Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island - Coral Sea

La Baie de Paea is one of those spots we always recommend for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’re staying on Moorea. It’s got a lovely, gentle feel to it. You drop onto a sprawling coral plateau, full of knobby staghorn colonies, and we’ve spent ages just hovering there, watching juvenile blackstriped cardinalfish dart in and out of the branches. Follow the slope down and you’ll find bigger reef fish, like the argus grouper, looking a bit grumpy under ledges. Our favourite part has to be looking for the smaller stuff – we’ve spotted carnelian cowries tucked away, their shells gleaming. Visibility averages around 14m, which is decent for a lagoon, giving it a soft, inviting light. It’s a site that suits everyone, from those just getting comfortable to photographers who want to take their time.

Location
Coral Sea, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-24.114100, 152.708100
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 Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island

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 Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island?
The Forty Five dive site at Lady Elliot Island offers a maximum depth of 18 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with various certification levels. Divers can explore its captivating underwater paradise within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at the Forty Five dive site near Lady Elliot Island?
At the Forty Five dive site, divers can expect to marvel at a kaleidoscope of marine flora, including vibrant coral gardens and elegant sea fans. You'll encounter majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully and witness schools of tropical fish creating a vibrant spectacle. This captivating underwater paradise is rich with diverse marine encounters.
How challenging is the Forty Five dive site at Lady Elliot Island for scuba divers?
The Forty Five dive site at Lady Elliot Island is rated as an intermediate difficulty. This means it offers a rewarding experience for divers who have some prior experience and are comfortable with various underwater conditions. It's a great spot for those looking to enhance their diving skills in a captivating environment.
When is the best time of year to dive the Forty Five site at Lady Elliot Island for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Forty Five site for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Coral Sea, please refer to our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and specific seasonal highlights.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island?
The specific diving certifications required for the Forty Five dive site are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 18 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient for similar sites. We recommend confirming with local dive operators or your dive guide for precise requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Forty Five dive site on Lady Elliot Island?
Divers at the Forty Five dive site can expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral gardens. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.