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
1,029 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing scenery of the reef bucket list checked off!
Lewis M,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was everything the itinerary stated. Our only issue was the snorkeling was challenging in the rough waters. Waves and currents made it very challenging, luckily our group had experience snorkeling and are in good physical shape. The crew were amazing and actually got my wife to go back in the water on the second stop which she was not going to do because of the rough waters. The boat ride out and back from the harbor was very uncomfortable. You had to be constantly holding on due to being in 2-4 foot waves going at full speed. My wife was almost thrown out of her seat but caught herself just before falling off her seat. Another passenger next to me injured his leg and was in quite a bit of pain for the hour and a half ride back to the harbor. The muffins, coffee, lunch and afternoon snack were top notch. I would have given this 5 stars if not for the rough ride out and in.
Extremely Professional and Friendly--GREAT Cruise!
FJVLS,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow. Superb. We did a lot of TA research in selecting an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Even with the excellent reviews for Sea Star, they still dazzled us. We’ve been on a dozen or so snorkel excursions and have some professional mariner background. What impressed: - Captain Tim runs a smart, professional boat. The boat is clean and ship-shape. The safety protocols were excellent. - To a person, the crew was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Can’t imagine better hospitality or professionalism. The crew truly shined when it was time to swim/dive. The briefings were great to make the most of the experience, they were very conscientious in checking all the stinger suits, warm as tour guides, and diligent as life guards/on watch. Every aspect of their service felt very personal. - The size of the charter strikes a great balance of passengers, available deck space, and price. - The selected snorkel/dive sights provided two fairly unique habitats. They were different enough to make 3+ hours in the water interesting. - Very nice, homemade lunch. A nice variety, and plenty to eat. Other notes: There are lots of choices on the waterfront. From our perspective, here’s what Sea Star is not, all of which is what makes it so great: - 40, not 300 people. Large boats offer amenities of no interest to us: waterslides, party barges, etc. Read those reviews; crammed quarters and crowded swimming. - Party boat. Our cruise was very family friendly and had people of all generations. Everyone had a great time. This is superb choice for your GBR excursion!
Beautiful Day
krD4624UG,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day on the Great Barrier Reef tour and truly enjoyed the whole experience. The group size was just right, not too big, which made the tour feel comfortable and well organized. It was a little tight upstairs on the boat at times, but once we were in the water, you didn’t notice the group size at all, which was great. The guides were fantastic. They shared a lot of interesting knowledge about the sea life and reef ecosystem and guided us through the water, which made the experience even more special. At the same time, everyone also had some free time to explore and enjoy the reef on their own. We saw some incredible marine life, including many colorful fish and even a small shark! It was really exciting and made the day unforgettable. The food on board was simple but good, and everything was well organized throughout the day. Overall, it was an amazing tour and a fantastic way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. We really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!
Awesome
CathyT5595,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Skipper Tim and his crew provided absolutely spectacular service to all 15 passengers. Snorkeling in the GBR topped my bucket list. Mission accomplished Seastar. The boat itself quite shipshape. The captain ensured safe and comfortable conditions for our reef explorations. The food provided exceeded my expectations. Hats off to Danielle for the tow and clown fish sighting.
Fabulous way to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Ananda R,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat, the staff, the experience, were all terrific. It’s a small boat with about 30-35 people so everyone gets personalized attention. We stopped at 2 locations with exquisite reef snorkeling and views at both. I am not a good swimmer but that was not a problem with guided snorkeling holding a ring. There is also a glass bottom boat. The lunch spread was sumptuous and the staff were very friendly.
A must book Barrier reef experience.
Elizabeth D,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an incredible experience. The crew were incredible, so knowledgeable and friendly. The guided snorkel tour was incredible, the guide was so attentive. The food was great. This is a small boat so only a small group which was amazing. A must book trip.
Snorkelling trip of a lifetime
T4144XMelizabethd,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most incredible day trip, even better than I could have imagined. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and patient. The snorkelling tour was incredible and the staff are so attentive. The lunch and snacks were lovely. I cannot recommend this trip and Seastar highly enough.
A magical day on and in the sea
102annikas,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day out on the reef with Seastar. The staff is so nice and helpful, they really do everything for you to have the best experience ever. We got to see amazing coral reefs and the most beautiful fishes. We were in Cairns eight years ago (visiting from Sweden) and we went out with Seastar then also. To choose Seastar this time aswell was completely self evident. Again - it was a great choice. So, to the wonderful - see you again in eight years. Thank you.
FABULOUS!!
Extraordinary387859,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing experience snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef with Seastar! All the crew were just fabulous and just made our once in a lifetime trip to the GBR!
Ideal boat size for a day out
Awesome1965,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best boat option for the reef. Not too many on board - we had 26 and that was ideal. Highly skilled crew Delicious food High quality equipment for snorkelling and diving family run business that deserves its accolades
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