Pinnacle Reef is a stunning coral reef system just off Green Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park near Cairns. This relatively shallow, protected reef boasts vibrant coral gardens, sandy beds, and gutters teeming with marine life. It's famous for its resident green and hawksbill turtles, giant clams, anemonefish, and the occasional reef shark. With exclusive moorings and small-group operators, Pinnacle Reef offers a personal, crowd-free window into the world's largest coral reef ecosystem — step directly off the boat into crystal-clear waters and explore.
Pinnacle Reef
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 6.4 sWind Speed 1.8 knPrecipitation 8.4 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Boat traffic near mooring
Pinnacle Reef is a shallow reef system with sandy patches — boat traffic in the channel can be present. Stay within marked snorkel zones near the moored vessel.
Low risk: Sharp coral and staghorn beds
Staghorn coral beds and other sharp coral formations are abundant. Snorkelers should avoid touching the reef and wear protective rash vests to prevent cuts.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Moderate tidal currents can develop around the reef gutters and sandy channels. Guided snorkel tours keep groups in safe areas, but independent snorkelers should be aware of changing conditions.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Pinnacle Reef is located offshore from Cairns, Queensland, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Access is exclusively via commercial tour operators departing from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns (Spence Street, Cairns City). The boat ride takes approximately 45–60 minutes to reach the reef mooring.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at the Reef Fleet Terminal and nearby The Pier carpark (approx. $10–$20/day). Council parking lots are nearby on Spence and Wharf Streets. Arrive early to secure a spot as tours depart at 8:00–9:00 AM daily.
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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