Osprey Reef is a remote oceanic seamount rising from 2,000-metre depths in the Coral Sea Marine Park, 340 km off Cairns. Its sheer vertical walls plunge to 1,000 metres, draped in vibrant soft corals and honeycombed with caves, overhangs and grottoes. Crystal-clear visibility often reaches 30–60 metres, revealing an extraordinary abundance of grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, giant potato cod, trevally, and the living fossil chambered nautilus. This wild, pelagic oasis is accessible only by multi-day liveaboard expeditions and is regarded as one of the world's premier dive-site destinations.
Osprey Reef
AdvancedGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 5.7 sWind Speed 7.0 knPrecipitation 2.6 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Osprey Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Remote location & strong currents danger
Osprey Reef is a remote seamount surrounded by deep open ocean (2,000 m). Strong currents can sweep snorkelers away from the reef edge. Only accessible by liveaboard; emergency evacuation is hours away.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Remote location & strong currents
Osprey Reef is a remote seamount surrounded by deep open ocean (2,000 m). Strong currents can sweep snorkelers away from the reef edge. Only accessible by liveaboard; emergency evacuation is hours away.
Moderate risk: Oceanic currents & upwellings
The reef sits in the path of the South Equatorial Current. Sudden strong currents and upwellings can occur at drop-off edges and cave entrances, especially at sites like North Horn and Admiralty.
Low risk: Abundant reef sharks
Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and silvertip sharks are abundant year-round. While generally not aggressive, their presence and the reef's remote setting require respectful, cautious behaviour.
Low risk: Large pelagic fish
Large pelagic fish such as trevally, barracuda, and black marlin patrol the outer reef walls. Encounters are thrilling but can be startling for less experienced snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Osprey Reef lies approximately 340 km northeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea. Access is exclusively by extended liveaboard vessels departing from Cairns, typically on 4–7 day expeditions. No day trips are available due to the distance.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Cairns Marlin Marina or Reef Fleet Terminal (paid parking available in Cairns city). No parking at the reef itself.
Liveaboard trips range from approx. $1,600–$5,000+ AUD depending on duration and operator. Marine park fees are typically included in tour prices.
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Queensland
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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