Outer Barrier Reef
Why dive here
With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Outer Barrier Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.
So you're in Cairns, itching to get out on the Great Barrier Reef but short on time? The Outer Barrier Reef trips are your go-to. These spots, a few hours offshore, are where the reef truly opens up to the Coral Sea. You’ll typically see walls dropping into the blue, schools of fusiliers, parrotfish munching on coral, and sometimes a reef shark cruising past. It’s a solid introduction to the outer reef experience, perfect for newer divers or anyone looking for a quick fix of clear water and abundant coral without committing to a multi-day liveaboard further afield. We generally find the visibility here reliably good, especially in the mornings before the winds pick up.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Reviews for Outer Barrier Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Outer Barrier Reef
Outer Barrier Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Outer Barrier 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 Outer Barrier Reef
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.