DivePlnr
    Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay dive site
    reef
    Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay 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

    Manta Ray Bay at Moore Reef is a reliable spot for encountering these gentle giants, particularly during late spring and summer months when plankton blooms are common. We’ve often found manta rays cruising the outer edges of the reef, occasionally coming into shallower water for cleaning. The site is generally calm, suiting newer divers comfortable with an open-water drift. You'll also see schooling fusiliers and parrotfish grazing the coral bommies.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:5118:1412h 24m daylightGolden hour 17:46

    Nearest Dive Centres to Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay

    Dive shops near Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay

    Horseshoe

    9km away

    Octopus Dive

    27km away
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    Dive Centre

    30km away

    Reef Daytripper

    48km away
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    Courses

    Tusa Dive

    49km away
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    Rental

    Pro Dive Cairns

    50km away
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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay

    Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Moore Reef - Manta Ray Bay, 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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