The early morning is invaluable for birdwatchers. Our morning will focus on the Tropical Wetlands and Shared Earth Reserve which is home to over 220 recorded bird species and an exclusive site for us to explore.

After a short 90 minute drive we will arrive at Clancy’s lagoon. This open expanse of water has comfortable walking tracks surrounding the perimeter, providing guests with the opportunity to observe the resident birdlife.

After a short break for morning tea we 4WD to our second location, Pandanus Lagoon. Here we find a large diversity of waders and waterbirds including a massive population of Black Swan. It is also home to kangaroos, echidnas, dingos, snakes and scores of other reptiles.  You can explore over 12km of walking trails which criss-cross the wetlands.

A break from the binoculars while we enjoy a picnic style lunch under a shady billabong during the heat of the day. To further our bird watching prospects, we venture into the nearby Atherton Tablelands for the last couple of hours. Locations such as Lake Barrine (Crater Lakes National Park) and Yungaburra have afforded our customers amazing birdlife encounters and opportunities for photographs over the years.

Note: This is a private tour is with a local experienced birdwatching guide and well known wildlife enthusiast.

Leaving the Cairns Marina at 8am means we arrive at Michaelmas Cay at approximately 9.15am.

Birdwatchers will be the first guests to step foot on the island. This offers ample photo opportunities of a island with no other humans in sight. Photo opportunities of the birdlife is endless, especially in the summer season which sees up to 30,000 birds sharing the island.

Birdwatchers are offered a circumnavigation of the island where more species can be sighted and photographed.

If you wish, there is plenty of time to snorkel in the calm, sheltered waters off the beach within the unspoilt fringing coral beds.

Lunch is served on-board which includes two hot dishes and salads as we head over to Hastings Reef and our own exclusive mooring.

At Hastings Reef you can experience the true wonders of this Outer Edge Reef, there are the coral caves, coral overhangs, deep water drop offs, coral canyons, swim throughs and shallow coral bays that are only metres from the side of the vessel.

Along the steep edges there are swirling schools of small fish, colourful parrot fish, turtles, giant clams, “friendly” little reef sharks, bright yellow butterfly fish, pairs of rabbit fish, countless varieties of brightly coloured damsel fish and of course, Nemo.

As well as snorkelling you can join our glass bottom boat tour. This can afford bird sightings and your skipper will be able to explain more about the reef.

The Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef cruise gets back into Cairns just after 4pm.

Note: There are opportunities to scuba dive – please ask.