Michaelmas Cay

Best time to dive

June to November

What you might see

• Grey reef sharkLikely
• Manta rayLikely
• NudibranchLikely
• Sea turtleLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - one of the GBR's most famous snorkel sites; shallow sandy lagoon protected in most weather, ideal for all abilities

Safety notes

Michaelmas Cay is a National Park (declared 1975) and BirdLife International Important Bird Area - visitor access restricted to a roped-off area (<10% of the cay); do not approach nesting birds/chicks/eggs; stinger suits recommended Nov-May; standard reef etiquette (no touching coral/clams, no feeding fish)

Permits & fees

GBR EMC: AUD $8.00/person full-day visit, $4.00 part-day (current GBRMPA rate, usually included in tour price); no separate diver permit, but National Park roped-area access rules apply on the cay itself

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Cairns