

Best for beginner divers, 1-20m, boat entry, moderate current.
Cockatoo Point is a boat-access reef site located off Hook Island, Australia. Suitable for beginners, the site features a diverse structure of hard and soft corals, including staghorn, plate, boulder, brain, mosaic, and lunar varieties, alongside mushroom and elephant ear corals. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 15 metres. Due to moderate currents and the presence of jellyfish, a full wetsuit or lycra suit is recommended for protection. Boat entry is required, and divers should monitor current strength throughout the 45-minute typical dive duration.
-20.08300, 148.90260
Plan the dive on a rising tide for the cleanest water and time it for morning slots before afternoon winds build through the bullet zones across Hook Island.
Access is by charter day boat from Airlie Beach, bareboat yacht, or as a stop on multi-day sailing trips through the northern Whitsundays.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 20m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
22-29°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Green and hawksbill turtles are found in the area, and small reef fish are common throughout the reef structure.
Yes, Cockatoo Point is considered suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers.
The site ranges from 1 to 20 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
This is a boat-access site, and a boat is required to reach the reef.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
Hazards include moderate currents and the presence of jellyfish. It is recommended to wear a full suit for protection and stay close to your buddy.
Diving at Cockatoo Point in Airlie Beach requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Cockatoo Point in Airlie Beach. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Cockatoo Point in Airlie Beach are August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at Cockatoo Point in Airlie Beach. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Cockatoo Point in Airlie Beach typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.