

Best for beginner divers, 5-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Flynn Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef site featuring a diverse topography of shallow coral gardens, walls, and canyons. Depths range from 5 to 30 metres, with an average of 15 metres, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Access is by boat only, with mild currents that occasionally allow for drift dives. Visibility typically spans 15 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 25C to 29C. The site supports night diving and offers facilities including equipment rental and guided tours. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including sharp coral, triggerfish, lionfish, and sharks, as well as seasonal jellyfish.
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Book a guided tour rather than exploring independently on your first visit, as a guide will spot the easily-missed creatures like octopus and lionfish that most beginners swim straight past. Be aware of jellyfish, particularly during the warmer months outside the May to November window, and stay clear of sharp coral if the current nudges you toward the wall.
The site is located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, approximately 60km offshore from Cairns. Access is only possible via boat, with numerous tour operators like Pro Dive Cairns, Silverswift, and Passions of Paradise running day trips and liveaboards from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-30m
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-29°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the generally mild and manageable currents and shallow coral gardens starting at 5 metres.
The site ranges from 5 to 30 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Yes, Flynn Reef is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
Access to Flynn Reef is by boat only, located approximately 60 kilometres from shore.
Diving at Flynn Reef in Cairns requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Flynn Reef in Cairns. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Flynn Reef in Cairns. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Flynn Reef in Cairns are May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Flynn Reef in Cairns should be aware of lionfish, sharks, jellyfish, stonefish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Flynn Reef in Cairns typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Flynn Reef in Cairns typically ranges from 15 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.