Aldens Cave is a famed swim-through cavern within the Flinders Reef system, a protected marine sanctuary in Moreton Bay Marine Park off the Sunshine Coast. This small, isolated subtropical reef rises from sandy depths with vibrant hard and soft corals draped over walls, gutters, pinnacles, and bommies. Snorkelers and freedivers can weave through the cave's passages and canyon-like formations, spotting an abundance of reef fish and colourful coral gardens just 3–5 metres below the surface. Visibility is consistently excellent year-round, making it a premier snorkel destination.
Aldens Cave - Flinders Reef
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Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 2.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Limited shore access
No shore entry available; access is exclusively by boat or organised charter tour.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is by boat from Mooloolaba and other vessels use the area. Snorkellers should stay aware of boat movements near the mooring.
Low risk: Seasickness on approach
The 15-minute boat ride crosses open water and can be rough for those prone to seasickness, particularly in southerly swells.
Low risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can run through the reef passages and cave systems, especially during spring tides.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Charters depart from Sunreef at The Wharf, Mooloolaba (on the Mooloolaba River). The ride to Flinders Reef takes approximately 45 minutes. Meeting time is typically 7:00 AM with return around 3:30 PM.
Parking & facilities
The Wharf complex at Mooloolaba has 4-hour parking available; however trips exceed 4 hours. Look for unlimited parking spaces outside The Wharf / SEA Life car park. Parking can be very busy so arrive early.
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Full-day charter tour costs approximately $250+ per person (includes gear, lunch, and guide). Gear hire available for an additional fee.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports