Da Phat is a spectacular bommie (submerged coral pinnacle) on the western side of the Great Detached Reef lagoon, one of the most remote and pristine reef systems in Australia's far northern Coral Sea. This rarely-dived site features steep coral walls, dramatic drop-offs, and enormous coral bommies teeming with fish. Surrounded by deep oceanic waters, the site offers world-class drift diving over vibrant hard and soft coral gardens. The isolation of the Great Detached Reef means the coral health here is exceptional — among the best on the entire Great Barrier Reef. Da Phat is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites in the region, accessible only by multi-day liveaboard expeditions.
Da Phat
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 9.5 knPrecipitation 1.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Da Phat has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Extreme remoteness danger
Remote location — the nearest hyperbaric chamber is hundreds of kilometres away in Cairns. Self-reliance and emergency planning are essential.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Extreme remoteness
Remote location — the nearest hyperbaric chamber is hundreds of kilometres away in Cairns. Self-reliance and emergency planning are essential.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep through the Great Detached Reef lagoon and around the bommie. Drift diving techniques are often required.
Low risk: Ocean swell
Significant ocean swell can affect the site, particularly on the exposed western side of the lagoon.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Da Phat is located on the western side of the Great Detached Reef lagoon, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Cairns, off the tip of Cape York Peninsula. Access is by liveaboard charter only — typically via the MV Kalinda or similar expedition vessels departing from Cairns or Townsville.
Parking & facilities
Not applicable — access is by boat only. Vehicle parking is available at departure ports in Cairns or Townsville.
Liveaboard charter fees apply (typically $3,000–$5,000+ for a multi-day expedition). No day-trip access available.
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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