Flare Point - Great Barrier Reef

Flare Point isn't one of those show-stopping, drift-through-a-canyon sort of places, but it’s an absolute charmer for the observant diver. We love it for its quiet, unassuming beauty, particularly the way the light filters through the long fronds of Paddle Grass. You’re not here for big pelagics, though a reef shark might cruise by on occasion; you’re here for the miniature drama unfolding in the shallows. Keep your eyes peeled for the Banded Toby, often finning lazily near patches of seagrass, or the flash of an Ornamented Wrasse darting between coral heads. We’ve spent entire dives just watching the territorial squabbles of Chinese Damsels or the surprisingly elegant movements of a Silver-cheeked Toadfish. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography if you’re patient. Look closely at the anemones for a flash of pink from an anemonefish – they’re always a delight. Our favourite time to dive here is mid-morning, when the sun is high enough to illuminate the reef but the day boats haven’t quite stirred up too much activity. Flare Point is a fantastic pick for divers who enjoy taking things slow, appreciating the smaller details, and perfecting their buoyancy amongst the delicate corals and seagrass beds.

Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates: -15.512587, 145.776810
Type: reef
Maximum Depth: 5-20m

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Flare Point

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

thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Sharks & Rays
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis) - Hard Corals
Lineated Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Bird wrasse (Gomphosus varius) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Telescopefish (Epibulus insidiator) - Reef Fish
Banded thicklip (Hemigymnus fasciatus) - Reef Fish
Fluorescence grass coral (Galaxea fascicularis) - Hard Corals
Blunt-head Parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Chameleon Parrotfish (Scarus chameleon) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Black-back Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Flare Point

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