Flynn Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Flynn Reef plays host to many smaller reefs including Coral Gardens, Gordon's Mooring, Ski Slope, Tennis Court and Tracey's Bommie, all of which are visited by day tours and overnight trips to the reef. It has mild currents but is overall manageable with depths ranging between 5 and 30m. Visibility is often good here and averages between 15-20m.
You'll find a diverse choice of reef types within Flynn, from canyons and swim-throughs, to reef walls and reef flats, it's seemingly endless landscape provides a new experience with each dive or snorkel. Flynn Reef is a popular spot for novice divers and snorkellers due to its accessibility, visibility and protection from strong currents. The underwater scenery that awaits is amazing and is bound to make a lasting impression.
Where is Flynn Reef?
Flynn Reef is located on the Outer Reef, and is about 60km offshore from Cairns and about 20km from Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The ride out to the reef cruises past other colourful reefs, pushing you to the edge of the marine park and onto this much-loved and visited site! You can look forward to discovering a bounty of vibrant marine life here as well as a vast seascape that boasts both variety and excitement!
Jump on one of these boat trips that visit Flynn Reef from Cairns!
What Will I See At Flynn Reef?
Flynn Reef is home to a wealth of eclectic marine species that can be found on the Great Barrier Reef. Tour boat operators select particular parts of the reefs depending on the weather conditions of the day, so the types of sea creatures you'll see will vary from place to place, providing a new and exciting experience each and every visit! Below is just a sample of the interesting things you might see while visiting Flynn Reef.
Sea turtles
There are six species of sea turtles that live in the Great Barrier Reef, and if you're lucky, you might get the chance to spot some of them when you visit Flynn Reef. Turtles are often spotted munching on coral, having a day time snooze or lazily swimming around the reefs. If you do a night dive (for certified divers only) you may even get to spot them sleeping on the coral beds below!
Clownfish
Clownfish, also known as Ocellaris Clownfish, anemonefish or 'Nemo' are one of the cutest and most popular residents found on the reef! These small orange-and-white fish live in family groups inside the safety of their host anemones, which act as both a shelter and protector in one. The stinging arms of the anemone keep the clownfish from harm and in return, they keep the anemone clean and tidy. You can spot clownfish by looking for anemones where small schools flit in and out of the safety of their home.
Triggerfish
Triggerfish are known to be one of the most territorial fish on the reef! These small but mighty fish are extremely protective of their nests during mating season and have been known to attack divers or snorkellers who get too close, retaliating by biting or ramming perceived intruders. They are beautiful to look at and easy to spot from a distance, giving you plenty of time to be aware of their space. So as long as you give it a wide berth, you'll be fine.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sea cucumbers
Sea cucumbers play an important role in the overall health and function of the reef, and are one of the most fascinating sea creatures. Acting as the vacuum cleaners of the ocean, they clean up the sea beds as they slowly make their way along the ocean floor. Sea cucumbers can often be spotted in the sandy lagoon patches around the reef and closely resemble a large bloated sea slug!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Maori wrasse
Maori wrasse, also known as the humphead wrasse, is one of the larger species you'll see while diving or snorkelling at Flynn Reef. Maori wrasse are known for their extremely friendly personalities and getting up close and personal with visitors on the reef! The males are very easily recognised by their intricate colouring of green, yellow and blue as well as by their large size and the noticeable lump on their heads, while females are smaller and usually have brown, grey or red colouring.
Staghorn coral
Staghorn coral is a species of branching coral that is often tan, blue or pale brown in colour. It's easily recognised as it branches out from bommies and pinnacles in an antler-like shape. Staghorn coral is delicate and easily broken if bumped or faced with stormy waters. Luckily, it is extremely fast growing at around 10-20cm per year, so recuperates quickly if damaged.
Boulder and Brain corals
Boulder corals and brain coral are one of the more interesting corals on the reef! Colonies of this amazing species can live up to a thousand years, making them the oldest resident on the reef. They grow about 1cm a year and are easily spotted due to their size and shape which look like giant boulders or a large human brain! Sometimes you'll find Christmas Tree Worms jutting out from these boulder corals and if you snap your fingers close enough, they retreat back into their holes. So much fun to play with.
Giant clams
Giant clams are huge molluscs that live on Flynn Reef. They anchor themselves to one spot, where they will stay for life. They can live to be 100 years old and weigh 200kg! Despite rumours, you cannot get eaten by a giant clam, but it's still best to keep all your fingers and toes clear of the opening as they have been known to get snappy! Stick to admiring their colours and size from above.
