Mission Beach covers a stretch of shallow coastal water in the Cairns region, with sites ranging from the Barnard Island Group reef to seagrass beds at Kurramine Beach and the bay at Bingil Bay. Depths across the area are very shallow, mostly within three metres, and sites are suited to beginners, snorkellers, and those looking for a relaxed entry to the water. Visibility varies considerably by conditions, reaching up to thirty metres at its best. The species list is diverse for such shallow water and includes pygmy seahorse, hairy frogfish, peacock mantis shrimp, ornate wobbegong, green sea turtles, mourning cuttlefish, and whitetip reef sharks.
Monthly water temperature across Mission Beach's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water is warmest in the summer months and cools to its lowest in mid-winter, though it remains mild year-round by temperate standards. Currents are generally gentle but can shift with the tide, and some sites require careful timing around low water for reef access.
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Australia
Australia
Water temperature around Mission Beach ranges from about 23°C in July to 29°C in January, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 29°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Mission Beach; in the coldest months (about 23°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 3 sites in Mission Beach (2 scuba diving sites and 2 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
3 more sites to explore
