The Northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, situated off the eastern coast of Queensland, offers one of the most exciting dive experiences in the world. The world's largest living structure, the Reef's many remote locations contain a magic all their own. The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps one of the most important gifts Australia has given the world, by nominating it as a World Heritage Possession.
The average diving depth along the Great Barrier Reef is approximately 18 - 20 metres, or 65 feet. The water temperature varies year round, and there is no 'best' time of year for diving on the Great Barrier Reef; each month sees different action, from manta rays during February, March, and April, to the world-renowned dwarf minke whales in June and July (more information on these special expeditions!), sometimes humpback whales during August, and coral spawning in November.
Cod Hole / Ribbon Reefs
The
Nimrod Explorer spends much of time between Cairns and Lizard Island, exploring the sites along the
Ribbon Reefs and introducing guests to the world famous
Cod Hole. This site, often described as one of the best dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef, is known for its resident family of huge potato cod which enjoy protected status in the area, and have made this small section of the reef their home. They range in size from 50 to 120 pounds. The diving depth at the Cod Hole varies from 10 to 20 metres on a sloping bottom dotted with high profile coral heads.
Dynamite Pass is a narrow channel one mile north of the Cod Hole. The channel is approximately 100 metres wide and 30 metres deep in the centre. The sides rise vertically to within a metre of the surface; this site is usually explored as a drift dive which can last 30 to 40 minutes. The sides of the channel are loaded with soft corals, hard corals and sea fans; it is just one of the many passes in between the reefs where the ocean currents forced through the opening bring rich nutrients to feed the abundant coral formations and marine animals, resulting in a greater concentration of reef life. Sharks and mantas are commonly seen cruising with the currents, and make this site an exceptional drift dive.
The lee side of the
Ribbon Reefs offers a variety of diving. The best sites often are found around the small coral bommies off from the main sections of the reef. The closer the bommie is to the pass in the reef, the richer the marine life will be. Pixie Pinnacle is one such place, and has been described as the ultimate underwater fairy garden. Pixie is a coral pinnacle 30 feet in diameter that rises from 100 feet (30 meters) to within six feet (2 meters) of the surface. Nestled in a pass between two large reefs, this spot is a favourite.
Osprey Reef
Osprey Reef, arguably the most famous dive site in the Coral Sea, lies 120 nautical miles east of Mainland Australia, and 188 miles/302 kilometres north east of Cairns. Renowned for its exceptional visibility, steep walls, sharks and other large pelagic life, it is an isolated sea mount 15 miles/24 kms long and 6.7 miles/10 klms wide at its widest point.
Osprey once was a mountain that subsided as the ocean level increased after the ice ages, and tectonic plate movement shifted it further to the north. Dive sites include places such as North Horn, Jacks Crack, Castles, Raging Horn, & False Entrance.
Minke Whale Trips
The dwarf minke whale is one of the smallest of the baleen whales, growing to a length of 10 metres or 30 feet and a weight of 10 tonnes. These graceful whales have a more pointed head with a prominent ridge from the blowhole to the tip of the upper jaw. Minkes are generally black on the back with a grey-white belly. Minkes are often found throughout the waters north of Cairns from May through July; we often can snorkel with them, as they have inquisitive natures and will approach the vessel both at dive sites and as we steam from site to site. During the period from May through July, we see and snorkel with minkes on more than 80% of our trips.
During their annual winter/spring migration the humpback whale is sometimes observed in local waters - they are easily recognized by the massive head and long pectoral fins. Humpbacks grow to a length of 15 metres or 45 feet, and can weigh as much as 45 tonnes. Female whales probably use the Great Barrier Reef for calving as it offers sheltered lagoons and bays to drop their calves, protected from the hazards of the ocean and predators such as killer whales and sharks.
Why Nitrox & Pricing
Solo Diving
Australian Medical Diving Requirements
