Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Claremont Isles

    Magpie Reef

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Claremont Isles

    Why dive here

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

    Magpie Reef offers a solid Great Barrier Reef experience without the big crowds sometimes found closer to shore. We’ve seen good hard coral formations here, with plenty of small reef fish darting between the bommies. It’s a good option for divers looking for a relaxed dive, with conditions generally calm and visibility decent.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today06:0218:2212h 20m daylightGolden hour 17:54

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Magpie Reef

    Magpie Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Magpie 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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