

Best for advanced divers, 12-40m, boat entry, strong current.
Golden Wall at Holmes Reef is a vertical drop-off and pinnacle system located in the open ocean. This advanced drift dive reaches depths between 12 and 40 metres, with an average depth of 30 metres. The site is characterised by strong currents and significant depth, requiring precise buoyancy control and careful depth management. Visibility typically ranges from 30 to 40 metres. Due to its remote location 350 kilometres from shore, access is exclusively via liveaboard vessel. The site features gorgonian fans and soft corals that thrive in the nutrient-rich currents. Divers should be aware of potential strong swells and currents, as well as the presence of sharks.
-16.45000, 148.00000
Plan your dive around slack or the early push of the current rather than its peak, and brief your group on a clear abort depth before entry. May, June, September, October and November offer the best conditions, with whale shark and manta ray sightings more likely during those windows.
Access is only possible via liveaboard dive vessels, typically departing from Cairns. The trip is to a remote, open ocean location and can be subject to weather conditions.
This is a remote offshore dive site, requiring a liveaboard vessel for access.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
12-40m
Visibility
30-40m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-29°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
This site is for advanced divers only due to the strong currents, significant depth, and open ocean conditions.
The site ranges from 12 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 30 metres.
This is a remote offshore site that requires a liveaboard vessel for access.
Snorkelling is not recommended at this site, which has a snorkel rating of 1/5.
The best conditions are found in May, June, September, October, and November.
Diving at Golden Wall in Coral Sea requires the following certifications: Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Golden Wall in Coral Sea. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C.
Golden Wall in Coral Sea can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Golden Wall in Coral Sea typically ranges from 30 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.