Cairns Reef Sites Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the main launch point in Far North Queensland for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Off the shores of Cairns, you will discover some of the most beautiful reef sites in the world, which are home to thousands of species of fish and corals and hosts many stunning species such as sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, whales and more.
Each and every reef site is unique and diverse and hosts a different array of plants and animals. Each site will have a different seascape and give you a view into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef in the form of coral gardens, sea beds, caves, coral walls, swim-throughs, bommies and more.
There are many different reef sites, which are unique and have specific attractions. Different tours visit different reefs, depending on the day of travel, choosing reef sites dependent on the conditions, tides and weather.
Below we have listed the individual reef sites visited by tours that depart from Cairns!
Upolu Cay and Upolu Reef
- Upolu Reef is visited by Ocean Freedom on some days and includes both cay and reef. It’s a great spot for beginner snorkelers.
Thetford Reef
- Often visited by Silverswift, Coral Sea Dreaming, and ProDive. Thetford Reef is a great site for both snorkelling and scuba diving. It’s known as a great macro photography site.
Pellowe Reef
- Pellowe is a rare site to visit as the conditions have to be perfect, so if you are able to get to this site, be sure to enjoy it! It is visited by both overnight and day trips including ProDive and Silverswift.
Opal Reef
- Opal Reef has several individual sites that vary in size, shape and formation and have a huge variety of marine life. It has clear water and is a great snorkel and scuba site, as you will likely have ideal visibility. Sites here include Rayban, Mojo, Blue Lagoon, South North Opal, Sandbox, New Seagull, Bashful Bommie, Beautiful Mooring, Plato, Southside, East South Opal, The Gap, North West Opal or Long Bommie. Opal is visited by Wavelength Cruises.
Norman Reef
- Norman Reef is something to look forward to with shallow coral gardens, drop-offs, swim-throughs and caves, as well as a wreck dive at one reef site, making it a favourite for both snorkellers and divers. The Great Adventure Pontoon is located on Norman Reef.
Moore Reef
- Moore Reef ranges from 1 - 25 metres in depth, making it great for scuba diving, with plenty of reefs that are great for snorkelling. It’s a favourite reef for many visitors, as it promises a huge variety of marine life, coral formations, and reef types! The Sunlover Pontoon is located in Moore Reef.
Milln Reef
- Millin sits close to the Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef and has a variety of plant and animal life. It only takes about 20 minutes to reach from shore and is frequented by several tours such as Coral Sea Dreaming, and Silverswift.
Flynn Reef
- Flynn Reef is located near Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef. This site hosts many smaller reefs including Coral Gardens, Ski Slope, Tracey's Bommie, Gordon's Mooring and Tennis Court, all of which are visited by day and overnight trips to the reef. It has a diverse seascape and appeals to both snorkellers and scuba divers. It is often visited by Silverswift, Coral Sea Dreaming, and ProDive.
Low Isles Reef
- The Low Isles is a coral cay found in the Great Barrier Reef and is made up of Woody Island, Low Island and 55 acres of coral reef. It is often frequented by boats that depart from Port Douglas, due to its proximity, including Wavedancer.
Hastings Reef
- Hastings Reef is great for both snorkellers and scuba divers and is huge in size. It spans about 10 square kilometres and is considered to be a patch reef. It’s host to coral overhangs, swim-throughs, coral gardens, caves and dropoffs as well as a huge variety of marine life. There are several overnight and day tours that visit Hastings Reef due to its size and its proximity to Cairns.
Agincourt Reef
- Agincourt is a huge reef site that is found next to the continental shelf. Agincourt is made up of Ribbon Reefs, and since they are prone to the currents of the deep ocean found just next to it, they are lucky to have plenty of nutrients and oxygen to support a huge array of life, making them a favourite for a lot of snorkellers and divers. Tours such as Quicksilver, Silversonic and Poseidon visit this site.
