Yonge Reef
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.
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.
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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)
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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