Michaelmas Cay

Welcome to Michaelmas Cay, a rare and ecologically significant coral sand island located approximately 42 kilometers northeast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. As you step onto this small, low-lying island, you are standing…

Michaelmas Cay is a premier destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike, serving as a vital waypoint for numerous species of migratory birds. As you look toward the vegetated center of the island—area strictly…

Turning our attention to the water, the lagoon surrounding Michaelmas Cay offers a masterclass in marine biodiversity. The shallow, sun-drenched waters provide the ideal conditions for a wide variety of hard and soft corals. …

One of the most charismatic residents of the Michaelmas Cay reef system is the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). These ancient mariners are frequently sighted in the lagoon, grazing on the seagrass beds or resting on the sandy…

Let us consider the geological origins of the ground beneath your feet. Michaelmas Cay is a 'vegetated sand cay,' a landform that is relatively rare within the Great Barrier Reef. …

As you explore the cay, you may see crew members or scientists conducting observations. This is part of the ongoing monitoring that ensures the long-term health of the site. …

For those who venture further out with our dive tender, the experience shifts from the sheltered lagoon to the dramatic 'Outer Reef Edge.' Here, the water deepens significantly, and the reef wall drops away into the blue of the…

As our time on Michaelmas Cay comes to a close and we prepare to board the tender for the final time, I invite you to take a moment of silent reflection. Look back at the tiny sliver of white sand and the thousands of birds…