Shelving Reef

Best months: Mar–Jul

Protected Area

Balban Dara Guya (Leekes Creek)

Why dive here

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

Shelving Reef offers a straightforward dive, well-suited for those looking to explore a typical Coral Sea coral structure. The reef here presents a gentle slope, making it a comfortable drift. You’ll see the usual suspects, surgeonfish and parrotfish browsing the hard corals. It's a decent option for a relaxed dive in an expansive area.

Today05:2817:5912h 31m daylightGolden hour 17:29

Reviews for Shelving Reef

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Shelving Reef

Shelving Reef Ocean Conditions

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