to help make the moment magical. I will forever be grateful for how seamlessly they helped pull it off. Honestly, we wouldn’t just come back to see the Great Barrier Reef again — we’d come back to see them. The crew made the experience what it was: magical, memorable, and full of laughs. You can’t fake that kind of energy. I would recommend Seastar to anyone and everyone. If you're debating between the big boats and Seastar… don’t. Choose the crew that actually cares. Choose the crew that makes you feel like family. Choose Seastar.
⭐ 5/5 — The Best Reef Experience You Could Ask For!
Ilyssa P,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00From the moment we stepped onboard, the Seastar crew made the entire day unforgettable. They were amazing, caring, fun, and just overall incredibly cool people. You can tell they truly love what they do — they made us feel welcome, safe, and taken care of every single second. Our group wasn’t huge, which we loved, because the crew gave so much personal attention to everyone. Whether it was snorkeling help, reef facts, jokes, checking on how we were feeling, or just making sure we were having a great time — they were on it. It never felt rushed or crowded; it felt personal, genuine, and so special. And I have to give them a HUGE shoutout for being absolute legends during our surprise proposal. Not only were they the most trustworthy secret-keepers, but they went above and beyond to help make the moment magical. I will forever be grateful for how seamlessly they helped pull it off. Honestly, we wouldn’t just come back to see the Great Barrier Reef again — we’d come back to see them. The crew made the experience what it was: magical, memorable, and full of laughs. You can’t fake that kind of energy. I would recommend Seastar to anyone and everyone. If you're debating between the big boats and Seastar… don’t. Choose the crew that actually cares. Choose the crew that makes you feel like family. Choose Seastar.
Pleasant trip with a few challenges:)
nikcac,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The crew was very kind and the food was good, but the snorkeling location wasn’t particularly rich in marine life. The fast ride and rough sea made some passengers feel unwell. I normally don’t suffer from sea sickness, but this time it was quite intense, and I had to buy medication on board. There were also guided snorkeling talks, but due to the rough conditions it was difficult to hear the guide in the water. That said, pleasant trip with a few challenges :)
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