Sea Reef - Great Barrier Reef

Lloyds Rock Reef, out there in Nova Scotia, is a spot we always enjoy getting back to. It’s not the tropics, obviously, but for cold water diving, it’s got a particular charm. The visibility can be quite decent, often 10-15 metres, which is enough to appreciate the rocky structures and the surprising amount of life clinging to them. We love dropping in and watching the velvet scoters dive down with us, like curious companions. The rock walls are covered in scarlet sea anemones, popping against the darker stone, and you’ll often find American lobsters tucked into every crevice, waving their antennae. Keep an eye out for moonfish gliding by, and we’ve had some fantastic encounters with snake blennies poking their heads out from under rocks. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical dive, really letting you observe the smaller details. If you’re into temperate water marine life and don't mind the chill, Lloyds Rock Reef is a solid pick. It’s excellent for photographers wanting to capture something a bit different from the usual tropical fare.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-14.000000, 144.133330
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Claremont Isles

Best Time to Dive in Great Barrier Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Great Barrier Reef occur in February, averaging 29.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.4°C
  • February: 29.5°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 26.9°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 25.1°C
  • August: 25.0°C
  • September: 25.4°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.7°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Barrier Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Sea Reef

Marine Life in Great Barrier Reef

Home to 163 recorded species including 88 reef fish, 61 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 starfish, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Sea Reef

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C, currents 17 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories