Phil's Backside is a lesser-known outer Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel site accessed from Cairns, Queensland. Nestled among the coral bommies and channels of the reef's outer edge, this spot offers clear oceanic waters, healthy hard and soft coral formations, and the chance to encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. The site's name suggests a local nickname used by Cairns dive operators for a particular bommie or reef passage off the continental shelf.
Phil's Backside
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 4.4 sWind Speed 2.3 knPrecipitation 6.1 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Ocean currents
Moderate to strong currents can occur along the outer reef edge, especially during tidal changes.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in tropical Queensland waters year-round, peaking November to May.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic from tour operators in the outer reef zone.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located off the coast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Accessed via day tour operators departing from Cairns Marina. Tours typically run to outer reef sites.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Cairns Marina and nearby public car parks.
Tour costs vary by operator; expect A$150–250 per person for a full-day reef trip.
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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