Undine Reef is a pristine outer reef coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, approximately 40 km offshore from Port Douglas and 25 minutes from Cape Tribulation. This secluded reef features stunning coral gardens, bommies, sandy channels, and steep reef wall drop-offs — all in crystal-clear Coral Sea waters. Where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the outer reef, Undine offers an intimate, uncrowded snorkeling experience with exceptional visibility (often exceeding 20 metres). The varied terrain creates natural lagoons perfect for floating above vibrant coral structures teeming with marine life.
Undine Reef
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.1 sWind Speed 10 knPrecipitation 3.4 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Undine Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Cyclone season danger
Tropical cyclones can occur during the wet season, causing dangerous sea conditions and cancellations.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Cyclone season
Tropical cyclones can occur during the wet season, causing dangerous sea conditions and cancellations.
Moderate risk: Ocean currents along reef wall drop-offs
Strong currents can flow along the edge of the continental shelf where Undine Reef sits, particularly around the reef drop-offs.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish / Irukandji)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical waters during the warmer wet season.
Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Box Jellyfish / Irukandji)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical waters from October to May. Full-body stinger suits are provided and mandatory during stinger season.
Low risk: Open ocean swell & wind chop
Open ocean conditions can change rapidly; swells and wind chop can develop quickly, especially outside the dry season.
Low risk: Extreme sun exposure
Intense tropical sun on the open water with no shade; sunburn risk is high even on overcast days.
Low risk: Rough Sea Conditions & Swells
Trade winds and ocean swells can create challenging sea conditions, especially in winter. The RIB ride is very bumpy in rough weather.
Low risk: Seasickness Risk
The boat ride and reef conditions can induce seasickness in choppy waters. Motion-sensitive snorkelers should take precautions.
Low risk: Reef Currents
Water currents can be present around the reef. Snorkelers must stay within the designated area supervised by guides.
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
Undine Reef is located about 40-50 km offshore. Most tours depart from Crystalbrook Marina in Port Douglas (1 hour north of Cairns). Some tours also depart from Cape Tribulation beach, about 25 minutes offshore. Sailaway VII and Ocean Safari are among the operators running trips to this outer reef site.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas (paid parking). For Cape Tribulation departures, parking is available at the Cape Tribulation beach area near the Daintree National Park carpark. Arrive early as spaces fill up during peak season (May-October).
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