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If I had a bucket list prepared and well written snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef would most certainly be up there in my top 20 list. Even though I am a terrible swimmer, who’s more likely to be seen drinking a cocktail and reclining in a hammock rather then in the water.

So while in between jobs and generally feeling reckless a girlfriend and I decided to head up to Cairns for some much needed sunshine, ice cream and time away from Melbourne. Our first agenda item was to get into these swim suits and out into the water.

For two weeks we keenly watched the weather reports. Cairns was consistently producing weather in the high 20s, with lots of sunshine and ice cream. It seemed as if the weather Goddess was smiling down on us. Until we arrived. Our 6am stumble out of bed, into swim appropriate attire wasn’t softened by the deep dark grey clouds and persistent chilly wind from the bay.

At 7.15am we meet the youthful and cheery crew, who greeted us with a brief safety message, tea and muffins. Not a terribly bad way to start out the day. By 7.45 everyone was signed in, flippered up and ready for a soft steady cruise out to Michelmas Cay. Oh how wrong we were. The seas were strong, the boat bouncy and most of the weary folk on board spent a considerable amount of time relaxing at the back of the boat.

Hastings Bay

Soon after hitting rough seas we arrived at Michaelmas Cay. Still the dark clouds choose to accompany us. Thankfully the water was a lovely 24degrees and if needed we had the option of wet suits.

After an hour or so of slow steady snorkeling around the restricted area it was back onto the boat, off for lunch at Hastings Bay. A decent spread of salads, breads, cold meats and hot food was on offer. Despite the rough ride to the bay I was happy eating all the food on offer.

Snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef enjoying a snorkel tour

Hastings Bay was absolutely stunning. Naturally beautiful and abundant with fish of all sizes. So many little bright colorful fish, schools of fish. Big friendly fish. All the lovely fishes. I felt as if I was intruding on the set of Finding Nemo. The water was delightfully clear. Despite the rough water throwing us about  a bit.

The crew offer snorkeling tours, which last for around 30mins. The tour guides show you interesting things down below. Different and unique coral, fish and if you’re really luck maybe even a turtle. If you get a bit tired there is a glass bottom boat tour on offer.

 Cost: $190 including all fees, cruise, tours, gear and food (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea). Soft drinks, beer, wine and extra snacks are available for purchase on board.
Optional extras scuba diving, including introductory lessons. Glass boat tour for those who don’t want to get into the water.

Length: This is an all day, physical cruise. The boat leaves at 7.30 and returns around 5pm.

Hints– Take warm clothes! After so much time in the warm water it was cold back on board the boat. A jumper and a big beach towel would have made my day.

Take sea sickness preventative. These aren’t a cure. They are purely preventative and can be purchased on the boat or easily from any chemist. For the $6 you’ll pay for a packet it’s worth the investment. Take first thing in the morning and just after lunch.

Book early! These cruises are really small, limited to 35 guests. They sell out rather fast.

About Seatstar Cruises:

Seastar Cruises premium reef cruise combines the outer Great Barrier Reef with a coral cay island.

In only 1¼ hours the fast air-conditioned Seastar 1 can take you from Cairns to magnificent Michaelmas Cay, the largest of the local uninhabited coral cays. Cruising past Green Island, Upolu cay and Oyster reef Seastar is the first boat to arrive.

After an enjoyable time here it is a short 20 minute cruise to the splendid Hastings Reef, sitting on the very outer edge. This is where the corals thrive, well out from the coast away from the influence of the rivers and streams, adjacent to the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Michaelmas Cay-

Located 22 nautical miles from Cairns – 40 klm – 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 to the others. Being so large it can sustain a permanent low grassy area the size of 2 football fields, approximately 3½ metres high (11’ 6”) and is home to up to 35 different species of sea birds.

Environmental restrictions placed on the cay have considerably reduced the numbers of people who can visit, creating the unique situation, where the island and reef remain essentially untouched in a pristine state. Those visiting will notice when diving or snorkelling that the corals appear wholly unspoiled.

Similarly the birds are not intimidated by people on their island, as chicks they see people every day and consider these harmless creatures to be a natural part of their environment. Likewise the fish are accustomed to people swimming around, so much so you can approach most very close, usually within an arm’s length, before they move slightly away, just to keep that “comfortable” distance.

Hastings Bay:

Hastings Reef 30 nautical miles out from Cairns, during the last ice age some 15,000 years ago is where the Australian coast line resided and it was here the reef began to grow.

This is the preferred location for corals, well away from the coast and the effect of the rivers and streams; out here on the very edge of the Pacific Ocean is where the corals thrive. It is here you can experience the true wonders of this Outer Edge Reef, there are the coral caves, coral overhangs, deep water drop offs, coral canyons, swim throughs and shallow coral bays.

For more information: http://www.seastarcruises.com.au/

All photos were taken by us using the beloved GoPro Hero 3.

We flew directly Melbourne-Cairns with Jetstar. All flights and tours were paid for entirely by us. We felt rich when booking and now feel less rich.

Accommodation and cars were generously provided to us by the lovely Tania. We are forever grateful for the beautiful hospitality and cat cuddles.