Briggs Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Briggs Reef is a beloved Great Barrier Reef site among local, experienced divers and home to plenty of exotic marine life. This beautiful dive spot boasts extensive hard and soft coral coverage, large plate corals, and crystal clear blue waters.
Located about 46km southeast of Cairns, Briggs Reef has faced significant challenges, including damage from tropical cyclones, coral bleaching and, notably, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. However, in recent years it has made an extraordinary recovery and achieved a remarkable revival of coral coverage unlike anything seen before on the Great Barrier Reef! Here’s everything you need to know about this marvellous site.
How long does it take to get to Briggs Reef?
It takes about 55 minutes to get out to Briggs Reef from Cairns if you’re travelling by a high-speed vessel. The 2 main snorkel sites at Briggs Reef are The Wedge and One Fin. Those hoping to visit can do so on the Pure Snorkelling Half Day Afternoon Snorkel Trip.
Check out our favourite half day Reef tours
How deep is Briggs Reef?
The average depth at Briggs Reef varies from 5 metres to 28 metres. The visibility typically ranges from 12 to 18 metres. This makes Briggs a great spot for diving, but it’s also perfect for snorkelling, with plenty of beautiful coral formations to observe from the surface.
Marine life you might see at Briggs Reef
Sea turtles
Among the thousands of sea creatures you're likely to see living and thriving in the Reef are large, gentle sea turtles. Across the Great Barrier Reef live 6 out of the 7 species of sea turtles: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, Flatback, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback. Sea turtles do well to blend in with their aquatic surroundings, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore the coral formations.
Octopus
If you're lucky, you might be able to spot an octopus at Briggs Reef - though you'll have to look closely, Octopuses are masters of disguise and can change their colour in a flash to blend in with the surrounding coral to hide from predators. The octopus is a fascinating creature to see in action, with eight tentacles and completely boneless bodies, they're able to squeeze into small spaces and propel themselves across the seabed in unpredictable ways.
Clownfish
Made famous from Pixar's Finding Nemo, Clownfish are always exciting to see out in the Great Barrier Reef. Clownfish, or anemonefish, are best known for their bright orange coloration and white stripes. They can often be found poking their heads out of their sea anemones in sheltered reefs. Fun fact: Clownfish are actually sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they are able to change gender. All are born male and will only transition into female when the dominant female dies.
Giant clams
Giant clams are among the most unique species that can be found along the Great Barrier Reef. These ancient molluscs can live up to 100 years and can be found nestled along the ocean floor in broken coral or coral sand. Mindful divers and snorkelers will be able to spot giant clams rather easily thanks to their magnificent shades of purple, green, orange, and blue.
Maori Wrasse
Maori Wrasse are the gentle giants of the Great Barrier Reef, and very popular among visiting snorkelers and scuba divers. These confident, curious fish can grow up to 2 metres long and end up weighing up to 180kgs! Despite their size, their bulging eyes, and distinctive forehead bumps, their friendly nature makes them a favourite Reef dweller. The Maori wrasse are essential to Reef health, helping to protect coral by eating pests like crown-of-thorns starfish.
Moray eels
Despite their two sets of jaws, their toothy expression, and their snake-like bodies, moray eels are not as frightening as the look. In fact, moray eels are quite shy and would not act aggressive toward humans unless they were provoked. It's rare for divers and snorkelers to see these unique creatures as they typically tend to retreat into caves and burrows when approached.
Manta Rays
From time to time, manta rays can be seen gliding around Briggs Reef. Much like Maori wrasse, these creatures are essential to reef health, excreting an essential fertiliser that provides nutrients to coral gardens. These highly intelligent creatures often travel and feed in groups, coordinating perfectly with one another. Contrary to what some visitors might believe, manta rays are harmless to humans and cannot sting you like stingrays can. In fact, their gentle, calm nature has earned them the nickname "angels of the sea."
