Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    Trunk Reef

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Trunk Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeFeb–Mar
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeHammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, Tiger Sharks and Napoleon Wrasse · 154+ species recorded
    Water24-30°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Trunk Reef, off the coast of Cairns, feels like a proper GBR experience without the crowds. It's a healthy patch of reef, really, with enough variety to keep things interesting for a couple of dives. We've always found the staghorn and table corals particularly impressive here, forming intricate little neighbourhoods where you’ll spot parrotfish crunching away and those shy oriental flying gurnards fanning their incredible pectoral fins. Our favourite time to drop in is mid-morning, just as the light starts to penetrate, making the shallows glow. Keep an eye out for the resident blacktip reef sharks cruising the perimeter; we’ve had some cracking encounters with them over the years. We’d suggest this spot for anyone looking for a relaxed dive with consistent reef health and a good chance of seeing some larger pelagics in a less-frequented setting.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:4818:1312h 25m daylightGolden hour 17:44

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Trunk Reef

    Trunk Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Trunk Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-15.65, 145.72) (5km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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