Rodda Reef
Why dive here
With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Rodda Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.
Rodda Reef is one of those spots we always make time for, even if it means a slightly longer run out. It’s not just about the corals, though they’re certainly healthy, forming intricate structures that rise and fall like a miniature mountain range. What really sets Rodda apart for us is the birdlife, especially the terns. On a good day, you’ll surface to the sight of Roseate Terns and Bridled Terns swooping and diving, a real spectacle against the blue. Below the surface, the reef is dotted with giant clams, their mantles a kaleidoscope of purples and greens. Keep an eye out for the Flatback Sea Turtles too; we often spot them cruising through the deeper sections, seemingly unfazed by divers. It’s a gentle dive, generally without strong currents, making it perfect for photographers who want to take their time setting up shots. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive before the sun gets too high, as the light plays beautifully through the water then, illuminating the sandy patches and the schools of fusiliers that hang in the blue.
Typical Rodda 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.
Reviews for Rodda Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Rodda Reef
Rodda Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Rodda 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)
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