Thetford Reef
Protected Area
Michaelmas and Upolu Cays
Why dive here
With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Thetford Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.
Thetford Reef offers typical Outer Reef diving with a good mix of hard and soft corals. You'll likely spot reef sharks patrolling the edges and schools of fusiliers darting around the bommies. It's a solid choice for those looking for a standard Great Barrier Reef experience without venturing too far offshore. Expect a pleasant, uncrowded dive.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to Thetford Reef
Dive shops near Thetford Reef
Horseshoe
Dive Centre
Octopus Dive
Reef Daytripper
Tusa Dive
Pro Dive Cairns
Reviews for Thetford Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Thetford Reef
Thetford Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Thetford 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 Thetford Reef
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.