Arlington Reef is a vibrant outer-edge Great Barrier Reef system about 50 km northeast of Cairns, accessible only by boat. Named after the 1890s wreck of the SS Arlington which lies nearby, the reef features sprawling coral gardens, sandy bommies, and clear oceanic water that delivers exceptional visibility. Snorkellers drift over plate corals, staghorn thickets, and bommie fields alive with schooling fish. The wreck of the SS Arlington adds a fascinating historical dimension just metres from the reef edge. Tour operators typically offer 2–3 hours on-site with guided snorkelling, semi-submersible rides, and underwater observatory access — making it a premier outer-reef day trip from Tropical North Queensland.
Arlington Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 4.7 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Outgoing tide current
Outer reef can experience strong tidal flows that push snorkellers along the reef edge. Pay attention to briefing markers and stay with the group.
Moderate risk: Stinger season (marine stingers)
Stinging jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in Tropical North Queensland waters during the summer wet season.
Low risk: Boat traffic around moorings
Tour boats arrive and depart from fixed moorings; snorkellers must stay clear of propellers and vessel hulls during boarding.
Low risk: Shallow coral bommies
Coral may be shallow near bommies; snorkellers should avoid standing on or touching coral to prevent injury and ecological damage.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Arlington Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef site located approximately 50 km northeast of Cairns. Access is exclusively via commercial tour operators that depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal at Marlin Marina, Cairns. Catamaran transfers take roughly 60–90 minutes.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking is available at the Reef Fleet Terminal car park and nearby council lots (e.g., The Pier) for around $10–$20 per day. Street parking is limited and metered 6am–10pm.
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Tour prices vary by operator; semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat viewing are often included. Parking near the Reef Fleet Terminal costs approximately $15–$20 per day.
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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