Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    Yonge 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 - Yonge 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

    Yonge Reef, part of the northern Ribbon Reefs, really stands out for us. It’s got that classic GBR feel, but with a punch. We especially love the wall on the eastern side, which just drops away into the blue. Here, the sheer density of Bannerfish is something else, schools so thick they shimmer like a silver curtain. Keep an eye out for those Threespot Righteye Flounders – they’re masters of disguise on the sand patches at the base. The coral coverage is fantastic; lots of Pectinia and Cauliflower corals creating intricate structures. We’ve found the best light hits the reef mid-morning, really bringing out the colours. Strong currents can be an issue, particularly around the corners of the reef, so it’s definitely one for divers comfortable with a bit of a drift. Expect to see plenty of Angelfish darting between the Acropora, and if you’re lucky, a Blackedge Thicklip Wrasse patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives.

    Safety Notes

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

    Today05:5418:1612h 21m daylightGolden hour 17:47

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Yonge Reef

    Yonge Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Yonge 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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