Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    Channel Reef

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Channel 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

    Channel Reef offers a solid dive experience, a pretty typical cross-section of what the outer Great Barrier Reef has to offer. We've seen a good variety of reef fish here, lots of parrotfish and wrasse going about their business. Visibility can vary, but generally, it's a straightforward drift over varied coral formations. It's a good choice for divers looking for a relaxed, classic GBR dive.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:4218:0612h 25m daylightGolden hour 17:37

    Reviews for Channel Reef

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Channel Reef

    Channel Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Channel Reef, 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)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Great Barrier Reef, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Great Barrier Reef

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Great Barrier Reef.

    Search stays in Great Barrier Reef

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Channel Reef

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Great Barrier Reef