

The Pin is a reef site that suits divers who are just getting started, with depths running from 7 to 18 metres and a mild current that rarely causes problems. Visibility sits between 7 and 16 metres, so you can generally see a good stretch of reef around you. The marine life here is genuinely varied for a beginner site. Grey nurse sharks and manta rays make appearances, while wobbegong sharks rest on the bottom if you look carefully. Turtles, angelfish, butterflyfish, and sweetlip are regular sights, and the reef is worth inspecting closely for nudibranchs and sea stars. Watch where you put your hands and fins, as sea urchins are present throughout. The site is accessible year-round by boat.
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Watch your buoyancy carefully near the bottom, as sea urchins sit in crevices and on open reef where you might not immediately notice them. Stay aware of boat traffic on the surface when you ascend, and always deploy your surface marker buoy before making your way up.
The site is accessed via boat, typically from Mooloolaba or Noosa. Several dive operators run trips to the location.
Seasonal grey nurse sharks visit the area. Divers should maintain a safe and respectful distance. As an offshore reef, there is regular boat traffic in the vicinity.
Depth
7-18m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
19-26°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
The Pin in Southern Queensland requires an Open Water diving certification. This beginner-friendly site reaches maximum depths of 18 metres, making it suitable for entry-level certified divers. The mild currents and shallow minimum depth of 7 metres provide comfortable conditions for recently certified divers.
The Pin is home to grey nurse sharks alongside manta rays, wobbegong sharks, and sea turtles. Divers also encounter smaller species including nudibranchs, angelfish, butterflyfish, and sweetlip across the reef structure. The site's depth range of 7 to 18 metres provides varied habitats for this diverse marine population.
The Pin ranges from 7 metres to 18 metres deep. This depth profile makes it accessible for beginner divers whilst providing sufficient depth for interesting marine encounters. Visibility at the site typically ranges between 7 and 16 metres.
The Pin is classified as a beginner-level dive site with mild currents and depths from 7 to 18 metres. Open Water certified divers can comfortably explore the reef structure and observe grey nurse sharks, turtles, and rays. The site's gradual depth profile and manageable conditions make it ideal for building confidence.
The Pin requires boat access from Southern Queensland, as shore entry is not available. All dives are conducted via boat departure. The site experiences mild boat traffic, so divers should maintain awareness during surface intervals.
The Pin permits night diving, offering different marine life encounters after dark. Nocturnal species become active whilst many daytime fish settle into the reef. Divers should be aware of sea urchins and maintain proper buoyancy control in the reduced visibility conditions typical of night dives.
The Pin presents two primary hazards: boat traffic and sea urchins. Divers should deploy surface marker buoys and maintain awareness when ascending due to boat activity. Sea urchins inhabit the reef structure, so proper buoyancy control and awareness of hand placement are essential.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at The Pin in Southern Queensland. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 26°C.