Outer Reef Locations

“Australia is home to some of the worlds most stunning landscapes”

Real Adventure Group

H1: Exploring the Beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef

H2: Where is the Outer Great Barrier Reef?

H2: Low Isles or Outer Reef: Which is Better?

H2: What is the Outer Reef Environment Like?

H2: Is the Outer Reef Better?

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists each year. It is the largest coral reef system in the world and is home to thousands of species of marine life. While there are many parts of the Great Barrier Reef that are accessible to tourists, the Outer Great Barrier Reef is a must-see destination. In this article, we will explore the beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef and answer some common questions about this stunning natural wonder.

Where is the Outer Great Barrier Reef?

The Outer Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a vast expanse of coral reefs and islands that stretches for over 2,300 kilometers. The Outer Reef is farther from the shore than the Inner Reef, and it is less impacted by human activity. This means that the marine life in the Outer Reef is more diverse and abundant.

Low Isles or Outer Reef: Which is Better?

Low Isles and the Outer Reef are both popular destinations for tourists visiting the Great Barrier Reef. However, there are some differences between the two. Low Isles is a small coral cay that is located closer to the mainland than the Outer Reef. It is an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving, and there are many tours available that will take you to the island. The waters around Low Isles are calm, making it an ideal destination for families and novice swimmers.

On the other hand, the Outer Reef is a vast expanse of coral reefs and islands that offer a more immersive experience for visitors. The marine life in the Outer Reef is more abundant, and there are many opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring. However, the waters in the Outer Reef can be choppy, so it may not be the best destination for novice swimmers or families with young children.

Ultimately, the choice between Low Isles and the Outer Reef depends on your preferences and your level of comfort in the water. If you are looking for a more immersive experience and are comfortable in the water, then the Outer Reef is the better choice. However, if you prefer calmer waters and are looking for a more relaxed experience, then Low Isles may be a better choice.

What is the Outer Reef Environment Like?

The Outer Reef environment is breathtaking. It is home to a vast array of marine life, including fish, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. The coral reefs in the Outer Reef are more diverse than those in the Inner Reef, and they are less impacted by human activity. The waters in the Outer Reef can be choppy, but they are crystal clear, allowing for excellent visibility when snorkeling or diving.

In addition to the marine life, the Outer Reef is also home to many islands and cays. These islands offer a unique perspective on the Great Barrier Reef, and they provide opportunities for exploring and adventure. The islands in the Outer Reef are less developed than those on the mainland, which makes them a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience nature.

Is the Outer Reef Better?

Whether the Outer Reef is better than other destinations on the Great Barrier Reef depends on your preferences. If you are looking for a more immersive experience and are comfortable in the water, then the Outer Reef is the better choice. The marine life in the Outer Reef is more abundant, and the coral reefs are more diverse.

However, if you are looking for a more relaxed experience, then other destinations on the Great Barrier Reef may be a better choice. Low Isles, for example, offers calmer waters and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Outer Reef Locations

These are locations visited on our 1 day tour Passions of Paradise.

BREAKING PATCHES – PARADISE REEF:

Breaking Patches – Paradise Reef is a small and exclusive reef located away from the larger reefs and accessible only to Passions of Paradise visitors. It was named after the company back in 1995, when the reef was a popular fishing spot for coral trout, red emperor, and other species. After being declared a green zone, the area has become a thriving habitat for such fish. Divers will enjoy a good wall to 18 meters, while snorkelers can explore the shallow reef and fun bommies close by.

FLYNN – LITTLE TRACEY:

Flynn – Little Tracey is a superb location on Flynn Reef, known for its water clarity and diverse marine life, where snorkelers and divers can enjoy the stunning coral walls and crevices that offer a vibrant underwater world. Snorkelers will delight in the colorful small fish and coral, while divers will have the opportunity to explore larger pelagic fish life and beautiful coral bommies that appeal to both newly certified and experienced divers. Expect to see turtles, small reef sharks, and cruising tuna.

FLYNN – POINT BREAK:

Flynn – Point Break is the perfect location to visit when the winds are from the north. This mooring is tucked inside an eddy and provides calm, clear waters where divers can explore small bommies covered in fish life and coral. The surrounding area is teeming with life, including schools of fish, turtles, and small reef sharks.

HASTINGS REEF – 1770:

Hastings Reef – 1770 is located in a well-protected shallow lagoon, ideal for diving and snorkelling. It is especially perfect for experienced divers, who can be boat-dropped with a guide at the “Twins,” two bommies rising from 20 meters that provide a fantastic adventure dive back to the boat. Visitors will spot pelagic fish, sharks or turtles, and schools of juvenile fish, along with some fascinating coral formations.

HASTINGS REEF – GOLF CLUBS:

Hastings Reef – Golf Clubs is the second “wildside” Hasting Reef site, ideal for avoiding strong westerly winds. The area has a wrap-around reef that both snorkelers and divers can explore, dominated by hard corals covering the wall. The boat backs up very close to the reef, making access easy for visitors.

HASTINGS REEF – PIRATES COVE:

Hastings Reef – Pirates Cove is a well-named location located along the southern section of Hastings. It provides excellent protection from summer northerly winds and offers divers an opportunity to spot some strange tongue-like coral formations at around 14 to 18 meters, which are the result of prevailing winds. Snorkelers will have access to a large area of reef safely protected from strong winds.

HASTINGS REEF – SPLIT BOMMIE:

Hastings Reef – Split Bommie is a mooring located at the very southern end of Hasting Reef. The name is derived from the many bommies that are “split” away from the reef and

NORMAN REEF – SAILING CLUB

Sailing Club is located on the most northern tip of Norman Reef and as such, is very well protected from the prevailing South East trade winds. We usually dive or snorkel here first and then make our way south to other moorings. Sailing Club is ideal for all levels of experience with the reef close to the boat and featuring some interesting swim-throughs and coral formations. Snorkellers will find lots of hard and soft corals, schools of small fish and maybe a turtle or two.

NORMAN REEF – SHARK MOUNTAIN

One of the more exciting dives on Norman, this mooring is located at the top of a very small pinnacle, which has become home to several species of reef sharks including white and black tip sharks. Be sure to look out into the blue water for the larger pelagic fish cruising by.

NORMAN REEF – TURTLE BAY

This mooring is located in a small protected bay and is a favourite of our crew who like to snorkel here in their spare time. Expect to see lots of turtles and small reef sharks swimming around the coral bommies. It is a great dive and snorkel location with coral gardens and steep walls, and is often visited by a resident Maori Wrasse called “Wally”.

NORMAN REEF – WIRELESS

Located near the top of Norman Reef, this site is named after the wireless tower on the top of the small sand cay. A great location for snorkelling and diving with interesting coral formations, and the occasional pelagic fish sighting. On a calm day, there is nothing better than taking a walk on the sand cay.

NORMAN REEF – WONDERWALL

This is one of our most popular dive sites on Norman. Certified divers can explore the steep coral wall that drops from 3 meters to 30 meters, which is covered in beautiful corals and teaming with fish life. Snorkellers can also enjoy the shallow coral gardens near the wall, which are filled with small and colourful reef fish.

OPAL REEF – HEAVEN

Heaven is a stunning location to dive or snorkel with a large variety of coral formations, swim-throughs, and a great selection of both large and small fish. The site is located in a small protected lagoon and is named after the abundance of hard and soft corals and fish life. A favourite of our crew and our passengers.

OPAL REEF – THE GAP

One of our favourite sites on Opal, The Gap is located on the eastern side of the reef and is a fantastic dive location for both newly certified and experienced divers. Certified divers can explore the sandy bottom and search for the small creatures that call it home, while also enjoying the swim-throughs and interesting coral formations. Snorkellers can enjoy the shallow reef and watch the activity of the divers below.

OPAL REEF – THE PADDLE

Located on the western side of Opal, The Paddle is a great location for both diving and snorkelling. The site features numerous coral formations, large schools of fish and the occasional turtle. It is a very shallow site and a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

SAXON REEF – PETER’S PINNACLES

Peter’s Pinnacles is located on the western side of Saxon Reef and is a fantastic dive site for experienced divers. The site features numerous pinnacles that rise from the sandy bottom, providing shelter for various species of fish, including barracuda and trevally. It is also a great location for spotting reef sharks and turtles.

These are just some of the unique outer reef locations that Passions of Paradise offers from Cairns.

With a choice of private moorings, Passions of Paradise is able to select the best site suited to the weather conditions each day, in order to give guests the best possible experience.

Whether you are a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, there is a reef location to suit everyone, so why not come and explore the Great Barrier Reef with Passions of Paradise?

If you are planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Outer Reef should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit. Its diverse marine life, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty make it a must-see destination for any nature lover.

One of the best ways to experience the Outer Reef is to go on a snorkeling or diving tour. There are many tour operators that offer guided tours of the Outer Reef, and these tours can provide you with an in-depth look at the coral reefs and marine life. Some tours even include visits to remote islands and cays, which can offer a unique perspective on the Great Barrier Reef.

If you are planning to go snorkeling or diving in the Outer Reef, it is important to remember to be respectful of the environment. Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that can be easily damaged by human activity, so it is important to follow best practices for snorkeling and diving. This includes not touching the coral, avoiding contact with marine life, and not littering.

In addition to snorkeling and diving, there are many other activities that you can do in the Outer Reef. Many tour operators offer kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding tours, which can provide a unique perspective on the marine life and islands in the area. You can also go on a glass-bottom boat tour, which allows you to see the marine life without getting in the water.

Overall, the Outer Great Barrier Reef is a stunning natural wonder that is not to be missed. Its diverse marine life, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty make it a must-see destination for any nature lover. Whether you choose to go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or simply explore the islands and cays, the Outer Reef is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that you will never forget.

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