Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Alexandra Reefs

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Alexandra Reefs offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeFeb–Mar
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeHammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, Tiger Sharks and Napoleon Wrasse · 154+ species recorded
    Water24-30°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Alexandra Reefs. Now this is a spot we keep coming back to. While some of the more famous GBR sites can feel like a busy intersection, Alexandra gives you space to breathe. We’ve found the currents here are usually manageable, perfect for just drifting along and letting the reef unfold. Look closely, and you’ll find those big coral groupers eyeing you from their rocky hideouts, and the triangular butterflyfish are always flitting about in pairs. Our favourite thing about Alexandra is the sheer variety of hard corals. We’re talking about those intricate staghorns and the expansive plates of Montipora that create these incredible, sprawling underwater gardens. The yellow scroll corals add splashes of brighter colour, and it’s a genuinely relaxing dive. We’d suggest heading out in the morning; the light seems to hit the reef just right then, making everything pop. You might even spot a lesser valley coral if you have a keen eye. This isn’t a site for chasing pelagics, it’s for those who appreciate the details and the quiet artistry of a healthy reef.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:5418:1712h 23m daylightGolden hour 17:49

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Alexandra Reefs

    Alexandra Reefs Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Alexandra Reefs, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-15.65, 145.72) (5km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    26°C

    80°F · Range: 24.5–29°C

    Current Speed

    30.07 cm/s

    Direction: S (183.8°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.057 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.08 PSU

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

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