SNO (South North Opal) is a snorkel site on the outer edge of Opal Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef about 50 km east of Port Douglas. This exposed site features a dramatic wall with boulder corals, sandy channels, and a history of coral recovery from crown-of-thorns starfish and bleaching events. The clear, current-swept waters attract diverse marine life including reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish. The current that keeps waters crystal clear can also make conditions choppy in windy weather, so SNO is visited selectively by experienced tour operators.
SNO (Opal Reef site)
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 8.8 knPrecipitation 2.4 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
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents flow through the nearby gap between Middle Opal and North Opal, which can sweep snorkellers away from the mooring site.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (stinger season)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are prevalent in Great Barrier Reef waters during the warmer months (November to May).
Low risk: Choppy conditions in windy weather
The site is exposed to prevailing winds which can create choppy surface conditions, making snorkelling more challenging and reducing visibility.
Low risk: Remote offshore location
Located on the outer continental shelf edge, this site is distant from shore (50 km) with no immediate emergency facilities on-site.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located approximately 50 km east of Port Douglas, North QLD. Reached by 90-minute boat tour from Port Douglas marina. Tours depart from Wavelength (16 Macrossan St, Port Douglas) or Calypso Reef Cruises. Coach transfers available from Cairns Northern Beaches.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Port Douglas marina and along Macrossan St.
toiletsparkingdrinking_watershowers
Tours from approx. $318–$329 AUD per adult (full day, includes equipment, lunch, and reef guide).
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Queensland
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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