DivePlnr
    Mermaid s Cove dive site
    reef
    5-15m
    Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Starcke River (Ngulun)

    Mermaid s Cove

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Starcke River (Ngulun)

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Mermaid s Cove 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 · max 5-15m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Mermaid’s Cove offers a gentle introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll find a mix of hard corals, often with small schools of damselfish flitting through. It’s a good spot for newer divers looking to get comfortable, or those who prefer a relaxed drift over more demanding sites. Visibility is generally good, making it easy to spot the occasional reef shark cruising by.

    Typical Mermaid s Cove Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:5518:1612h 21m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    Nearest Dive Centres to Mermaid s Cove

    Dive shops near Mermaid s Cove

    Lizard Island Lodge

    2km away
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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Mermaid s Cove

    Mermaid s Cove Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Mermaid s Cove, 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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