Broken Patches
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 - Broken Patches offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.
Broken Patches offers a series of smaller, scattered coral bommies rather than a continuous reef wall. You'll find a good mix of hard corals, with staghorn and plate corals providing shelter for reef fish like parrotfish and small schools of fusiliers. It's a relaxed dive, ideal for newer divers looking to build confidence in a sheltered environment, or for those who prefer to take their time exploring individual coral heads. We often spot garden eels poking out of the sand patches between the bommies.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to Broken Patches
Dive shops near Broken Patches
View all dive centres in Great Barrier ReefReviews for Broken Patches
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Broken Patches
Broken Patches Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Broken Patches, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-15.65, 145.72) (5km away)
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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Great Barrier Reef, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Great Barrier ReefPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Great Barrier Reef.
Search stays in Great Barrier ReefDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Broken Patches
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.