

Best for beginner divers, 5-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Thetford Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef site featuring a diverse topography of shallow reef tops, canyons, and a wall that drops to 30 metres. Divers and snorkellers typically explore the 5 to 15 metre depth range. The site is accessible only by boat and is suitable for beginners due to mild currents that facilitate gentle drift dives. Visibility ranges from 8 to 40 metres, with the most reliable conditions occurring between May and October. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24C and 30C. Stinger suits are recommended from November to May due to the presence of jellyfish. Boat traffic is a hazard, so divers should remain close to guides when surfacing.
-16.80660, 146.17510
The reef is long and easy to lose orientation on if you wander off the boat line, so keep close track of your entry point.
Thetford Reef is accessible via a 90-minute boat trip from Cairns. Several tour operators, such as Passions of Paradise, Silverswift, and Pro Dive, run day trips and liveaboards to the site from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.
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Recorded at this site
Depth
5-30m
Visibility
8-40m
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
The provided data does not contain specific species observations for this site.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the generally mild currents.
The site ranges from 5 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 14 metres.
Thetford Reef requires boat access.
Yes, Thetford Reef is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
The best months to visit are May, June, July, August, September, and October, which offer calmer seas and clearer visibility.
Diving at Thetford Reef in Cairns requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Thetford Reef in Cairns. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Thetford Reef in Cairns. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
Divers at Thetford Reef in Cairns should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Thetford Reef in Cairns typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Thetford Reef in Cairns typically ranges from 8 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.