Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Central, Breaking Patches

    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 - Central, Breaking Patches 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

    Central, Breaking Patches is exactly what it says on the tin: a patch reef, though a generous one. We love the western wall, even with the occasional punchy current. It’s here you’ll find some seriously impressive gorgonian fans, stretching out like delicate lace doilies in the flow. We often spot huge green sea turtles just cruising past, unbothered by our presence. The shallow side, nudging a gentle 13m maximum, is our pick for a more relaxed dive. Visibility averages around 14m here, which gives the light a beautiful, soft quality. Look closely among the hard and soft corals for clownfish tucked into their anemones, and the occasional unicornfish gliding by. The sand patches are perfect for photography or just finning slowly, scanning for the smaller stuff – we’ve found some interesting nudibranchs here on previous trips. This spot suits divers who appreciate a mix of gentle drift and detailed exploration, with plenty of colour even at shallower depths.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:5218:1512h 23m daylightGolden hour 17:47

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Central, Breaking Patches

    Central, Breaking Patches Ocean Conditions

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

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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