Coral Gardens at Hastings Reef features a combination of shallow reef and wall topography, making it suitable for beginners. Depths range from 1 to 13 metres with visibility typically between 15 and 30 metres. The site is accessed by boat and experiences mild currents. Divers and snorkellers can explore boulder corals and elephant ear corals. When entering the water, shuffle your feet to avoid sharp coral. Maintain a safe distance from the wall and remain aware of your surroundings for sharks. The site is available for night diving, with typical dive times around 50 minutes. Facilities including showers and a cafe are available.

Fish Bowl is a reef site located at Hastings Reef, offering a mix of wall and drop-off topography. Suitable for beginners, the site features depths ranging from 3 to 30 metres with an average of 13 metres. Access is exclusively by boat. Conditions are generally mild with tidal flow and currents remaining manageable. Visibility typically spans 15 to 28 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24C and 29C throughout the year. Divers and snorkellers should exercise caution regarding boat traffic, jellyfish, sharp coral, and stonefish. Guided tours and boat charters are available, and some operators provide disabled access upon request.

Blue Lagoon at Hastings Reef offers a straightforward reef and wall dive suitable for beginners. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres with an average of 13 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. Access is by boat only, and the site is located 55 kilometres from the shore. Divers should be aware of sharp coral on the wall and potential hazards including jellyfish and sharks. When entering the water, be cautious of sharp coral and rocks below. The average dive time is 45 minutes, and water temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

The Pools at Hastings Reef is a shore entry site suitable for beginners. The reef environment reaches depths between 5 and 30 metres. Divers and snorkellers may encounter wrasses, which are very common, alongside common sixband parrotfish. Less frequently, visitors might spot Napoleon wrasse, clown triggerfish, regal angelfish, titan triggerfish, whitetip reef sharks, harlequin tuskfish, bluefaced angelfish, and harlequin sweetlips. Other species include uncommon sightings of sixbanded angelfish, teardrop butterflyfish, checkerboard wrasse, and foxface rabbitfish. Conditions feature mild currents, though visibility can shift based on tides and weather. Hazards include jellyfish, sharp coral, and stonefish; shuffle your feet when entering and wear a stinger suit for protection.

Hastings Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef location featuring a diverse topography of shallow coral gardens, caves, walls, and drop-offs. Depths range from 5 to 30 metres, with an average of 13 metres. The site is accessible by boat and is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain aware of mild currents and potential surge. Visibility typically spans 15 to 40 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Facilities including guided tours, equipment rental, and boat charters are available. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Central, Breaking Patches at Michaelmas Cay features a reef, drop-off, and wall topography. The site ranges from 0 to 24 metres in depth, with an average of 8 metres. Access is by boat only, and the site is suited for intermediate divers due to strong currents, particularly along the western wall. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24C and 29C throughout the year. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of hazards including sharp coral, strong currents, and surf. Box jellyfish may be present during peak season. It is recommended to time dives with the slack tide to manage the current.

Fish Bowl is a reef and wall dive site located at Norman Reef, accessible only by boat. The site features a shallow depth range of 5 to 8 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Divers experience mild currents and visibility typically ranging from 15 to 30 metres. The site is also rated highly for snorkelling. Hazards include the presence of jellyfish, lionfish, sharks, and sharp coral. A protective suit is recommended during the stinger season from November to May. Guided tours are available to assist with navigation and safety, with typical dives lasting 45 minutes.

Coral Garden at Norman Reef is a diverse site featuring wall, cave, and pinnacle topography. Depths range from 1 to 34 metres, with an average of 10 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Access is by boat only, and the site supports drift diving. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain tropical, ranging from 24C to 29C throughout the year. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, jellyfish, lionfish, sharks, sharp coral, and currents that can strengthen during the wet season. Protective suits are recommended during stinger season from November to May. Guided tours and equipment rental are available via boat charters.