Otter Reef is a scattered patch-reef system in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, stretching about 12 nautical miles in a dotted line of coral bommies, sand patches, and a tiny cay exposed only at low tide. Visitors anchor over clear sand beside a compact reef platform and swim through a network of coral gutters teeming with fish. The reef shows both storm damage and regrowth, offering a raw, authentic look at the GBR's resilience. Accessed only by boat, it rewards snorkelers with a mix of soft and hard corals, and the chance to encounter giant clams, turtles, and reef fish in a quieter, less-crowded setting.
Otter Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.6 sWind Speed 7.7 knPrecipitation 3.7 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong Trade Winds & Swell
The reef is exposed to open ocean swells and strong trade winds, especially from June to September. Winds above 18–20 knots make the anchorage rowdy and snorkeling conditions unsafe.
Moderate risk: Marine Stingers (Jellyfish)
Stinger season (marine stingers including box jellyfish and Irukandji) presents a risk along the North Queensland coast and outer reefs from November to May.
Low risk: Shallow Coral Bommies
Coral bommies and shallow reef platforms can be difficult to spot from the surface. Snorkelers may scrape against live coral if not careful.
Low risk: Tidal Currents Around the Cay
The tiny cay is only exposed at low tide and offers no refuge. Strong tidal currents can sweep snorkelers away from anchored boats.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Otter Reef is located roughly 55–66 km offshore from the coast of North Queensland, east of Dunk Island and the Family Islands group. It is accessible only by private vessel or chartered reef tour from nearby ports such as Cairns, Port Douglas, or Mission Beach.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at departure points (e.g., Cairns marina, Port Douglas, or Mission Beach) — check individual tour operators.
No entry fee, but access requires a chartered tour (typically A$150–250 per person) or a private boat.
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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