Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore the Great Barrier Reef with Seastar Cruises
Established in 1956, Seastar Cruises has redefined premium reef tourism in Cairns. As a locally owned business with over six decades of expertise, we specialize in small-group excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, combining Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef in a single day. Our fast, air-conditioned catamaran accommodates just 36 guests, ensuring personalized service and intimate encounters with marine ecosystems. Our team of certified dive masters and snorkel guides deliver expert-led experiences, from introductory diving to guided birdwatching tours.With a heritage rooted in maritime excellence, we prioritize safety, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, offering all-inclusive amenities like gourmet buffet lunches and state-of-the-art equipment. Our commitment to quality has earned us recognition as a 5-star operator, blending operational history with modern comforts for an unparalleled reef adventure.
Services
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Bird Watching
Glass Bottom Boat
Guided Tours
Equipment Hire
Buffet Dining
Reef Photography
Marine Education
Bird Sanctuary Visits
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We operate with a maximum of 36 guests for personalized attention
- Our certified dive masters lead expert-guided reef explorations
- All-inclusive gourmet buffet lunch prepared onboard
- Knowledgeable staff with combined 101 years of local tourism experience
- Safety-focused operations with modern, fast catamaran vessels
What people say
Amazing crew and services
Best moments of my life
Professional and knowledgeable staff
Perfect small group experience
Unforgettable marine encounters
Services
Scuba Diving
Explore the Great Barrier Reef's depths with guided scuba diving excursions. Certified divers receive expert-led tours to prime reef locations, while introductory divers complete safety assessments before experiencing underwater ecosystems. Medical clearances and equipment provided.
Snorkeling
Discover vibrant marine life through guided snorkeling tours at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. Expert guides lead small groups to optimal viewing spots, with premium equipment and safety support included throughout.
Bird Watching
Observe diverse seabird species at Michaelmas Cay, a protected sanctuary. Knowledgeable guides identify nesting colonies and migratory patterns, with specialized tours offering close encounters with terns, boobies, and frigatebirds.
Glass Bottom Boat
Experience coral ecosystems from a dry vantage point aboard our glass-bottom boat. Expert commentary explains marine life and reef structures visible through reinforced viewing panels during guided cay circumnavigations.
Guided Tours
Customized reef experiences combine snorkeling, diving, and ecological education. Small-group tours prioritize personalized attention, with expert guides tailoring activities to guest preferences and ocean conditions.
People
Peter Edwards
Co-Owner
With extensive marine industry experience since the 1970s, Peter co-owns Seastar Cruises after decades operating reef tours. His expertise in vessel operations and local ecosystems enhances guest experiences.
Bernadette Edwards
Co-Owner
Bernadette transitioned from hospitality management to reef tourism, combining culinary skills with tour operations. Her customer service focus shapes the company's all-inclusive dining and personalized guest interactions.
Questions
What is included in the reef cruise package?
All-inclusive packages feature guided snorkeling/diving tours, premium equipment hire, gourmet buffet lunch, glass-bottom boat tours, and expert marine education.
Are medical assessments required for diving?
Yes, all divers complete Queensland Government-mandated medical questionnaires. Introductory divers with pre-existing conditions require physician clearance before participation.
How does the small-group format enhance experiences?
Limited to 36 guests, our tours offer personalized attention, faster boarding, and flexible itinerary adjustments based on group preferences and ocean conditions.
What bird species can be observed at Michaelmas Cay?
Visitors encounter over 20 seabird species including sooty terns, frigatebirds, and brown boobies, with expert identification of nesting colonies and migratory patterns.
What safety measures are in place for reef activities?
Certified guides maintain 1:6 staff-to-guest ratios, with safety equipment including life rings, emergency oxygen, and real-time weather monitoring systems aboard all vessels.
