

Best for beginner divers, 1-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Moore Reef is a diverse outer reef site featuring walls, pinnacles, and caves. Accessible only by boat, the site offers depths ranging from 1 to 30 metres, with an average of 15 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though currents can vary. Divers frequently encounter Napoleon wrasse, various wrasse species, and parrotfish, alongside surgeonfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The site is suitable for beginners and includes a pontoon with toilets, showers, and equipment rental. Be aware of jellyfish during the stinger season from November to May, when full-body suits are required. Visibility typically ranges from 1 to 30 metres, providing clear views of the reef topography.
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April through November brings the most settled weather and the best visibility, so try to plan your trip within that window. Stinger suits are worth wearing year-round given the jellyfish risk, and most operators on the reef will have them available to hire.
Accessible only by boat or helicopter tours departing from Cairns, with a boat trip taking approximately 90 minutes.
While some tour operators mention gangways and disabled toilets on the vessels, comprehensive accessibility information for divers with disabilities at the pontoon itself was not found.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 30m
Visibility
1-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
Divers regularly encounter Napoleon wrasse and various wrasse species. Other species recorded include Pacific Bullethead parrotfish, striped surgeonfish, teardrop butterflyfish, sixband parrotfish, sixbanded angelfish, red bass, Pacific orange-spine unicornfish, Pacific sailfin tang, bird wrasse, bluestreak cleaner wrasse, and scissortail sergeant.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, offering shallow sections and mild currents that allow for comfortable exploration.
The site ranges from 1 to 30 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Moore Reef is a boat dive located 40 kilometres from the shore, requiring a boat for access.
Yes, the shallow reef platforms are suitable for snorkelling.
The site can be visited year-round, with April through November generally offering the most settled weather and best visibility.
Diving at Moore Reef in Queensland requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Moore Reef in Queensland. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Moore Reef in Queensland. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
Divers at Moore Reef in Queensland should be aware of jellyfish, sharks, stonefish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Moore Reef in Queensland typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Moore Reef in Queensland typically ranges from 1 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.