Flynn Reef - Coral Gardens - Great Barrier Reef

Kuata Back Reef is an easy drift along a wall that drops to about 14m. It’s a good spot for a relaxed second dive or for divers getting comfortable with currents. You’ll see plenty of the usual reef suspects here – we spotted a good number of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish and Ternate Chromis in the coral heads. There’s a decent spread of table and branching corals, providing homes for the fish, and we found the visibility around 15m, which is pretty standard for a mellow drift. It’s a gentle introduction to the Somosomo Strait's currents without being too demanding.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.735900, 146.261700
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 Flynn Reef - Coral Gardens

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 Flynn Reef - Coral Gardens

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 Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens?
At Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens, divers can expect a maximum depth of 16 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers, allowing for extended bottom times to explore the vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens?
Divers at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens can anticipate encountering a vibrant array of marine life. The site is known for large pelagic fish like dogtooth tuna, mackerel, and barracuda, alongside various shark species, notably whitetip reef sharks. As a reef dive, you'll also find diverse coral formations supporting this rich ecosystem. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens suitable for beginner scuba divers?
Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens is classified as an intermediate dive site. While its maximum depth of 16 meters is manageable, the 'intermediate' rating suggests it may be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners might find other sites in the Great Barrier Reef more appropriate for their initial dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a 'best time of year' for optimal conditions at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens. However, the site consistently offers good visibility, often close to 30 meters, with an average of 17 meters. For general information on when to dive in the region, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens?
Given that Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens is an intermediate dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is typically the minimum requirement. However, divers with an Advanced Open Water certification may find the experience more comfortable and enriching. Always check with your dive operator for their specific certification requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens?
Flynn Reef's Coral Gardens is known for its consistently good water conditions, particularly excellent visibility. Divers can expect visibility often close to 30 meters, with an average of 17 meters. While the data doesn't detail specific current strengths, its location on the outer reef suggests the possibility of moderate currents, which is typical for an intermediate site.