

Best for beginner divers, 15-50m, boat entry, mild current.
Chicken Reef in the Townsville Outer Reefs features a combination of wall and reef topography. The site ranges in depth from 15 to 50 metres, with shallower sections suitable for beginners. Divers can expect visibility between 10 and 30 metres and generally mild currents, though conditions can vary. Access is by boat only. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic in the area. The reef structure is covered in hard and soft corals. As the site reaches depths of 50 metres, divers should monitor their depth profiles carefully. The region experiences jellyfish season from November to May, and the reef has previously been affected by Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks.
-18.64904, 147.72063
The best months run from May through October when conditions tend to be most settled and visibility is at its clearest. As a boat entry site, confirm current departure times and any facility availability with your operator before you travel.
The site is an offshore reef and is accessed via boat charters from Townsville. Operators like Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive and Conquest Charters have been noted to visit the reef.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-50m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-28°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though they should remain on the shallower sections of the reef rather than descending along the wall.
The site offers a depth range of 15 to 50 metres.
Chicken Reef is a boat-only entry site.
The best months to visit are from May through October, when conditions are typically more settled.
Divers should watch for boat traffic. Additionally, jellyfish season occurs from November to May, and the reef has a history of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks.
Diving at Chicken Reef in Townsville requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Chicken Reef in Townsville. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C.
Chicken Reef in Townsville typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Chicken Reef in Townsville typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.