Cairns Reefs

There are several world-renowned diving reefs located a short sail away from Cairns. Norman Reef and Michaelmas Reef are located within ten nautical miles of each other, and less than 40 nautical miles of our home port at Yorkeys Knob. A wide variety of tropical fish species can be see at the site, along with underwater caves and swim throughs.

On the western end of Michaelmas Reef you can find Michaelmas Cay, a National Park and protected habitat of the migratory bird species that nest there. Visits to the sand cay are restricted so check with us when enquiring to ensure we can take you there. The surrounding reef is home to many tropical fish and giant clams are also a feature of the site.

Port Douglas Reefs

Our home port of Yorkeys Knob is a short distance from Port Douglas, granting us access to several well-known diving reefs located north east of the mainland. Batt and Tongue Reefs are both located around 21 nautical miles away. Chinaman and Opal Reefs are both located north east of Port Douglas. Agincourt Reef is further north, around 38 nautical miles from Port Douglas.

All of these reefs offer a variety of marine life and diving experiences for everyone, novices to advanced divers. Snorkelers are uniquely catered for, with Opal Reef being a standout as an outer reef that offers sufficient protection for snorkelling. Agincourt reef offers plenty to see across 16 dive sites, and advanced divers can test themselves at Blue Wonder, a spectacular wall dive to beyond 40 metres.

Ribbon Reefs

The Ribbon Reefs are an outer reef system located on the Great Barrier Reef. Known colloquially as the “Ribbons”, they are numbered from 1 to 10, with Ribbon Reef No. 1 located slightly southeast of Cooktown, through to Ribbon Reef No. 10 which is located southeast of Lizard Island.

The Ribbons are home to some of the most spectacular dive sites on the reef, such as Lighthouse Bommie, Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom and Cod Hole. Due to their layout, the Ribbons provide sheltered waters and a rich diversity of marine life, and dive sites can be located for divers of varying experience levels.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is the largest of a group of three islands known as the Lizard Island Group (though usually referred to simply as Lizard Island). Located offshore north and slightly east of Cooktown, it is around ten square kilometres in size and surrounded by various reef systems.

The island is home to Lizard Island National Park, the luxurious Lizard Island Resort and the Lizard Island Research Station which boasts research and education facilities for those interested in studying coral reefs. The Blue Lagoon is a well-known dive site located within the surrounding reefs at Lizard Island.

Thursday Island

Thursday Island, or TI, is located in the Torres Strait approximately 40 kilometres north of Cape York. Historically a pearling and fishing dependent economy, the island is now a tourist attraction thanks to the cruise ships that regularly stop over.

The surrounding area is home to some of the most untouched reefs on the Great Barrier Reef due to the significant cruising capability required for live-aboards to get there.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is located approximately 512 kilometres south of Cairns and is the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with its own commercial airport.

The island was formed due to numerous mountains drowning from rising sea levels. Today, it is used almost exclusively for tourism.

Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island is located off the North Queensland coast and is approximately 100 kilometres north of Townsville.

The island, which is made up of volcanic rocks formed around 280 million years ago, comprises a pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage-listed Marine Park.

Coral Sea

A journey to the Coral sea is like no other. The diving and snorkeling at Holmes, Bougainville and Osprey reefs is second to none. A visit to the remote islands and sand cays off the Diamond Islets and Lihou Reef is an adventure in itself.

SS Yongala

SS Yongala Wreck Dive Site is located closest to Townsville, Queensland. The Yongala Shipwreck is a 110-metre former steel passenger and freight steamer. It sank in 1911 during a tropical cyclone with its 124 passengers, and it wasn’t discovered until 1958. The Yongala became its own ecosystem, undisturbed for over 45 years. The dive experience there is now considered to be one of the best in the world.

Museum of Underwater Art

Located on the John Brewer Reef just off Townsville, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is suitable for snorkelers and divers alike. Featuring the works of Jason deCaires Taylor, the MOUA is a culturally significant asset to the Townsville region.