Arlington Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef site offering a shallow environment suitable for beginner divers. The reef structure features depths ranging from 5 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, though conditions vary. Access is exclusively by boat, with a typical dive duration of 40 minutes. Currents are generally mild, but divers should remain aware of changing conditions. Protective lycra suits are provided by tour operators during the stinger season from November to May to mitigate jellyfish risks. The site is located 40 kilometres from the shore, requiring a boat charter for access.

The Point is a reef site located at Arlington Reef, accessible only by boat. The topography features a wide depth range, extending from shallow reef tops at 5 metres down to 40 metres. Visibility varies significantly, ranging from 8 to 40 metres depending on conditions. The site is subject to moderate and variable currents, which can be challenging for beginners. Divers and snorkellers should remain within the 5 to 15 metre depth range to avoid the significant depth hazard. Facilities including showers, equipment rental, and guided tours are available. Typical dive duration is approximately 40 minutes.

Green Island is a coral cay located 1500 metres offshore from Cairns, offering a gentle introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. The site features a reef that slopes from 1 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Divers and snorkellers can access the water via shore or boat. Conditions are generally sheltered with mild currents and visibility ranging from 1 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain warm year-round, between 24 and 30C. Species recorded around this area include Green Sea Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Trevally, and various reef fish. Facilities on the island include equipment rental, showers, and a dive shop.

Queensland Reef at Green Island offers a shallow, shore-entry experience suitable for beginners. The site features depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres, with an average of 3 metres. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of variable visibility, which typically fluctuates between 3 and 10 metres. Currents are generally mild but can shift, so checking local conditions before entry is recommended. Hazards include sharp coral and rocks, requiring caution during entry and exit. Additionally, jellyfish are present in these shallow waters, making the use of a stinger suit advisable. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes, providing a practical environment for building confidence in a reef setting.

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.

East Side Bommies at Moore Reef consists of a series of coral formations ranging from 5 to 20 metres in depth, with an average of 12 metres. This site is suitable for beginner divers, offering mild currents and visibility typically between 15 and 20 metres. Access is by boat only. The site is also suitable for night diving. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including jellyfish, sharks, sharp coral, stonefish, and strong currents. Reef sharks are present at the reef and should be observed from a distance. Water temperatures range from 24C to 30C throughout the year.

Upolu Cay is a shallow reef site located on the Great Barrier Reef, accessible only by boat. The site features depths ranging from 1 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres, making it suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers. Visibility typically varies between 8 and 20 metres. While currents are generally mild, they can fluctuate based on tides and wind conditions. Visitors should be aware of jellyfish, particularly during the stinger season from November to May, and wearing a protective suit is recommended. The site is located 30 kilometres from the shore, and boat charters are required for access.

Michaelmas Cay is a coral cay situated 40 kilometres from Cairns, featuring a protected lagoon and shallow reef flats. The site topography consists of a gradual slope extending from the surface to deeper sections, with depths ranging from 0 to 20 metres and an average of 15 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Conditions are generally calm with mild currents, though visibility fluctuates between 10 and 30 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, with guided tours and equipment rental available. Hazards include boat traffic, sharp coral, and jellyfish during the wet season from November to May.