Mackay Reef is an outer-edge Great Barrier Reef site off Cape York, where the Coral Sea meets the reef in a spectacular explosion of marine life. Located roughly 50–60 km northeast of Port Douglas, this offshore cay and surrounding reef platform boast crystal-clear visibility (15–25 m), vibrant coral gardens, giant electric-blue clams, and schooling reef fish. Being an outer reef, it escapes the murky river runoff that affects inshore spots, offering pristine snorkelling conditions. The reef's structure — bommies, coral ledges, and sandy patches — shelters everything from tiny nudibranchs and blennies to reef sharks, eagle rays, and coral trout, making every snorkel session feel like exploring a living, breathing aquarium.
Mackay Reef
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 3.1 sWind Speed 4.4 knPrecipitation 0.6 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Mackay Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Cyclone season (Wet season storms) danger
November to April is cyclone season in Far North Queensland. Tours may be cancelled, and sea conditions can become dangerous quickly.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Cyclone season (Wet season storms)
November to April is cyclone season in Far North Queensland. Tours may be cancelled, and sea conditions can become dangerous quickly.
Moderate risk: Ocean currents
The outer reef can experience strong ocean currents, particularly around channels and bommies. Snorkellers should stay with their group and follow guide instructions.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters. Tour operators typically provide stinger suits during the wet season.
Moderate risk: Camouflaged venomous marine life
Spine-venomous stonefish, scorpionfish, and blue-spotted stingrays lie camouflaged on the sandy bottom. Watch where you step or kneel.
Low risk: Open ocean crossing (seasickness)
The 50-60 km boat ride across open Coral Sea water can be very rough. Passengers prone to seasickness should take medication 30-60 minutes before departure.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Mackay Reef is located approximately 50-60 km northeast of Port Douglas in the outer Great Barrier Reef. Access is exclusively by high-speed catamaran or eco-catamaran tour departing from Cairns (approx. 90 min) or Port Douglas (approx. 60-75 min). Some tours also depart from Cape Tribulation. No public ferry service exists.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Reef Marina, Port Douglas or at Cairns departure points. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. No on-site parking at the reef itself (open ocean). Parking is located at the departure marinas only.
toilets
Outer reef day trips typically cost AUD $180–$260 per adult, including snorkel equipment, lunch, and reef taxes. Park fees (EMC) are usually included in tour price.
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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