Butterfly Bay “KEYHOLE“ - Coral Sea

Keyhole at Butterfly Bay is exactly what it sounds like: a tight squeeze, only accessible to the smallest liveaboards. And that's part of its charm. We love places that feel a bit exclusive, and this certainly fits. Drop in and you're immediately in a maze of coral. The staghorn corals, both blue and red, are particularly impressive here, forming dense, sculptural gardens that feel ancient. It’s shallow, only topping out at 11 metres, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s basic. Visibility averages around 7 metres, which isn't huge, but it focuses your attention. We often find ourselves just hovering, eyes scanning the nooks and crannies. Anemonefish are always buzzing around, but keep an eye out for the larger barracuda patrolling the edges. We’ve also had luck spotting wobbegongs tucked into the coral and the occasional blue-spotted stingray cruising the sandy patches. It’s an intimate dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who likes to take their time and really explore a smaller, protected ecosystem.

Location
Coral Sea, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-20.069100, 148.921200
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Coral Sea

The warmest water temperatures in Coral Sea occur in March, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 21.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 28.3°C
  • April: 27.2°C
  • May: 25.0°C
  • June: 23.0°C
  • July: 21.6°C
  • August: 21.2°C
  • September: 22.3°C
  • October: 24.3°C
  • November: 26.3°C
  • December: 27.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Coral Sea

Nearest Dive Centres to Butterfly Bay “KEYHOLE“

Marine Life in Coral Sea

Home to 120 recorded species including 73 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 3 other, 2 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Butterfly Bay “KEYHOLE“

Based on average water temperature of 25.2°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE"?
At Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE", divers can expect shallow conditions, with a maximum depth of 11 meters. This makes it a comfortable dive for exploring the vibrant reef. The site is described as a calm and shallow keyhole-shaped reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE"?
Divers at Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" will be delighted by abundant coral life, including impressive beds of blue and red staghorn corals. The site is home to resident anemonefish, large barracuda, and several species of Butterflyfish and damselfish. Keep an eye out for possible sightings of wobbegong sharks and blue spotted stingrays, adding to the diverse marine life.
Is Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" suitable for beginner scuba divers, or is it considered an advanced dive site?
Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" is officially rated as an intermediate dive site. However, its description also highlights it as exciting for divers of all levels, suggesting it can accommodate less experienced divers. Its calm and shallow nature, with a maximum depth of 11 meters, contributes to its accessibility.
When is the best time of year to dive Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided information for Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" does not specify a best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE"?
The provided information for Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at this site. We recommend checking with local dive operators for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like for diving in Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE"?
Divers at Butterfly Bay "KEYHOLE" can expect generally calm conditions, as it is described as a calm reef. The average visibility at this site is around 7 meters, offering clear views of the abundant coral and marine life. This makes for a pleasant and enjoyable diving experience.