Michaelmas Cay - Explore the best of the outer Great Barrier Reef

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Michaelmas Cay is a small sandy bay on the famous Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. In my opinion, visiting the outer reiff was one of the best experiences I had in Cairns.

If you want to visit the best of Great Barrier Reef, you should not miss a trip to Michaelmas Cay.

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How to go to Michaelmas Cay and the external reef

Cairns has developed into one of the most popular travel destinations on the Australian east coast. This is due to the relatively simple access to the reef.

If you plan your trip to the outer reef, dozens of different coral islands and reefs are available. One of the best is Michaelmas Cay.

To get here, it is a 40 km boat trip northeast of Cairns.

You can book a trip to Michaelmas Cay online at Ocean Spirit Cruises. This costs about $ 220 per person. However, it includes a whole day cruise past the Great Barrier Reef Islands, snorkeling on the reef and a ride on the glass floor boat.

On the way you will pass the popular green island. This is one of the best islands near Cairns because on the same day you can enjoy the tropical island rainforest and the coral reefs!

If you are looking for other ways to visit the outer reef, then you can book this complete boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef here.
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Read the full blog post: Green Island, Cairns-Your complete guide to the Great Barrier Reef Island Paradise

About the Michaelmas Cay National Park and the Cairns Great Barrier Reef

Michaelmas and Upulu Reefs are national parks and protected under the list of World Heritage Sites. As a result, they are well maintained, apart from the risk of the coral bleach due to climate change.

The reef was originally called Oyster Cay in 1849, but was later renamed when it was used by the Bechen-de-Mar industry (sea corten). It was recognized as an official national park in 1975.

The small strip of sand is at the top of the Michaelmas Reef, which extends to the north many kilometers further.

The bay has little to no vegetation and resembles a sandbar with surrounding reef. There is no overnight camping on Michaelmas Cay because the place is an important nesting site for birds. In addition, you can only enter the sand bay within the locked area and only between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Alt = “Michaelmas Cay Great Barrier Reef, Michaelmas Cay Outer Reef, Air Drone Photo,“>

Vogelnistplatz

up to 20,000 birds in the main breeding season. For a short time, the feces left by the birds was collected and sold as a guano. The birds and the reef have been much healthier since the national park classification. Now only the indigenous use by the traditional owners is allowed; The Gungandji, Mandingalbay-Yidinji and Yirriganydji.
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snorkeling at Michaelmas Cay

The main attraction at Michaelmas Cay and the rest of the outer reiff is the incredible snorkeling and diving.

If you book a boat, you will probably be brought to some good snorkeling spaces directly on the edge of the island. Here you can see hundreds of healthy coral species, large fish of fish and occasionally a crossing turtle.

Some tour operators even offer a guided snorkeling tour. This is a great way to learn something about the biodiversity of the reefs.

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dive on the outer reef

Of course, diving is probably the best way to experience Michaelmas Cay and the outer reef. However, you have to book either in Cairns or Port Douglas in advance.

There are hundreds of companies that offer excursions to the reef. The dive sites vary depending on the company and weather conditions. If you are interested in diving on day trips, I can recommend Quicksilver for regular excursions and reliable equipment.

If you are a beginner and want a complete 5-day diving course, you can click on this link to get a cheap online offer. This offers 9 dives and they are certified by PADI, the most recognized organization in diving.

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Scenic helicopter flight via Michaelmas Cay

looking for a little adrenaline and the best possible view of Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef? You can take a sightseeing flight over the island and the surrounding reefs.

Book a sightseeing flight via the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns for less than $ 220.

to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air is one of the most surreal views you can imagine, and certainly one of the best activities in the vicinity of Cairns.

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Sailing and anchorage information on Michaelmas Cay

Michaelmas Cay is great for sailors and boaters because it is a fairly faster and direct shot from Cairn's Harbor. It took us about 2 hours to reach the island of Green Island, and about 5 hours from Cairns as a whole.

There are two public berths available if you want a comfortable berth near the bay. To get here, they have to navigate around the white reef markings and navigate through the bommies at the northern end of the reef.

If none are available, it is possible to anchor water depth in front of the bay north in front of the northern entrance to the bay.

boat drivers and sailors who are looking for more information about Michaelmas Cay can do this here.
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Read the sailing log: Sailing diary Week 11: Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef

Marine Stinger on the reef?

If you are already at the Great Barrier Reef, you have probably already heard of the dangerous sea spikes.

It is generally recommended to wear a stinger suit in the summer months, as they can be found much more frequently on the coast at that time. However, there is hardly any sting to be seen on the outer reef, but it is up to them to take precautionary measures.
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More photos by Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef

You are already in Cairns and think about what you want to do next on your travel route for the Great Barrier Reef? Hopefully some of these air and underwater photos of Michaelmas Cay will inspire you to visit one of the best travel destinations in Queensland.
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