Central, Breaking Patches - Great Barrier Reef

Gili Tepekong, off Candidasa, is a site we always make time for. It’s got a bit of everything, but what really grabs us are those huge boulders that form a labyrinth of overhangs and tunnels in the shallows. Diving through them, sunlight breaks through the cracks, illuminating schools of Glass-eye Snapper that shimmer like scattered jewels. It feels like exploring an ancient, submerged ruin. Beyond the boulders, the reef drops to a steep wall, bottoming out well past our 25-meter limit. We've often seen Green Turtles cruising along the face, oblivious to us, and the occasional White-tip Reef Shark patrolling deeper. Keep an eye out for Jansen’s wrasse darting between corals and if you're lucky, during season, a Mola Mola might just glide by in the blue. The currents here can be a bit frisky, making it better for experienced divers, but the reward is usually worth the effort. Visibility averages 18m, which gives you plenty to see.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.582400, 145.975700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

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 Central, Breaking Patches

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 Central, Breaking Patches

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 is the typical diving depth at Central, Breaking Patches?
The typical diving depth at Central, Breaking Patches is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 13m. The site features a lovely shallow wall and sand patches, ideal for various activities. While most areas are shallow, the western wall does offer a little more depth for exploration.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Central, Breaking Patches?
At Central, Breaking Patches, divers will be delighted by a beautiful mix of hard and soft corals, featuring excellent displays of Gorgonian fan corals on the exterior wall. Marine life sightings commonly include magnificent Giant clams, graceful Sea Turtles, vibrant Clown Anemonefish, Unicorn fish, and delicate feather Seastars. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Central, Breaking Patches for different experience levels?
Central, Breaking Patches is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. It offers an easy-to-navigate shallow wall, suitable for divers looking for a relaxed experience. However, the western wall is known to have some strong currents, which adds to the intermediate rating and requires divers to be mindful of conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive Central, Breaking Patches for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided information does not specify the best time of year to dive Central, Breaking Patches for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, we recommend consulting our comprehensive When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Central, Breaking Patches?
The specific scuba diving certifications required for Central, Breaking Patches are not detailed in the provided information. As it is rated an intermediate dive, an Open Water Diver certification is generally the minimum, with advanced training often beneficial for managing potential currents. We advise checking with your chosen dive operator for their precise certification requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like when diving Central, Breaking Patches?
When diving Central, Breaking Patches, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 14m, providing excellent viewing conditions. While the shallow areas are generally calm, the western wall is known to have some strong currents coming through. Divers should be prepared for these variable water conditions, particularly when exploring the deeper sections of the site.