Michaelmas Cay is a pristine, uninhabited coral cay on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, 40 km off the coast of Cairns. This protected bird sanctuary and national park is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most accessible outer reef experiences, offering calm, gently sloping shallows that gradually deepen — perfect for beginner snorkelers. The cay remains above water at all tides and is surrounded by unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and giant clams. Only two tour operators are permitted to access this sanctuary, ensuring the reef and the 35 species of seabirds that nest here remain in an untouched, pristine state.
Michaelmas Cay (offshore snorkel/dive site)
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 5.8 sWind Speed 1.6 knPrecipitation 4.7 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Stinger season (marine stingers)
Stinging jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) may be present in the waters around the cay during the summer wet season. Stinger suits are provided by tour operators.
Low risk: Intense sun exposure
Strong tropical sun with high UV reflection off the water and white sand cay increases risk of sunburn.
Low risk: Nesting seabird disturbance
The cay is a protected seabird sanctuary — nesting birds may be protective during breeding season. Stay within the roped access area.
Low risk: Reef currents
Strong currents can develop on the outer reef edge, though the protected cay side is generally calm.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located 40 km (22 nautical miles) northeast of Cairns, accessible only by commercial reef day tours or private charter boats from Cairns. Tours operate daily with access permitted between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. No overnight camping allowed.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Cairns marina (Reef Fleet Terminal) or public parking along the Cairns Esplanade — check with your tour operator for specific meeting point arrangements. No parking at the cay itself (offshore only).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports