Farmers Reef

Best months: Mar–Jul

Protected Area

Dē-răl-lĭ (Calliope River)

Why dive here

With 113+ marine species recorded in the area - including dugongs, grey reef sharks, humpback whales, sea turtles and tiger sharks - Farmers Reef offers some of Coral Sea's richest reef diving. Water ranges 25-30°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeMar–Jul

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeDugongs, Grey Reef Sharks, Humpback Whales, Sea Turtles and Tiger Sharks · 113+ species recorded

Water25-30°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterReef dive · max 5-20m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Farmers Reef in the Coral Sea is one of those places that feels genuinely remote, a real wild card. We’ve always found the diving here to be exhilarating, a proper showcase of what a healthy outer reef system can do. Drop in, and you’re instantly surrounded by schools of pickhandle barracuda, just cruising the reef edge in formation. We often spot loggerhead turtles here, not just a fleeting glimpse but really observing them forage, which is always a treat. This isn't a gentle drift. Expect some current, especially around the corners, which is exactly what brings in the bigger pelagics. The reef itself is a tapestry of hard corals, punctuated by bommies that just explode with colour. Our favourite spots are the deeper ledges where the Estuary Cod hang out, surprisingly docile for a fish of their size. It’s a site for experienced divers who appreciate raw, untamed reef action and aren’t afraid of a bit of a workout. Come for the big fish, stay for the sheer scale of the place.

Typical Farmers Reef Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Today05:2717:5812h 31m daylightGolden hour 17:28

Reviews for Farmers Reef

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Farmers Reef

Farmers Reef Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for Farmers Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-16.5, 148) (0km away)