[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":256},["ShallowReactive",2],{"leaderboard-total":3,"spot-caves-dive-site":9,"spot-seo-caves-dive-site":221},{"entries":4,"total":5,"period":6,"type":7,"generated_at":8},[],0,"all_time","reports","2026-10-03T06:32:05.526386Z",{"id":10,"name":11,"slug":12,"latitude":13,"longitude":14,"description":15,"difficulty":16,"image_url":17,"status":18,"tide_constituents":19,"hazard_entries":70,"access_info_structured":157,"area_boundary":17,"routes":17,"created_at":167,"updated_at":168,"today_conditions":169,"today_verdict_view":191,"images":216,"submitted_by":217,"region_name":219,"verification_status":220,"verified_at":17,"disputed":181,"verifier_count":5,"last_verified_display_name":17},"f4910465-0cfc-4e64-98c0-6ac6639341f3","Caves Dive Site","caves-dive-site",-26.652775,153.089585,"Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Caves is a shallow offshore reef site that features a small 1-3 metre ledge dropping to a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 12 metres. Named for its subtle cave-like ledges and overhangs, this beginner-friendly spot offers easy drift conditions and excellent visibility, making it a favourite for first-time ocean divers and open-water students. Schools of surgeonfish cruise the ledge, while wobbegong sharks rest on the sand and rays glide by for a clean from cleaner fish. With its mix of rocky topography, seaweed gardens, and bustling reef life, Caves delivers an accessible yet rewarding underwater experience.","beginner",null,"published",{"name":20,"amplitude":36,"phase":52,"latitude":13,"model":68,"epoch":69},[21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35],"2N2","J1","K1","K2","M2","M4","MF","MM","N2","O1","P1","Q1","S1","S2","T2",[37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51],0.01752376747829474,0.010686818889305082,0.19058230784253413,0.047183073739646524,0.5520425852559149,0.004483099538295793,0.0012980999786457055,0.0008520402282178846,0.1193491064278382,0.10011730932474203,0.0590748614240488,0.019074194638427723,0.006521962956115165,0.1634293200024392,0.012768044557574954,[53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67],288.9380649894177,6.753859786856397,357.2198090777897,295.5047386651854,301.5027670041414,264.3601225938808,76.59349292809844,267.0921248724515,292.2117478663747,332.66963953187513,348.4090260089779,318.2365640808004,295.4983352295998,309.2658412596847,250.5231825969003,"EOT20","1992-01-01T00:00:00Z",[71,77,81,86,91,94,97,100,103,106,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134,137,140,144,148,151,154],{"name":72,"description":73,"severity":74,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Boat traffic","Nurse Rock is an outer reef site accessed by boat; vessels moored at the site and other tour boats operate in the area.","caution",1,12,{"name":78,"description":79,"severity":80,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Depth and currents","The site ranges from 14–22 metres depth with potential ocean currents on the outer reef; moderate experience recommended.","warning",{"name":82,"description":83,"severity":74,"season_start":84,"season_end":85},"Grey Nurse Shark aggregation (winter)","Grey Nurse Sharks are present July–October. They are generally docile but divers should follow briefing protocols and avoid provoking them.",7,10,{"name":87,"description":88,"severity":80,"season_start":89,"season_end":90},"Sea conditions and swell","Offshore site exposed to ocean swell and wind; trip confirmations depend on weather\u002Fsea conditions.",6,8,{"name":92,"description":93,"severity":80,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Strong currents","Offshore reef sites on the Outer Gneerings can experience moderate to strong tidal currents, particularly during outgoing tides, which can sweep snorkelers away from the reef.",{"name":95,"description":96,"severity":74,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Depth changes","The bommie structure drops off steeply into deeper water. Snorkelers staying near the surface should avoid venturing over deep drop-offs where sudden depth changes can be disorienting.",{"name":98,"description":99,"severity":74,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Ocean currents","As an outer reef site, currents can be moderate and variable depending on tide and weather conditions.",{"name":101,"description":102,"severity":80,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Depth range","Depths of 14–22 metres make this more suitable for confident swimmers and snorkelers who are comfortable in deeper water.",{"name":104,"description":105,"severity":80,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Strong Ocean Currents","Offshore reef exposed to tidal currents and ocean swells; conditions can change rapidly.",{"name":107,"description":108,"severity":74,"season_start":109,"season_end":90},"Variable Visibility","Visibility can be affected by swell, wind, and seasonal plankton blooms; typically best in calm winter months (May–August).",5,{"name":111,"description":112,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Sharp Reef & Coral","The reef features coral bommies and rocky ledges; contact can cause cuts or damage to marine life.",{"name":114,"description":115,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Sea conditions variability","Weather-dependent sea states can create chop and swell; trips may be cancelled or rerouted if conditions are unsuitable.",{"name":117,"description":118,"severity":74,"season_start":89,"season_end":90},"Swell and surge","Exposed offshore reef site can experience significant surge and reduced visibility when swell is above 1.5 m.",{"name":120,"description":121,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Underwater overhang entanglement","The signature rock overhang has crevices and ledges where snorkelers\u002Fdivers could become entangled if not mindful of buoyancy.",{"name":123,"description":124,"severity":80,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Strong tidal currents through swim-throughs","Tidal flows can intensify inside the cave passages, requiring good buoyancy control and awareness.",{"name":126,"description":127,"severity":74,"season_start":89,"season_end":90},"Limited visibility after weather","Southerly swells and rain can reduce visibility significantly, especially in winter months.",{"name":129,"description":130,"severity":80,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Ocean swell and surge","Exposed reef location can experience significant surge and swell, making conditions challenging for novice snorkelers.",{"name":132,"description":133,"severity":80,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Depth hazard","Wreck sits at 15–28 metres depth, requiring strong freediving ability or scuba. Snorkellers can only view the upper structure on calm days.",{"name":135,"description":136,"severity":74,"season_start":75,"season_end":76},"Restricted access zone","Part of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park — entry requires a permit or arrangement with a licensed tour operator.",{"name":138,"description":139,"severity":74,"season_start":89,"season_end":90},"Cold water thermocline","Water temperature can drop significantly at depth, especially in winter (June–August), requiring adequate exposure protection.",{"name":141,"description":142,"severity":74,"season_start":89,"season_end":143},"Open ocean swell","Exposed offshore reef can experience moderate to large swells, especially in southerly winds.",11,{"name":145,"description":146,"severity":147,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Depth","The wrecks sit at 28m depth, with superstructures rising to around 12m. Snorkellers are at the surface only; the depth below means descending is not safe without scuba certification.","danger",{"name":149,"description":150,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Sharp metal structures","Exposed rusted metal, cables, and jagged edges on the wrecks can cause cuts. Snorkellers should avoid contact with the wreck surfaces.",{"name":152,"description":153,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Strong currents possible","Ocean currents can occasionally sweep through the area, especially on an outgoing tide, affecting divers and snorkellers.",{"name":155,"description":156,"severity":74,"season_start":17,"season_end":17},"Seasickness risk","The 15-minute boat ride crosses open ocean from the Mooloolaba River; conditions can be choppy, causing seasickness.",{"directions":158,"parking":159,"facilities":160,"fees":165,"access_method":166},"The Caves dive site is located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. From Brisbane, drive 1 hour north on the Bruce Highway (M1) to Mooloolaba. From Sunshine Coast Airport, it's a 30-minute drive south. The operator Sunreef checks in at Shop 11-12, The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557.","The Wharf Mooloolaba complex offers 4-hour paid parking. For longer trips, unlimited parking is available outside the SEA Life car park. Allow at least 15-20 minutes to find parking, especially after 11:30 am.",[161,162,163,164],"parking","toilets","showers","drinking_water","Fees are managed through Sunreef Mooloolaba dive charters. Full gear hire is available. Pricing varies; contact Sunreef at +61 7 5444 5656 for current rates.","boat","2026-07-27T02:56:30.454591Z","2026-08-04T05:37:15.121113Z",{"verdict":170,"evaluated_at":171,"models":172},"go","2026-10-03T02:17:19.938687Z",[173,179,185],{"model_name":174,"is_favourable":175,"value":176,"threshold":85,"unit":177,"operator":178},"Wind Speed",true,2.44,"kn","lte",{"model_name":180,"is_favourable":181,"value":182,"threshold":183,"unit":184,"operator":178},"Wave Height",false,0.834,0.5,"m",{"model_name":186,"is_favourable":175,"value":187,"threshold":188,"unit":189,"operator":190},"Visibility",2.16,2,"","gte",{"verdict":170,"rating":192,"evaluated_at":171,"generated_at":171,"source":193,"confidence":194,"visibility":197,"parameters":198,"models_passed":205,"models_total":109},"Good","precomputed",{"level":195,"value":196},"High",100,{"score":187,"rating":17,"confidence":17},[199,201,206,209,213],{"name":180,"value":200,"label":17,"unit":184,"favourable":181,"score":75,"optimal_max":183,"marginal_max":75},0.8335378498765433,{"name":202,"value":203,"label":17,"unit":204,"favourable":175,"score":205,"optimal_max":90,"marginal_max":76},"Swell Period",6.05,"s",3,{"name":174,"value":207,"label":17,"unit":177,"favourable":175,"score":205,"optimal_max":85,"marginal_max":208},2.444987179064861,15,{"name":210,"value":5,"label":17,"unit":211,"favourable":175,"score":205,"optimal_max":109,"marginal_max":212},"Precipitation","mm",20,{"name":214,"value":17,"label":215,"unit":189,"favourable":181,"score":75,"optimal_max":17,"marginal_max":17},"Tidal Phase","flood",[],{"display_name":218},"Daniel","Queensland","unverified",{"title":222,"description":223,"canonical_url":224,"og_image":225,"structured_data":226,"breadcrumbs":249},"Snorkeling Conditions at Caves Dive Site - How's the Spot","Check snorkeling conditions at Caves Dive Site, Queensland. Good conditions, water 22.0°C, waves 0.83m","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fspots\u002Fcaves-dive-site","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fog-default.png",[227,236],{"@context":228,"@type":229,"name":11,"description":230,"url":224,"geo":231,"address":233},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","Place","Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Caves is a shallow offshore reef site that features a small 1-3 metre ledge dropping to a sandy bottom at a maximu...",{"@type":232,"latitude":13,"longitude":14},"GeoCoordinates",{"@type":234,"addressRegion":219,"addressCountry":235},"PostalAddress","Australia",{"@context":228,"@type":237,"name":238,"description":223,"url":224,"breadcrumb":239},"WebPage","Snorkeling Conditions at Caves Dive Site",{"@context":228,"@type":240,"itemListElement":241},"BreadcrumbList",[242,246,248],{"@type":243,"position":75,"name":244,"item":245},"ListItem","Home","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com",{"@type":243,"position":188,"name":219,"item":247},"https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"@type":243,"position":205,"name":11,"item":224},[250,252,254],{"label":244,"href":251},"\u002F",{"label":219,"href":253},"\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"label":11,"href":255},"\u002Fspots\u002Fcaves-dive-site",1791009140494]