Table Top - Great Barrier Reef

Of all the sites in Iron Bottom Sound, the Corsair is our sentimental favourite. We love that it’s right there, just a short boat ride from the dive shop, sitting in about 8m of water. It’s accessible, and if you hit it early, before the wind picks up, the visibility can be surprisingly good, sometimes over 20m. We’ve seen it clear enough to spot the distinctive gull wings from the surface. This isn't some broken-up debris field; it’s a fully intact Vought F4U Corsair, resting on its belly in the silt. You can easily make out the cockpit, the engine, and those iconic folded wings. It’s like a ghost from another time, just waiting for you to peek into its past. The plane itself is now a living reef. Look inside the cockpit for Jebb's Siphonfish and tiny Yellow-red Pygmygobies. We’ve spent hours just circling the propeller, spotting False Brown Morays peeking from crevices and the bright flash of Orange-lined Triggerfish darting around the fuselage. The schools of Blue and Gold Fusiliers here are sometimes so thick they obscure the light, and it’s always a treat to watch the Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish graze on the corals now growing on the wings. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who wants to spend time slowly appreciating a piece of history turned thriving ecosystem.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.422700, 145.991500
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

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 Table Top

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 Table Top

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Table Top Ledge?
The dive site Table Top offers a varied depth profile. Divers can explore the top of the bommie at a maximum depth of around 5 meters. The overall maximum depth for the dive is 15 meters, making it suitable for a range of recreational divers.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Table Top dive site?
At the Table Top dive site, divers can expect to encounter a huge, beautiful bommie famous for its stunning plate corals on top. The site boasts a rich diversity of marine life, including impressive species such as Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles, Parrot Fish, Titan Triggerfish, and Nudibranchs.
How difficult is the Table Top dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Table Top dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is due to it being a deep dive that normally experiences a current. While not ideal for absolute beginners, certified divers with some experience should find it manageable and rewarding.
What is the best time of year to dive Table Top Ledge for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at Table Top. However, you can generally expect an average visibility of 13 meters at this site. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Great Barrier Reef, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive at Table Top Ledge?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data for Table Top, its intermediate difficulty and description as a deep dive suggest that an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would be beneficial. This would prepare divers for the typical depths up to 15 meters and potential currents. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions encountered when diving at Table Top dive site?
When diving at Table Top, divers can typically expect to encounter a current, as it is described as a deep dive normally with one. The average visibility at this site is a clear 13 meters, offering excellent viewing opportunities for the diverse marine life and beautiful bommie.