Fingers, Norman Reef - Great Barrier Reef

Kingston Wall, off Una Una, is a solid wall dive that dips down to around 23 metres for us recreational divers. You'll find yourself drifting along a coral-covered face, dotted with big tube and barrel sponges, the top of the reef at about 5 metres is particularly lively with fish. We've often spotted blotchfin scorpionfish tucked into crevices and dwarf morays peeking out. There's a sandy slope off to the west that’s good for poking around for smaller critters, like those tiny pygmy gobies. It’s a pretty relaxed drift, well-suited for divers who enjoy a colourful reefscape without too much fuss.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.421000, 145.994900
Type
wall

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 Fingers, Norman Reef

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 Fingers, Norman Reef

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 Fingers, Norman Reef?
Fingers, Norman Reef is primarily a shallow cove with a maximum diving depth of 13 meters, making it accessible for various skill levels. While the main cove is shallow, specific areas known as "the fingers" to the South-West can extend to deeper sections. This protected site offers a comfortable diving experience within the Great Barrier Reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Fingers, Norman Reef?
Divers at Fingers, Norman Reef can anticipate encountering a vibrant array of marine life. Common sightings include our resident Maori Wrasse, impressive Giant Clams, and graceful White Tip Reef Sharks. You might also spot Moray Eels, Cuttlefish, Octopus, and both Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Is Fingers, Norman Reef suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
Fingers, Norman Reef is exceptionally well-suited for beginner divers, as well as advanced divers, making it a versatile site. It's a shallow cove that is well protected from the elements, providing a calm and safe environment for those new to diving. This makes this Great Barrier Reef site an ideal location to gain experience and enjoy the underwater world.
What is the best time of year to dive at Fingers, Norman Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Fingers, Norman Reef for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, you can explore our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Fingers, Norman Reef?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive at Fingers, Norman Reef. However, given its suitability for beginners, an Open Water Diver certification is typically a good starting point for many sites in the Great Barrier Reef.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Fingers, Norman Reef?
Fingers, Norman Reef is characterized by its protected nature, being a shallow cove that is well-sheltered from the elements. Divers can expect excellent average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life. While specific current information is not detailed, its protected location generally suggests calmer conditions at this site.