Beaver Reef is a pristine outer Great Barrier Reef site approximately 40 km offshore from Mission Beach, North Queensland. Spanning about 5.76 km², this inner-shelf reef features sloping coral walls, vibrant coral gardens, and bommies rising within metres of the surface. Sheltered from the southeast trade winds, it offers excellent visibility (10–15 m) and is known for its healthy coral cover including staghorn and plate corals. Popular snorkel spots include the famous Shark Alley. Tours depart by boat from Mission Beach, making this one of the most accessible outer reef sites in the region.
Beaver Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 5.5 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tidal Currents
Larger tidal ranges can increase currents, making snorkeling more challenging. Best to visit when low tide coincides with your time at the reef.
Low risk: Variable Visibility
Visibility typically ranges from 10-15 metres and can vary with weather conditions and tidal movement.
Low risk: Reef Sharks
White-tip and black-tip reef sharks are resident in the area, though generally not aggressive.
Low risk: Stingers (Jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish) may be present in warmer months (November to May).
Low risk: Ocean Boat Crossing
Boat transit of 60-90 minutes each way in open ocean; rough seas can cause seasickness.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Beaver Reef is located approximately 40 km offshore from Mission Beach, North Queensland. Tours depart from Clump Point Jetty in Mission Beach. The boat ride takes around 60-90 minutes each way.
Parking & facilities
Free parking is available at Clump Point Jetty and surrounding streets in Mission Beach.
parkingtoilets
Day tours range from approximately $259 AUD per person, including snorkeling gear, guide, snacks, and lunch. Check with operators for current pricing.
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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