

Best for beginner divers, 5-18m, boat entry, mild current.
Plate Top is a reef and artificial reef site located on Norman Reef. It offers a gentle environment for divers and snorkellers, with depths ranging from 5 to 18 metres and an average depth of 13 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Conditions vary, with visibility between 8 and 30 metres and currents that are generally mild, though they can strengthen during the wet season. Water temperatures range from 24C to 30C throughout the year. Due to the presence of jellyfish between November and May, wearing a full-body stinger suit or wetsuit is recommended. Guided tours and boat charters are available for this site.
-16.42500, 145.99400
May through October brings the most reliable visibility and calmer sea conditions, making it the best window for first-time divers. Keep an eye out for jellyfish, particularly outside the peak dry season months.
The site is on the outer Great Barrier Reef and is accessible only by boat. Numerous dive operators run day trips and liveaboard excursions from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-18m
Visibility
8-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the manageable depth range and generally mild currents.
Depths at Plate Top range from 5 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 13 metres.
Yes, Plate Top is suitable for both diving and snorkelling activities.
Access to Plate Top is by boat only; boat charters and guided tours are available.
Diving at Plate Top in Cairns requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Plate Top in Cairns. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit Plate Top in Cairns are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Plate Top in Cairns should be aware of jellyfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Plate Top in Cairns typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Plate Top in Cairns typically ranges from 8 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.