Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$250
per adult
Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips
Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips
Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingDay Trips
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Seastar Cruises premium reef cruise combines the outer Great Barrier Reef with a coral cay island. In only 1 1/4 hours the fast air-conditioned Seastar can take you from Cairns to magnificent Michaelmas Cay, the largest of the local uninhabited coral cays. 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 the rivers and streams, adjacent to the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. You will have approximately 2 1/2 hours at each location. Plenty of time to go snorkeling, do a introductory dive, relax on the beach of the Island or join a tour in the Glass Bottom Boat at Michaelmas Cay. The day cruise on Seastar inlcudes Morning/Afternoon tea, high quality snorkel equipment, Wetsuit or Lycra suit (depending on the time of year), Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Hot & Cold Buffet Lunch, Reef Interpretation & Guided Snorkel Tours on each spot.
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
2,974 reviews
Excellent
2,627
Very good
255
Average
53
Poor
25
Terrible
15
Kate G
1 contribution
Fantastic small group day tour. Friendly and helpful staff, greats stops for snorkeling and diving and yummy lunch too. Superb day out and great value for money. Well run local family business. We will travel again as the same as when we did it 9 years ago.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete T
15 contributions
We are visiting from the USA and wanted to snorkel the reef. We spent a lot of time researching which tour operator to book with. We found Seastar and saw they only take out a maximum of 35 people a day. We knew right away this was the boat to book with as some of the other companies take out over 100. Upon arriving at the boat on November 29, the crew were extremely friendly and knew they took safety seriously. They provided everyone on board with a safety number. They had you sign in at the beginning of the day and again at the end of the day. Once we left port, it was about 90 minute journey to the first reef. Once there, they provided a safety briefing, provided everyone with stinger suits, and life jackets or noodles, if you want one. You were then given the option to snorkel to the beach or take a glass bottom. We opted for the glass bottom boat and snorkeled back to the boat. They broke everyone up into groups so the staff could easily keep an eye on everyone. The snorkeling was amazing. We got back on the boat and they provided lunch and water. After lunch, we took another 20 minute journey to the second reef. Again prior to snorkeling they provided another safety briefing. Again prior to entering the water, if you wanted a life jacket or noodle, they were available. Once in the water, they broke us up into two groups again. We spent about 2 hours at this reef. The water was much rougher and had a stronger current. Was still a great time and saw a lot.
Throughout the day the staff was taking photos and posted to social media. Was great, so we didn’t have to worry about taking photos.
I would absolutely recommend Seastar to my friends and family. The staff were amazing and take everyone’s safety very seriously.
Throughout the day the staff was taking photos and posted to social media. Was great, so we didn’t have to worry about taking photos.
I would absolutely recommend Seastar to my friends and family. The staff were amazing and take everyone’s safety very seriously.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice and detailed review, Pete! We really appreciate it. We are very happy that you've enjoyed your day on the reef with Seastar and hope to see you again someday!
Written 29 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mackoid
Christchurch, New Zealand10 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
We had a great time on this boat. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The reef was amazing and staff were helpful - they were approachable n fun
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback, we're happy you enjoyed your day on the reef with us! We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison O
Farmington, UT5 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
If I could give 10 stars I would! Definitely the best experience out there. Locally owned with a great crew! it! Saw tons of fish and beautiful coral reef. Even saw turtles and reef shark! Absolutely Loved it!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback, we're happy you enjoyed your day on the reef with us! We hope to have you back again sometime in the future!
Written 27 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@katenorton96
Ireland4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
We had the best day out with the Seastar crew! Smaller boat so you got a lot of attention and could ask lots of questions. I’m a nervous swimmer in open water but the crew made me feel completely at ease and made it one of the best days of my life! The muffins in the morning were gorgeous and the lunch was great too! Would 10/10 recommend to a friend!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback. Wonderful to hear you enjoyed your day with us on Seastar Cairns, Catering for a maximum of 36 passengers.
We hope you have you back sometime in the future.
Written 24 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iv K
2 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
This was exactly what we hoped a small group snorkeling cruise experience of the Great Barrier Reef would be like. The staff was excellent and extremely helpful and made sure we all had a pleasant time. Thank you Seastar for a once in a lifetime experience
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback of your day with us on Seastar Cruises, it is much appreciated.
We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tara B
16 contributions
An amazing experience on the barrier reef. The crew were fantastic. Plenty of lovely food and drinks provided. Lots of time allocated for snorkelling in the two locations and guided tours where crew pointed out types of beautiful coral/ amazing animals. The limited number of guests meant that staff were very attentive and there was enough space on board for everyone.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback of your day with us on Seastar Cruises, it is much appreciated.
We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SaigonRaider
Whistler, Canada1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Solo
What a fantastic day out. Really well organised with friendly staff and great diving locations. I added the intro to scuba to the basic and had excellent training and expert guiding from Corona. The additional scuba was very reasonably priced made my day! Thanks Corona
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback of your day with us on Seastar Cruises, it is much appreciated.
Great to hear you enjoyed your Introductory Dive.
We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jade S
2 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
Phenomenal experience today with Seastar, there were so many cruises to choose from online with the Great Barrier Reef tours it was hard to choose but once I came across Seastar I was sold! From the get go the team were welcoming, attentive, informative and made your equipment was catered to each individual person. The two tours were very informative and you got to see so much 😍 all the team leaders were very knowledgeable about the reef and what’s below and it enable you to have a better experience. The catering was second to none perfect for a day out starting with muffins and teas and coffees to a selection of buffet food to tea cake fruit to end. Perfect day and I will visit Seastar again!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback of your day with us on Seastar Cruises, it is much appreciated.
We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
renaefranklin2908
Sydney, Australia43 contributions
The boat team at Seastar were amazing today, we thoroughly enjoyed our time on board.It makes all the difference when the team are locals but also the size of the boat which is maximum 40 people means that the 6 crew have plenty of time to spend with the guests and make their cruise a truely memorable experience.highly recommended and I would tell all my friends , great service , great lunch and cakes , great boat and crew and a great price as well.A smaller boat like this is the way to go and allows plenty of time at the cay and the reef .
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeastarCruises
Thank you for your feedback of you day with us on Seastar Cruises, it is much appreciated.
We hope to have you back again sometime in the future.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LAMedic91
Los Angeles, CA175 contributions
How's the seating situation on board? I read a review that said it was hard to find a spot to sit. Thanks!
lisa31jane
Robina, Australia629 contributions
Is there a deck area where one can sit outside during the cruise out to the reef / cay? My daughter is worried she will feel seasick inside.
Janna0627
Taipei, Taiwan10 contributions
Is the water cold in June?
I live in subtropical area where the winter temperature is around 15-25, so I’m really afraid of it......
The water temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius and we do provide wetsuits for use.
Suzanne M
Nottingham, UK64 contributions
Hi, I will be staying at Palm Cove and need a bus to take me to and from the Seastar, which I am booked to take a tour with on Friday, 13 September 2019. Do I book transport through you? What do you suggest? - Suzanne
Suzanne M
Nottingham, UK64 contributions
I’ll answer my own question here. Thankfully where I was staying telephoned Seastar who said for an extra payment of 25 AUD I could get a return transfer which I booked. It would have been helpful to know this beforehand while still in the U.K. I met three other people who said the same and they booked a cab.
savvytraveler1047
Charleston, SC2 contributions
How many people on the boat?
AnitaColbier
Monroeville, NJ155 contributions
about 20-30 per trip
Veronica
2 contributions
Hi, is the price comprehensive of taxes? and is there a discount if I have all necessary stuff for snorkeling (mask, snorkel and wet suit)?
Thanks
Veronica
Seastar Standard Cruise AU$215 per person included EMC/Port admin fee.
All snorkel equipment is included in the fare you are welcome to use your own, there is no discount.
Galo
Mollet del Valles, Spain3 contributions
Cuanta gente puede ir a bordo? Queremos evitar ser 50 personas a bordo
anjaligang
Bengaluru, India2 contributions
Hello team do you have ocean walk or guided snorkelling for non swimmers if yes please share package details so I can plan
Kathy W
35 contributions
They definitely had float options for non-swimmers. The cay we visited had lovely beaches (it was also a bird sanctuary) and shallow reefs surrounding it. The snorkeling guide was very helpful and knowledgable and he knew where the goal resident sea turtle liked to hang out, so we got some great turtle pictures, too!
RJR_12
Edison, NJ3 contributions
Hi we are planning to visit the GBR in July. Is the Scuba Doo offered by Seastar or a different company - I dont see any reference to Scuba Doo in Seastar? Thanks.
ClareA
Wauchope, Australia5 contributions
I’m sorry I cant answer your question as I don’t know what scuba doo is? I suggest you call the Seastar booking office, they will surely be able to answer. They were very helpful when we booked and on the day to help us with parking and location of the cruise departure.