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Dive Sites

Nestled adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas stands as the entryway to one of the globe's most revered natural marvels. Here, amidst the azure waters, lie some of the most vibrant and immaculate coral reefs that epitomize the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef.

Embark on an adventure to discover the remarkable array of marine life and captivating landscapes found within the outer reef of the Great Barrier Reef, inviting you to explore its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.

Port Douglas serves as the gateway to some of the most vibrant coral reefs within the Great Barrier Reef, offering unparalleled dive and snorkeling experiences without the need for an overnight stay on a liveaboard trip.

The crystal-clear, nutrient-rich waters of Port Douglas ensure optimal underwater visibility, fostering lush coral growth and supporting a spectacular array of marine life. Here, you'll encounter vibrant and pristine coral reefs teeming with colorful wrasses, groupers, parrotfish, clownfish, turtles, nudibranchs, clams, anemones, and even three species of reef sharks.

At OZDIVE, we provide the freedom to explore the Great Barrier Reef without constraints, as we do not rely on moorings and are not limited to designated dive sites. Our experienced crew tailors each adventure to suit your experience level and selects the best dive site based on the weather and water conditions of the day.

Escape the crowds and embark on an unforgettable dive or snorkel safari with us, where every moment promises an unparalleled experience, you'll cherish forever.

South Opal Reef, like other parts of the Great Barrier Reef, is known for its stunning marine biodiversity and vibrant coral formations. It offers visitors opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and reef exploration – making it the perfect location for us to take you. 

It is situated approximately 8km east of Chinaman Reef and it is the perfect site for divers of all different levels to experience the beauty of the underwater world, exploring its coral gardens, swim-throughs, large bommies (coral outcrops) which are surrounded by fish life and sea fans.

Covering a depth range up to 18m and a pelagic sea wall facing the barrier itself, the chances for a special encounter are more than above average at this site and is a favourite amongst our guides.

Overall, South Opal Reef offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, divers, and snorkelers, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Nestled within the expansive Rudder Reef lies the tranquil sanctuary of Rudder Bay, a site ideal for diver training and development. Here, amidst the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, divers find solace in the shallow waters teeming with life. The bay boasts a spacious sandy floor adorned with an array of small Bommies, providing a perfect opportunity for divers to hone their skills in spotting macro marine life.

Embarking on a typical route, divers venture from the bay’s embrace onto the fringing reef, where encounters with majestic Māori Wrasses and elusive White Tip Reef Sharks await.

Alternatively, they may opt for a leisurely drift along the fringing reef, culminating the dive in the serene waters of another shallow bay. Rudder Bay epitomizes the essence of an “underwater playground,” inviting divers to explore its diverse ecosystems and vibrant marine habitats, making every dive an unforgettable adventure.

Located just 5 kilometers west of Chinaman Ridge, the northeast corner of Rudder Reef offers an enchanting dive experience amidst the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This picturesque site boasts a breathtaking sloping reef adorned with lively Bommies, creating a dynamic underwater landscape teeming with marine life.

As you explore the depths, you’ll encounter an array of fascinating creatures, from playful cuttlefish to elusive painted lobsters and curious baby reef sharks. The coral formations here, dominated by fast-growing species, have evolved over time to create intricate crevices and hideaways, providing shelter for a diverse range of underwater inhabitants. With its varied topography and abundant marine biodiversity,

Rudder Reef is an ideal dive spot suitable for divers of all levels, promising an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves of the Great Barrier Reef.

Dive into the mesmerizing depths of Tongue Bay, nestled amidst the awe-inspiring wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Located within the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tongue Bay offers divers an unparalleled opportunity to explore rich biodiversity and stunning coral formations. As you descend into the crystal-clear waters, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and a bustling array of marine life, from graceful reef sharks to playful clownfish darting among the coral. 

Tongue Bay isn’t just a dive site – it’s a gateway to adventure and discovery. Whether you’re exploring the intricate coral gardens, encountering majestic manta rays gliding gracefully through the water, or marveling at the intricate patterns of colorful marine creatures, every dive at Tongue Bay offers a new and exhilarating experience.

With its calm waters and ideal diving conditions, Tongue Bay is perfect for both novice divers looking to take their first plunge into the underwater world and seasoned adventurers seeking to explore the hidden treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Welcome to Horseshoe Dive Site, an underwater paradise nestled within the breathtaking expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the premier dive sites in this iconic marine ecosystem, Horseshoe beckons adventurers to explore its captivating depths and discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface.

Named for its distinctive horseshoe-shaped coral formation, this site offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and rich biodiversity of the reef. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with life, where you’ll encounter a dazzling array of marine creatures, from colorful tropical fish to majestic rays and elusive reef sharks. 

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or embarking on your very first underwater excursion, Horseshoe Dive Site promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you awe-inspired by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Located 50 kilometers from Port Douglas on the Outer Reef, Chinaman Ridge offers a captivating journey through the scenic route, passing the enchanting Low Isles before reaching this destination within an hour. This ridge, treasured by both our guides and guests, features a northeastern point adorned with a stunning plateau, showcasing a vibrant array of hard corals. Along the eastern side of the plateau lies a captivating wall, varying in depths from 10 meters to 18 meters, extending from the reef top to a sandy flat.

Keep a vigilant eye on the blue abyss as you dive, as there’s a chance to encounter majestic Devil Rays, White Tip Reef Sharks, and graceful Green Turtles. On the western side of the plateau, the reef transforms into a picturesque fringing reef bustling with an abundance of fish and macro life. This site is highly recommended for those seeking diversity, including avid fish enthusiasts and those yearning for the excitement of encountering larger marine inhabitants.

Nestled amidst the embrace of the Great Barrier Reef, the North Opal Reef beckons adventurous souls to uncover its hidden treasures. This secluded oasis, known only to intrepid explorers, offers a haven of underwater marvels waiting to be explored.

As divers descend into its cerulean depths, they are welcomed into a captivating realm teeming with life. Vibrant coral formations, adorned with a spectrum of colors, provide shelter to a myriad of marine creatures, from lively clownfish darting among the corals to majestic turtles gliding gracefully through the water.

Drift with the gentle currents and you may even catch sight of elusive reef sharks or elegant rays traversing the reef’s intricate landscape. With its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere, the North Opal Reef ensures an unforgettable diving adventure, where each moment beneath the waves unveils a new wonder of nature’s creation.

The Third Sister dive site is a popular location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, situated approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) northeast of Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. It forms part of the outer reef region, which is characterised by deeper waters and pristine coral formations.

It is named after one of the three large coral bommies that form part of the reef system in this area. The dive site is renowned for its stunning underwater scenery, diverse marine life, and excellent diving conditions.

This dive spot is perfect for drift diving. It slopes gently into deeper waters, reaching depths of up to 14 meters. During briefings, we often say “left shoulder or right shoulder” to indicate the current’s direction, allowing us to glide effortlessly over the reef.

The vibrant and diverse coral formations at this site, include hard corals, soft corals, and colorful coral gardens that provide habitat and shelter for a wide variety of marine life – including tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, and various species of invertebrates.

Overall, the Third Sister dive site presents an unforgettable diving experience, renowned for its excellent diving conditions characterized by clear waters, gentle currents, and superb visibility – all of which magnificently highlight the stunning beauty and diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

Phil’s Bommie stands as a beacon of underwater marvel within the Great Barrier Reef’s vast expanse. Situated amidst the vibrant coral gardens and teeming marine life, this iconic dive site offers enthusiasts an extraordinary experience. Named after its founder, Phil’s Bommie boasts an abundance of colorful corals, bustling fish life, and intriguing underwater formations. From the intricate crevices inhabited by shy reef dwellers to the majestic presence of passing reef sharks, every dive at Phil’s Bommie is an immersion into a world of wonder and discovery.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking new thrills or a novice eager to explore the beauty of the reef, Phil’s Bommie promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

JR Dive Site is a renowned location nestled within the Great Barrier Reef, celebrated for its unique blend of distinctive features and abundant marine life. 

Named after its explorer, JR, this site offers divers an exceptional underwater experience. Here, divers can explore pristine waters adorned with vibrant corals and teeming with diverse marine species, including colorful fish and majestic sea turtles. 

Unlike other sites, JR Dive Site stands out for its untouched beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a favorite among diving enthusiasts seeking to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. With its captivating allure and unparalleled charm, JR Dive Site promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.