Norman Reef is a spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef coral reef system located northeast of Cairns. Renowned for crystal-clear waters with visibility often exceeding 30 metres, the reef features the famous 'Playground' — a maze of coral canyons, bommies, and shallow reef flats teeming with marine life. The adjacent Shark Mountain area offers very shallow snorkelling at just 1–2 metres, while deeper 8–14 metre coral valleys provide endless exploration. The site is dotted with vibrant coral gardens and an extraordinary abundance of giant clams, making it a standout snorkelling destination on the outer reef.
Norman Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 8.1 knPrecipitation 3.6 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Rebecca JacksonThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinger season brings potentially dangerous box jellyfish and Irukandji to tropical Queensland waters, typically from November to May. Full-body stinger suits are provided by tour operators.
Low risk: Ocean currents
Norman Reef is exposed to the Coral Sea and can experience moderate to strong currents, especially around the deeper canyons and bommies. Snorkellers should stay close to the boat and follow guide instructions.
Low risk: Wind chop and swell
The outer reef can experience strong wind chop and swell, making surface conditions challenging for less confident snorkellers, particularly when the trade winds are blowing (May–September).
Low risk: Shallow coral bommies
Coral bommies are shallow and easily bumped into. Snorkellers should maintain good buoyancy control and avoid touching the coral to prevent injury and reef damage.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Norman Reef is located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, approximately 60 km northeast of Cairns, Queensland. Accessed by daily snorkel/dive tours or liveaboard vessels departing from Cairns Marina. Boat transfer takes roughly 2 hours.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Cairns Marina precinct. Arrive early for best spots.
toilets
Tour prices vary; typical day trips range from AUD $200–$275 per adult, including equipment, lunch, and reef taxes. Liveaboard packages are additional.
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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