Sandon Point Reef sits on the edge of the Gold Coast Seaway, between the Southport Spit and the southern tip of Stradbroke Island. This advanced-only spot is accessed by boat, with the reef lying roughly 200 metres off the sand-pumping jetty. The site features distinct north and south gutters carved through the reef, with depths ranging from 8-20 metres. While corals are limited — some lettuce corals and sea tulip tunicates — the gutters and bommies provide structure that attracts subtropical reef fish, making it a favourite for adventurous divers willing to brave the strong tidal currents.
Sandon Point Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 4.9 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Sandon Point Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong tidal currents danger
The seaway location creates dangerous, fast-moving tidal currents that can sweep snorkelers away from the reef.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Strong tidal currents
The seaway location creates dangerous, fast-moving tidal currents that can sweep snorkelers away from the reef.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Located in the active Gold Coast Seaway shipping channel with regular boat traffic.
Moderate risk: Variable weather and swell
Exposed position near the seaway mouth means conditions can change rapidly with wind and swell.
Low risk: Boat traffic near Seaway entrance
Proximity to the Gold Coast Seaway entrance means vessel traffic passes nearby. Snorkelers should be aware of boat channels.
Low risk: Limited visibility after weather
Subtropical coastal reefs can experience reduced visibility following rain or swell events, especially in winter.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Sandon Point Reef is accessible only by boat from the Gold Coast Seaway. Launch from the Southport Spot boat ramps or join a charter dive/snorkel tour departing from the Gold Coast Broadwater or Seaway.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Southport Spit carpark near the Seaway (Marine Parade, Main Beach).
parkingboat_ramp
No direct fee; boat launch fees may apply at ramps. Charter tours have their own pricing.
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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