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 of the Breaking Patches, soft corals thrive there. As you snorkel, you’ll see plenty of these fleshy corals swaying with the currents. Spaghetti coral, elephant ear coral, and leather mushroom corals are among the corals to look out for.
At Breaking Patches, there are also a lot of hard corals. The giant boulder coral is one of the most common corals you’ll come across. Some of them like to look for Christmas tree worms in these corals. These little invertebrates have Christmas tree-shaped arms that they use to catch food passing by in the water column, making them a favourite of underwater photographers.
There are also numerous sandy patches along the bottom where you can spot sleeping reef sharks and small lagoon rays.
Common species seen at Breaking Patches
- Butterflyfish
- Parrotfish
- Blue-spot lagoon ray
- White-tip reef sharks
- Sea cucumbers
- Hydroids
- Angelfish
- Spaghetti coral
- Elephant ear coral
- Boulder coral
- Christmas tree worms
Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef: click here