DivePlnr
    Long Sandy Reef dive site
    reef
    Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Mitirinchi Island

    Long Sandy Reef

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Mitirinchi Island

    Why dive here

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

    Long Sandy Reef offers a gentle drift over extensive sand flats broken up by coral bommies. You’ll spot the usual reef suspects like parrotfish and surgeonfish browsing the coral, with stingrays often buried in the sand. It’s a relaxed dive, good for photographers keen on macro life or newer divers finding their fins.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today06:0318:2212h 19m daylightGolden hour 17:54

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Long Sandy Reef

    Long Sandy Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Long Sandy 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)

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