Hastings Reef is a spectacular outer-edge Great Barrier Reef formation, 30 nautical miles off Cairns, spanning 10 km² of pristine coral gardens, drop-offs, cave systems, and shallow sandy bays. Its remote location, far from coastal river runoff, ensures crystal-clear visibility and a dazzling abundance of marine life. Snorkelers drift over plate, pillar, fire, and brain corals, past sheer coral walls teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, giant clams, and whitetip reef sharks. The reef flat is as shallow as 1–3 metres, while deeper areas reach 18 metres, offering something for every ability level.
Hastings Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.8 sWind Speed 8.7 knPrecipitation 4.4 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Ocean Currents
Outer reef currents can be moderate to strong, especially around the reef wall and channels. Always follow crew instructions and stay within the marked snorkel zone.
Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish) may be present in the waters from November to May. Stinger suits are typically provided by tour operators.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Stinger season brings potentially dangerous marine stingers (box jellyfish) into Queensland waters.
Low risk: Whitetip Reef Sharks
Whitetip reef sharks are present in deeper sections of the reef. They are generally docile and uninterested in snorkelers, but caution is advised, especially near drop-offs.
Low risk: Shallow Coral Heads
Some coral heads and bommies rise very close to the surface, creating a risk of scrapes or cuts for swimmers who drift too shallow.
Low risk: Ocean swell and surge
The reef is exposed to open ocean swells, which can create moderate surge and strong currents, especially on the outer edge near drop-offs.
Low risk: Reef sharks (whitetip)
Whitetip reef sharks are present in deeper sections of the reef; generally non-aggressive but should be respected.
Low risk: Fire coral contact
Certain coral species such as fire coral can cause skin irritation on contact.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Hastings Reef is located approximately 30 nautical miles (55 km) northeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea. Access is exclusively by booked boat tour — multiple operators depart daily from Cairns Marina. Travel time is roughly 60–90 minutes by fast catamaran.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking is available at the Cairns Marina precinct. Arrive early as spaces fill quickly during peak season (June–October).
Tour prices range from approximately $200–$285 AUD per adult for a full-day trip, including snorkel gear, lunch, and guided activities.
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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