Agincourt Reefs - Great Barrier Reef

Cathedral is one of those St. Vincent sites we always look forward to, a bit of a sensory treat. You drop onto a reef that just keeps sloping, down to around 22 metres, where it flattens out to sand. The light here is what really gets us. It streams through the overhangs and cuts in the reef, creating these moving shafts you can swim through, almost like a real cathedral’s stained glass, just underwater. We usually find nimble spray crabs tucked in around the sea urchins, and if you’re patient, you’ll spot juvenile trunkfish hiding out there too. Our favourite time to dive Cathedral is mid-morning, when the sun is high enough to really play with those light effects. The currents can shift, so be ready to go with the flow, but it’s never anything too wild. You’ll drift past schools of southern sennet and chromis, often with jacks circling. Keep an eye on the sandy patches at the bottom for saddled blennies or a stargazer peeking out. This site is great for photographers chasing those dramatic light rays, and anyone who appreciates a dive with a real sense of atmosphere.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.031400, 145.842700
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Best Time to Dive in Great Barrier Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Great Barrier Reef occur in February, averaging 29.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.4°C
  • February: 29.5°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 26.9°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 25.1°C
  • August: 25.0°C
  • September: 25.4°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.7°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Barrier Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Agincourt Reefs

Marine Life in Great Barrier Reef

Home to 163 recorded species including 88 reef fish, 61 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 starfish, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Agincourt Reefs

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C, currents 17 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 are the typical diving depths at Agincourt Reefs, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
At Agincourt Reefs, the maximum diving depth is 16 meters. This makes it an excellent location for relatively shallow dives, allowing for extended bottom times and ample light penetration. However, it does not offer options for deep dives beyond this limit.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Agincourt Reefs?
Divers at Agincourt Reefs can expect to encounter a stunning patch reef environment. The site boasts a spectacular array of corals, including huge plates that create perfect ambush grounds. You'll also likely spot a variety of Grouper utilizing these formations.
Is Agincourt Reefs suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for experienced divers?
Agincourt Reefs is classified as an intermediate dive site. While not exclusively for experienced divers, it may present some challenges that beginner divers should be aware of. It's recommended that divers have some prior experience or dive with an instructor.
When is the best time of year to dive at Agincourt Reefs for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data indicates that visibility at Agincourt Reefs typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, with an average of 15-16 meters. However, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the current context. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Agincourt Reefs, and can uncertified divers do introductory dives?
Given that Agincourt Reefs is an intermediate dive site, a basic open water certification is generally recommended. The current data does not specify exact certification requirements or whether uncertified divers can participate in introductory dives at this particular site. It's always best to check with local dive operators for their specific policies.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like when diving at Agincourt Reefs?
The provided data for Agincourt Reefs does not include specific details about typical water conditions or currents. It only mentions that the site is accessible solely by boat. For up-to-date information on currents and conditions, it's advisable to consult with local dive operators before your dive.