Kennedy Shoal is a shallow, remote reef system lying roughly 50 km off the Queensland coast, midway between Cairns and Townsville. This exposed outer-shelf shoal features scattered coral gardens, sandy patches, and a small protected lagoon that draws snorkellers seeking pristine coral formations and pelagic encounters. Its isolation from the mainland means fewer crowds and clearer oceanic water, but the same remoteness makes it a true offshore adventure. The shoal is best known among experienced reef-goers and is occasionally visited by liveaboard and charter tours exploring the Northern Great Barrier Reef.
Kennedy Shoal
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 4.4 sWind Speed 8.3 knPrecipitation 4.2 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Shark presence
Kennedy Shoal is a known shark habitat in the outer Great Barrier Reef. A fatal shark incident was reported here in May 2026, involving a person fishing at the shoal. Snorkellers should exercise caution, avoid dawn/dusk swimming, and heed local advice.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
The shoal is exposed to the Coral Sea and can experience strong tidal flows that sweep across the shallow reef flat, particularly during spring tides. Snorkellers should be aware of changing currents and stay close to the boat.
Low risk: Exposed offshore conditions
As an offshore shoal approximately 50 km from shore, marine conditions can change rapidly with wind shifts. The site is exposed to southeasterly trade winds (May–September) that can create choppy seas and reduced visibility.
Low risk: Sharp coral and bommies
The shallow reef flat and bommies present a risk of coral abrasion and cuts if swimmers are swept over the reef. Sturdy reef shoes or fins are recommended to avoid injury.
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Getting in
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Entry
Kennedy Shoal is located approximately 50 km offshore between Cairns and Townsville in the Northern Great Barrier Reef. It is accessible by private charter boat, liveaboard vessel, or as part of a guided reef tour departing from Cairns or Townsville. No public ferry service runs directly to the shoal.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at Cairns Marina and Townsville Breakwater Marina for those arriving with private vessels. Tour operators typically provide coach transfers from accommodation; parking at the marina is paid parking managed by the local council. Parking is limited — arrive early for day trips. No
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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