Opal Reef
Opal Reef is an incredible reef site on the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland. Several reef tours may include Opal Reef in their itinerary, depending on conditions. Here is a quick rundown of the individual reef sites and marine life that you may encounter at Opal Reef!
Getting to Opal Reef
Opal Reef is found on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, about 50-60 kilometres (30-40 miles) east of Port Douglas. It takes about an hour and a half to reach from the shore and sits on the edge of the continental shelf. It’s a huge reef with many individual reef sites that each offer a unique experience.
Tour providers choose the best sites based on the conditions of the day, ensuring you are able to have the best experience possible and enjoy the reefs at their best.
Wavelength is the most popular reef tour that often includes a visit to Opal Reef.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas!
Reef sites and conditions at Opal Reef
Different currents and coral formations provide homes to a variety of fish and other marine animals, meaning that Opal Reef looks different every day!
Opal Reef is an especially great reef for snorkelling as it has clear water and great visibility, and has protection from prevailing winds, giving you ideal weather a majority of the time. The crescent shape of the reef provides protection, allowing you to enjoy your time in the water and feel less of the push and pull of the wind and waves. There are also some amazing dive sites!
You may visit sites such as 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 during your time on Opal Reef and get to see a huge variety of marine animals!
Marine Life you may see on Opal Reef
Fire dartfish
Fire dartfish are a unique-looking fish found in some parts of Opal Reef. It’s small and sleek with a white head which fades into a red/brown lower body and has a huge yellow dorsal fin (its most notable attribute). They are mostly seen close to the ocean floor above a pile of rubble, which they are extremely quick to dart into.
They only reach a size of about 9cm and are often spotted in pairs. If you can manage to grab a photo of these guys, it is a great feat, as they often shoot back into their burrows when they see you!
Sea Fans
Sea fans, also known as gorgonians, are a species of soft coral that can be seen around several sites at Opal Reef. The sea fans at Opal many be small, but still, give you a beautiful image and backdrop while beneath the waves.
They grow upwards in a fan-like shape, adding a pop of colour in a unique shape! They often host several smaller reef inhabitants, so be sure to look closely if you come across one.
Sea turtles
Sea turtles are often spotted cruising through the waters around Opal Reef. They are one of the more iconic animals you can spot here, and you're lucky if you get to see them!
Sixbar angelfish
You can easily identify the sixbar angelfish by the six vertical black bars that run along its sides. Paired with an accompanying white bar and yellow body, the angelfish has a thin flat body and is almost always seen in pairs. These angelic fish mate for life and are mostly seen with their mates as they make their way around the reef.
Anemonefish
There are several species of anemonefish on Opal Reef, including the true Clownfish (which most people know as ‘Nemo’ fish); a small black, orange and white fish made famous in the Pixar movie ‘Finding Nemo’. Found in several colours and shapes, you can spot an anemonefish inside of their host anemones, darting in and out in family groups.
They are dominated by one large female, who usually lives inside their anemone with several smaller males. They are a treat to see and can be found on most reef site in Opal Reef and make for a great photo subject!
Check out Opal Reef for yourself by joining a boat tour and making your way to the Great Barrier Reef.
