What are the best reefs in Cairns?

I Just Plan to Snorkel:

If you just plan on snorkeling then two stand-out reefs are Norman reef and Flynn reef. Both of these reefs have very shallow coral gardens located at the top side of the reef. Similarly, this makes it very easy to swim up into the shallow coral gardens and explore the thousands of soft and hard corals. In addition to finding many species of bright colorful reef fish and marine animals that inhabit these reefs, they are very easy to get to.

• Snorkeling at these reef sites you can easily find yourself spending 45 minutes or even up to an hour floating above the shallow coral gardens.
• In addition, two wonderful day trips visit these reefs; Silverswift Dive & Snorkel visit Flynn Reef and Reef Experience visit Norman Reef. Both of these day trips offer you snorkel gear, lycra suits, pool noodles, and life jackets.

It is a good idea to use the supplied pool noodle or life jackets as these keep you floating on the surface and very buoyant. Please remember do not stand on top of the reef this will break and damage the reef.

We are Certified Divers:

If you are a certified diver then two stand-out reefs are Saxon reef and Milln reef. Saxon reef has a dive site called Magic Wall or Magic Mountain Wall, firstly this is one of the nicest scuba dives you can do from Cairns. Divers can experience a steep drop-off wall dive with depths of up to 23 meters. Secondly, you can find giant pink soft corals at around 22 meters deep with large red sea whips and very healthy coral.

• Importantly there is a day boat called Reef Experience for those that only have one day to spend.
• Alternatively, there is an overnight liveaboard called Reef Encounter where divers may spend multiple days exploring these magical dive sites.
• Overnight liveaboards are the way to go if you can spare 3 or 4 days.

Similarly, there is fantastic diving to be had at Milln Reef, a beautiful reef located 54.96klm East of the city of Cairns. This reef is home to a wonderful dive site named three sisters. Named appropriately as there are three large bommies that extend from a depth of about 24 meters to around 18 meters.