The Wedge is a premier snorkel and dive site on Briggs Reef, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef accessible from Cairns. This bommie-studded reef formation features a distinctive wedge-shaped coral structure that drops into deeper channels, creating a haven for reef fish, sea turtles, and colourful coral gardens. Clear tropical waters (often 10–20m visibility) make it a favourite for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. The site is typically visited by boat tours that also explore the adjacent One Fin site, offering a full morning or afternoon of reef exploration in the Coral Sea.
The Wedge
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 4.7 sWind Speed 3.1 knPrecipitation 7.6 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Moderate currents can sweep snorkellers along the reef edge. Drift snorkelling is common but requires awareness.
Moderate risk: Stingers (jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical waters during the warmer months.
Low risk: Ocean swell and wind chop
Open ocean swells and wind chop can reduce visibility and create challenging conditions, especially during winter (June-August) or during southeasterly trade winds.
Low risk: Sharp coral and bommies
Sharp coral and rocky bommies are present; accidental contact can cause cuts.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Wedge is a dive/snorkel site on Briggs Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef. Access is exclusively by boat tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Numerous operators run half-day and full-day snorkel trips to Briggs Reef.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal or Port Douglas Marina — pay parking available nearby.
toilets
Tour prices vary by operator; expect AUD $120-180 per person for a half-day snorkel trip including equipment.
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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