Nursery North is a dedicated coral nursery site on the Great Barrier Reef, accessible via snorkel tours from Cairns or Port Douglas. Part of the Coral Nurture Program, this reef restoration site features underwater "coral trees" and frames where coral fragments are cultivated and later outplanted onto the surrounding reef. Snorkellers can swim through thriving coral gardens, observing staghorn and branching corals at various stages of growth, alongside diverse reef fish. The site offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at active reef conservation, with calm, clear waters typical of the outer barrier reef.
Nursery North
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 6.0 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish) are present in tropical waters from November to May.
Low risk: Outer Reef Currents
Strong currents can develop on the outer reef, especially during tidal changes. Snorkel tours choose sheltered sites but conditions can shift.
Low risk: Sharp Coral
Sharp coral formations can cause cuts and abrasions if snorkellers make contact with the reef.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Boat traffic from multiple tour operators in the reef area requires awareness when surfacing.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Nursery North is a reef site accessed by commercial snorkel tours departing from Cairns or Port Douglas marinas. Tours typically take 60–90 minutes to reach the outer reef sites in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Cairns Marlin Marina or Port Douglas Marina car parks (paid parking available). Tour operators provide transfers from local accommodation in many cases.
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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