Hastings Reef is a sprawling outer-shelf platform reef on the Great Barrier Reef, about 60 km northeast of Cairns. Its shallow reef flat (1–3 m deep) drops into walls, gullies, and swim-throughs, creating a varied seascape for snorkellers and divers alike. The site encompasses multiple named dive spots including Coral Gardens, where bommies and overhangs shelter an abundance of marine life. Protected by its outer-reef position, Hastings Reef offers reliably clear water and excellent visibility, making it a favourite among day-tour operators from Cairns and Port Douglas.
Hastings Reef (outer reef dive sites)
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 8.8 knPrecipitation 2.4 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Outgoing tide current
An outgoing tide flowing across the shallow reef flat can create a noticeable current that may sweep snorkellers off the reef edge. Best snorkelled on the flood tide or during slack water.
Low risk: Shallow reef flat
The reef flat is only 1–3 m deep, requiring careful finning and buoyancy control to avoid damaging coral or scraping against the substrate.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Hastings Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef location approximately 60 km northeast of Cairns. Access is exclusively by commercial tour boat departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The journey takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by catamaran.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at the Cairns marina and Reef Fleet Terminal precincts.
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Day tours range from approximately AUD 180–280 per person, typically including snorkel gear, lunch, and reef taxes. Parking is available at the Cairns departure terminals (fees may apply).
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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