Langford Reef wraps around the northern and eastern shores of tiny Langford Island in the Whitsundays, offering a secluded snorkelling escape among vibrant coral gardens. At low tide, a sweeping sand spit emerges from the turquoise shallows, letting you wade straight onto the reef. The waters here teem with colourful reef fish, and the site is part of the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail. With its compact size and uncrowded feel, Langford Reef delivers a quintessential Great Barrier Reef experience away from the busy outer reef platforms.
Langford Reef
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 2.5 sWind Speed 1.6 knPrecipitation 0.8 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Rapidly rising tide / sand spit inundation
The sand spit extends several hundred metres at low tide but can be cut off by rapidly rising water. Swimmers can become stranded on the spit.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in Whitsunday waters, especially during the warmer months.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic from tour vessels and private craft in the anchorage area near the reef.
Low risk: Shallow coral / reef cuts
Coral can be shallow near the shoreline and sand spit; accidental contact can cause injury and damage the reef.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Langford Reef is accessible by boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour, roughly 27 km (55 min) northwest. Most visitors reach it on a guided snorkel tour, sailing charter, or private vessel. The island is 7 minutes from Hayman Island by speedboat.
Parking & facilities
Park at Coral Sea Marina or Shute Harbour terminal parking (paid parking available).
toilets
Accessible via paid tour operators departing Airlie Beach; no direct public ferry service.
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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