Shepherd Reef - Great Lakes

Pretty Patches often gets overlooked on the larger Great Barrier Reef itineraries, which is a shame because we think it’s a truly lovely dive. It’s not about grand vistas here; this site excels in the small, intricate details. You drop onto a sprawling coral garden, mostly branching staghorn and pagoda corals, with enough nooks and crannies to keep you busy for an hour. Our favourite moment is always drifting over the shallower sections, where the sun catches the tips of the corals, making them glow. Look closely, and you’ll spot charcoal damsels darting between the branches, and dot and dash butterflyfish picking their way across the coral. We’ve seen quite a few flatback turtles here, usually just chilling out in a sandy patch, unbothered. It's a fantastic spot for macro enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a relaxed pace. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light is softer, and the currents tend to be gentler.

Location

Great Lakes, United States, North America

Coordinates

46.166760, -83.583210

Type

reef