Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Batt Reef

    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 - Batt Reef 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

    Batt Reef is one of those spots on the GBR we always recommend to people looking for something a bit different, away from the more trodden paths. You're not going to find massive pelagics tearing through here, but what Batt does, it does brilliantly: intricate reef diving with a focus on corals and the smaller, shyer residents. We love dropping in on the northern side, especially in the late morning when the sun really lights up the shallower sections. The coral formations are what really grab you. Think massive heads of brain coral, delicate branches of staghorn, and those striking yellow scroll corals that seem to glow. Keep an eye out for blue-dash butterflyfish flitting between the branches, and we’ve often spotted the oddly beautiful silver-cheeked toadfish peeking out from under ledges. It’s a photographer's dream for macro shots, particularly if you’re patient enough to find the leopard cones or a well-camouflaged dragonfish. This isn't a drift dive, it's a slow potter, letting the colours and the subtle movements unfold around you. Ideal for divers who prefer to linger and observe rather than chase big encounters.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:5318:1612h 23m daylightGolden hour 17:47

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Batt Reef

    Batt Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Batt Reef, 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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