Reef Sites

We visit spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, with access to well over 15 dive and snorkel sites over a range of the best Outer Great Barrier Reefs. Each day Reef Encounter’s Captain decides which reef locations Reef Encounter visits based on the time of year, weather, other conditions and which reef site offers guests the best reef experience and comfort.

Reef Encounter generally visits two reef locations every day – moving twice per day – once in the morning and once again in the afternoon (weather dependent). See our Itinerary for more information

Breaking Patches

Breaking Patches is a shallow patch of reef just west of Michaelmas Cay. It is located about 42km Northeast of Cairns. In less than 14 metres of water, this lovely coral garden can be found. As a result, it's an excellent spot for duck diving. Because of the shallow depths...

Hastings Reef

Hastings Reef is a horseshoe-shaped Patch Reef. It's about 50 kilometres north-east of Cairns. As a result, it is classified as an Outer Reef. The average depth on the bottom is 13 metres, making this one of the Outer Reef's shallower sites. Furthermore, depending on the tides, the top of...

Norman Reef

Norman Reef is 70 kilometres off Australia's east coast, on the continental shelf, at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Norman Reef, our farthest north Outer Barrier Reef location, is easily one of Cairns' most prized snorkelling and diving destinations. Norman Reef has shallow coral gardens, walls and...

Saxon Reef

Saxon Reef is a patch reef on the Outer Barrier Reef. It is located approximately 55km northeast of Cairns.

Jorgensen Patch

In the area, you'll find walls, gullies, small caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Sea cucumbers, bluespotted rays, and giant clams can be found on the sandy bottom of Jorgensen Patch. Whitetip reef sharks, schools of damsels, and fusiliers can also be seen. Common species seen at Jorgensen Patch: Bluespotted...