5-20m
    Coral Sea, Australia
    Cape Palmerston - Rocky Dam

    Phillips Reef

    Best months: Mar–Jul

    Protected Area

    Cape Palmerston - Rocky Dam

    Why dive here

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

    Phillips Reef in the Coral Sea is a solid choice for divers looking for a quintessential Aussie reef experience. You'll find a good mix of hard and soft corals, with plenty of reef fish flitting about. It's a reliable spot for a few hours underwater, particularly if you’re already in the area and fancy a relaxed dive without too much fuss.

    Typical Phillips Reef Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

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

    Today05:3518:0412h 29m daylightGolden hour 17:34

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Phillips Reef

    Phillips Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Phillips 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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