North West Reef
Why dive here
With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - North West Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.
North West Reef offers a solid dive experience on the outer sections of the Great Barrier Reef. You'll find good coral formations here, with plenty of reef fish like fusiliers and parrotfish darting between the bommies. It's generally a gentle drift, making it a good choice for divers who appreciate a relaxed pace and classic GBR reefscapes without strong currents. Expect decent visibility, usually around 15-20 meters.
Typical North West Reef Dive Profile
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to North West Reef
Dive shops near North West Reef
View all dive centres in Great Barrier ReefReviews for North West Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for North West Reef
North West Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for North West Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-15.65, 145.72) (5km away)
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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Great Barrier Reef, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Great Barrier ReefPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Great Barrier Reef.
Search stays in Great Barrier ReefDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near North West Reef
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.