Capricornia Cays National Park protects 14 small coral cays at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, roughly 70 km off the Queensland coast. The reef snorkeling areas here are characterised by shallow lagoon flats, fringing coral gardens, and vibrant bommies teeming with colourful reef fish. Extreme low tides reveal the reef flat for walking and close-up exploration, while the clear surrounding waters offer excellent visibility for snorkelling amid delicate staghorn, plate, and brain corals. The cays are also major seabird nesting sites, adding a dramatic backdrop to every snorkel session.
Capricornia Cays National Park (reef snorkeling areas)
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 5.8 sWind Speed 5.3 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Extreme low tide / reef exposure
Extreme low tides expose the reef flat, making navigation by boat hazardous and exposing sharp coral. Snorkelers should time their visit with rising or high tide.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep snorkelers away from the cays. Best snorkeling occurs on neap tides and slack water.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers, especially box jellyfish, are present in the warmer months. Stinger suits are recommended.
Low risk: Remote location / limited emergency access
The cays are remote, 70 km offshore. Emergency services and medical facilities are not readily accessible.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Accessible only by private boat or commercial vessel. Closest departure points are Gladstone, Bundaberg and Seventeen Seventy (1770). No public road access to the cays.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at departure marinas in Gladstone, Bundaberg, and Seventeen Seventy. Free parking at some marina facilities (e.g., Lady Musgrave Experience). Check with your tour operator for specifics.
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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