

Best for beginner divers, 5-18m, boat entry, mild current.
Blue Buoy is a reef site located at Tongue Reef, accessible only by boat. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally mild with visibility between 12 and 30 metres, making it suitable for beginner divers. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 25C to 30C. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, sharp coral, and the presence of jellyfish, particularly between November and May when protective suits are recommended. Facilities available at the site include toilets, showers, equipment rental, and guided tours.
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May, June, September, October and November tend to bring the best visibility and calmer conditions, so plan your trip around those months if you can. Guided tours are available and genuinely worth considering for your first visit, as a guide will help you spot the smaller creatures like nudibranchs that are easy to miss.
The site is located on Opal Reef, approximately 50km east of Port Douglas. Access is via a 90-minute boat trip on a licensed tour operator departing from a Port Douglas marina, such as the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-18m
Visibility
12-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-30°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Yes, the site is well-suited for beginners due to its mild currents and shallow depths.
The site ranges from 5 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Blue Buoy is a boat-only site and requires a boat charter to access.
The best months for visibility and calm conditions are May, June, September, October, and November.
Standard hazards include boat traffic and sharp coral. Additionally, jellyfish are present from November to May, and protective suits are recommended during this period.
Diving at Blue Buoy in Port Douglas requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Blue Buoy in Port Douglas. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Blue Buoy in Port Douglas. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
Blue Buoy in Port Douglas typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Blue Buoy in Port Douglas typically ranges from 12 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.