Pinnacle Bay (also known as Pinnacle Reef) is a pristine, sheltered coral reef site on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just a short boat ride from Cairns. Its shallow coral bommies rise within a metre of the surface, surrounded by staghorn coral gardens, sandy gutters, and giant clams. This exclusive mooring is a haven for green and hawksbill turtles, anemonefish, giant trevally, and shy reef sharks. With crystal-clear blue waters, easy step-off access from the boat, and guided snorkel tours, Pinnacle Bay offers a world-class, uncrowded reef experience perfect for all abilities.
Pinnacle Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.2 sWind Speed 8.6 knPrecipitation 3.2 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in the warm months from November to May.
Low risk: Shallow coral bommies
The reef is exposed at low tide, with coral bommies just 1m below the surface. Snorkelers must avoid standing on or touching coral.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can occur in the channels between coral outcrops, especially during tidal changes.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Departs from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Check-in from 7:15am, departure at 8:00am, returning approx 5:00pm. Tour operated by Ocean Free schooner (max 25 guests). Exclusive mooring at Pinnacle Reef.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal precinct. Book ahead for all-day parking.
toilets
Adult from ~$225 AUD, child half-price, infants free. Includes snorkel equipment, lunch, and guided tours.
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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