Coral Sea, Australia
    Bassett Basin

    Hay Reef

    Best months: Mar–Jul

    Protected Area

    Bassett Basin

    Why dive here

    With 113+ marine species recorded in the area - including dugongs, grey reef sharks, humpback whales, sea turtles and tiger sharks - Hay 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
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Hay Reef sits as a prominent coral structure in Australia's Coral Sea. Divers here can expect a good array of reef fish, though the larger pelagics tend to pass by rather than linger. We'd suggest this site for competent divers looking for a reliable Coral Sea experience, particularly those on a liveaboard itinerary already in the area.

    Today05:3618:0512h 28m daylightGolden hour 17:35

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Hay Reef

    Hay Reef Ocean Conditions

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

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    26°C

    79°F · Range: 25.4–29°C

    Current Speed

    10.3 cm/s

    Direction: SE (119.1°)

    Salinity

    35.38 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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